Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the personnel support services in the Defence Forces; the number of social workers employed; the outstanding posts that need to be filled; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that for more than 12 months the social work service is awaiting the appointment of a new head social worker; if he is satisfied that this post will be appointed this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6798/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Personnel Support Service (PSS) is a confidential information, education, support and referral service, designed to give Defence Forces personnel access to information and services both from within and outside of the military community. It is a key element of human resource management. There is a PSS office in every major installation in the Defence Forces. The current establishment for the Defence Forces Personnel Support Services is one head Social Worker and one social worker per Brigade/Formation. In addition, each Brigade/Formation has a civilian Defence Forces Social Worker whose tasks are to provide assistance (preventative and curative) and support to service personnel and their families where required.

The military authorities have advised that the previous holder of the post of Head Social Worker retired voluntarily in August 2011 and that his replacement will commence work on 21 March 2012. Given that the PSS is a key element of Human Resource management, an interim arrangement, which involves the previous post holder covering the position on a part time contract basis has been put in place to cover the period until the new Head Social Worker take up their post in March.

With the exception of the Air Corps a social worker is in place in all Brigades/Formations. Cover for the Air Corps is currently being provided by the former Head Social Worker. I am advised that the PSS staff are professional and experienced in dealing with the many issues that arise.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of staff within the engineering corps of the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6894/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force Corps of Engineers was 323 on 31 December 2011, the latest date for which figures are available. The distribution of these personnel is contained in the table.

The Corps of Engineers provides engineering and combat support to the Defence Forces in operations at home and abroad. The Corps also provides education and training for operations at home and abroad.

The roles of the Corps of Engineers may be summarised as follows:

To provide Engineer support as part of the Infantry Brigade to defend against armed aggression.

To provide Engineer support in Aid to the Civil Power with emphasis on specialist search.

To provide Engineer support in Aid to the Civil Authorities on the occasion of natural or other disasters, and assistance in connection with the maintenance of essential services.

To provide Engineer support in European Union and United Nations missions.

To maintain and upgrade Army, Air Corps and Naval Service assets, such as buildings, services, lands, ranges.