Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Defence if he accepts the need to maintain the strength, standard of equipment and readiness of the Defence Forces at all times notwithstanding financial curtailments arising from the EU-IMF bailout and having particular regard to the reliance on the Defence Forces in cases of emergency, natural disasters or terrorist activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25043/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by the Government both at home and overseas, as clearly evidenced by the numbers currently overseas, as detailed in response to earlier questions.

As I seem to be saying repetitively this afternoon, the Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of expenditure and my Department has submitted a report as part of that process. The report sets out in clear terms the options available to the Government with regard to defence funding. The outcome of the comprehensive review of expenditure will determine the future resource envelope available to the Department of Defence. The Deputy will appreciate that as this is an ongoing deliberative process, I am not at liberty to discuss the detail of my Department's submission at this time.

I note the Deputy's point about the wide range of roles assigned to the Defence Forces. In many states military capabilities are retained solely for national defence contingencies or overseas missions. In Ireland the Permanent Defence Force is also utilised on an ongoing basis to provide a broad range of security and other services. The outputs of the defence organisation form an integral part of a multidimensional defence, security and support framework. This framework encompasses the outputs of other organisations such as my other Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and An Garda Síochána. This approach maximises the utility the State accrues from the Defence Forces.

The defence organisation has a proven track record of successful reform and modernisation. For more than a decade reform has been driven internally, following a series of external reviews in the 1990s. This modernisation agenda has resulted in all elements of the defence organisation downsizing. In contrast to the general trend in the public service, defence expenditure decreased in real terms in the period from 2002. This period also saw a rebalancing of defence expenditure with investment in new equipment and infrastructure, which is of substantial importance to ensure the Defences Forces are fully able to meet all of their obligations and commitments.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. He has indicated there have been repeated questions from Members in this respect. Does he accept that in times of economic difficulty there was always a tendency for the Defence Forces to become victims of financial constraints? Given the reliance on them in the past 12 months, in particular, does the Minister agree that it is imperative that we ensure we retain the maximum level of equipment and personnel in order to provide the civil authorities with the necessary backup, as required, whether in assisting the fire fighting service in flood relief work or in attending to any of the many and varied duties they have been called upon to carry out?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I hope the Deputy will not take anything more from my responding "Yes" to what he said. I agree with what he said. It is important we maintain the capabilities of the Defence Forces, the numbers for which are close to 9,500, to reflect the numbers in the 1970s. It is important to ensure we can meet our international obligations and that the Defence Forces can adequately respond to assist the civil power, where necessary, in the context of the broad range of activities in which they engage such as those mentioned by Deputy Naughten, including assisting in dealing with the impact of climatic conditions that create unexpected emergencies. The Defence Forces play a role, for example, in security matters in Portlaoise Prison. They also perform a broad range of roles domestically, not all of which the public would necessarily be aware of. My challenge in the years ahead will be to sustain their capabilities within the reduced resource envelope generally available to the Government. I agree with Deputy Durkan's statement that it is important that we do so. It is my task to try to achieve this and I would appreciate support from all Members of the House in being successful in that task.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for his extended reply. I welcome his commitment to ensure the Defence Forces are kept at maximum strength and have the maximum level of required equipment. He can be assured of the support of Members of the House, particularly those of us who come from a constituency with a military tradition. If he requires the assistance of Members across the House during the course of any discussions that might take place on budgetary matters, I ask that he call on us.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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We are not normally that shy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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He will find us most willing.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I will allow Deputy Stanton to ask a brief question.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister comment on the strength and state of readiness of the Naval Service which performs many of its functions over the horizon in increasingly difficult and dangerous conditions? Will he comment on the extension of the maritime economic zone and the extra responsibilities being given to the Naval Service, in particular, and the need for it to have the best of resources because it operates in very dangerous conditions?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As I said on 31 August, there are 1,005 personnel within the Naval Service. I would have mentioned in a reply to Deputy Calleary that, in the context of possible additional recruitment this year, I envisaged that a portion would apply to the Naval Service. I am conscious of its obligations and extended jurisdiction or remit. It is important that we bear this in mind in addressing the issue of the number of personnel available to it to carry out its duties.