Vol. 449 No. 5
4 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of money spent on Border security in the last year for which figures are available; the projected expenditure for 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3916/95]
The cost of Border security as such is not separately compiled.However, the extra security costs attributable to the Northern Ireland situation in so far as the Department of Defence is concerned amounted to £143 million in 1994. It is not possible at this stage to assess the effect of the peace process on expenditure for 1995.
Does the Minister foresee a reduction in expenditure on Border patrols in view of the continuing peace process? What criteria are used to determine the degree to which Border patrols are maintained at present?
We all hope the peace will continue and that the level of involvement of the security forces and military will be substantially reduced in the years to come. The criteria used is more an operational matter for the authorities and I would not interfere with that. The number of people required at a specific time to produce a certain result would be a military rather than a politicial decision. We all hope that the peace process will lead to a significant reduction in the numbers required.
Given the potential saving of £143 million, did the Minister say he will ensure that the money is retained in his Department to upgrade conditions for soldiers and members of the Defence Forces? Does he intend to retain that sum for redistribution in his Department?
That would be my wish.
In the event of a prolonged peace, what does the Minister envisage would be the cost of patrolling the Border?
I do not have the military background to answer the question of what Border patrols there should be in a certain set of circumstances. The hope is they would be substantially reduced as circumstances permit and as the peace process takes hold.
Before proceeding to the next question I advise the House that questions addressed to the Minister in his capacity as Minister for the Marine will be dealt with at 3.21 p.m., in accordance with Standing Orders.
Is the Minister serious when he says there would be no need to reduce expenditure in his Department arising from a reduction in military operations due to the peace process and a reduction in Border patrols which were at the high level of 23,000 in 1993? What is the purpose of the efficiency audit to which the Minister referred?
I doubt very much if the Minister for Finance would agree but I too would like to be able to retain some moneys because I would have no shortage of worthwhile investments to make in plant and equipment which is necessary in the Army. The proportion of pay to equipment in the Army is out of kilter. It would need to be 70:30; at the moment it is 82 per cent pay, 18 per cent equipment. It is clear we need to invest in equipment and it is in that context I would like to receive additional resources. If it comes in part from a reduction in expenditure along the Border——
Is the Minister saying there is no peace dividend in the Defence Force?
That would be a peace dividend.
Is the Minister aware that he would have the full support of this side of the House for his continued efforts to get more money for the Army in spite of the righteous attitude of Deputy Molloy? Will he ensure that any moneys he receives is not only put into personnel and pay but also into updating Army barracks and equipment?
That is a separate question but I thank the Deputy for his support.
