Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.

David Stanton

Question:

138 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits enlisted in the Defence Forces during 1999; the number of these recruits who have remained in the forces to date; the number who have since been discharged; the reasons for these discharges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2271/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The military authorities advise that a total of 580 general service recruits were enlisted in 1999 and of those some 427 have remained in service to date. Some 153 recruits were discharged in 1999; 135 by purchase and 18 having failed recruit training.