36 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the number of female members of the Defence Forces at each rank; his plans to encourage the increased participation of women in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4690/02]

71 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to increase personnel numbers in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4798/02]

81 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel within the Naval Service at each rank; the number of vacancies; his plans to fill these vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4658/02]

82 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel within each of the sections of the Defence Forces; the numbers recruited in each of past three years; the number who left in each of these years; his plans for further recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4657/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 57, 71, 81 and 82 together.

The statistics requested by the Deputies are as outlined in the tabular statements.

Strength of the Defence Forces as at 31 December, 2001.