Vol. 573 No. 3
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are currently up to any likely required strength; if military equipment and transport facilities are sufficiently modernised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25037/03]
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. The strength of the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service as advised by the military authorities is provided in the form of a tabular statement. The figures provided are as at 30 September 2003.
The acquisition of new equipment, including transport, for the Defence Forces has been a key focus for me since my appointment to the Defence portfolio. Significant investment has taken place and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are now well equipped for their day-to-day roles at home and overseas. However, while much has been done and a great deal has been achieved with regard to both equipment and infrastructure, I am aware that more needs to be done. Although expenditure programmes will now have to be more prioritised due to the changed financial situation, I will ensure that a substantial re-equipment programme will still go ahead to enhance the efficiency, professionalism and safety of the Defence Forces.
|
LtGen |
MajGen |
BrigGen |
Col |
LtCol |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
TotalOffrs |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgts |
Cpls |
TotalNCOS |
Ptes |
Cadets |
Total |
|
1 |
3 |
6 |
36 |
119 |
355 |
282 |
230 |
1,032 |
32 |
41 |
141 |
249 |
1,058 |
1,595 |
3,116 |
4,234 |
960 |
8,478 |
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
35 |
24 |
60 |
134 |
8 |
4 |
53 |
15 |
130 |
206 |
416 |
347 |
16 |
913 |
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
40 |
22 |
60 |
138 |
7 |
7 |
75 |
15 |
199 |
141 |
444 |
454 |
29 |
1,065 |
