Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2007
804 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence when the value for money review on maintenance of aircraft was completed; the value of savings to the Exchequer generated by the implementation of the conclusions from this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33407/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Expenditure Review of maintenance of aircraft in the Air Corps was published in July 2006. The main findings of this review were that the efficiency and effectiveness of aircraft maintenance was being compromised by the age and diversity of the fleet that the Air Corps operated over the period of the review.
The ongoing investment in Defence equipment has resulted in significant modernisation of the Air Corps fleet and has resulted in reduced fleet diversity. Very significant improvements in logistical support for the modern aircraft types were put in place as part of the procurement contractual processes. Power by the Hour contracts are in place with Pilatus, Eurocopter, Agusta Westland, Learjet and McAlpines (for the Garda helicopters). These contracts improve the availability of spare parts for maintenance purposes. In two cases, Pilatus and Agusta Westland, the aircraft manufacturers have placed a consignment stock of spares in a bonded store at Baldonnel to maximise logistic efficiency.
The ongoing infrastructure investment programme has seen improvements to the maintenance infrastructure. Other recommendations which focused on organisational matters, have been considered and implemented where appropriate. It is anticipated that all these changes will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of aircraft maintenance in the Air Corps.
805 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence when the value for money review on the Defence Forces clothing programme was completed; the value of the savings to the Exchequer generated by the implementation of the conclusions from this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33408/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Value for Money Review of Clothing Procurement in the Defence Forces was published in September 2007. The review has identified potential for increased efficiency and effectiveness in the clothing storage and distribution system. An implementation group, tasked with drawing up a detailed implementation plan has been established. The anticipated improvement in inventory turnover ratios should decrease the volume of clothing stock on hand. However, it is vitally important to ensure that the Defence Forces clothing needs continue to be met. The optimisation of inventory levels and the clothing distribution system are inextricably linked to supplier performance and the implementation group will consider this factor in their deliberations.
806 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence when the value for money review of usage of military training land will be completed; the anticipated value of the savings to the Exchequer due to the implementation of the conclusions from this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33409/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Value for Money Review of the usage of military training land is scheduled for completion by end December 2008. As the review group have not completed their deliberations, I cannot comment on any potential value for money improvements that may arise.
807 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence when the value for money review of Naval Service of vessel maintenance will be completed; the anticipated value of the savings to the Exchequer due to the implementation of the conclusions from this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33410/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI anticipate that the Value for Money Review of Naval Service Vessel Maintenance will be completed by the end of March 2008. As the Review Group have not, as yet, completed their deliberations, I cannot comment on any potential value for money improvements that may arise.
