Vol. 519 No. 3
41 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the progress made with regard to the implementation of the provisions of the White Paper on Defence; if a timetable has been set for the implementation of the proposals; if there will be ongoing discussions with the representative associations regarding the implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13798/00]
I thank the Deputy for giving me this opportunity to inform the House of the latest position on implementation of the White Paper on Defence.
Implementation of the White Paper is moving ahead quickly and positively. The White Paper sets out a comprehensive strategy for the management and development of defence for the next decade. This Government has fulfilled its commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium to define a long-term strategy for defence. This strategy includes a major new investment programme of £250 million in equipment and infrastructure, ensuring we have a modern and sustainable defence organisation with the depth and flexibility to respond to future demands.
The most important element of the implementation of the White Paper is the organisation and resourcing of the Defence Forces. In accordance with paragraph 4.3.17 of the White Paper, I recently directed the Chief of Staff to draw up a draft implementation plan for my consideration and approval which will give effect to the organisational elements of the White Paper. I advised the Chief of Staff that I considered it important that the draft plan adopt a long-term view of the organisation of the Permanent Defence Forces to reflect the ten year time frame of the White Paper. The new organisation, as set out in the White Paper, will be based upon an overall PDF manpower which will not exceed 10,500 with the option of an additional 250 recruits in training. The plan should also provide for the maintenance of existing barracks and should be broadly consistent with the proposals on the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Forces set out in Chapter 5 of the White Paper.
In accordance with the ten year time frame for the White Paper, the draft plan will address the broad goals set out in paragraph 4.3.19 of the White Paper, namely: to provide a light infantry based force with an appropriate level of all-arms capability; to provide sufficient forces and capabilities to meet needs at home and to make a significant contribution abroad; to put in place a more cohesive and better equipped force than exists at present; and to provide significant additional resources for equipment and infrastructure broadly within the existing level of financial allocation. I have asked the Chief of Staff to submit a draft plan to me by the end of June 2000.
An important element of the White Paper is the reallocation of resources to improved equipment and infrastructure. I have already announced decisions on major new equipment programmes which are a key element of White Paper implementation. Air Corps capabilities will be augmented through a special £55 million investment programme over the next three years, with the procurement of new helicopters being given special priority.
Additional information
The Naval Service vessel replacement programme has already commenced with the planned acquisition of a second new state of the art offshore patrol vessel similar to the LE Róisín at a cost of some £20 million. In addition, I announced a multi-million pound investment programme for the Army, worth an estimated £25 million over the next three years. The package includes the purchase of light infantry tactical vehicles, modern effective anti-armour weapons, night vision equipment, engineer equipment and medical field equipment. This equipment will be of considerable benefit to the Army in carrying out its roles at home and overseas.
I have, therefore, announced investment in new equipment totalling at least £100 million in addition to the £40 million already set aside for the purchase of 40 armoured personnel carriers. Investment of this scale confirms that the White Paper represents a serious response by the Government to a sustained case advanced by the military authorities to develop the Defence Forces into a world class military organisation and we have allocated the funding that this ambitious project will require.
Other implementation initiatives and measures will be rolled out over time and I will keep the House informed of these as they arise.
The White Paper makes clear that consultation will take place. Communication is extremely important and I have sought to ensure that everyone is familiar with the White Paper and its contents. The major improvements announced in relation to equipment and infrastructure, I am sure, will be well known to people throughout the defence organisation and I am certain these are welcome. Other implementation initiatives will be proceeded with progressively to achieve the objectives of the White Paper and consultation will take place in accordance with the normal arrangements under the conciliation and arbitration scheme. A comprehensive agenda of items is contained in Chapter 4 of the White Paper in relation to the development of Defence Forces personnel and I am certain the representative associations will want to engage very quickly in these issues.
The overall objective must be to ensure the country has the Defence Forces it needs and that the Defence Forces continue to be an organisation in which people will be proud to serve.
Regarding the provision of helicopters and the additional ship for the Naval fleet, what liaison does the Minister envisage between the Defence Forces and the Garda in terms of the massive amount of drugs being brought into the country by sea? Every family is concerned about drugs and I wonder if the Minister is happy that once the proposals in the White Paper are implemented, we will have Naval and Air Corps personnel and equipment to meet the demands of constant patrolling of our shoreline to prevent the importation of drugs or the use of Ireland as a European cockpit for drug trafficking.
A primary concern in the White Paper was to ensure we had the flexibility for very significant investment in infrastructure and equipment so that personnel in the Navy and Air Corps would have available to them the most modern equipment and be able to carry out the duties which the Government may give them. It is important to remember in terms of the Navy, however, that its primary work is broadly concerned with fishery protection, though it has strongly supported the Revenue Commissioners and the Garda in drug interdictions. There have been a number of successful drugs seizures, something which will continue. Co-operation between the Air Corps and the Navy in surveillance and in supporting the Garda and Revenue is very important in ensuring we have the best possible resources to combat this terrible evil. I support the Deputy's contention that there is more work to be done.
We are in the process of acquiring the equipment I mentioned. Shortly, the high level procurement group will give me its recommendations regarding the type of aircraft which the Air Corps will require and the funds are in place for their acquisition. I have already signed a contract for a sister ship for the LE Róisín and we are also in the process of a major recruitment drive. Manpower policy and maintaining the level of personnel are important elements in the policy.
I cannot say everything is perfect as difficulties still exist, but we are putting in place new resources and there is a new will to combat the difficulties.
