Vol. 476 No. 4
18 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Defence whether any aspects of the proposed reorganisation of the Defence Forces involve amendments to current legislation; and if so, when this will be brought before Dáil Éireann. [7157/97]
The Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan which was approved by Government on 5 March 1996 recommended the reorganisation of Defence Forces Headquarters and a revised management and control system. Implementing this recommendation involves the abolition of the existing appointments of Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-General and their replacement by the two new appointments of Deputy Chief of Staff both of whom will report to the Chief of Staff.
The implementation of this recommendation will necessitate the amendment of the Defence Act, 1954. I will be bringing proposals in this regard to Government in the very near future.
19 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Defence the number of meetings his officials have had with RACO and PDFORRA since 1 March 1996, to discuss the reorganisation plan for the Defence Forces; whether he has satisfied himself with the level of consultation which the associations have had on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7152/97]
I have given RACO and PDFORRA assurances that they will be consulted regarding the reorganisation process. To that end a sub-committee of the Counciliation Council for the Permanent Defence Force has been established to deal with issues arising from that process. Since 1 March 1996 officials of my Department have had 20 meetings with the representative associations to discuss various issues related to the reorganisation including the VER scheme, manpower policy and the restructuring of the force itself. I have personally met with the associations on a further nine occasions in the last year or so. The reorganisation process has also been discussed with the associations on a number of other occasions, and consultations with RACO and PDFORRA will continue.
