Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his words of welcome. I look forward to working with him in this brief and wish him continued success in his role. Am I to take it from his reply that the 2012 budget for the Department of Defence is running behind target? Is that why we are faced with making savings? Will savings accrue from the initiative? Will the Minister clarify whether he engaged in a cost-benefit analysis process? Am I correct in understanding no discussions took place with the representative bodies before the announcement was made? Why was that the case? When one is dealing with representative bodies which are constructive in their approach and can demonstrate goodwill towards the Government, it is a mistake, at the very least, not to engage with them. I urge the Minister to retrospectively rectify the matter.

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