Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank my colleague, Deputy McFadden, for raising an issue of great concern to her. The defence organisation has an enviable track record of reform and modernisation. During the past decade when public service expenditure and employment levels increased, defence expenditure declined in real terms and personnel numbers decreased. During this period Defence Forces' capabilities were also progressively improved and the Defence Forces have become partners of choice in international peace support operations. The Defence Forces continue to deliver a broad range of operational outputs on a day-to-day basis, many of which are not to the forefront of the public's awareness.

It is the Government's intention that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to fulfil all of the assigned roles to the greatest possible extent. Arising from the comprehensive review of expenditure, the Government has decided to maintain the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces at 9,500 personnel. This represents a reduction in the authorised strength ceiling and will contribute to the delivery of sustainable savings over the coming years.

In response to the revised strength ceiling of 9,500, a major reorganisation of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force, has been initiated. This will encompass a reduction in the number of Army brigades from the current three to two. The primary focus of the reorganisation is to free up the maximum number of military personnel from administrative and support tasks. In short, the reorganisation is about maintaining operational outputs and capabilities to best effect within a reduced strength.

This task is a significant undertaking. It is one which will be regarded in years to come as a significant milestone in the history of the Defence Forces. A range of alternative approaches must be considered. I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for my consideration. This will include proposals regarding territorial areas of responsibility. It will also include proposals relating to the Reserve Defence Force which is currently organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force.

I am aware that there will be many competing views as to the best way to reorganise the Defence Forces and this will evoke passionate debate. However, I have not issued directions to the chief of staff and the Secretary General, and I do not intend to do so at this stage, which will limit their scope to bring forward a range of options. The Deputy will appreciate that in advance of receipt and consideration of proposals from them, I will not be in a position to answer detailed questions. However, I can confirm that further barrack closures are not envisaged as part of this process. I also want to state clearly that there will be no loss of employment. Once again, I re-emphasise the Government's commitment to retain the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at existing levels.

The level of resourcing available to the Government over the coming years will present further challenges and every part of the public service will have to continue to deliver greater efficiencies. The preservation of the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel is a clear recognition by Government of the significant modernisation that has been achieved by the Defence organisation throughout the past decade. However, it is vital that we continue to strive for further improvements. The reorganisation of the Defence Forces is an integral element of this reform and will ensure that the Defence Forces maximise their operational outputs within the reduced resource envelope.

I look forward to working closely with the chief of staff and the Secretary General in furthering the re-organisation and the broader reform agenda. I hope this reform agenda will have the support of all sides of this House in the interests of the Defence Forces and in the interests of ensuring their operational capability and continued excellence in the manner in which they serve this State.

See this speech in context