Vol. 480 No. 8
35 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence whether Price Waterhouse management consultants have been requested to carry out further work on the reviews of the Air Corps and Naval Service; if so, the revised terms of reference given to the consultants; the expected date of completion of the work by the consultants; whether he will publish the completed reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15172/97]
45 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence whether Price Waterhouse management consultants have been requested to carry out further work on the reviews of the Air Corps and Naval Service; if so, the revised terms of reference given to the consultants; the expected date of completion of the work by the consultants; whether he will publish the completed reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15170/97]
61 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence whether Price Waterhouse management consultants have been requested to carry out further work on the reviews of the Air Corps and Naval Service; if so, the revised terms of reference given to the consultants; the expected date of completion of the work by the consultants; whether he will publish the completed reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15171/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 45 and 61 together.
The Defence Forces Review — Implementation Plan, 1996-1998 provided for special studies to be carried out on the Air Corps and the Naval Service.
In July 1996, the efficiency audit group engaged Price Waterhouse Management Consultants to conduct the special studies into the Air Corps and the Naval Service. The consultants subsequently furnished a preliminary draft report to the EAG. Amongst other things the draft report highlighted those issues which required to be studied in greater detail and identified a number of new issues which required examination.
As a consequence, and rather than publishing a report which identified problems requiring further attention it was decided that the consultants should be asked to address these problems in their report. In this way, the study will be as comprehensive and well grounded as possible, and the resulting report will produce a definitive blueprint for the development of these services in the years ahead.
The consultants are due to report to the Efficiency Audit Group by mid-December 1997. It is my intention to publish this report at the earliest possible juncture.
37 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the role of the FCA can be redefined and enhanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15055/97]
60 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the way in which and when he proposes to redefine and enhance the role of the Air Corps, the Naval Service and the FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15158/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 60 together.
Work is at present under way on the preparation of a White Paper on defence policy. As part of that process all aspects of the work of the various elements which make up the Defence Forces will be examined.
Work is also about to commence on a review of the Reserve Defence Forces as part of the overall reorganisation and restructuring of the Defence Forces. This will provide an ideal process for the examination of the roles and functions of the different parts of the reserve and ensure that their organisation and structures are best suited to those tasks which they are required to undertake. As part of this review process members of the reserve have already been consulted for their views.
