Vol. 553 No. 3
32 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the proposals received from the chief of staff for the restructuring of the Permanent Defence Forces in accordance with the Government's decision on overall numbers; if it is intended to implement these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13836/02]
The chief of staff has submitted draft proposals to me in this matter and I have referred these proposals to my Department's civil-military Strategic Management Committee for its consideration. The committee comprises of the Secretary General of my Department who is the chairperson, the chief of staff, the Department's two assistant secretaries and the two deputy chiefs of staff. The GOC Air Corps and the flag officer commanding the Naval Service attend in respect of items affecting their services.
Once the Strategic Management Committee has completed its deliberations, I expect that finalised draft proposals will be submitted to me.
Before any final decisions are made, it is my intention that the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, and the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, will be consulted in a spirit of partnership in accordance with the system of representation.
