David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Defence if the current strength of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17523/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength by rank and gender of the permanent Defence Forces; if it is intended to increase these numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17620/05]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17548/05]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of officers and personnel of other ranks in the Naval Service at the latest date for which figures are available; the way in which these figures compare with the establishment levels set out in the White Paper; the steps being taken to recruit personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17613/05]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Defence the agreed strength of the Defence Forces according to the White Paper; the current strength of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17478/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Naval Service by rank; the extent to which it is intended to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17738/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Army by rank; the extent to which it is intended to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17739/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Air Corps by rank; the extent to which it is intended to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17740/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Defence his proposals to increase the number in the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17741/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 37, 38, 57, 63, 157, 158, 159 and 160 together.

The White Paper on defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army.

The strength of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and the number of female personnel by rank within these services, together with the strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as advised by the military authorities, is provided in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate with the Official Report. The figures provided are as at 30 April 2005 in respect of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and 31 March 2005 in respect of the Reserve Defence Force.

It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs. Recruitment is ongoing to the Reserve Defence Force. The Defence Forces continue to have a proactive approach to recruiting.

Lt Gen = Lieutenant General

Maj Gen = Major General

Brig Gen = Brigadier General

Col = Colonel

Lt Col = Lieutenant Colonel

Comdt = Commandant

Capt = Captain

Lt = Lieutenant

SM = Sergeant Major

BQMS = Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant

CS = Company Sergeant

CQMS = Company Quartermaster Sergeant

SGTS = Sergeants

CPLS = Corporals

NCOS = Non Commissioned Officers

PTES = Privates