Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:148 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will set out the legislative and administrative priorities of his Department following his appointment as Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ministerial Policy.
The Government are committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the necessary personnel, equipment and training to enable them to fulfil their roles in contributing to the preservation of the security of the State, assisting the community in various ways and contributing to international peace. The thrust of my Department will be towards the implementation of these commitments.
In reply to questions on 20 February 1992 I referred to a study of the administrative systems and structures of the Defence Forces which is being undertaken by the efficiency audit group and indicated the position as regards consideration of the legislative implications in this area.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:149 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the precise actions he intends to take now to promote equality within his Department in general and in particular to promote qualified women to higher posts within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department are committed to implementing the equal opportunity policy and guidelines for the Civil Service which commit the Civil Service as an employer to ensuring conditions of service for staff which do not discriminate on grounds of sex or marital status and which promote full equality of opportunity between women and men to progress in their careers. The position in regard to internal promotions at all levels in my Department is that such promotions are made on the basis of suitability, irrespective or sex or marital status.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:150 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will define the new and existing responsibilities of the Minister of State within his Department following the recent changes in the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
No change is envisaged in the responsibilities of the Minister of State at my Department. The Minister of State provides general support and assistance to me as Minister for Defence. He is also a member of the Council of Defence established under the Defence Act, 1954, to aid and counsel me on all matters in relation to the business of the Department on which I may consult the council. In addition the Government, by order, delegates all the statutory powers and duties of the Minister for Defence regarding Civil Defence under the Air-Raid Precautions Acts, 1939 and 1946, to the Minister of State.
The Minister of State at the Department of Defence is also Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach.