Vol. 460 No. 6
267 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the reports commissioned by his Department for the rationalisation and reorganisation of the army and its effects on the various army barracks throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1941/96]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the study undertaken by Price Waterhouse Consultants on behalf of the Efficiency Audit Group (EAG). Following consideration of the EAG's report the Government published the summary document Review of the Defence Forces in July 1995.
In that document the Government indicated its acceptance of the broad conclusions of the EAG and established an implementation group, chaired by Mr. A. D. Barry, chairman of the EAG, to prepare a fully costed development plan for the Defence Forces setting out the detailed measures to be undertaken during the first three years of the reform process. I expect to receive this plan within the next few days.
268 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm the many commitments given to the army personnel attached to James Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny that the future viability of this barracks will not be affected in any way by the recent report commissioned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1942/96]
Following the Government's consideration of the report of the Efficiency Audit Group on their study of the Defence Forces, an implementation group was established to draw up a development plan for the Defence Forces setting out the measures to be undertaken during the first three years of the reform process. I have yet to receive the report of this group, which I understand will be presented to me shortly.
As I have stated on a number of occasions, the Government's decision of 3 July did not provide for the closure of any army barracks.
