Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Oct 1990

Vol. 402 No. 2

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Review.

Edward Nealon

Question:

5 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Defence if, in accordance with the recommendations of the Gleeson Commission, it is his intention to order that a review be undertaken by professional management consultants of (1) the management structures within the Defence Forces (2) the relationship between military and civil management (3) the geographical deployment of the Defence Forces (4) physical asset management and the systems of arm procurement and (5) financial management and information management, which should operate in the Defence Forces and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Lenihan

Since the report of the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces was published in July, the efficiency audit group, which is referred to in the report, has commenced a comprehensive examination of the civil and military branches of the Department of Defence. This study, together with an ongoing review which is being conducted in the Department will cover many of the topics suggested for study by the Commission. It is not intended to duplicate the work of the efficiency audit group by commissioning further studies at present. However, when the outcome of the present studies is available, the necessity of commissioning further outside reviews will be considered.

Mr. Nealon

As the Minister is well aware, this was one of the key recommendations in the entire Gleeson report. It uses the words "we strongly favour getting professional consultants". It is stated in the report that the army chiefs knew of the difficulties but what they lacked was the impetus for change. It strongly recommended — and it seems to be an essential part of the recommendations — that this outside professional body of management consultants should be appointed. Regarding that key element, surely the Minister should be willing to set up this review immediately?

Mr. Lenihan

The Deputy will appreciate that the efficiency audit group is functioning and is reaching finality in regard to its conclusions. Let us await for those first and then consider them.

Mr. Nealon

Obviously, the Gleeson Commission knew all about this but was unwilling to wait for it. The report said that the impetus for change was not there and obviously will not be there without that review. Can the Minister give an undertaking now that he will adhere to this major recommendation? Otherwise we must be suspicious of what he will do with any of the other recommendations in the Gleeson report.

Mr. Lenihan

That recommendation will be taken in due course. We are going through that report in great detail. We are working thoroughly and we have made much progress. The Deputy's suggestion will be considered but we must take one thing at a time. I want the efficiency audit group to come forward with its report first.

Mr. Nealon

Will the Minister appoint outside consultants?

Mr. Lenihan

As I said in my reply, I am not ruling it out.

An Ceann Comhairle

Let us now come to deal with ordinary questions, Question No. 6 please.