Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Defence Forces has been augmented with a view to maintaining optimum strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4470/21]
View answer290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the optimum strength of the Defence Forces is being met to date or is likely to be in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25471/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 290 together.
The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (whole time equivalent), as at 31st March 2021 (the latest data available), was 8,524 personnel comprised of:
- Army 6,885
- Air Corps 739
- Naval Service 900
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015). However, there are a number of factors, some of which are hard to predict, which will impact on the timeframe within which this will be achieved
In order to achieve this target, as well as a broad range of retention measures, there is significant on-going recruitment. This will continue throughout the year and includes General Service Recruits, Cadets, Aircraft Apprentice Technicians and Direct Entry Specialists. As of 30th April 2021, 149 personnel have been inducted.
