Gay Mitchell
Ceist:15 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether it is possible to obtain a Defence Forces establishment figure of 18,000; and whether such plans are underway in his Department.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Establishment Figure.
I consider that it would be possible to achieve the establishment figure for the Permanent Defence Force if it were necessary to do so. However, the current strength of the force is related to actual operational requirements and is maintained at the necessary level.
As has been indicated in this House on a number of occasions, the establishment figure is a notional one based on a theoretical structure. A review of the overall establishment figure by the military authorìtìes has been under way for some time with a view to arriving at a more realistic figure in line with actual requirements.
May I ask the Minister who decides what the actual operational requirements of the Defence Forces are? Second, in relation to the review currently underway do the Department of Finance have an input? Does the Minister expect one of the recommendations to be that the figure should be increased or decreased?
The disparity between the establishment figure and the current strength has constantly been portrayed as a shortage but that is not the case. As I said, the establishment figure is a notional one and bears no relationship to the number required to carry out the day-to-day activities of the Defence Forces. The present figure is considered to be adequate to meet present commitments.
Can the Minister tell us what criteria were used in arriving at the establishment figure? It makes no sense to have an establishment figure which bears no relationship to current strength. Would it not be far better to declare what the appropriate figure should be for the foreseeable future?
For the first time this afternoon I would be inclined to agree with the Deputy.
I am surprised.
A board of military personnel, chaired by the director of operations, was established in September 1990 to examine that matter. I expect them to make some recommendations.
Can the Minister tell us if any official of the Department of Finance is a member of that board and if they will have a say when a decision is being made on what the figure should be?
I do not think any official of the Department of Finance is a member; this is purely an operational matter.
Is it true that the Government decided last year to reduce the number of Permanent Defence Force personnel at the FCA barracks at Sliabh Mhuire by 25 per cent? When will this decrease take effect? Does the Minister have any plans to reduce the figure further next year?
That is a separate matter.