I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2, 4, 106, 111, 112, 118, 119 and 126 together.
I will make three very important points. Any suggestion that the Defence Forces were not adequately consulted is without foundation. The White Paper on Defence provides for the most significant development of the Defence Forces ever undertaken. It sets out a general framework for an unprecedented additional investment initiative totalling £300 million over the next decade which will transform the Defence Forces into a world class military organisation. It proposes a very modest reduction in PDF strength which is necessary to develop an affordable, sustainable, world class military organisation.
I am glad to have another opportunity to make it absolutely clear that any suggestion that the Defence Forces were not adequately consulted is without foundation. On the contrary, the entire thrust of the White Paper is based on the Government's acceptance of the requirement for a major programme of capital investment put forward by the military authorities as their No. 1 priority. They have stressed this on a number of occasions. Although certain elements may claim there has been insufficient consultation, the reality is that consultation does not necessarily lead to full agreement. In essence, the fundamental principle is that decisions on the allocation of national resources are a matter for Government alone, not for the deliverers of any services provided by the State.
Since work on the White Paper commenced, I have emphasised the importance of the consultative element of the process. I was acutely aware that a topic of such fundamental importance as defence should be the subject of widespread consultation. To this end I directed that all of the key stakeholders, including the Departments of the Taoiseach, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Finance and Foreign Affairs as well as the military authorities, be given the opportunity to make their input to the White Paper. I also placed a notice in the national newspapers inviting submissions from members of the public. At the same time, I was very conscious of the need for balance to be maintained between consultation on the one hand and my duty as Minister in relation to the formation of defence policy on the other.
As soon as initial draft chapters were available, these were passed to the military authorities. Similarly, as soon as a full White Paper draft was available this was also passed to the military. The military authorities were invited to respond to each of these drafts, which were subsequently amended substantially following consideration of this feedback. Throughout the process every effort was made to accommodate the military views.
There is no foundation to the suggestion that civil servants alone drew up this White Paper without my input. My name is on every chapter. These are the same officials who supported me in my efforts to contain the avalanche of hearing impairment claims, which had the potential to put an end to any hopes of a reinvestment programme for the Defence Forces.
I have been asked about the Chief of Staff's recent visit with members of the Defence Forces, including the Army Ranger Wing serving with the International Force in East Timor. It is incorrect to claim that his visit to East Timor was cut short. The Chief of Staff's work in East Timor was completed. The decision not to proceed with the Australian component of his trip was his. Following his return, further discussions took place between senior civil and military management on the draft White Paper. The process of consultation is continuing and the military have been invited to provide further inputs prior to the submission of a final draft for the Government's consideration. I trust it is abundantly clear from what I have said that the claim that the Defence Forces were not given a sufficient input into the White Paper is based on a fundamentally mistaken view of the decision-making process.
Far from being excluded from the process, the White Paper represents a response by Government to a sustained case advanced by the Defence Forces for re-equipment. This case has been advanced to me, to the Taoiseach and to officials of my Department. The case for re-equipment is overwhelming and it has been accepted. However, the determination of national priorities in resource allocation is a matter exclusively for Government.
Government does not want a larger, under-equipped force, regardless of its appeal in certain quarters. The purpose of the White Paper is to specify Government's requirements; a more capable organisation with better equipment, enhanced training and regular recruitment.
All of the funds released will be available for re-equipping programmes in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps. It has been made clear that the Defence Forces will be provided with further additional funds for any extension of the ministerial air transport service and for the new Naval vessel.
The White Paper on Defence provides for the most significant development of the Defence Forces ever undertaken. The Government is committed to developing the Defence Forces into a world class military organisation and the White Paper sets out a general framework for an unprecedented investment drive.
The foundations for this process are already in place. The allocation of pay savings from the first phase reorganisation have facilitated, for example, the financing of the purchase of new armoured personnel carriers at a cost of £40 million. However, to build a world class military organisation, much more is needed. For many years, military personnel have sought a greater investment in equipment. Under the draft White Paper proposals, this requirements will be met.
The White Paper will include the following key measures: the first ever ten year programme which will see an additional £300 million invested in new equipment and infrastructure; new aircraft for the Air Corps as a matter of urgency; a second new ship for the Naval Service and the maintenance of a modern eight ship flotilla; the provision of continuous recruitment and stability in numbers never granted by any previous Administration; a streamlined organisation more relevant to future needs; and a complete reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force.
The proposed reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force is an important element of the overall White Paper strategy and will be based on the publication of an in-depth study recently completed and a phased consultative process.
I would also point out that there are not any proposals in the draft White Paper for any further barracks closures. A small reduction in personnel will, however, be required to release resources for reinvestment. However, through the use of more modern technology, civilianisation and better use of resources this can be absorbed. Overall, the capacity of the Defence Forces will be greatly enhanced. Restructuring of the Defence Forces will correct the imbalance in the pay:non-pay ratio and move towards the target ratio of 70:30. This will ensure the provision of a sustainable and affordable Defence Forces able to fulfil the roles laid down by the Government.
Undoubtedly the White Paper will present many challenges to the Defence Forces. However, substantial change and reorganisation has been successfully carried out by the Defence Forces in the past three years. The Government has every confidence that the Defence Forces will rise to meet the challenge of completing the necessary reform process.
Ultimately, the White Paper on Defence is a statement of the Government's policy on defence. Governments are elected to make decisions and must be free to make these decisions. In no area of the public service is policy determined exclusively by those whose task it will be to implement those decisions and policies. I have described the developmental nature of the White Paper and am confident that everyone who has the welfare of the Defence Forces at heart can see the necessity for the measures proposed in it. Each of these measures represents a significant and necessary step along the road of reform.
Given these facts, I am disappointed at the unrealistic and one-dimensional view of defence issues which has emanated from certain quarters. When the hyperbole is swept away, the criticism comes down to this proposition – give more money to the Defence Forces and everything will be all right. Here in the real world where important educational, health, social, economic or other public programmes catering for disadvantage would have to be cut back to provide this money, no provider of public services can reasonably expect to write his or her own budget. On the contrary, Government is obliged to set priorities and make difficult decisions.
I will bring my proposals on the White Paper on Defence to Government for consideration shortly. Once approved by the Government, consultations on the White Paper will take place with the Defence Forces representative associations in accordance with the normal system of representation.
As with all Government publications, the White Paper will be widely available following its publication.