Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

373 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Defence whether in respect of the FCA and An Slua Muirí, and further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 17 December 1997, he has satisfied himself that there is a sufficiency of personnel being commissioned, especially to the FCA, to keep the vitality of the force at a high level in view of the insufficiency of commissions awarded in the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1326/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

I am satisfied that there is a sufficiency of personnel being commissioned, particularly in the last two years, to ensure the vitality of the FCA and Slua Muirí.

Details of retirements and commissions in 1996 and 1997 are as follows:

Year		Retirements	Commissions
1996	FCA	29	32
1996	Slua Muirí	2	NIL
1997	FCA	29	39
1997	Slua Muirií	1	6