Duncan Smith
Ceist:362. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Permanent Defence Force, by rank, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8720/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 February 2023
Ceisteanna (362)
Freagraí scríofa
As at 31 January 2023, there were 7,959 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel. The following table shows the requested breakdown by rank.
|
OFFICER |
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
|
1 |
2 |
7 |
38 |
132 |
343 |
317 |
404 |
|
|
OTHER RANKS |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
PTE |
CADET |
|
40 |
42 |
231 |
183 |
928 |
1,335 |
3,868 |
88 |
My immediate focus is now on stabilising the staffing situation in the Defence Forces, and thereafter in bringing its strength to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. There are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives currently underway aimed at countering ongoing staffing challenges.