Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his address to the recent annual conference of Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Organisation; his proposals to keep defence spending under review [38107/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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On Tuesday, 5 October 2010, I addressed the Annual Delegate Conference of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA). I sought to make my address relevant, positive and informative. I commenced by paying tribute to former Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Dermot Earley. He was a man who displayed exceptional leadership qualities, an extraordinary devotion to duty and unwavering commitment and professionalism over his many years of service in the Defence Force.

I addressed such diverse issues as the Defence Force's continuing commitment to overseas service, investment in infrastructure and equipment and career opportunities. I also addressed the current economic climate and I stated that we are charting our way through the most challenging of economic circumstances, both globally and at home.

The main focus of Government is on the economic challenges facing the country and our citizens. In managing the current major contraction of the Irish economy the Government is required to take stringent measures, which impact on every citizen of this State. These decisions are imperative and necessary if we are to chart our way successfully to a more sustainable future.

The present financial situation precludes the Government from providing the level of resources that were available to the Defence Forces in previous years and this is in line with the broader public service. It is necessary to keep under review all aspects of our Defence expenditure while still maintaining the core capability of the Defence Forces. Comprehensive reform of the Defence Forces and an extensive investment programme over the last decade has ensured that the organisation is in a healthy state to maintain outputs within a reduced budgetary provision.

I commended the delegates for their continuing delivery of high quality public service in the face of very necessary restrictions in terms of personnel and resources. I continue to work with officials from the Department of Defence, the military authorities and my colleague the Minister for Finance to ensure that Defence spending provides the best possible value for money.

The Deputy's interest in my speech is appreciated and it can be accessed from the Department of Defence website www.defence.ie.