Results 1-8 of 8 for defence forces strength speaker:Brendan Smith

Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces: Statements (30 Mar 2023)

Brendan Smith: Like others who have spoken on this very important issue, I take no pleasure in participating in today’s statements. While we rightly congratulate An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence on both the speedy publication of the report of the independent review group into the Defence Forces and his commitment to implementing a comprehensive programme of immediate actions to address the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (30 Sep 2021)

Brendan Smith: 134. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47120/21]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Strength (9 Jun 2020)

Brendan Smith: 12. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel serving in the Permanent Defence Force; his plans to bring personnel numbers to the approved establishment strength of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10241/20]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Retention of Defence Forces Personnel: Discussion with Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (30 May 2019)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Deputy for those questions. I have a final question. The briefing from the Department indicates that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at the end of March was 8,847 whole-time equivalents. The witnesses have remarked to us that in reality the strength is nearly 1,000 lower than that, taking into consideration duties and the training of others. I ask them to go back...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces Remuneration (3 Oct 2018)

Brendan Smith: I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by my colleague, Deputy Aylward, on the need to urgently improve the pay and conditions of Permanent Defence Force, PDF, members. It is necessary to ensure we retain the members. I understand the approved establishment figure is at a strength of 9,500 members. What is the current enlistment figure? What proposals does the Minister of State have...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces Remuneration (3 Oct 2018)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. He referred to a rewarding career in the Permanent Defence Force. From speaking to many serving personnel, I know it is not a rewarding or properly remunerated career at the moment, unfortunately. In my constituency of Cavan-Monaghan there is a strong Irish Army tradition. I have spoken to members of families who have served for three...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence: Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2017 to 2020: Department of Defence (5 Oct 2017)

Brendan Smith: ...taken from the pay budget. It is needed for pay. The personnel are needed and they obviously need to be remunerated adequately and to have adequate conditions. We need the numbers. Is the current strength of the Permanent Defence Force 9,000? The Department and successive Ministers always stated they did not want the number to decrease below 9,500. Am I accurate in saying that?

Northern Ireland Issues: Motion. (1 Mar 2005)

Brendan Smith: ...being taken by the McCartney family in their search for justice for their murdered brother, Robert, a family man and respected member of the Short Strand community. The family has shown remarkable strength and determination in what could only be considered as the most difficult of circumstances. They deserve the full support of this House in their efforts to bring Robert's killers to court...