Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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51. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, excluding all recruits, apprentices and cadets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21521/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As of 31 March 2018 (the latest date for which figures are available), the whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 8,993 comprised of:

- Army7,229 personnel

- Air Corps717 personnel

- Naval Service1,047 personnel

The following table, provided by the military authorities, details the number of Cadets, General Service Recruits and Apprentices that are included in the above strength figures:

The primary focus of the Defence Forces, when not engaged in operations, is training and preparation to ensure the capabilities required to fulfil its roles are developed and maintained.

I remain committed to maximising recruitment of capable personnel, developing serving personnel, and so achieving the best personnel and skills combination to ensure the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles required of them by government.