Jim O'Keeffe
Question:108 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the establishment strength of the Naval Service; the present actual strength; and the number who retired or resigned in each of the past three years. [15680/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.
The defence forces review implementation plan provides for a strength of 1,089 in respect of the Naval Service. The military authorities advise that on 31 May, 1999, the latest date for which figures have been compiled, the strength of the Naval Service was 999. In the years 1996, 1997 and 1998 the numbers of personnel who retired or resigned from the Naval Service were 62, 63 and 76 respectively.
There are some 65 vacancies allocated to the Naval Service within the first tranche of this years general enlistment programme, which is currently in progress. The Naval Service hope to have enlisted some 40 recruits by early July. An implementation plan for the Naval Service is at present being prepared by the military authorities consequent on a further review of the service by the efficiency audit group.