Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 7

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Reorganisation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

55 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the aspects of the Price Waterhouse report which he proposes to implement; the sections which he proposes to reject, with particular reference to army barracks closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9310/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I presume the Deputy is referring to the Price Waterhouse report on the Defence Forces which was submitted to the Efficiency Audit Group in 1993. Arising from this report, the Efficiency Audit Group made certain recommendations to the Government which were accepted in July 1995. Following this, an implementation group was set up to prepare a fully costed implementation plan for the first three year phase of the reorganisation of the Defence Forces. In February 1996 the Government accepted the Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, 1996-98. It is this plan, rather than the Price Waterhouse report, that is setting the agenda for the ongoing Defence Forces reorganisation process.

It has been stated on many occasions, both by me and by previous Ministers for Defence, that no barrack closures will take place during the first phase of the plan, and this remains the situation. The implementation plan provides for a study of military accommodation to be undertaken at the end of phase one. It is acknowledged that this question is sensitive and will need careful study from a number of perspectives. In particular, full account must be taken of the economic and social implications of any proposal.