Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

As part of the comprehensive review of expenditure, the Government decided to implement a revised Permanent Defence Force strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel. In response to this decision, I initiated a major reorganisation of the Defence Forces. This will ensure that the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force is prioritised.

The reorganisation will encompass a reduction in the number of Army brigades from the current three to two and will include the Reserve Defence Force. This fundamental reorganisation of the Defence Forces is a significant undertaking, and there is a range of options that must be considered. As I have previously stated, I have requested the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to introduce detailed proposals for my consideration. These will include proposals on territorial areas of responsibility. The Secretary General and the Chief of Staff have initiated work on this and will keep me informed of developments on an ongoing basis. I understand this work will take some months to complete.

I am aware that there are many parties interested in the outcome of the reorganisation. However, in advance of my receiving a final report and recommendations, I will not pre-empt the ongoing work by commenting on potential future organisational matters. The representative associations and other relevant stakeholders will be consulted on matters that fall within their remit when options for the reorganised structure are considered and the likely impacts are known.

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