Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Recruitment of personnel in any calendar year can fluctuate, depending on timing of recruitment, the holding of competitions and establishment of panels, Garda vetting and ongoing operational requirements that can impact the recruitment and training capacity. In 2015, 386 personnel were recruited, with 307 personnel recruited to the general service, 49 cadets for the 2015 cadet competitions, five Naval Service personnel, 19 personnel for the Defence Forces school of music, 24 personnel for the Air Corps, one medical officer and one conductor for the school of music. In 2014, 505 personnel were recruited, although I will not go through the numbers for specific areas in that calendar year. In 2013, 404 personnel were recruited.

I assure the Deputy that the Government and Defence Forces are ensuring that we hold at the ceiling of 9,500 personnel, although it is quite difficult at times because of the numbers of people leaving. It fluctuates from year to year. I outlined to the Deputy the number of people we are taking in for 2016 and 2017 to try to bring the level to 9,500 personnel.

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