Robert Troy
Question:203. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the savings made by his Department further to the decision to disband the 4th Field Artillery Regiment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3373/13]
View answerWednesday, 23 January 2013
Questions (203)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. Following that decision it was decided that it was not viable to retain a three brigade structure within a strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel and accordingly, a major re-organisation encompassing a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from three to two was undertaken. The major reorganisation to give effect to this decision is still ongoing.
This major reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Force will ensure that within the reduced strength, the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force is maintained. This is being achieved through the rationalising of headquarters, administrative and support functions and re-balancing force elements in favour of “front line” operational Units.
One such consequence of the reorganisation was the amalgamation of the 4th Field Artillery Regiment with the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, to be based in Custume Barracks, Athlone. As the process of reorganisation is still ongoing it is not possible to quantify the overall savings that will accrue into the future from the reduction from a three to two brigade structure and for which the disbandment of the 4th Field Artillery Regiment and its amalgamation with the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment is just one small element.