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Defence Forces Strength

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Ceisteanna (333)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

333. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the strength and structure of the Defence Forces; if such proposals will be in accord with other similar forces throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40133/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which reported at the end of 2011, I secured the agreement of the Government to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. However, at this strength ceiling, the organisational structures that had been in place for a strength ceiling of 11,500 personnel were no longer viable. Accordingly, I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces. In July of this year, I accepted the proposals submitted jointly by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and the Chief of Staff which recommended a re-organisation of Defence Forces units based on a two Brigade structure. The implementation of the re-organisation has commenced and all personnel in the Permanent Defence Force have now been briefed on the re-organisation proposals.

The new structure will continue to support the inter-operability of the Defence Forces with other military forces on peace support operations. I am committed to maintaining the capacity of the Permanent Defence Force in order to ensure that the organisation can continue to fulfil all roles assigned both at home and overseas. The current re-organisation is part of that process.

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