Vol. 556 No. 4
45 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the total savings achieved in his Department to date resulting from cutbacks and adjustments as announced in his review of Defence expenditures on 5 July 2002; the areas where cuts were effected; and the implications for the Defence Forces. [20664/02]
At this stage it is expected that the outturn of expenditure on the different subheads of the Defence Vote will show gross savings of €43.5 million, excess of €3.5 million and surplus appropriations-in-aid of €1 million, resulting in overall net savings. The main areas in which savings will be achieved are: compensation, €14.5 million; Air Corps, €14 million; and pay and allowances, €13 million.
The savings on compensation are due to the fact that the number of settlements of loss of hearing cases this year is less than had been anticipated. In that regard, the rate at which such cases are finalised is governed by variable factors which make it difficult to forecast the number of settlements.
The savings under the Air Corps subhead are mainly due to the decision announced by the Minister in July not to proceed with the tender competition for the purchase of medium lift helicopters.
The savings on pay and allowances are due to the rate of recruitment being less than anticipated and a reduction in the number of PDF personnel serving overseas consequent on the withdrawal from UNIFIL in 2001.
While the decision regarding medium lift helicopters was difficult and painful, the Minister is fully satisfied that the other ongoing programmes of investment in equipment and infrastructure, which are unprecedented in the history of the Defence Forces, will be maintained this year and in the years ahead.
Does the Minister of State agree that these cutbacks or adjustments, as they are sometimes called by her party, have seriously curtailed the operational efficiency of one of our most vital services, namely, that provided by the search and rescue corps, which has contributed to safety and to saving lives along our coasts, particularly the west coast? Is she aware that the International Transport Workers' Federation, which represents 600 unions and thousands of workers – seafarers and airline workers – has expressed great concern and disappointment, particularly in terms of the curtailment of expenditure on the purchase of helicopters? We find ourselves in the almost embarrassing position that we are not able to provide an adequate rescue service along our coasts.
Does the Minister of State believe it is correct that we should continue to rely on the RAF and its personnel and machinery to provide this sort of service in respect of incidents which occur either a medium or long distance off our coasts, particularly the west coast? Does she accept that this has had a demoralising effect on the Air Corps and on the search and rescue services in general?
The Minister is well aware of the acute disappointment felt by Air Corps personnel when the decision not to proceed with the purchase of the aircraft was announced. However, he is equally convinced that the Air Corps has an important, long-term future in the area of search and rescue. As the Deputy is aware, the Air Corps has a long and distinguished history in providing search and rescue services and will continue to play an integral role in this area in the future.
The lease of the Sikorsky S-61 helicopter by the Irish Coast Guard for the north-west, which will be flown by Air Corps pilots from early next year, is a sign of our commitment in this area. We aim to ensure that the Air Corps remains at the forefront and training is well advanced to ensure this happens. A later question deals specifically with the issue of helicopters, but I wish to inform the Deputy that a number of options are being considered in respect of PPPs, etc. However, I will address the matter in greater detail when we reach said question.
It is important that people realise that search and rescue activity is continuing and it is not as if people are being left in danger. The Irish Coast Guard, based at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, has overall responsibility for the provision of marine search and rescue services here. The Air Corps provides coverage off the north-west coast, while CHC Scotia Ltd., which is based in Scotland, is contracted to provide services for the rest of the country. We are fully committed to continuing the service and we appreciate the disappointment at the decision announced earlier this year.
I concur with the Minister of State in complimenting the personnel of the Air Corps, particularly in respect of the missions they undertake in what is often inclement and dangerous weather. We are all indebted to them, especially people living on the west coast. Air Corps personnel were greatly disappointed that the purchase did not proceed.
The second matter to which I refer involves hearing impairment claims and the early settlement scheme. Does the Minister of State agree that this early settlement scheme has been abandoned or terminated more in the interests of saving money than in the interests of those who have suffered injuries while in the service of the country?
At the end of October of this year, a total of 1,126 hearing impairment claims were settled compared to 2,728 settled during the same period last year. However, it is anticipated that approximately 2,000 claims will be finalised this year compared to the original estimate that 2,500 would be settled. There are a number of claims still outstanding, but the money being saved this year is due to the fact that court proceedings, settlements, etc., will not be completed by the end of the year.
