Vol. 403 No. 8
9 Mr. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the terms of reference issued to the study group currently reviewing the Defence Forces; if he will outline the personnel on this study group; when it was set up; if they have issued an interim report; when a full report is expected; and if this report will then be published.
A study group of military officers is currently examining the peacetime establishment of the Defence Forces. This study is part of the internal management of the Defence Forces. Accordingly and for security reasons, it would be inappropriate to publish the report of the board when it becomes available.
Will the Taoiseach confirm that the study group is looking at the various barracks with a view to closing down some of them that are less efficient or do not have sufficient numbers?
No, that is a different matter.
Does the Taoiseach mean there is another group studying that?
The Deputy should put down a question on that aspect of the matter.
We are all anxious to ensure that the Army are not burdened with servicing an unnecessary number of military establishments of one kind or another.
Will the Taoiseach give the House the full terms of reference given to the study group?
I cannot give the full terms of reference, but basically the study group is to decide upon the number of persons needed in the Defence Forces to enable them to discharge their full responsibilities in modern circumstances.
