Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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42. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Defence Forces continues to be maintained in line with previous indications and commitments; the degree to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be trained and equipped in line with best practice internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27123/16]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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994. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which the most modern training methods remains available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27448/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 994 together.

The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army Personnel, 886 Air Corps Personnel and 1,094 Naval Service Personnel as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31^stJuly, 2016, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,025, comprising 7,233 Army Personnel, 718 Air Corps Personnel and 1,074 Naval Service.

The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational needs across the organisation both at home and abroad and not on a regional basis. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels.

With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.

With regard to training and equipment for the Defence Forces, there is a robust and comprehensive training system in place, which incorporates a wide variety of modern training methods. The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces is a matter that is kept under constant review. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, must take account of the difficult economic environment this country has had to endure in recent times.The budgetary situation dictates the level of funding available for new equipment, training and upgrades. Decisions are made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces personnel continue to have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available for their training and day-to-day roles. Going forward, the equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the 2015 White Paper. The White Paper recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured.

In conclusion, I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are adequately equipped and trained with a modern and effective range of equipment, including telecommunications and logistical equipment, to meet the many demands and tasks Government has assigned to them both at home and overseas.