Vol. 421 No. 8
10 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the legislative implications of the efficiency audit report; if the study on the administrative systems and structures in the Defence Forces is complete; and if he intends to implement the EAG report.
I refer the Deputy to my replies to parliamentary questions on the efficiency audit group on 20 February 1992.
The working group which were set up by the efficiency audit group to examine the administration in the Defence Forces, have, I understand recently submitted their report to the EAG. The EAG are expected to consider the report at a meeting next month and to present their recommendations to the Taoiseach when they have finished consideration of the report.
When the recommendations of the EAG on administration in the Defence Forces are available to me, it is my intention to consider them in the context of the whole Defence area and to adopt the optimum strategy for the efficient administration of Defence.
Will the Minister, arrange to have the report of the efficiency audit group placed in the Library or at least to circulate it to Opposition spokespersons? This is the fourth time I have requested this and I know that Deputy Gerry O'Sullivan and Deputy McCartan have also repeatedly requested the Taoiseach, and the Minister, to furnish this report to us but to no avail. Why is the Minister so hesitant about circulating this report as it has been under consideration by a number of people? Is he aware of the confusion and fear among many Army families with regard to their future? Army personnel are also concerned about their promotional opportunities. Will the Minister agree that there is a huge question mark over the Army at present and a high level of dissatisfaction because of the uncertainty?
I reject most of the implications of the Deputy's remarks. I know that she has already spoken in this House of the worries of those in the Army regarding where they might be sent and in relation to reorganisation. I assure the Deputy, and the House, that my Department and the Army will ensure that full and due consideration will be given to the social and domestic circumstances of anybody who will be affected. With regard to the publication of the report, as I said in my reply the efficiency audit group will be reporting to the Taoiseach and a decision will be taken later in regard to their recommendations. Their work is ongoing.
11 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if Irish Defence Force personnel came into contact with British troops in a recent incursion into County Monaghan; if, in his view, the number of Defence Force personnel on Border duty is adequate; and if he intends to have overall Border postings reviewed.
There was no Irish military involvement in the incident referred to by the Deputy.
The strength of the Defence Forces assigned to Border duty is constantly reviewed so as to ensure that they can fully discharge their operational commitments pursuant to their role of providing aid to the civil power.
Three infantry battalions, a cavalry squadron and other supporting elements are permanently located close to the Border. Border units are based at ten military posts as follows:
|
27 Infantry Battalion |
Gormanstown Camp Aiken Barracks, Dundalk Military Post, Castleblayney |
|
29 Infantry Battalion |
Military Barracks, Monaghan Military Barracks, Cavan |
|
4 Cavalry Squadron |
Connolly Barracks, Longford Military Post, Ballyconnell |
|
28 Infantry Battalion |
Finner Camp Military Post, Lifford Rockhill House, Letterkenny |
In addition there are five permanent Army/Garda checkpoints at various positions along the Border.
Personnel from the military posts assist the Garda Síochána in patrolling the road network around the Border several times every 24 hours. The patrols are equipped with radio and can be diverted quickly to the scene of a Border incident. In addition stand-to parties are kept in readiness in each post at all times. These are available to respond to requests for aid by the gardaí and can be on their way to the scene of an incident without delay.
During 1991 military parties in the Border area were sent on about 11,000 patrols, established 12,000 checkpoints and assisted in carrying out over 220 searches.
Air Corps helicopters are specifically allocated for Border operations and fixed wing reconnaissance aircraft are located in Gormanstown in support of operations in the Border area.
Bomb disposal and specialised search teams are also stationed on the Border where they can provide a quick response in connection with bomb threats or the need for systematic searching of specific locations.
Given that the Irish Army did not come across the British Army incursion on this occasion, does the Minister consider it most unusual that the British Army should come South, considering the different nature of their operation from that of the Irish Army? Will the Minister agree that the Irish Army are much more visible in the Border area than the British Army who are billeted at particular posts? The numbers of British Army personnel are substantially higher than the number of Irish Army soldiers along the Border. Will he explain to the House why he believes the British Army came South given the differing nature of their operation North of the Border? Will he agree that it was very unusual?
I agree with the substance of the Deputy's remarks. The Government take a very serious view of all incursions by British Army personnel into this State and, when such an incident occurs, the Government do not lose any time in getting in touch with the British authorities and raising the matter with them. The Government have been in touch with them regarding the incident mentioned by the Deputy. The explanation given by the British authorities was that the incursion was accidental and they have apologised. While the acknowledgement of the mistake and the apology for it are welcome, incidents of this nature continue to be a cause of concern in the Border areas. I know this very well because I represent the Border areas.
Táimid ag dul ar aghaidh anois go dtí Ceisteanna eile.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I am sorry, Deputy, but the time for Priority Questions is exhausted.
May I ask a short question?
Question No. 12.
