As the statistical data requested is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose to circulate it in the Official Report. The establishment figures are a notional concept and have never been attained. The strength figures are related to the actual requirements of the Defence Forces to carry out their allotted tasks at home and abroad. In that regard the Deputy will be aware that a review of the organisation and structure of the Defence Forces has been carried out by the Efficiency Audit Group — EAG — whose report which was submitted to the Department of the Taoiseach in late December 1994, has not yet been considered by the Government.
Strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 December 1994
Officers
|
1,558
|
NCOs
|
4,997
|
Privates
|
6,315
|
Cadets
|
65
|
Total
|
12,935
|
Permanent Defence Force Establishment on 31 December
Year*
|
Officers
|
NCOs
|
Privates
|
Total
|
1969
|
1,382
|
3,754
|
7,932
|
13,068
|
1974
|
1,463
|
4,117
|
8,672
|
14,252
|
1979
|
1,639
|
5,370
|
9,580
|
16,589
|
1983
|
1,859
|
6,193
|
10,184
|
18,236
|
1984
|
1,851
|
5,923
|
10,184
|
17,958
|
1985
|
1,849
|
5,911
|
10,086
|
17,846
|
1986
|
1,883
|
5,982
|
10,109
|
17,974
|
1987
|
1,888
|
5,983
|
10,109
|
17,980
|
1988
|
1,888
|
5,983
|
10,109
|
17,980
|
1989
|
1,888
|
5,983
|
10,109
|
17,980
|
1990
|
1,895
|
5,982
|
10,101
|
17,978
|
1991
|
1,895
|
5,984
|
10,098
|
17,977
|
1992
|
1,886
|
5,984
|
10,098
|
17,968
|
1993
|
1,883
|
5,985
|
10,098
|
17,966
|
1994
|
1,883
|
5,985
|
10,098
|
17,966
|
*The figures for the period from 1969 to 1983 are at five year intervals as the figures for each year are not readily available.