As part of the Defence Forces Review process, the Government approved the substantial delegation of financial authority, accompanied by budgets, to the Chief of Staff, the Adjutant General and the Quartermaster General. In An Action Programme for the Millennium, the Government undertook to enhance the efficiency of the Defence Forces by delegating all day to day administration from the Department of Defence to the Defence Forces. I am pleased to report that good progress has been made towards fulfilling this commitment and that delegation continues to work well.
To date, 64 per cent of the non-pay element of the Defence Vote, amounting to over £77 million, has been devolved to the military authorities. The delegation of day to day supply procurement is nearing completion and discussions are continuing with the military authorities regarding further budgetary delegation. In addition to delegating these budgets, the associated administrative processes have also been delegated.