Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2017
611. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 1476 of 2 May 2017, if he will reconcile this with his answer to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1474 and 1475 of 2 May 2017, which used whole-time equivalent, as recorded by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22672/17]
View answer612. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the definition of "whole-time equivalent" as used by the Defence Forces; the hours per week that constitute whole-time equivalent, as used by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22673/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions 611 and 612 together.
Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) strength figures refer to the Total Strength minus personnel on Leave of Absence or Secondment. The Defence Forces do not offer a Job Sharing scheme whereby two individuals cover one appointment on a part-time basis.
With regard to reconciling the previous Parliamentary Questions referred to by the Deputy, Question Numbers 1474 and 1475 of 2 May 2017 provide both the Total Strength and Whole Time Equivalent strength. However, Question Number 1476 asked for the number of hours required for one full time equivalent position in the Defence forces and, as indicated in the response, it is not possible to provide a definitive response to this, based on the varied nature of duties.
