John Brady
Question:74. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5214/22]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2022
74. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5214/22]
View answer75. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5215/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 75 together.
The table below shows the establishment and current strength of the Defence Forces, by service, as at 31st December 2021, the latest date for which such data is available:
Service |
Establishment |
Current Strength (WTE) |
Army |
7,520 |
6,841 |
Air Corps |
886 |
751 |
Naval Service |
1,094 |
876 |
Total |
9,500 |
8,468 |
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining, the agreed strength of each branch of the Defence Forces and, in that context, a number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges and these will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity.
Additionally, the Commission on the Defence Forces is finalising its work with a view to completing their report as soon as possible. The Commission’s Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.