Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 366: To ask the Minister for Defence the nature and outcome of any value for money audit carried out by his Department during the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25703/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is committed to carrying out four Value for Money reviews under the 2006-2008 Programme of Value for Money & Policy Reviews. The following Reviews have been completed and published in the past three years:

A review of Maintenance of Aircraft in the Air Corps was published in July 2006. The main finding was that the efficiency and effectiveness of aircraft maintenance was being compromised by the age and diversity of aircraft, which the Air Corps operated at the time. The ongoing investment programme in defence equipment has resulted in a reduction in Air Corps fleet diversity and improved parts availability through the adoption of "power by the hour" contracts. The ongoing infrastructure investment programme has seen improvements to the maintenance infrastructure. Other recommendations which focussed on organisational matters, have been considered and implemented where appropriate.

A review of Clothing Procurement in the Defence Forces was published in September 2007. The review has identified potential for increased efficiency and effectiveness in the clothing storage and distribution system. The military authorities are currently progressing plans to minimise stock holding levels and streamline the distribution system. In this context, three clothing stores, one in each Brigade (Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny; Dun Ui Mhaoiliosa, Renmore, Galway; and Aiken Barracks, Dundalk) have been closed and the personnel redeployed on other duties. Work is also progressing on reducing stock holdings.

A review of Naval Service Vessel Maintenance was published in March 2009. The review found that the vessel maintenance function is effectively supporting the patrol day requirement of the Naval Service and found a low incidence of lost patrol days due to unscheduled maintenance. The review has made recommendations aimed at improving the co-ordination of resource management. These recommendations are being progressed.

A review of Military Training Lands is ongoing and it is anticipated that this review will be finalised in the near future.