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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 2

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

16 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces; the number of personnel in each of the commands; the withdrawal, if any, of contracts for soldiers with a five year term. [9426/99]

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 January 1999, the latest date for which a total figure has been compiled, was 11,363. The number of personnel in each brigade, the Air Corps, Naval Service and Defence Force training centre are shown in the tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.

Approximately 400 personnel who enlisted for five year service engagements in 1994 are currently under review with regard to extending their service. To date, 12 such personnel who applied for extension of service have not been approved having been found not to meet the criteria for extension in service because they do not meet the conduct or fitness criteria. The military authorities advise that all applications for extension of service are likely to be processed by mid-April.

Permanent Defence Force

Brigade-Service

Officers at30-3-99

Other Ranksat 31-1-99

2 Eastern

406

2,840

1 Southern

187

2,109

4 Western

184

2,083

Permanent Defence Force

Brigade-Service

Officers at30-3-99

Other Ranksat 31-1-99

Defence ForcesTraining Centre

216

1,345

Air Corps

125

789

Naval Service

120

886

Overseas*

68

Total

1,306

10,052

*Officers serving with UNIFIL and UNFICYP are shown separately for statistical purposes. Non-commissioned personnel serving overseas are included in the strength of their home brigade for statistical purposes.
Due to the reorganisation of the Defence Forces the military authorities are not in a position to furnish a breakdown of other ranks personnel by Brigade for 30 March 1999.
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