Defence Forces Strength.

Thursday, 19 November 2009

Ceisteanna (146)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in each of the past five years to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42522/09]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)

The strength of the Army for each of the past 5 years and as of 31 October, 2009 is set out in the tabular statement. This statement also provides figures for the Air Corps and the Naval Service for the same period.

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. I am advised by the military authorities that on 31 October 2009, the most recent date for which figures are available, the actual total of the Permanent Defence Force was 10,013 comprising 807 Air Corps, 1,031 Naval Service and 8,175 Army personnel. In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment, promotions and appointments to acting positions was suspended.

I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas and the situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis. My focus at this point in time is on ensuring that the Defence Forces retain operational capability. Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.

End of Year Personnel Strength 2004-2008 and End Octobter 2009

Year	Army	Navy	Air Corps	Overall
	OFFR	NCO	PTE	Total	OFFR	NCO	PTE	Total	OFFR	NCO	PTE	Total	OFFR	NCO	PTE	Total
2004	1,040	3,072	4,480	8,592	156	490	442	1,088	140	398	333	871	1336	3,960	5,255	10,551
2005	1,052	3,060	4,427	8,539	163	471	421	1,055	134	403	315	852	1,349	3,934	5,163	10,446
2006	1,060	3,030	4,442	8,532	164	506	412	1,082	136	383	346	865	1,360	3,919	5,200	10,479
2007	1,049	2,947	4,516	8,512	159	487	431	1,077	137	383	325	845	1,345	3,817	5,272	10,434
2008	1,071	2,970	4,466	8,507	160	495	415	1,070	147	380	305	832	1,378	3,845	5,186	10,409
Oct 2009	1,063	2,879	4,233	8,175	160	483	388	1,031	142	373	292	807	1,365	3,735	4,913	10,013