Vol. 419 No. 9
7 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish a White Paper on (a) the role, function and future of the Defence Forces (b) improved management structures within the forces (c) accommodation and facilities and (d) remuneration for duties carried out at home and abroad.
41 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to publish a White Paper on Defence Policy; and if he recognises the necessity for same in a changing Europe.
49 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to publish a White Paper on Defence Policy; and if he recognises the necessity for same in a changing Europe.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 41 and 49 together.
The roles, functions and activities of the Defence Forces are already well established. For many years past, their main preoccupation have been: aid to the civil power; fishery protection; search and rescue; and UN peace-keeping.
As the House has already been informed a major study has been under way in relation to the establishment, number and deployment of the Defence Forces. In addition, a working group is at present examining the administrative structures and systems in the Defence Forces.
The Maastricht Treaty does not contain any provision for a common defence policy nor does it contain any mutual defence commitments. It does provide for an Intergovernmental Conference in 1996 which may consider the framing of a common defence policy. Any new agreement in this area must be unanimous and would have to be ratified by a referendum. The question of publishing a White Paper on Defence Policy in that context and its timing can be considered by the Government at the appropriate time.
In regard to accommodation and facilities my Department have to manage within the financial constraints imposed by the many and competing demands on the Exchequer. I would point out in the period from 1987 to the end of 1992 over £33 million will have been spent on new accommodation and refurbishment to existing buildings.
As regards remuneration, the recommendations of the Gleeson Commission have been implemented and increases due under the modified terms of the Agreement on Pay and Conditions associated with Programme for Economic and Social Progress will apply to the Defence Forces. In addition, representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force have been established and a scheme of conciliation and arbitration is being formulated. Remuneration and conditions of service will come within the ambit of the proposed scheme.
Does the Minister envisage an increase in numbers in the Army? Can he tell the House when a recruitment drive is likely to take place?
That is under consideration but I have no information for the Deputy at present.
