Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

96. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total strength of the Defence Forces, including reserves, Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the number of women in each branch of the services; the likelihood of recruitment and replacements following retirements now and over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40315/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The total strength of the Defence Forces including reserves is approximately 10,900 of which it is estimated that as of the end of September 9,000 are members of the Permanent Defence Force. The table below sets out the number of women within the Defence Forces:

WTE - Whole Time Equivalent

* - Effective Personnel

There have been further inductions in September 2018 with 215 personnel joining the PDF that month.

The 2015 White Paper on Defence commits to maintaining the strength of the PDF at 9,500 personnel. In order to achieve this target, there are significant recruitment opportunities available in the Defence Forces, at both enlisted and officer level, for eligible individuals who wish to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State.

A general service recruitment campaign, the 2018 officer cadetships competition, a competition for Air Corps apprentices, a competition for DF School of Music instrumentalists and the 2018 RDF recruitment campaigns all took place in the first half of this year and the applications from these various competitions are currently being progressed.

In addition, the Defence Forces Medical Corps are currently accepting applications from suitably qualified medical doctors and psychiatrists and the Naval Service has a number of opportunities for Bridge Watch-keeping Officers (Operations Branch), Marine Engineering Officers and Electrical Engineer Officers.

Arising from the general service recruitment campaign held earlier this year, new recruits will be inducted between September and December. The 95th Cadet Class of 85 recruits was inducted on the 24th September.

A second general service recruitment campaign was launched on 10 September 2018 and will close on 7 October 2018. This will provide recruits for Q1/Q2 of 2019.

As of 25 September 2018, 414 personnel have been inducted and inductions will continue for the rest of the year. Final figures for numbers enlisted in 2018 will not be available until after year's end, although it is expected that similar figures to 2017 enlistments will be achieved.

With the support of the Chief of Staff I am committed to ensuring that there is on-going recruitment to the Defence Forces and that the Permanent Defence Force can continue to operate effectively across all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.