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Defence Forces Strength

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2019

Thursday, 7 November 2019

Ceisteanna (36, 37, 38)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

36. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the numbers in the Defence Forces have fluctuated in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45991/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which membership of the Air Corps has fluctuated in the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45992/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

38. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which membership of the Naval Service has fluctuated in the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45993/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 to 38, inclusive, together.

The table below illustrates the extent to which the numbers in the Defence Forces have fluctuated in the past three years:

Year

Army

Air Corps

Naval Service

Total PDF Strength (WTE)

Army Reserve

Naval Reserve

Total AR and NSR Strength (Effective)

2017

7,386

734

1,053

9,173

1,732

124

1,856

2018

7,243

725

989

8,957

1,666

133

1,799

2019*

6,983

720

951

8,654

1,548

148

1,696

*as at 30th September 2019, the latest date for which such data is available.

Recruitment and inductions will continue throughout 2019 to ensure the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles.

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