Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Administration.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

86 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the progress which has been made regarding the commitment given in An Action Programme for the Millennium to enhance the efficiency of the Defence Forces by delegating all day to day administration from his Department to the branches of the Defence Forces themselves; the specific areas of administration so delegated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30645/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Major progress has been made in the delegation of day to day administration from the Department to the Defence Forces.

As regards the delegation of financial authority the current position is that, excluding pay and compensation from the Defence Forces element of the Defence Estimate, over £113 million or 57% of the non-pay element has been delegated in 2001 covering the following areas: Permanent Defence Force allowances; Reserve Defence Force – grants to unit funds; aircraft equipment; military transport; ships and naval equipment; barrack expenses and engineering equipment; buildings; ordnance clothing and catering; communications and IT; military training; travel and freight services; medical expenses; equitation; and part of the miscellaneous subhead.

In addition, the day to day administration of recruitment to the Defence Forces was delegated to the chief of staff earlier this year as was responsibility for expenditure in connection with the costs associated with the ministerial air transport service.

Finally, responsibility for administrative arrangements connected with the engagement of the Defence Forces bands by civilian organisations has now been transferred to the Defence Forces Army School of Music.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 72.