Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces, Army, Navy and Air Corps; the extent to which these numbers have fluctuated over the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6541/13]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 December in each of the years 2008-2012 is set out in Table A below.
Table A
|
Year |
Army Strength |
Naval Service Strength |
Air Corps Strength |
Total Strength |
|
2008 |
8506 |
1070 |
832 |
10408 |
|
2009 |
8095 |
1037 |
801 |
9933 |
|
2010 |
7752 |
1032 |
766 |
9550 |
|
2011 |
7650 |
997 |
791 |
9438 |
|
2012 |
7510 |
1058 |
791 |
9359 |
The total strength of the Reserve Defence Force at 31 December in each of the years 2008-2011 and at 30 November 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, is contained in Table B below.
Table B
|
Year |
Strength |
|
2008 |
7671 |
|
2009 |
6644 |
|
2010 |
6083 |
|
2011 |
5220 |
|
30 November 2012 |
4978 |
Within the resource envelope available for Defence, I am satisfied that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
