Vol. 454 No. 8
1 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Defence if the voluntary retirement package promised to members of the Defence Forces will be introduced in 1995; and if he will ensure the present proposals with regard to cutbacks in his Department will not interfere with this scheme. [11601/95]
I refer the Deputy to the replies to Question No. 5 on 30 March 1995 and Question No. 126 on 9 May 1995.
A fundamental review of the Defence Forces has been undertaken by the efficiency audit group. This wide-ranging examination has identified many issues which need to be addressed so that the effectiveness and efficiency of the Defence Forces can be improved. It is envisaged that an integrated programme of reform of the Defence Forces will be drawn up and that this will include a voluntary early retirement scheme.
It has been apparent for some time that the rising age profile of Defence Forces personnel will cause operational difficulties if it is not addressed in a coordinated manner. This is one of the areas addressed by the efficiency audit group which will need early attention. However, the Government has yet to consider the recommendations of the efficiency audit group including the way in which these may impact on personnel policy. I emphasise that there will be no compulsory redundancies and that any retirements will be on a voluntary basis. The Defence Forces representative associations will be consulted on all matters arising from the EAG review which come within their scope of representation, including any proposals on a voluntary early retirement scheme. I hope it will be possible to commence preliminary discussions with the associations later in the year.
There is no doubt that the age profile of the Defence Forces is rising. The Minister's predecessor indicated that the voluntary early retirement scheme would be introduced later this year but, pending its introduction the expected number of retirements is not materialising. There is, therefore, an urgent need to introduce the scheme. Will the consultations and negotiations be concluded in time to allow it to be introduced later this year? It is important to remove any doubts in view of the proposed cutbacks and difficulties the Minister is encountering in securing the necessary finance to fund such a scheme, which will be expensive.
Consideration of the recommendations of the EAG is a separate matter from any adjustments in public expenditure and should stand alone. With the Department of the Taoiseach, I am preparing a memorandum for Government in which the procedure to be adopted in making the necessary changes will be outlined.
We have great regard and high respect for the Defence Forces. This is not a matter of interfering with people who have served the country exceptionally well; we are reviewing the current position where promotional opportunities are limited, wages and salaries account for the bulk of expenditure and little is available for equipment and training. This is causing frustration.
We will not serve the Defence Forces well if we allow the numbers to increase and fail to resolve this problem. A group will be set up to oversee the implementation of the plan while there will be adequate discussion with the various bodies affected. It is my ambition to ensure that this process will be well under way by the end of the year.
The Minister's positive response will be welcomed. I doubt if one could say that the question casts a reflection on the Defence Forces as we have all come to realise that they are tremendously loyal and committed. It is essential that this problem be addressed. It may be possible to deal with it separately from some of the other major matters on which decisions are required which may take much longer to implement. I am anxious to obtain a commitment that the scheme will be introduced before the end of the year.
I will do my utmost to ensure that progress is made as quickly as possible.
