Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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52. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to remain adequate at all levels to meet challenges or emergencies likely in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39804/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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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.

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) is calculated in terms of whole-time equivalents. This data is collated on a monthly basis. I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 October 2016, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,110 personnel (whole time equivalent), comprising of:

- 7,331 Army Personnel

- 713 Air Corps Personnel and

- 1,066 Naval Service Personnel.

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.

Members of the Defence Forces are assigned to specific units, which are stationed at various military installations throughout the country, each having a defined area of taskings in line with the roles of the Defence Forces outlined in the White Paper.

With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I am satisfied that our Defence Forces continue to develop in line with the requirements needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise.