Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the way these compare to the establishment figures in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3509/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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. On 31 December 2008, the most recent date for which figures are available, the actual total strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 10,408 comprising 832 Air Corps, 1,070 Naval Service and 8,506 Army personnel.

In common with other areas of the public service a reduction of 3% in payroll costs has been applied to the Defence Forces. Recruitment was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve this reduction. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis. The review and any subsequent recruitment in 2009 will prioritise the operational requirements of the Defence Forces.