The roles of the Defence Forces were revised in 1993 and I have no proposals to alter these. In July of this year the Government announced its response to the report of the Efficiency Audit Group (EAG) on its review of the Defence Forces and published a document detailing the EAG report and setting out the Government's approach to the reorganisation. This report followed a lengthy analysis and consultative process on all aspects of the organisation of the Defence Forces. The report was prepared on the basis of the revised roles of the Defence Forces.
The Government indicated that it accepted the general thrust of the EAG report. It was also stated that an implementation group would be established to draw up detailed and fully costed proposals to implement a first phase plan covering the next three years. This plan would be based on the reorganisation of the Defence Forces on the basis of a three brigade structure with a manpower level of around 11,500. The Government also stated that the reduction in manpower would be achieved through a voluntary early retirement scheme which would be one element in the overall plan to be formulated by the implementation group.
The measures to be introduced are important and represent a positive development for the Defence Forces. The Government's objective is a properly structured, well equipped Defence Forces capable of meeting their roles in the most efficient and effective way. The Government also recognises that it is important that the Defence Forces provide a challenging and rewarding career for all personnel in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps and that the management, organisation and operation of the Defence Forces are in accordance with best practice. The changes required will involve very significant reorganisation of existing structures over the next three years. This change will be undertaken at a realistic pace.
As regards consultation, the Government has stressed that a consultative approach would be adopted in relation to the reorganisation proposals. In this regard a special sub-committee of the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme has been established and an on-going process of consultation has already begun with the Defence Forces Representative Associations in relation to the reorganisation. I also understand that the implementation group and the Review Civil-Military Co-ordination Group have met with the Defence Forces Representative Associations on a number of occasions.
As I have stated, the Government has established an implementation group to draw up a detailed plan for the reorganisation. The implementation group will be reporting later this year and no decisions have been taken or will be taken until this plan has been considered by the Government. The House will be kept fully informed of developments.