Defence Forces Operations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Questions (495)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

495. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the changes that have been made to the Defence Forces in the past five years; the changes he envisages in the Defence Forces role working alongside An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25323/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The priority in recent years has been to ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all operational requirements within a reduced resource envelope. This has entailed a number of significant measures which includes further rationalisation of Army Barracks and the recent re-organisation of the Defence Forces, both Permanent and Reserve. Arising from the comprehensive review of expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. Resulting from the revised strength ceiling, a major re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force was initiated. Key aspects of the reorganisation included the consolidation of three under-strength Army Brigades into two full strength Brigades, the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units.

A major reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was implemented in 2013. The RDF is now organised alongside the Permanent Defence Force within a more efficient single force structure.

A White Paper on Defence is due to be completed and submitted to Government for approval later this year. Working Groups comprising of civil and military representatives are considering future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet projected future operational requirements, including requirements to aid the civil power. This work will underpin recommendations regarding defence provision for the next decade. I do not intend to pre-empt or second guess the outcome of the White Paper at this stage.