Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Naval Service has fluctuated in strength over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39966/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Naval Service as at 31 August 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was 933. In the five year period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011 the overall strength of the Naval Service reduced from 1077 to 997. This represents a 7.6% decrease over the period. The latest monthly strength figures (31 August 2012) show a further decrease in strength of 64 personnel since the beginning of 2012.

As a result of recent recruitment campaigns, it is expected that 120 General Service recruits and 11 Cadets will have been inducted into the Naval Service by the end of 2012.

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

Strength of Naval Service 31 August 2012