Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the permanent Defence Forces including the Air Corps and the Navy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23152/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.
David Stanton
Ceist:179 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the total number of applicants, by command, for enlistment into the PDF; the numbers enlisted, by command, into the PDF; the numbers, by command, who failed to meet the prescribed medical requirements other than hearing requirements for the PDF; the numbers, by command, who failed to meet the hearing requirements for the PDF; the numbers, by command, whose enlistment is still in progress as at 30 September 1998; and the total numbers of persons discharged from the PDF, by command, in respect of the period 1 October 1997 to 30 September 1998. [23214/98]
The strength of the Permanent Defence Forces on 31 August 1998, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,682 in the Army, 1,006 in the Naval Service and 1,013 in the Air Corps.
Details of the number of applicants for recruitment to the Permanent Defence Forces by command, those who failed to meet the prescribed medical requirements on hearing and on other medical grounds and the numbers discharged by command, are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they are available.