Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Air Corps at all ranks has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; the way he sees the future strength of the force developing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39965/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Air Corps as at 31 August 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was 753. In the five year period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011 the overall strength of the Air Corps reduced from 845 to 791. This represents a 6.4% decrease over the period. The latest monthly strength figures (31 August 2012) show a further decrease in strength of 38 personnel since the beginning of 2012.

As a result of recent recruitment campaigns, it is expected that 5 Cadets will have been inducted into the Air Corps by the end of 2012. In addition, a competition to recruit 20 apprentice aircraft mechanics to the Air Corps will be advertised in the near future.

A table outlining the end of year strengths of the Air Corps from 2007 to 2011 together with the latest end of month strength (31 August 2012) is attached.

Strength of Air Corps 31 August 2012