Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking these questions on behalf of the Minister for Defence who is out of the country. Each country pursues a defence policy that reflects its particular requirements and there can be significant differences in the proportion of funding that differing states allocate to defence. My colleague, the Minister for Defence, is committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces can continue to meet this State's defence policy requirements. The latest comparable figures obtained from the European Defence Agency show that Ireland's 2010 defence expenditure, including Army pensions, at 0.59% of GDP was the lowest of the six non-NATO EU member states. With regard to the other non-NATO EU members, the figures are as follows: Malta, 0.71%; Austria, 0.86%; Sweden, 1.23%; Finland, 1.50%; and Cyprus, 2.06%.

The current economic conditions have necessitated reductions in public sector expenditure in Ireland, including defence expenditure. Having regard to these resource constraints, the Minister has initiated a broad range of measures aimed at maintaining the operational capacity of the Defence Forces. Arising from the comprehensive review of expenditure, the Minister secured the agreement of Government to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, at 9,500 personnel. Within this strength ceiling, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces was initiated. This has prioritised operational capability and re-deployed PDF personnel from administrative and support tasks to operational units. A major re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force is also currently underway. In addition, equipment procurement continues to prioritise Defence Forces operational requirements. Together, these measures are ensuring that the Defence Forces remain fit for purpose. The Chief-of-Staff has confirmed that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all operational requirements at home and overseas.

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