asked the Minister for Defence if he will state as of the latest available date the total number of all ranks in the Army; and if he is satisfied that this force is fully equipped and capable of defending the security of the nation in the context of legislation now in operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Strength.
97.
The number of personnel of all ranks in the permanent Defence Force, excluding the Naval Service, as on the 31st October, 1970, was 8,234.
I presume that the second part of the Deputy's question refers to the internal security of the State. This is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces can be called on to aid the civil power in the maintenance or restoration of the public peace.