Defence Forces

Wednesday, 12 July 2023

Questions (59)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

59. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current annual training capacity for the Defence Forces; how many new entrants were trained in each year since 2016, broken down by service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34635/23]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I am informed by the military authorities that it was not possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.

I am advised by the military authorities that the term “training capacity” refers to the ability of the Defence Forces to bring personnel into the organisation. It comprehends the ability of the Defence Forces to train, feed, clothe, support, and provide a 24-hour duty of care to inductees for the duration of their training. A total of 151 personnel have been inducted as of 30 June 2023. The military authorities advise me that the induction training capacity for the remainder of 2023 is 400 personnel.

I am advised by the military authorities that these figures represent a ‘best-case’ scenario. Achieving these numbers is not only dependant on bed space available for new inductees, but are also very much dependant on a variety of other critical factors, including the availability of instructors, support staff (e.g. logisticians, cooks, medical), and classroom and recreation facilities at the times required. Actual numbers inducted will be greatly influenced by these key enabling factors.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that the Defence Forces have established a Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanstown to provide induction training to all three branches of the Defence Forces. This centre, when fully operational, will increase the Defence Forces capacity to induct new recruits.

Regarding the second part of your question, the total numbers of new entrants trained per year since 2016 are provided in the following table:

-	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023*
Army	574	630	496	481	421	458	377	133
Air Corps	12	32	27	20	44	40	30	4
Naval Service	104	90	104	114	73	78	28	14
Total	690	752	627	615	538	576	435	151