Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Sadly, the reality is that in order to pay currently the wages of the Defence Forces, of teachers, doctors and nurses, and of many others in the public service, we are dependent on two factors: first, complying with the EU-IMF agreement and reducing our borrowing requirements, and second, the continued receipt of money to make up the difference between what the State receives and spends. I have a definite obligation as Minister for Defence to ensure that funding is spent wisely; that we maximise the usefulness of the financial resources available to us; that we do not waste money to the detriment of taxpayers; and, as part and parcel of the review that is taking place, that the Department of Defence operates to the maximum efficiency. Indeed, the Department is the most efficient Department of all of the Departments of Government in the manner in which it applies resources. It is my obligation to ensure not only that that continues, but we make further improvements in that area.

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