Vol. 503 No. 2
12 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Defence if he proposes to proceed with the reduction in numbers of personnel in the Air Corps to 930 all ranks, the transfer of personnel from Gormanston to Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, and the move of Air Corps headquarters from its present location in Park House to Baldonnel, without at the same time making arrangements for the modernisation of the aircraft fleet as recommended in the Price Waterhouse review. [9288/99]
21 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Defence the number of times the Price Waterhouse review group has met; the agenda and timetable for implementation of its recommendations; and if the implementation reports have been received from the Air Corps and Naval Service commanders. [9283/99]
32 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for the modernisation of the Air Corps fleet of aircraft as recommended by the Price Waterhouse review. [9293/99]
36 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to replace the aircraft fleet. [9267/99]
38 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to equip the Air Corps to carry out tactical airlift duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9204/99]
45 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the reports from the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, the GOC the Air Corps and the Flag Officer commanding the Naval Service; if he has received the implementation plans for them regarding the future needs of their service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9250/99]
50 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for the modernisation of the Air Corps fleet of aircraft as recommended by the Price Waterhouse review. [9294/99]
52 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his views on the long-term air and sea requirements of the State; the plans, if any, he is making to meet these requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9270/99]
66 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any he has to replace the Fouga Magister training aircrafts which have reached the end of their life and four of the six have already been retired. [9282/99]
69 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Defence the number of meetings held by the implementation group of the Price Waterhouse report. [9262/99]
72 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to implement in full the recommendations of the Price Waterhouse review; and, if so, the timescale for this implementation. [9289/99]
119 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the reports from the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, the GOC the Air Corps and the Flag Officer commanding the Naval Service; if he has received the implementation plans for them regarding the future needs of their service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9311/99]
130 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the number of meetings held of the implementation group of the Price Waterhouse report. [9322/99]
135 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to replace the aircraft fleet. [9327/99]
138 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence his views on the long-term air and sea requirements of the State; the plans, if any, he is making to meet these requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9330/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 21, 32, 36, 38, 45, 50, 52, 66, 69, 72, 119, 130, 135 and 138 together.
The Government considered the Price Waterhouse reviews of the Air Corps and the Naval Service in the middle of last year. A planning and implementation process has been set in train to give effect to the Government's decision. The reviews of the Air Corps and the Naval Service must be seen in the broader context of the reorganisation of the Defence Forces generally. The Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan made specific provision for the special studies of the Air Corps and the Naval Service on the basis that the initial Price Waterhouse review had necessarily concentrated on the Army. Price Waterhouse's 1998 report on the Air Corps and the Naval Service sets out a range of recommendations for more effective and efficient air and sea services. Some of these recommendations can be proceeded with fairly quickly while others will take longer. As with the reorganisation of the Defence Forces, the changes in the Air Corps and the Naval Service will be of a positive nature aimed at ensuring the ongoing development of these services consistent with the needs of the State and those of the taxpayer.
It is important that implementation of the recommendations is undertaken in a planned way having regard to the development of the Defence Forces as a whole. This is why I have asked the Chief of Staff in conjunction with the general officer commanding the Air Corps and the flag officer commanding the Naval Service to submit implementation plans for my consideration to give effect to the effectiveness and efficiency recommendations in the Price Waterhouse report. In parallel, and as part of the general White Paper process, I have asked the chief of staff for proposals to address the long-term air and sea requirements of the State. These proposals would form the basis of the longer term development of the Air Corps and Naval Service to complement the ongoing effectiveness and efficiency measures. I understand that a considerable amount of work has been done and I expect to receive draft proposals for my consideration in the near future. These proposals will include, inter alia, organisation, personnel, infrastructure and options in relation to future equipment for both services.
