Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
342. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will detail both the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10842/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra343. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will detail both the maximum and the current strength levels of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10843/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.
The following table details the current strength and establishment of the Permanent Defence Force, as of the 31 January 2023.
|
Current Strength (WTE) |
Agreed Strength |
|
|
Permanent Defence Force |
7,959 |
9,500 |
|
Army |
6,459 |
7,520 |
|
Air Corps |
706 |
886 |
|
Naval Service |
794 |
1,094 |
Ongoing challenges in relation to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. My immediate focus is now on stabilising the staffing situation in the Defence Forces and thereafter in bringing the strength to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
