White Paper on Defence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2017

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Questions (273)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

273. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures that have taken place to increase the operational capacity and numbers in the Army ranger wing as per the recommendations in the White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26086/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Army Ranger Wing (ARW) are the Special Operations Forces of the Defence Forces. In this context, the ARW are trained and equipped to undertake a range of specialist roles. Details with regard to the strength of the ARW are not released into the public domain for security and operational reasons.

The White Paper on Defence (2015) sets out the capability agenda for the Defence Forces for the next decade. It contains a commitment to further enhance the capabilities of the ARW. Work to identify a range of options in this regard is ongoing as part of the implementation of the White Paper.