Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Feb 1999

Vol. 501 No. 2

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Personnel.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

208 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Army, FCA and Naval Service; the quantity of uniforms and a breakdown of these issued to enlisted members in the years 1997 and 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5055/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I have been advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Army, Naval Service and An Fóras Cosanta Áitiúil on 31 December 1998 was as follows:–

Strength	Army	NavalService	FCA
31 December 1998	9,339	1,008	13,876

Defence Forces regulations prescribe the articles of uniform to be issued to each recruit on enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force. The regulations also prescribe the replacement of articles which have been rendered unserviceable.

Details of the quantity of uniforms issued, including the number issued to enlisted personnel in 1997 and 1998, are being compiled. I will forward them to the Deputy as soon as possible.