Seán Power
Question:253 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the progress of the Implementation Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11485/97]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan.
I am very satisfied with the progress to date of the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan. Significant developments are taking place in the main areas addressed by the plan. The key focus in the plan is on creating the right organisation to deliver value for money military services which meet the needs of Government and the public.
Following the acceptance by the Government of the Efficiency Audit Group's report in July 1995, an implementation group was set up and requested to prepare a fully costed implementation plan for phase 1 of the proposals. The first phase covers a period of three years, 1996-98. This plan is essentially strategic in nature and sets out the parameters and objectives within which the reform of the Defence Forces will take place. The initial phase concentrates particularly on the reform of the Permanent Defence Force structure and organisation. Reforms are being implemented in a planned and sensitive manner with the full backing of the military authorities and on going consultation with the representative association in accordance with the agreed system of representation. The reform programme is tackling in a positive way the many problems confronting our Defence Forces, for example, the high age profile, inadequate collective training, the excessive numbers working in civilian type jobs and the imbalance between pay and non-pay spending.
With regard to personnel issues, moves have been taken to address the age profile problem. A voluntary early retirement scheme commenced in 1996 when a total of 500 personnel availed of the scheme. A further 750 members approximately will be offered voluntary early retirement in 1997, these offers are expected to issue shortly. In tandem with the voluntary early retirement scheme, a recruiting drive has taken place. Two hundred recruits were enlisted last December and a further 200 recruits were enlisted in March 1997. Advertisements will be appearing in the national papers shortly for further recruits.
The reorganisation programme provides for a more effective organisation through the creation of an enhanced operational capability. For the Army, the new organisational structure involves the replacement of the four existing commands and five brigades headquarters by a three brigade structure. This will include the creation of larger unit sizes and overall a less top heavy structure with more personnel available for operational duties. The commencement of the amalgamation of units will begin this year and the re-organisation of the brigade and command structure will be completed by the end of 1998.
The question of equipment and infrastructure are important elements of the development of the Defence Forces. The Government's commitment to continue a programme of major investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces has been proven. In the three years 1995-97 no less than £29 million has been provided in infrastructural investment in military barracks generally. When the voluntary early retirement scheme is completed at the end of 1998, a substantial amount of savings from the reduced Defence payroll will be allocated for equipment and infrastructural purposes.
The re-organisation of the Defence Forces is developmental in nature. The Government is fully committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces become a more effective and efficient organisation geared to deliver the required military and other Defence services in a value for money way. I am confident that the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan is the process to make this happen.