Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
162. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of personnel in each arm of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14974/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 29 February 2024 the latest date for which such figures are available, was 7,451 personnel comprised of 6,018 Army personnel, 702 Air Corps personnel, and 731 Naval Service personnel.
The military authorities have advised they are in the process of confirming the number of personnel in each arm of the Reserve Defence Force and this information will be forwarded to the Deputy when it becomes available.
Ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. In that regard, my immediate focus is now on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
