Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Defence the proportion of GDP was spent on the Defence Forces in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1979/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The level of expenditure on Defence in any particular country is influenced by a variety of factors, including that country's political and security environment, its history, demography and economy. Gross expenditure under the Defence and Army Pensions Votes in 2009 was €1,019m. This represents 0.6% of estimated GDP for 2009 (as outlined in the Stability Programme Update of December 2009).

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost saving and value for money measures being undertaken in the Defence Forces and in his Department apart from those outlined in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1911/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Organisation is widely recognised as a model of public sector reform. The report of the Special Group on Public Sector Numbers and Expenditure Programmes clearly highlights the fact that the Defence Organisation was unique in the public sector, having downsized over the period from 2001. The downsizing arising from the White Paper on Defence (2000) and previous modernisation initiatives has reduced numbers of civil servants, military personnel and civilian employees across the Defence Organisation. The focus has been on ensuring a fit for purpose Defence Organisation, which maximises value for money.

This modernisation agenda has engendered a culture of continuous improvement in the Defence Organisation. Opportunities to reduce expenditure and enhance value for money are constantly sought. The procurement of goods and services is in line with best practice and where possible, opportunities to aggregate the procurement of goods or services with other Departments are actively pursued. The property portfolio has undergone significant rationalisation over recent years and a value for money review of military training lands is ongoing and due to be completed shortly. A value for money review of the Reserve Defence Force is commencing and is scheduled for completion in 2010.

There is ongoing critical analysis of business processes within my Department and the Defence Forces and I am confident that where a requirement for change is identified, it will be quickly implemented. Maximising value for money remains a key priority for my Department and the Defence Forces.