Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces; the extent to which it might be advisable to increase the numbers in view of the likely overseas postings under the aegis of the EU or UN; if he will consider this prospect at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7418/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces and reserve forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7217/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to increase the strength of the Defence Forces in future, having particular regard for obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7585/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Defence the current and future strength of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7586/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of women currently serving in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7590/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 58, 169, 170 and 173 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. I intend 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. The Defence Forces continue to have a proactive approach to all aspects of recruiting. The strength of the Permanent Defence Force, the number of female personnel by rank and the strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as advised by the military authorities, is provided in the following tabular statements. The figures provided are as at 31 January 2006.

The White Paper on Defence provides for an allocation of up to 850 Permanent Defence Force personnel to be deployed overseas at any one time through the United Nations stand-by arrangements system, UNSAS. While that may be exceeded for short periods, deployments above that level are not sustainable on an ongoing basis within existing resources. Any commitments to EU or UN missions will be met within that context. There are no plans to increase the numbers serving in the Defence Forces above the levels provided for in the White Paper.

Lt Gen = Lieutenant General

SM = Sergeant Major

Maj Gen = Major General

BQMS = Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant

Brig Gen = Brigadier General

CS = Company Sergeant

Col = Colonel

CQMS = Company Quartermaster Sergeant

Lt Col = Lieutenant Colonel

SGTS = Sergeants

Comdt = Commandant

CPLS = Corporals

Capt = Captain

NCOS = Non-Commissioned Officers

Lt = Lieutenant

PTES = Privates