Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the representative organisations about the implications for morale of the ban on promotions within the Defence Forces; the steps he ill take to counter same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17772/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The savings measures on public service numbers were introduced by the Government on 27 March as part of the response to the current unprecedented economic challenges. I am sensitive to the career aspirations of the many excellent members of the Permanent Defence Force. I understand that the impact of the moratorium will lead to disappointment. However, it must be set against the dramatic deterioration in the economic environment and the action being taken in response.

The Defence Forces have improved in every respect since 2000 through the implementation of the White Paper. This represents a significant public service success story. The organisation is in a healthy state both in terms of personnel and equipment. I intend, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organization to operate effectively across all roles. This will represent a significant challenge in the coming years and I will work closely with the Chief of Staff in meeting it. The men and women of the Defence Forces have over the years risen admirably to that challenge of change and modernisation. They are now being asked along with other Public Servants to rise to this particular challenge. I have no doubt that they will do so with the same sense of public service they have displayed in the past.