Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Defence the total strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in each of the past five years to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42522/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The strength of the Army for each of the past 5 years and as of 31 October, 2009 is set out in the tabular statement below. This statement also provides figures for the Air Corps and the Naval Service for the same period.

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 am advised by the military authorities that on 31 October 2009, the most recent date for which figures are available, the actual total of the Permanent Defence Force was 10,013 comprising 807 Air Corps, 1,031 Naval Service and 8,175 Army personnel. In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment, promotions and appointments to acting positions was suspended.

I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas and the situation is being monitored on an ongoing basis. My focus at this point in time is on ensuring that the Defence Forces retain operational capability. Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.