Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Feb 1996

Vol. 460 No. 8

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Personnel.

Máirín Quill

Ceist:

9 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Defence the long-term plans, if any, he has regarding the future of army personnel in view of the lack of provisions being made for recruitment within the Defence Forces; and the recruitment that is envisaged to the Defence Forces. [2152/96]

Helen Keogh

Ceist:

10 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Defence the current average age of serving soldiers, NCOs and officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2153/96]

Seán Power

Ceist:

14 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence his views on the urgent need for recruitment to the Defence Forces to begin immediately; and when progress can be expected in this regard. [2073/96]

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

17 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Defence the long-term plans, if any, he has regarding the future of army personnel in view of the lack of provisions being made for recruitment within the Defence Forces; and the recruitment that is envisaged to the Defence Forces. [2151/96]

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

75 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the total personnel employed in the Defence Forces; if he will give a breakdown of the personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2201/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 10, 14, 17 and 75 together.

In July 1995 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.

The Government indicated that they 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 Permanent Defence Forces on the basis of a three brigade structure with a total manpower level of 11,500. The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 30 November 1995 was 12,770 made up as follows: Army, 10,608; Air Corps, 1,098; Naval Service, 1,064.

One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the Efficiency Audit Group was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile. At present the average age of Permanent Defence Force personnel is as follows: Privates, 33 years; Non-Commissioned Officers, 36 years; Commissioned Officers, 38 years.

The required reduction in the manpower level to 11,500 over the three years of the first phase plan and the lowering of the age profile, will be achieved by means of a voluntary early retirement scheme combined with a programme of recruitment of young personnel.

In view of the importance which I attach to the lowering of the age profile, I propose that there will be an intake of 1,000 recruits over the next three years, commencing in 1996.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

12 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the number of servicemen and women from outside the EU training with the Irish Defence Forces; the arrangements, if any, there are for such persons to bring members of their families to live with them; the plans, if any, he has to improve these arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2155/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The only foreign military personnel currently undergoing training with the Irish Defence Forces comprise ten Zambian nationals, who are attending a cadet course in the Curragh. The full-time residential course which commenced on 2 October 1995 is of approximately 21 months' duration.

The question of these cadets bringing members of their families to live with them during their training has not arisen.