Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
237. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current establishment of the Defence Forces, broken down by PDF and RDF, and divided by Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27724/23]
View answer238. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans in place to reach the current establishment level in each Corps in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27725/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
The established strength and current strength of the Defence Forces as at 30 April 2023 is as follows:
|
- |
Establishment |
Total Strength |
|
Army (WTE) |
7,520 |
6,322 |
|
Air Corps (WTE) |
886 |
711 |
|
Naval Service (WTE) |
1,094 |
764 |
|
Army Reserve (Effective Strength) |
3,869 |
1,382 |
|
Naval Service Reserve (Effective Strength) |
200 |
77 |
|
First Line Reserve (FLR) |
N/A |
275 |
WTE - Whole Time Equivalent
Ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. In that regard, my immediate focus is now on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
