Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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72. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces have been replenished in terms of numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53438/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised that, as at 30^thNovember 2019, 605 personnel were inducted into the Defence Forces and 10 serving soldiers were awarded a cadetship.

They have further advised that, on that date, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (whole time equivalent), across all services was 8,751 personnel.

I am very much aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the current strength figures and those of the establishment and I remain committed to restoring the strength of the Defence Forces to 9,500.