I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 9, 25, 53 and 91 together.
I refer the Deputies to replies to questions on 31 October and 4 December 1991. The advice of the Attorney General has been sought as to the legislative implications of the report on my Department which was submitted to the Taoiseach by the Efficiency Audit Group last year. As indicated to the House on 31 October 1991 a study is under way of the administrative systems and structures in the Defence Forces. Implementation of the report's recommendations will be pursued in the light of the outcome of that study as well as legislative amendments deemed necessary.
The Defence Forces have had substantial areas of financial management delegated to them, details of which were supplied to the House on 4 December last. These include: Defence Forces allowances of the order of £16 million per annum; local contracts for Engineer Services up to £4,000 per annum per officer; and local military commanders may draw down on running contracts for components and spare parts for vehicles, local repairs of vehicles, solid fuel, petrol, oils, food items, aircraft spares, charts, laundry and dry cleaning and disposal of unserviceable tyres, waste oil etc., placed by my Department.
In addition, proposals are at an advanced stage to increase delegation in relation to the placing of local contracts by military officers.
I am advised that the administration of the Defence Forces in New Zealand was examined by the Efficiency Audit Group in the context of the scrutiny of my Department; the administration of the Defence Forces in Switzerland was not.