Written answers
Thursday, 12 July 2018
Department of Defence
Defence Forces Strength
Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up to date figures for the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31958/18]
Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Permanent Defence Force has taken on to date in 2018, with regard to all three services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31960/18]
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 54 together.
As of 31 May 2018 (the latest date for which figures are available), the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (whole time equivalents), across all three services and ranks, broken down by gender, was as follows:
| Service | Female Personnel | Total Personnel |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 491 | 7,248 |
| Naval Service | 68 | 1,047 |
| Air Corps | 30 | 715 |
| Total | 589 | 9,010 |
With the aim of increasing strength levels, a total of 751 personnel were inducted in 2017, of which 73 (9.72%) were female. This comprised of:
- 615 General Service Recruits across the Army and Naval Service
- 101 Cadets
- 22 Air Corps Apprentices
- 13 Direct Entry Officers (11 Naval Service Officers and 1 Military Doctors)
In 2018, as of 29th June, 194 General Service Recruits were inducted, comprised of:
| Service | Female Personnel | Total Personnel |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 5 | 169 |
| Naval Service | 3 | 25 |
| Air Corps | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 8 | 194 |
5 Direct Entry Officers (4 Medical Officers and 1 Naval Service Officer) were also inducted during this period.
Recruitment levels similar to those in 2017 are planned for this year and further inductions are planned. I remain committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles assigned by Government.
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