Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
916. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of increasing the establishment figure of the Defence Forces by 2,000 to 11,000 personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29665/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current establishment figure of the Defence Froces is 9,500. The Department does not maintain costings for increasing the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as outlined by the Deputy. This would require detailed consideration of the capability requirements underpinning such an increase and consideration of associated personnel issues, including organisational structures as well as equipment, infrastructure and other additional requirements and associated costs.
It should be noted that consideration of the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is ongoing. I intend to revert shortly to Government with a proposed response to those recommendations and a high-level action plan, which will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.
