Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 May 2018
48. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the personnel strength of the Defence Forces was lower at the end of February 2018 than at the end of February 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24051/18]
View answerAs I indicated in my reply to Question No. 3 of 10 May 2018 on this matter, I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at:
- 28 February 2018 was 9,057 (Whole Time Equivalent) personnel.
- 28 February 2017 was 9,070 (Whole Time Equivalent) personnel.
The overall difference in strength in February 2017 and February 2018 is a reduction of 13 personnel. Variations in strength figures are not an unusual occurrence and, particularly in the short term, are influenced by factors relating to timings of recruit intake and how this coincides with normal retirement patterns.
Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. This is not new and the Permanent Defence Force traditionally had a higher level of turnover than other areas of the public service.
An analysis of data going back a number of years shows the overall numbers departing the Permanent Defence Force in recent years are broadly consistent with the long term trend, with some exceptions. It should be noted that within these figures, on average approximately 22% of General Service recruits do not complete their induction training.
