Vol. 408 No. 5
27 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Defence the number of volumes of Defence Forces regulations which currently apply; the number of pages in each volume; the progress which has been made with regard to the updating of the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Fifty-one separately defined regulations are made pursuant to the Defence Acts, 1954 to 1990, to provide for the organisation, administration and control of the Defence Forces. They are drawn up in paragraph format and are up-dated on a continuous basis by the amendment, deletion and addition of paragraphs as required. Copies of Defence Force regulations are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Would the Minister agree that the era when the Defence Forces were run by regulations dealing with everything, including the type of uniform to be worn at special events, is now past? Would he not also agree that it is time a more readable and convenient format was put in place beyond the existing reams and volumes of regulations on the running of the affairs of the Defence Forces?
I think the need to simplify the regulations has been acknowledged. I certainly would acknowledge this need. I have only recently come to deal with these matters and it appears that this aspect can be addressed on a continuous basis. In fact, a new regulation will be signed tomorrow afternoon to set the new procedure in place for promotions. It is desirable that important decisions like this are made. While it would be desirable to have a streamlined regulation document, regulations can be amended or deleted from time to time. Therefore, this will be an ongoing developing and changing process.
Would the Minister agree that since the introduction of the 1954 Defence Act the history of the regulations has been one of amendment, deletion and convolution and that only an expert — there are very few of these about — would know his way around these regulations? Would he agree, also, at least in principle, that the time has come when matters relating to the Defence Forces should be dealt with by way of comonsense, good discipline and order and that there is no need for the formulation of a regulation every time something has to be done or some new exercise undertaken?
I will have this matter examined very carefully. It should be possible with modern technology to make changes so that these issues can be dealt with in a less cumbersome fashion. I will have this matter examined and perhaps we can discuss it again at a later stage.
That disposes of questions for today.
