Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 428 and 429 together.

As at 31 May 2022, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 8,243 personnel, or 87% of the establishment strength of 9,500 personnel.  This strength was comprised of: 

- Army 6,670  personnel (establishment strength 7,520)

- Air Corps was 728 personnel (establishment strength 886)

- Naval Service was 845 personnel (establishment strength 1,094)

I have previously acknowledged the ongoing challenges in relation to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces.  I have also previously emphasised the Governments ongoing commitment to returning to the agreed strength and, in that context, a number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges and will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity. 

Furthermore, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of staffing, recruitment and retention. I received Government approval on Tuesday, 12 July,  to move to Level of Ambition 2, as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces.  Government also approved a High Level Action Plan which sets out the response of Government in relation to each of the 130 recommendations in the Commission's report.