Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the very serious economic crisis the country is experiencing, all elements of defence expenditure have been critically reviewed to deliver savings. In this context, initiatives such as the re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force are an essential step in ensuring operational capabilities are maintained and all assigned roles continue to be fulfilled.

I am aware there has been some dissatisfaction expressed regarding the perceived impact of certain required changes on particular localities or individuals. However, it would be ironic if initiatives such as the re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force or barrack closures were presented as being a threat to the security of the State when, in fact, these actions are required to ensure the Defence Forces can operate efficiently and effectively. A threat would only arise if an outmoded organisational structure or inefficient networks of barrack infrastructure had been allowed to remain.

The recent re-organisation proposals were framed in the context of a defence and security environment assessment, which was published earlier this year in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2011-2014. I have been advised by the Chief of Staff that the implementation of the re-organisation will ensure the Permanent Defence Force can continue to meet all operational requirements at home and overseas.

As Minister for Defence I am committed to maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to carry out the full range of tasks assigned to them, whether by Government or by request from An Garda Síochána, including explosive ordnance disposal, provision of cash and prisoner escorts, provision of security at Portlaoise Prison and Government Buildings, the support provided by the Air Corps to the Garda air support unit, and Naval Service engagement in the joint task force on drug interdiction.

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