Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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32. To ask the Minister for Defence the current number of personnel permanently based at Custume Barracks in Athlone, County Westmeath; the number of staff who perform operational duties in the Dublin area on a monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24845/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the relevant military authorities that Custume Barracks has an establishment strength of 995 personnel. The current strength figure is 909 personnel. The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at or close to 9,500 personnel. To this end, targeted general service recruitment will continue. On average per month, operational duties in the Dublin area account for 206 man-days provided by staff permanently based in Custume Barracks. As the duties normally require the conduct of wide-ranging familiarisation patrols throughout the greater Dublin area, the execution of such duties has the advantage of providing the units involved with improved security situational awareness of the capital.