asked the Minister for Defence if he will state for each branch of the armed forces the total numerical increase in strength since 1st August, 1969; and the present strength of the forces.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Force Strength.
21.
As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it in the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
Strength of the Defence Forces on the 31st July, 1969 and 31st March, 1970*
1. Permanent Defence Force.
|
Strength on 31/7/69 |
Strength on 31/3/70 |
Increase=+ Decrease=– |
|
|
Army |
7,218 |
7,720 |
+502 |
|
Air Corps |
501 |
489 |
– 12 |
|
Naval Service |
394 |
366 |
– 28 |
|
TOTALS |
8,113 |
8,575 |
+462 |
2. Reserve Defence Force (Effective Strength).
|
Strength on 31/7/69 |
Strength on 31/3/70 |
Increase=+ Decrease=– |
|
|
Reserve (First Line) |
1,889 |
1,840 |
– 49 |
|
An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil |
19,786 |
18,093 |
–1,693 |
|
An Slua Muiri |
364 |
320 |
– 44 |
|
TOTALS |
22,039 |
20,253 |
–1,786 |
*NOTE: The latest date for which strength figures are available is the 31st March, 1970.