Defence Forces Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004

Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Questions (77)

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

110 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Army ranger unit; the future plans for the development of the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28767/04]

Written answers

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

There is an existing policy of ongoing recruitment to the Army ranger wing. Selection courses are held periodically and successful candidates are then taken into the Army ranger wing. There is a planned selection course in progress at present. It is not known at this time how many personnel are likely to be successful on this course. The military authorities advise that the number of personnel serving in the Army ranger wing is less than 75. For security reasons it is not the policy to disclose the type of equipment available to the ranger wing.

Question No. 111 answered with QuestionNo. 77.