asked the Minister for Defence the steps which have already been taken as a result of the defence review which he recently set up in his Department; and the length of time after which he expects the final report to be available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Review.
21.
(Limerick West): At the press conference I gave last August relating to the defence review and following the meeting of the Council of Defence earlier that day, I indicated that I intended to give some final thought to the conduct of the review itself. I did so without delay and I am glad to report that the review is going ahead, on schedule, as planned. The review structure has been set up and each of the main review bodies have been established and brought into operation.
The basic structure is comprised of a primary body which is known as the Defence Review Committee and a number of working groups which will examine and report on particular areas of policy and operations. Where the task is wide and complex, a working group may, in turn, create secondary bodies to facilitate and expedite the completion of their task.
Subject to my direction, the Defence Review Committee are directing, guiding and generally facilitating the review process and will ultimately produce the defence review report. They have met regularly since the Council of Defence meeting on 6 August and have completed their initial task of structuring the review and bringing into operation a number of working groups. These working groups include the Defence Forces Working Group who are conducting a range of studies relating to all aspects of the Defence Forces; the Civil Defence Working Group who are studying all aspects of Civil Defence, distinguishing between peacetime and wartime requirements and the Finance and Administration Working Group who are studying the budgetary systems, financial accountability, administrative and liaison arrangements and procurement procedures of the Department of Defence with a view to bringing about any possible improvements in administration and financial control and in co-ordination between civil and military units.
As regards the composition of the review bodies, in addition to top management representatives from the civil and military branches of the Department of Defence, there is representation, as appropriate, from other Departments such as Finance, Foreign Affairs, Justice and the Department of the Environment. Should any additional professional expertise be required in relation to any particular area of study, it will be provided.
The review, involving as it does an indepth examination of the entire defence area including Civil Defence, is a major time-consuming undertaking. It will be pursued expeditiously but I would not expect the task to be completed and the final report to be available to the Government in less than a year.
At my press conference last August, I made it clear that the review is not just a cost-cutting exercise and that it will not in any way undermine the Government's unshakable commitment to maintaining security and having an appropriate level of defence preparedness. It is, as I then pointed out, a fundamental comprehensive review of the entire defence area with the objective of developing the most relevant and realistic cost-effective defence arrangements.
Arising from the Minister's reply, how many people are on the Defence Review Body?
(Limerick West): As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply, it comprises both Civil Service and military personnel from my Department as well as representatives from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, the Environment, Justice and the Taoiseach.
Does the Minister sit on this review body?
(Limerick West): No.
Could I ask the Minister, in relation to his answer to the first question, if it would be possible for outside groups to be asked for submissions on their views on what our future stance should be on many matters relating to defence? Would it be possible for outside groups to be given an input into this review because it is a major review and it could have great effects on the Department of Defence, the Army, the Naval Service and so on?
(Limerick West): Of course, it is possible. Submissions from outside organisations, bodies and individuals would be very welcome. I would encourage them.
Would the Minister make that public and look for it publicly in the national press?
(Limerick West): I can certainly consider it. I am saying now, and I am going to make it as public as I possibly can, that submissions from outside organisations and individuals will be very welcome and will be carefully considered by the review committee.
Is there a danger that this will be another report that will be left on the shelves to gather dust over the years? How can we be sure, if there are any far reaching decisions by this Defence Review Body, that they will see the light of day and will not be choked by the Government?
(Limerick West): In view of the fact that any decisions which have been taken by the Government during the past eight or nine months since we assumed office last March have been adhered to, I do not see any reason, when this report is submitted to me and I in turn have submitted it to the Government, that the necessary decisions will not be taken.