Enda Kenny
Question:98 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence his assessment of the state of the morale of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9073/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Morale.
Richard Bruton
Question:99 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recent survey prepared by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers which showed that morale within the Army's officer corps is at an all time low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9031/98]
Pádraic McCormack
Question:111 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence his views on low morale among members of the Defence Forces; the plans, if any, he has to improve morale, and if he will meet their representatives to discuss this issue. [9074/98]
Question:
135 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recent report on army morale published by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers. [9066/98]
Charles Flanagan
Question:142 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, he intends to take to restore morale and confidence in the Defence Forces in view of the current undermining of confidence and the large amount of detrimental media coverage. [9064/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 99, 111, 135 and 142 together.
As indicated in the questions, the survey in question was carried out on behalf of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers and as such the results which were obtained are essentially a matter for the association. RACO has, however, done me the courtesy of drawing the survey results to my attention.
The Defence Forces are going through an enormous reform process, the need for which is accepted by all. The current restructuring programme cuts across all areas of military life and there will inevitably be major changes as the new organisation takes place. While I believe that the implementation plan is essentially sound, a degree of change such as this naturally engenders a certain degree of anxiety while the organisation is in transition.
The members of RACO occupy the senior and middle management ranks of the Defence Forces and they have a right and duty to be concerned about the morale and image of their organisation. I am concerned that comments in the media regarding claims for hearing damage should not take away from the well deserved reputation of members of the Defence Forces who have served the State so well over the years.
I might add that I have recently returned from a visit to Irish troops serving in the former Yugoslavia and that I had an excellent trip to the UNIFIL area of operations last month. Everywhere, the military personnel to whom I spoke were highly motivated and in excellent spirits. The troops are doing a wonderful job and the atmosphere in the mission areas is very positive.