Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018
108. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of expanding the strength of the Defence Forces to 10,500 personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8265/18]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence (2015) sets out Government policy on Defence for the next decade. It commits to retaining flexible and adaptable defence capabilities for a broad range of scenarios and sets out capability requirements including personnel and equipment in this regard. In this context, it is important that an appropriate balance is maintained between personnel costs and equipment investment.
In December 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. The Defence Budget for 2018 provides for the full strength of 9,500 personnel and every effort is being made to reach this strength.
With regard to equipment and infrastructure, in late 2017 I secured additional capital funding of €98 million over the balance of the time frame for the Capital Investment Programme 2016–2021 which will contribute to meeting equipment and infrastructure requirements.
Apart from the White Paper targets, the Department does not maintain costings for increasing the strength of the PDF to those outlined by the Deputy. This would require detailed consideration of the capability requirements underpinning such an increase and consideration of associated personnel issues, including organisational structures as well as equipment, infrastructure and other additional requirements and associated costs.
