Written Answers. - White Paper on Defence.
Michael Bell
Question:
68
Mr. Bell
asked the
Minister for Defence
when the Council of Defence last met; the plans, if any, he has to convene a meeting of the council to discuss the White Paper on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4515/00]
Liam Burke
Question:
92
Mr. L. Burke
asked the
Minister for Defence
the reason he is proposing to abolish the Council of Defence; and his views on the structures which are suitable.
[4621/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 92 together.
Section 11 of the Defence Act, 1954 makes provision for the Council of Defence which is chaired by the Minister for Defence and comprises the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, the secretary general of the Department, the Chief of Staff and the two Deputy Chiefs of Staff.
The council's origins lie in the early years of the State. Its purpose at that time was to provide a structured forum for the provision of advice to the Minister. However, as the concerns of that era have faded into history, the council has quite naturally fallen into disuse. It has convened only once in the past 25 years. In the normal course of the business of the Department of Defence the Minister meets individually or jointly with his senior civil and military officials as part of ongoing administration, management and decision-making in relation to defence matters. These arrangements have meant that the Council of Defence has become redundant. That is why I will propose to Government that the council be abolished as part of the White Paper process.
The management structures of the Department of Defence have changed substantially in recent years. In 1996, the Department's Strategic Management Committee was established. In 1998, the practice of having three senior officers reporting separately to the Minister came to an end when the Defence Act was amended to replace the appointments of adjutant general and quartermaster general by two deputy chief of staff appointments.
The Strategic Management Committee provides an important forum for the discussion of all major policy issues. It is chaired by the Secretary General and its other members are the Chief of Staff, the two Deputy Chiefs of Staff and the two assistant secretaries of the Department. The general officer commanding the Air Corps and the flag officer commanding the Naval Service also attend in respect of items affecting their services.
Under the draft White Paper, it is envisaged that the role of the SMC will be enhanced by means of a greater emphasis on strategic planning and on policy formulation and review.
A more proactive role for the SMC will help to maintain a shared understanding of the policy objectives facing the Defence organisation with a view to ensuring that the Minister has the best possible advice available to him.
