Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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333. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the criteria for calculating the minimum number of Defence Forces personnel serving in the three branches; if it is calculated on a pro rata basis equivalent to the State’s population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21017/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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In December 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. This had followed a phased reduction in numbers over previous years. Accordingly, the establishment strengths of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service were revised in the relevant Defence Forces Regulation. The relevant Regulation provides that the PDF shall comprise an establishment of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service personnel.

In examining the staffing levels required in each service, the military authorities were fully consulted having regard to operational requirements and the need to meet all roles assigned by Government.

The Government are committed to maintaining the respective establishment strengths and this was affirmed in the White Paper on Defence when no changes were proposed to the staffing levels of the three services.