asked the Minister for Defence the total number of personnel in the army, navy and airforce in each of the past ten years; and the total annual cost of maintaining same.

: As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

* Cost refers to 9-month period only due to change in accounting period.

Note: Strengths are compiled for the last day of each month.

9.

asked the Minister for Defence the present number of persons comprising (i) the Army, (ii) Naval Service, (iii) Air Corps, (iv) First Line Reserve, (v) FCA and (vi) Slua Muirí.

10.

asked the Minister for Defence the total strength of the permanent defence force at 15 October 1980.

: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Numbers 9 and 10 together. The information requested is as follows:

Strengths as at 30 September 1980

Strength returns of the Permanent Defence Forces are compiled for the last day of each month.