Jack Wall
Question:2 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will give a commitment that all Army barracks in use will continue in operation in view of the Price Waterhouse review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13225/98]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Priority Questions. - Defence Forces Reorganisation.
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. This plan, rather than the Price Waterhouse report, is setting the agenda for the ongoing Defence Forces reorganisation process.
The implementation plan provides for a study of military accommodation to be undertaken towards the end of phase one. This is a very sensitive issue and one which will need careful study from a number of perspectives. In particular, full account will have to be taken of the economic and social issues involved.
At what stage is the review? Has the Department decided the areas that will come under the criteria for barracks closures? I spoke to numerous Army personnel and representative bodies who are concerned that reorganisation of the Defence Forces depends on finances that accrue from barracks closures. They believe that for political reasons barracks will not be closed and, therefore, reorganisation of the Defence Forces will be neglected.
I thank Deputy Wall for raising this matter. We are trying to ensure the review of the total accommodation portfolio is completed quickly. A significant percentage of personnel is engaged in administration while there is not a sufficient number in other posts. The Price Waterhouse study concluded that there are too many barracks, many unsuitably located for military needs and many in very poor condition with unacceptably high upkeep costs. It also concluded that barracks management and administration takes up an unduly large element of military manpower who should be on operational duties.
This is a sensitive and difficult matter. As the numbers have reduced, the pressures on existing numbers have become more intense and we must consider a sensible course of action. As soon as the review is completed I will return to the Dáil with proposals on the matter. As I stated publicly last week in my tour of northern counties, we cannot maintain everything we have forever.