Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2012
527 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Defence his plans to re-organise the Defence Forces and if he is relying on the content of the Price Waterhouse Report of 1994 regarding same; the consultation that has taken place in relation to his plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29515/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Price Waterhouse Review of the Defence Forces was completed in 1994. It set out a range of options for the organisation of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at differing strength levels. This did not include an option for a Permanent Defence Force strength of 9,500 personnel. Following the Price Waterhouse Review and the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan (1996), a three brigade structure was introduced for the Army within a reduced PDF strength ceiling of approximately 11,500. A three brigade structure was retained when the strength ceiling of the PDF was further reduced to 10,500 as part of the White Paper on Defence (2000).
Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the Government reduced the strength ceiling of the PDF to 9,500 personnel. In response to this reduced strength ceiling, I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces, both permanent and reserve. A three Brigade structure is no longer viable within a strength ceiling of 9,500 and the number of Army Brigades will be reduced from three to two. This re-organisation will ensure that, within the strength level of 9,500 PDF personnel, the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force is prioritised. A reduction in the number of Army Brigades will bolster the availability of operational personnel by reducing the numbers of military personnel assigned to administrative and support functions.
I tasked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for my consideration. I am relying on this work to inform decisions regarding the re-organisation, not the 1994 Price Waterhouse Review. The Representative Associations and other relevant stakeholders will be consulted on matters that fall within their remit when this work is complete.
