Vol. 482 No. 4
11 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the current progress in implementing the reorganisation plans for the Defence Forces; if he has satisfied himself with the rate of progress and the level of consultation and involvement of all ranks in the process; the progress to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18175/97]
26 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the current progress in implementing the reorganisation plans for the Defence Forces; if he has satisfied himself with the rate of progress and the level of consultation and involvement of all ranks in the process; the progress to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18176/97]
47 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the issues the proposed Defence Amendment Bill will address; when he will publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18212/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 26 and 47 together.
I am 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 the Government and the public.
Following acceptance by the Government of the efficiency audit group's report in July 1995, an implementation group prepared a fully costed implementation plan for phase one 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 Forces structure and organisation.
Reforms are being implemented in a planned and sensitive manner with the full backing of the military authorities and ongoing consultation with the representative associations in accordance with the agreed system of representation. Since assuming office I have listened to a range of views within the Defence Forces and I will be anxious to ensure the process of consultation and communication is as developed and as inclusive as possible.
I am aware of what the Minister said in reply to Priority Questions. He said he is committed to consultation and involvement, inasmuch as involvement is possible within the Defence Forces, in relation to the changes going on. There is a great need for further consultation. Has the Minister considered methods of consultation within the Defence Forces and, when the Price Waterhouse report on the Air Corps and the Navy comes out, the best way of imparting that information? That is a very important aspect of the change if we want it to be successful.
That is one of the first matters I addressed on assuming office. The Price Waterhouse report on the Navy and Air Corps will present me with an opportunity because at that stage the process of integration into the Defence Forces of that set of proposals will begin. I was surprised at the level of consultation that had taken place - conferences had been held and special military advisers had visited each region. Since last May there have been about 22 meetings between officials in my Department and various representatives, RACO and PDFORRA, in the context of the arbitration and conciliation processes. Notwithstanding all that, we are talking about significant change. In that process of change communication is critical so that the men and women involved believe in and take ownership of the process as we move forward. I have undertaken to enhance that process and will give consideration to how I will do that on foot of the presentation of the Price Waterhouse report on the Navy and Air Corps.
