Dinny McGinley
Ceist:125 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the implications for both personnel and barrack use within the various commands in view of the restructuring of the Army. [22730/98]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Review.
The restructuring and reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Forces is proceeding in accordance with the recommendations of the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan which was approved by Government in March 1996. On 1 October 1998 Defence Forces headquarters was established in the Department of Defence and replaces the three military branches that had existed in the Department. The Army component of the Permanent Defence Force was reorganised on 1 November 1998 and now comprises three Army brigades, a Defence Forces training centre, two logistics bases and some other elements such as the Army Equitation School.
It is to be expected that the reorganisation of the Defence Forces will have some implications for the membership in the same way that restructuring and/or reorganisation in any organisation in the public or private sector has implications for the staff of such organisation. However, in the Defence Forces every effort will be made to ensure a minimum number of personnel will be inconvenienced as little as possible by the ongoing reorganisation. With regard to the deployment of personnel, it is envisaged that, as far as possible, all personnel will be facilitated to the greatest extent possible.
Six military barracks were selected for closure which has resulted in units and personnel stationed in these barracks being relocated to the nearest barracks. No further barrack closures are under consideration.