Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I have stated, the strength of the Defence Forces on 30 April 2019 stood at 8,828 personnel. This strength figure excludes those who are on career break or secondment from the Defence Forces. As the Deputy knows, in an ideal world we would have a strength level of 9,500 personnel. This would cover all aspects of the organisation. I accept we have many pinch points within the organisation and have acknowledged it on numerous occasions. We are competing against a very buoyant economy. There is funding in place for 9,500 personnel, however. About 12 or 18 months ago, a recommendation from military management was brought to me to the effect that we would be able to backfill and send about 140 or 150 extra personnel to UNIFIL. They will be returning at the end of this year and will be extra personnel back in the system.

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