Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current position in regard to the optimum strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24969/21]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that the whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force, across all services and ranks, as at 31st March 202, was 8,524 personnel comprised of
6,885 - Army; 739 - Air Corps; 900 - Naval Service.
I am aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the overall current strength figures and that of the establishment. I remain committed to restoring the strength of the Permanent Defence Force to 9,500 personnel and there are positive developments which are restoring capacity in certain areas which were previously significantly depleted. However, further work is required.
Recruitment is ongoing and has resulted in 149 personnel being inducted as at 30 April 2021 and further inductions are planned. General Service recruitment continues and the 2021 Cadet competition has recently launched. The Air Corps Apprentice competition, closed in March 2021, attracted 663 applications and these are currently being processed.
There has been significant progress in pay within the Defence Forces arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations and the benefits of recent pay agreements. A new pay agreement provides an opportunity for further increases should it be accepted by the Permanent Defence Forces Representative Associations. A range of non-pay measures, aimed at attracting people into and making a career in the Defence Forces more attractive, have also been progressed.
A Commission on the Defence Forces has also been established to examine a range of matters relating to the Defence Forces, and I am aware that the Commission is consulting widely. I look forward to receiving their recommendations in due course.
