Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Defence the optimum strength of each of the Defence Forces at present and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16086/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the strength of each of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16091/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 179 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 am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 March 2010, the latest date for which figures are available was 9,877 broken down as follows; 800 for the Air Corps, 1,026 for the Naval Service and 8,051 for the Army.

Officials from the Department are continuing to engage with the Military Authorities in relation to a review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces in light of the Government decision to maintain a Permanent Defence Force complement of 10,000 personnel. The review has not yet been completed therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the outcome at this stage.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of officers by rank and gender throughout the Defence Forces; the extent, if any, to which such numbers have fluctuated in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16087/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The following tabular statements provide a breakdown of the number of officers serving in the Permanent Defence Force on the basis of both rank and gender for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009, and up to 31 March 2010, the latest date for which figures are available.

The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men and women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.

I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

STRENGTH OF FEMALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES - 31-Dec-07

STRENGTH OF FEMALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES - 31-Dec-08

STRENGTH OF FEMALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES - 31-Dec-09

STRENGTH OF FEMALES IN THE DEFENCE FORCES - 31-Mar-10