Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

We have made significant progress on the modernisation of the Army generally. There are no less than 17 commitments in the action plan. We are far advanced in respect of some and not as advanced as we would like to be in respect of others. Needless to say, considerable progress has been made.

Outside the context of the action plan, modernisation continues, virtually on a weekly basis. Meetings take place weekly between the representative associations and the military on specific matters.

On split garrisons and the other matters about which Deputy Deenihan asked, no proposals have been forwarded by management or the representative associations as yet. With the benefit of hindsight, it is felt the commitment may have been made in too broad a manner in the final action plan to provide an effective framework for discussion on specific issues. Instead, it has served very effectively to set the tone of the discussion for the remaining 16 commitments in the action plan, on some of which we have made considerable progress.

On the recruitment of women, Deputy Deenihan will be aware that we reduced the height requirement from 5 ft. 4 in. to 5 ft. 2 in. This increased the pool of women available to approximately 90% of all women. We have also undertaken some research and the Chief of Staff will make some recommendations on its outcome. The results of the research were quite positive in many ways. Some 75% of women expressed satisfaction with Army life and up to 80% stated they were extremely happy. Their experience was good. A number of specific recommendations were made on how we recruit, including the means of advertisement and the setting up of recruitment stands. I am awaiting specific proposals in this regard from the Chief of Staff and when I receive them I will take action.

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