Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which optimum strength in the Defence Forces is being maintained, with equal reference to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3028/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps with particular reference to ensuring the maintenance of recommended levels of strength throughout all branches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3031/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant posts remaining to be filled at all levels in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3035/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 160 and 164 together.
As of the 31 December 2023, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 7,550 personnel comprised of 6,136 Army personnel, 689 Air Corps personnel and 725 Naval Service personnel. The agreed establishment strength for the Permanent Defence Force was recently increased by 89 to 9,589 to account for the first cohort of Commission on the Defence Forces appointments; however, these posts have not been broken down by branch.
The tables attached outline the variance between current strength and the establishment strength, by rank, within the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service as at 31 December 2023. Vacancies are filled in line with promotional arrangements, as appropriate, and by recruitment.
I have previously acknowledged the current staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces and, to counter these, there are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives currently underway.
I can assure the Deputy that the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services.
Details by rank, within the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service as at 31 December 2023.
