John Brady
Ceist:402. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels, respectively, of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4516/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 31 January 2023
Ceisteanna (402, 403)
John Brady
Ceist:403. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels, respectively, of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4517/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.
The following table details the current strength and establishment of the Permanent Defence Force, as of the 31 December 2022.
|
Current Strength (WTE) |
Agreed Strength |
|
|
Permanent Defence Force |
7,987 |
9,500 |
|
Army |
6,478 |
7,520 |
|
Air Corps |
709 |
886 |
|
Naval Service |
800 |
1,094 |
Ongoing challenges in relation to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. My focus is on bringing the strength of the Defence Forces to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Question No. 403 answered with Question No. 402.