Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Defence if the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and his Secretary General have submitted proposals to him in relation to the reorganisation of the Defence Forces; when he will publish details of this reorganisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6941/12]

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has received a report on the reorganisation of the Defence Forces from the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of his Department; if further barrack closures are inevitable in view of his plan to reduce the number of Army brigades from three to two; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6942/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.

Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the Government decided to revise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force to 9,500 personnel. This represents a reduction of 500 in the authorised strength ceiling and will contribute to the delivery of sustainable savings over the coming years. In response to this reduced strength ceiling, I initiated a major reorganisation of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force. This will encompass a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from the current three to two. A three-brigade organisational structure has been retained since the strength of the PDF was approximately 11,500 in the 1990s. A three-brigade structure is no longer viable due to the reduction in the PDF strength ceiling from 10,000 to 9,500. Accordingly, the reorganisation process is about ensuring organisational structures are fit for purpose. It will prioritise the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force. Recent barrack closures have further rationalised the barrack infrastructure. I want to confirm, once again, that no further barrack closures are envisaged as part of the reorganisation process. I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for my consideration. This will include proposals regarding territorial areas of responsibility. This task is a significant undertaking. I understand that this work will take some months to complete. The Deputy will appreciate that in advance of my receipt and subsequent consideration of the proposals, I will not be commenting on potential future organisational matters.