The permanent Defence Forces was 1,000 personnel below the government's target last year.
At least 9,500 personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Corps was the commitment before this year's increase is accounted for.
However the Defence Forces Annual Report shows as of December 31st, it had just below 8,500 across the three arms of the military.
The government last month committed to a 50 per cent increase in Defence Forces spending, which is expected to increase the total personnel target by 2,000.
