Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Defence the pay to non-pay ratio in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32018/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The pay to non-pay ratio for Defence Forces expenditure in 2004 was 71:29. The PricewaterhouseCoopers review of the Defence Forces recommended that, in the case of a light infantry based military structure, the balance between pay and non-pay should be 70:30. In 1995, pay accounted for approximately 80% of military expenditure, leaving only 20% for all non-pay spending. Under the White Paper of 2000, the pay savings arising from a reduced Permanent Defence Force strength, together with the proceeds from property sales, were fully reinvested in equipment and facilities for the Defence Forces. As a result of these measures, the pay to non-pay ratio in recent years has been in line with the recommended level of 70:30.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Is the Minister's aim to keep the pay to non-pay ratio in the area of 70:30? Does he believe that to do this, it may be necessary to sell other Department of Defence assets or change the number of personnel in the Defence Forces? Does he believe he can keep the ratio by getting funding from the Minister for Finance?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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It is my intention to keep it at that ratio because it was the ratio recommended by PricewaterhouseCoopers and is generally accepted as being the proper ratio for a military organisation of the type we have in this country. Regarding selling property, we obviously do not have much property left to sell. If income from that source dries up, we must ensure that the Minister for Finance meets any shortfall. Deputy Timmins mentioned further reductions in the Defence Forces, which is not on. We have agreed that the absolute limit is 10,500 people, below which level it will not go.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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How do the pay scales of members of the Defence Forces compare with the pay scales of other EU member states? Are we up to scratch or falling behind?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I do not have exact information but my understanding is that, following improvements in the early 1990s, we are in line with other countries and are in a good position on the scale. I will get the information for the Deputy.