Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - Reorganisation of Defence Forces.

Michael Bell

Question:

131 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence when he proposes to introduce legislation to give legal effect to the implementation report dealing with the reorganisation of the Defence Forces; the number of officers of general rank who will retire in each of the years 1996 and 1997 on age grounds; the proposals, if any, he has to fill such vacancies; whether the revision of duties of the current general staff envisaged by the report will be affected by the non-introduction of legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8332/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The question of amending the Defence Act, 1954 to give effect to the proposed changes in the duties of the holders of the three principal military appointments as set out in the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan is at present under consideration.

One officer in the rank of major-general and one brigadier-general are due to retire on age grounds in 1996. Two officers in the rank of brigadier-general are due to retire on age grounds in 1997. It is proposed to fill the vacancies that will be created by these retirements.