The table below details the year end strength for the Permanent Defence Force during that period 2014 to 2018.
Year
|
Strength at year end
|
2018
|
8,957
|
2017
|
9,173
|
2016
|
9,126
|
2015
|
9,140
|
2014
|
9,280
|
I am very much aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the current strength figures and those of the establishment I remain committed to maximising recruitment capacity and introducing measures to return to, and maintain, the agreed strength of 9,500.
The recent report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made a series of recommendations with a view to addressing the current recruitment and retention issues and these are being progressed through a detailed implementation plan. This work is being prioritised.