Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Review.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

35 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the reason he issued an instruction to the Naval Service to relocate its headquarters from Dublin to Cork in advance of the implementation of key structural changes in the Defence Forces as recommended in the Price Waterhouse report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26189/99]

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

60 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the implementation plans for the Naval Service and Air Corps; and, if so, the way in which he will act on these. [26286/99]

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

70 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Defence when he will implement a plan for the future of the Naval Service and Air Corps; the proposed timetable for the investment in these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26303/99]

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

85 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the implementation of the Price Waterhouse report on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26192/99]

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

106 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence when he will begin the implementation plans for the Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26444/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 60, 70, 85 and 106 together.

The 1998 Price Waterhouse report on the Air Corps and the Naval Service set out a range of recommendations for more effective and efficient air and sea services. Some of these recommendations could be proceeded with fairly quickly while others would take longer to implement. It is important that the recommendations be implemented in a structured and coherent way that contributes to the overall development of the Defence Forces.

The relocation of Air Corps and Naval Service headquarters to Casement Aerodrome and Haulbowline, County Cork, respectively, was a key recommendation of the Price Waterhouse report. I considered it essential that these moves be implemented and I directed that they take place as quickly as possible. These relocations are entirely logical and sensible and are in accordance with the principles of good management practice. They provide a vital support element for the broad manpower and organisational recommendations upon which plans are being developed Furthermore, they provide concrete evidence of my commitment to implementing the VFM and efficiency recommendations in the Price Waterhouse report.

The relocation of Naval Service headquarters to Haulbowline, County Cork was completed early last month and the military authorities have advised me that that the Air Corps headquarters will be relocated to Casement Aerodrome early next year.

In October 1998, I directed the chief of staff to arrange for the general officer commanding the Air Corps and the flag officer commanding the Naval Service to submit implementation plans that would give effect to the effectiveness and efficiency recommendations in the Price Waterhouse report. Draft implementation plans for both services were submitted to me in the last few weeks. Both plans require full and careful consideration and they are currently being examined in detail in my Department.

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 the taxpayer. The broader development of both services will be dealt with in the context of the White Paper on Defence which presents a positive opportunity to develop the Defence Forces for the long-term. Work on the White Paper will be completed by year end and I intend to bring forward my proposals immediately for consideration and approval by the Government.

Investment in both services has of course continued during the White Paper process and considerable sums have been expended under the Defence Vote on weapons, ammunition, transport, communications and equipment for the Air Corps and Naval Service.

Accommodation requirements at Casement Aerodrome are the subject of ongoing review, particularly in light of the need to cater for personnel in the Air Corps headquarters and at Gormanston who are due to relocate to Casement. Contracts amounting to £3.4 million have been completed at Casement Aerodrome since 1996 and this year, projects with an estimated final cost of over £5 million have commenced.

About £22.5 million will be spent on Naval Service equipment this year including £11.5 million in respect of the fishery protection vessel. This new vessel, which cost a total of £22.5 million, will be commissioned into the Naval Service on Wednesday, 15 December 1999 and will become operational immediately thereafter. Consideration is currently being given to the question of the purchase of an additional fishery protection vessel, similar toLE Róisín, as a replacement for the LE Deirdre which has completed almost 28 years in use to date and is approaching the end of its economic service life.