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

The current defence policy framework was set out in the White Paper on Defence in 2000, as the Deputy knows. The capability decisions contained in that White Paper were based on a careful assessment of the defence and security environment and having regard to the roles the Defence Forces were required to undertake. Key capability decisions contained in the 2000 White Paper included the retention of a light infantry-based Army with a three-brigade structure and an all-arms capability, development of the Naval Service around a modern eight-ship flotilla, development of the Air Corps based on its then role profile and development of a re-organised Reserve Defence Force.

In the years following the economic collapse, the level of funding available for Defence has been reduced. In December 2011, following a comprehensive review of expenditure, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. This strength level was significantly higher than that which the previous Government’s national recovery plan would have necessitated. Within this 9,500 strength ceiling, the then organisational structures were no longer sustainable and I initiated a major reorganisation of the Defence Forces. The vast bulk of the reorganisation adjustment - 906 posts - was implemented within the Army. However, the impact on the Army’s capability was minimised as Army units were consolidated within a new more efficient two-brigade structure and personnel were redeployed from administrative and headquarters functions to operational units. The Air Corps and Naval Service establishments saw proportionately lesser reductions of 44 and 50 posts respectively.

On the equipment front, plans have been revised in accordance with operational priorities and the procurement of two new Naval Service vessels has been successfully managed within a constrained resource envelope. The first of these new ships is scheduled for delivery early next year, with the second ship due for delivery the following year. Other priorities in the Army and Air Corps are also being pursued in accordance with operational requirements.

All of these actions have ensured that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfil the roles assigned within the current policy framework. However, in order to ensure that defence policy continues to address emergent demands in the defence and security environment, we must periodically re-appraise our policy approach. As the Deputy knows, in July 2013, following Government approval, I launched a Green Paper on Defence. This initiated a consultative process that will inform the development of the White Paper.

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