Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Defence Forces Reports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Ceisteanna (86)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

86. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the recommendations of a report (details supplied) regarding manning levels of vessels are being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33818/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The White Paper on Defence published in 2015 established the Government's defence policy framework for the ten year period out to 2025.  This provides for retention of the current Army, Air Corps and Naval Service structures, including a Permanent Defence Force (PDF) establishment of 9,500 personnel.

The report referred to in the question dates back over 21 years and has long been superseded by the first White Paper on Defence in 2000 which addressed the report's recommendations and which was followed by an increase in the Naval Service establishment to 1,144 personnel.  This increased establishment, which was based on an eight ship flotilla, was later cut by 50 in the context of cuts across the Defence Forces that had to be imposed in the early part of this decade as part of the Employment Control Framework.  In line with this reduction of 50 in the Naval Service establishment, there was also a reduction of 200 in the annual patrol days target for the Naval Service arising out of Budget 2010.  The overall establishment for the PDF was later stabilised at 9,500 which was subsequently re-affirmed by Government in the White Paper on Defence 2015.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 71.
Barr
Roinn