Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Forces to date; the projected enlistment by the end of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36774/18]
View answerThe current strength (whole time equivalent) of the Defence Forces, as of 31 July 2018 (the latest date for which figures are available) is 8,898 personnel.
There are significant recruitment opportunities available in the Defence Forces, at both enlisted and officer level, for eligible individuals who wish to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State. A general service recruitment campaign, the 2018 officer cadetships competition, a competition for Air Corps apprentices and the 2018 RDF recruitment campaigns all took place in the first half of this year and the applications from these various competitions are being progressed.
Arising from the general service recruitment campaign held earlier this year, new recruits will be inducted between September and December. Army Cadet intake will commence on 24 September. Final figures for numbers enlisted in 2018 will not be available until later in the year.
