Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 7

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Review.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

21 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Force Review Implementation Plan of February 1996 has been abandoned in light of the failure to put the new brigade structures in place in the timeframe envisaged in the plan, the reported filling of vacancies in the old establishment which have been left unfilled pending the implementation of the new structures, the failure to formally establish the logistic battalions as provided for in the plan and the return of personnel assigned to such units to their former units and his reported remarks in Cork recently concerning barrack closures which seem to indicate that there will not be barrack closures which is also at variance with the thrust of the implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5048/98]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

80 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan of February 1996 has been abandoned in light of the failure to put the new brigade structures in place in the timeframe envisaged in the plan, the reported filling of vacancies in the old establishment which has been left unfilled pending the implementation of the new structures, the failure to formally establish the logistic battalions as provided for in the plan and the return of personnel assigned to such units to their former units and his reported remarks in Cork recently concerning barrack closures which seem to indicate that there will not be barrack closures which is also at variance with the trust of the implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5047/98]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

82 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan of February 1996 has been abandoned in light of the failure to put the new brigade structures in place in the timeframe envisaged in the plan, the reported filling of vacancies in the old establishment which has been left unfilled pending the implementation of the new structures, the failure to formally establish the logistic battalions as provided for the plan and the return of personnel assigned to such units to their former units and his reported remarks in Cork recently concerning barrack closures which seem to indicate that there will not be barrack closures which is also at variance with the thrust of the implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5049/98]

Seán Power

Question:

153 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the rate of progress on the restructuring of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5132/98]

David Stanton

Question:

155 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan of February 1996 has been abandoned in view of the failure to put the new brigade structures in place in the timeframe envisaged in the plans; the reported filling of vacancies in the old establishment which has been left unfilled pending the implementation of the new structures; the failure to formally establish the logistic battalions as provided for in the plan and the return of personnel assigned to these units to their former units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5134/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 80, 82, 153, and 155 together.

The Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan 1996-1998 has certainly not been abandoned. Indeed, I am very satisfied with the progress to date in implementing this plan. Significant developments are taking place in all 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.

The implementation plan which is essentially strategic in nature sets out the parameters and objectives within which the reform of the Defence Forces will take place during the first, three year, phase of a reform process that will take ten years to accomplish. The particular focus during the initial phase is 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 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 am committed to ensuring that the process of consultation and communication continues. 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.

The Cabinet recently approved the draft heads of a Bill which will amend the Defence Act, 1954, to give effect to the reorganised top level military structure set out in the implementation plan. The amendment will reorganise Defence Forces Headquarters, abolish the positions of Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-General and replace them by two new appointments of Deputy Chief of Staff. Work is also under way to amend Defence Forces regulations where necessary to give legal effect to the new military organisation.

With regard to personnel issues, moves have been taken to address the age profile problem. A voluntary early retirement scheme launched in 1996 has been availed of by more than 1,200 Defence Force personnel over the last two years. In tandem with this scheme, a recruiting drive has taken place. In 1997, the recruitment of 46 cadets, 17 apprentices and 600 recruits was authorised and advertisements for 500 recruits for general service will appear in the media very shortly.

The questions 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 was 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 payroll will be allocated for equipment and infrastructural purposes.

The reorganisation 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 reorganisation and restructuring of the Defence Forces envisaged in the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan will be accomplished by 31 December 1998.