Robert Troy
Question:31. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel permanently and solely based in Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath. [34556/14]
View answerThursday, 18 September 2014
Questions (31)
Written answers
The military authorities have confirmed that the current strength of personnel in Custume Barracks, Athlone is 1,038. This includes personnel attending training courses in Custume Barracks. I am advised that the establishment strength for units based in Custume Barracks is 995. Within a strength figure for the Permanent Defence Force as a whole of 9,500, the number of personnel serving in Custume Barracks will remain in the order of 1,000 personnel. No member of the Defence Forces is exclusively or permanently based in any one location including Custume Barracks. There is a constant through flow of personnel into and out of Custume Barracks and indeed other Barracks. This is because military service involves personnel moving into and out of particular postings as they serve at home and overseas, receive training and undergo educational and career development courses.