Ivor Callely
Question:116 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the legislative and administrative priorities of his Department in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5280/96]
Written Answers. - Departmental Priorities.
In addition to the on-going administrative matters for which my Department is responsible, the main priorities for my Department in 1996 are: ensuring the successful implementation of the reorganisation of the Defence Forces in accordance with Government decisions on foot of the report of the efficiency audit group; the implementation of a voluntary early retirement scheme for the Permanent Defence Force; preparation of the Department's statement of strategy on foot of the strategic management initiative (SMI), and related follow-up actions; the completion of the review of the Department's strategic information technology plan and related follow-up actions.
Ivor Callely
Question:117 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine the legislative and administrative priorities of his Department in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5279/96]
Three Bills related to matters within my Department's remit, viz. the Harbours Bill, 1995, the Dumping at Sea Bill, 1995 and the Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners and Others) Bill, 1996, are currently before the Oireachtas. In addition, legislative proposals for the establishment of a new regulatory process for aquaculture and for amendment of the Foyle Fisheries Act, 1952, are in preparation.
The central administrative priority for my Department, which is being pursued in the context of the strategic management initiative, is to ensure that all aspects of its business are dealt with with optimum efficiency and effectiveness. Specific matters of particular importance in 1996 include the Irish Presidency of the EU in the second half of the year, the ongoing fundamental review of marine policy, the reviews referred to in my reply to Question No. 143 of 28 February 1996, from the Deputy, and the administration of operational programmes, measures and initiatives with which my Department is concerned.