Dáil Wednesday 27 February 1980

‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Enlistments.

Current Defence Forces strength

Summary

Asked whether the Forces had more personnel than three years earlier and whether strength was below 15,000, the Minister said the year-end 1979 strength was 13,372. He denied being reluctant to provide the figure.

James White Mr. White Fine Gael

Are there more people in the Defence Forces now than there were three years ago? Surely the Minister should be able to answer that question.

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Padraig Faulkner Mr. Faulkner Fianna Fáil

I have not been asked that question.

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James White Mr. White Fine Gael

Are there more people in the Defence Forces now than there were three years ago?

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Padraig Faulkner Mr. Faulkner Fianna Fáil

If the Deputy puts down a question I will answer it.

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James White Mr. White Fine Gael

Is the Establishment now less than 15,000? Does the Minister not know how many are in the Defence Forces?

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Joseph Brennan An Ceann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

There is not much point in having a tabular statement if the question is going to be teased out in the House.

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Padraig Faulkner Mr. Faulkner Fianna Fáil

We have not reached the full number in the Establishment and I do not think it has ever been reached except perhaps during the emergency.

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James White Mr. White Fine Gael

How many have we now?

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Padraig Faulkner Mr. Faulkner Fianna Fáil

The strength on 31/12/1979 was 13,372.

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Gerald L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange Fine Gael

Why was the Minister reluctant to give that figure?

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Padraig Faulkner Mr. Faulkner Fianna Fáil

I was not reluctant to give it.

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Gerald L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange Fine Gael

The Minister was not as co-operative as the Taoiseach was yesterday.

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