Alan M. Dukes
Question:22 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Defence if a review is being carried out into the structure and functions of the Defence Forces; and, if so, when it will be published.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Review.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:65 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the terms of reference of the board of military personnel, which is chaired by the Director of Operations, and which was established in September 1990 to examine the war and peace time establishments of the Defence Forces; the number of times the board has met; the number of interim reports which have been provided to the General Staff and to himself; when their final report will be furnished and if it will be published; whether the views of unit commanders have been requested on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 65 together.
As part of the internal management of the Defence Forces a study group of military officers were appointed in September, 1990, for the purpose of examining the peacetime establishment. The study group have met on 34 occasions and their deliberations are still in progress.
In addition, a number of subsidiary boards have been established in the three principal military branches of my Department, viz, the branches of the chief of staff, the adjutant-general and the quartermaster general. These boards have been engaged in analysis of work in these branches which has a bearing on the work of the study group. The study will be completed in 1992 when a final report will be presented. An interim report is expected within the next month. The views of unit commanders were requested and over 100 units were visited — all Permanent Defence Force units and a sample of FCA units. For security reasons it would be inappropriate to publish the report of the study group.