Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Ordnance Survey.

Noel Ahern

Question:

54 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Defence his views on the history of the Defence Forces involvement in ordnance survey; the number of serving members involved; the events and commemorations planned to coincide with the ending of their involvement in ordnance survey; the way in which the current staff will be treated; the way in which their record of service will be recorded; if a medal or other commemorative item will be established to mark this ending of an era; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11259/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

In accordance with the reorganisation of the Defence Forces, the Ordnance Survey Company was disestablished on 1 November 1998. Personnel of the former Ordnance Survey Company are now serving with the Logistics Battalion, 2nd Eastern Brigade, pending the phasing out of military involvement with Ordnance Survey Ireland. Of the 40 non-commissioned personnel serving in the Ordnance Survey Company, 28 have applied to the Civil Service Commission for appointment to Ordnance Survey Ireland. The remaining personnel comprising two officers and 12 non-commissioned personnel are being redeployed within the Defence Forces.

To mark the ending of military involvement with the Ordnance Survey Office, there will be a ceremonial parade on 6 May 1999, followed by a reception. The records of service of all members of the unit will be recorded, on their eventual certificates of discharge from the Defence Forces. The military authorities advise that a brief history of the Ordnance Survey Company has been compiled by a member of the unit.