Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015
344. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel permanently based at Aiken Barracks in Dundalk in County Louth; the number who perform operational duties in the Dublin area, on a monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24776/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the relevant military authorities that Aiken Barracks has an establishment strength of 341 personnel. The current strength figure is 330 personnel. The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at or close to 9,500 personnel. To this end, targeted general service recruitment will continue.
On average per month, operational duties in the Dublin area account for 130 man-days provided by staff permanently based in Aiken Barracks. As the duties normally require the conduct of wide-ranging familiarisation patrols throughout the greater Dublin area, the execution of such duties has the advantage of providing the units involved with improved security situational awareness of the capital.
