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Defence Forces Strength.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2010

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Questions (15)

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

64 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if discussions have taken place with a view to any downsizing of the Defence Forces, the merging of brigades and other units of the Defence Forces; the nature of decisions taken; the nature of proposals made as to any restructuring; the predicted cost savings that would result from any mergers or downsizing; the implications for facilities needed by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9286/10]

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Oral answers (5 contributions)

The Defence Forces have improved in every respect since 2000 through the implementation of the White Paper. Arising from the White Paper on Defence, a modern well-equipped Defence Forces have been created capable of meeting the needs of Government and the public and ensuring value for money. The White Paper on Defence set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force as the strength sufficient to deliver on the roles laid down by Government for domestic operations and to provide a sufficient pool for rotation for overseas missions as well as maintaining sufficient depth across the required range of skills.

Notwithstanding the success of the White Paper, we are now in challenging times. The economic reality is such that the Defence Forces must contribute to the correction of the public finances. It is intended, with the support of the chief of staff and within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles. I am aware of the impact of the moratorium on the Permanent Defence Force, in particular in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Defence Forces at a level of 10,000 for all ranks, which I stated in a previous reply, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of the budget for 2010. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes.

Officials from the Department are continuing to engage with the military authorities in a review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces in light of the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 personnel. It is expected that this review will be completed in March. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment on the outcome of the review at this stage. Following on from this review, discussions will commence with the Department of Finance to agree an overall structure for the Defence Forces, which is sustainable within a figure of 10,000 serving personnel in the Permanent Defence Force.

I am glad to say that while these are challenging times, the Defence Forces have risen to the challenge and are organised, equipped and staffed in a manner which will ensure that they can continue to deliver the services required of them by Government. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and abroad.

I have been advised that there have been serious discussions — I do not know whether the Minister of State can confirm this — about further downsizing the Defence Forces in other words, downsizing them by stealth. If that happens might it lead to a reduction in the present number of brigades, namely, three, and to units within the Defence Forces? For example, I heard that the cavalry and artillery units will be merged. Can the Minister of State confirm that this will happen?

Regarding the merging of brigades and other units, a review of the organisation of the Defence Forces is timely. The numbers will be maintained at 10,000. A sustainable structure to match this strength will ensure a continuation of the current excellent level of service. As I stated already, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the outcome of the review which has not yet been completed.

Regarding possible closures or further downsizings, the closure of barracks and the consolidation of Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the 2009 White Paper on Defence. Four barracks were closed — Monaghan, Longford, Rockhill and Lifford. The Government has made no decision in regard to any other barracks nor are further closures under its active consideration at this time.

Has the Minister of State any information on the merging of units, for example, the cavalry and artillery units? Because the Defence Forces are being downsized it is obvious that new structures are needed. However, does this mean the Defence Forces will be able to recruit and appoint positions at officer level? Will they be given the freedom to do that?

The Government remains supportive of the Defence Forces and their personnel. The modernisation delivered by the defence organisation has been acknowledged. The defence organisation differs from other areas of the public service in having decreased in size. The Defence Forces remain modern and effective and it is intended to retain the operational capacity of the organisation across all its roles. At the same time, the defence organisation must contribute to the correction of the public finances.

I am aware of the impact that measures such as a moratorium on recruitment, promotion and acting appointments are having on the Defence Forces in the light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. However, the moratorium is a crucial part of the Government's approach to bringing public expenditure back into balance. In the light of the exaggerated impact of the measures on the Defence Forces, however, certain targeted exceptions are being sought to the measures. These limited exceptions are targeted at maintaining the operational capability and command arrangements of the Permanent Defence Forces. There has been very close consultation with the Chief of Staff at all stages.

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