John Perry
Ceist:38 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence the response, if any, he has to the recent report on Army morale published by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers. [4814/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Morale.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:77 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence his views on the recent survey prepared by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers which showed that morale within the Army's Officer Corps is at an all time low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4788/98]
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:100 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, he intends to take to restore morale and confidence in the Defence Forces in view of the current undermining of confidence and the detrimental media coverage. [4810/98]
Nora Owen
Ceist:101 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Defence his views on the low morale among members of the Defence Forces; the plans, if any, he has to improve morale; and if he will meet their representatives to discuss this issue. [4859/98]
Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:140 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence his assessment of the current state of the morale of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4867/98]
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:190 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence his views on low morale among members of the Defence Forces; the plans, if any, he has to improve morale; and if he will meet their representatives to discuss this issue. [5225/98]
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:198 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence his assessment of the current state of the morale of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5233/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 77, 100, 101, 140, 190 and 198 together.
As indicated in the questions, the survey in question was carried out on behalf of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers and as such the results which were obtained are essentially a matter for the association. RACO has, however, done me the courtesy of drawing the survey results to my attention.
The Defence Forces are going through an enormous reform process, the need for which is accepted by all. The current restructuring programme cuts across all areas of military life and there will inevitably be major changes as the new organisation comes into operation. While I believe that the implementation plan is essentially sound, a degree of change such as this naturally engenders a certain degree of anxiety while the organisation is in transition. The members of RACO occupy the senior and middle management ranks of the Defence Forces and they have a right and duty to be concerned about the morale and image of their organisation. I am concerned that comments in the media regarding claims for hearing damage should not take away from the well deserved reputation of members of the Defence Forces who have served the State so well over the years.