Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013

Thursday, 7 February 2013

Ceisteanna (39)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he is satisfied that the savings to date achieved in his Department in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding he inherited from his predecessors are sufficient to meet the requirements as specified, if he is assured that the procedures so far adopted do not interfere with the efficacy, reliability and capability of the Defence Forces, his views that adequate resources remain available to his Department to ensure an ability to meet national or international requirements and or responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6128/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The required savings of recent years, in both pay and non-pay, have necessitated a flexible and adaptive approach from the Defence Organisation. A key focus has been the prioritisation and maintenance of Permanent Defence Force operational capacity in order to ensure that the Permanent Defence Force retain the capacity to fulfil all roles assigned. All elements of Defence expenditure were examined for the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in 2011. In response to these resource constraints, the Defence organisation has undertaken further significant reorganisation and reform. These changes will ensure that the Defence Forces organisational structures are configured to maximise required capabilities. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.