Written answers
Tuesday, 30 January 2024
Department of Defence
Defence Forces
Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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177. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces at end December 2023; how many of these personnel are in full-time induction training, recruits, two star training, cadet training or apprenticeships and therefore non deployable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4045/24]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As at 31 December 2023, the strength of the PDF was 7,550 personnel. Of that strength, 364 personnel were in full time induction training of varying duration, comprised of 86 recruits, 116 Private 2 star, 103 Cadets, 12 Air Corp Trainee Military Aircraft Systems Technician and 47 Air Corp Apprentice Technicians.
The establishment for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) was recently increased by 89 to 9,589 to account for the first cohort of Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) appointments. Personnel in training are counted as part of the 9,589 establishment level. Members of the PDF, when not deployed overseas, are engaged in a range of ongoing operations and training and are available for service at all times, including those in induction training, where appropriate.
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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178. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of females currently in recruit training for both Army and Naval Service as of 23 January 2024. [4084/24]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The military authorities have advised that, as of 23 January 2024, the following number of women were in General Service Recruit or Cadet training across all Branches.
| Army | Air Corp | Naval Service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruit* | 10 | 6** | 4 |
| Cadets | 15 | 3 | 1 |
** includes 2 Trainee Military Aircraft Systems Technicians undergoing initial recruit training.
The Cadet figures reflect the number of females in both the 2022 and 2023 Cadet classes.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. It is also Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve.
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