Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
5. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the strength each branch should be at; the recruitment planned in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8741/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table details the current strength (Whole Time Equivalent) figures of the Permanent Defence Force, as of the 30th April 2020, and those of the agreed establishment.
|
Branch |
Establishment |
Strength |
|
Army |
7,520 |
6,867 |
|
Air Corps |
886 |
726 |
|
Naval Service |
1,094 |
892 |
|
Total |
9,500 |
8,485 |
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015). In that context recruitment will continue throughout 2020 targeting General Service Recruits, Cadets and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.
