Vol. 460 No. 8
3 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the findings of the Efficiency Audit Report, with particular reference to the £13 million allocated towards retirement; the immediate effect, if any, this will have on the closure of military barracks throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2210/96]
6 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for the military barracks located in the south east of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2075/96]
11 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Defence the intended location for the headquarters of the present 30th battalion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2076/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 3, 6 and 11 together.
Following the Government's consideration of the report of the Efficiency Audit Group on its study of the Defence Forces, an implementation group was established to draw up a development plan for the Defence Forces setting out the measures to be undertaken during the first three years of the reform process. The question of the location of individual units, battalions and their headquarters will be addressed in the context of the proposed reorganisation of the Defence Forces on foot of the report of the implementation group. I have yet to receive the report of this group, which I understand will be presented to me shortly.
In relation to the broader question of the location of units and how this will affect individual barracks, this is a longer term issue which will be progressed gradually during the course of the development plan. As I have said when the Government established the implementation group, any changes under the reorganisation plan will be undertaken in a planned and sensitive manner. On the general issue of barrack plans I can only reiterate what I said before, that the Government decision of July 1995 made no provision for the closure of barracks.
The announcement by the Minister for Finance that he was providing £13 million towards a voluntary early retirement package was made in the context of the expenditure Estimates for 1996. It is my intention to submit to Government definite proposals for such a scheme, shortly.
I compliment the Minister for deciding to recruit an additional 1,000 people to the Defence Forces. The Army will appreciate this move and it will raise its morale.
The main part of my question cannot be answered because the Minister does not yet have the report in his possession. However, will a similar amount of money be allocated in next year's budget to continue the process of retirement from the Army?
I was pleased the Government decided to proceed with the voluntary early retirement scheme and this, as I have already said, will be phased over a three to four year period, which will mean an annual commitment to give the moneys required to phase out those who have applied for the scheme.
As part of the restructuring of the Defence Forces, the numbers will be set at 11,500 people. There are currently around 12,800 people in the Defence Forces. While it is important to address the age profile problem, it is also not good enough to remove people without replacing them. The voluntary early retirement scheme will apply to approximately 2,300 members. Another 1,000 people will be taken in, which will reduce the serving figure to 11,500 people. This will also address the age profile problem.
As the Deputy is aware, it is always difficult to anticipate how many people will apply to a voluntary early retirement scheme. Indications suggest there is a fair level of interest but we will not know for certain until the details are published. Those currently serving in the Defence Forces will have an opportunity to assess their situations.
Having decided on a major restructuring of the Defence Forces, the first in any real sense since the foundation of the State, I am anxious that we proceed with the plan, which was initiated with the EAG in 1988 when the idea of looking at various Government Departments came up. Now that we have decided on this, it should be done in a positive, constructive and planned way.
I am heartened by the assistance from the military authorities and the representative associations, which have actively played their parts in looking at new structures and in making proposals, suggestions etc. When I get the report, I will consider it carefully and present it to Government for approval. If the Government approves the plan, I imagine it will also give a commitment to the ongoing funding of the voluntary early retirement scheme.
How long will it take to recruit these people?
As I said yesterday, it will be done during the first phase, which is between three to four years. As people retire, other will be brought in to replace them.
The time available for dealing with priority questions is exhausted.
Excuse me, a Cheann Comhairle.
Please resume your seat, Deputy.
On a point of order, Sir.
The Deputy has interrupted me in my remarks. This is most unruly. In accordance with the new procedures of the House. I will now proceed to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 in ordinary time.
As far as I was aware, Priority Question Time lasts for 20 minutes. It is now 3 p.m., which is 30 minutes after the session began. I tabled two questions.
The Deputy may not make a speech at this time.
Am I not allowed to ask a supplementary question?
I share Minister's priority time in a fair and impartial way. Revised Standing Orders permit me to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 in ordinary time.
I wanted to ask the Minister specific questions. It appears he wants to avoid answering them.
The Deputy will find another opportunity to do so.
I have no problem in answering any questions from the Deputy.
The Minister has not answered either of my questions.
Both Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats spokespersons on defence, Deputy Smith and Deputy Clohessy, are entitled to a comprehensive answer if they ask a question on behalf of their parties.
Am I not entitled to an answer?
If the Deputy has a problem with his party, it is of no concern to me.
The Minister does not want to answer my questions.
We should not waste precious time but proceed to Question No. 4.
