Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Defence if the course of his discussions with senior military personnel, agreement has been reached on the future optimum strength of the Defence Forces, permanent and reserve; the degree to which provision for training and upgrading in terms of facilities, equipment and procedures is being provided for in such a context; if he will ensure that the need for a strong, reliable and well equipped Defence Force now and in the future is provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30035/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects to be in a position to maintain the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps at the various regional locations throughout the country for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30233/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 133 together.

Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the Government decided to reduce the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) to 9,500 personnel. In response to this reduced strength ceiling, I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces, both permanent and reserve. The re-organisation will ensure that, within the strength level of 9,500 PDF personnel, the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force is prioritised. I have tasked the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to bring forward detailed proposals for my consideration. Work is ongoing in this regard.

I am advised that military training techniques are kept up to date. Defence Forces training plans are specifically structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them by Government. The challenges of preparing military units for participation in international peace support operations is a major element of Defence Forces collective training. The primary focus of this training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, look to whatever efficiencies we can make. We must take into account the current difficult economic environment. This will determine the overall financial envelope available for the Department for the acquisition of new military equipment and for upgrading and refurbishment programmes over the coming years. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability to meet all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.

A particular focus is in ensuring that modern and effective equipment is available for overseas peace support operations. In this regard, the personal equipment which the individual soldier has at his/her disposal in Lebanon and on other overseas missions compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other countries. I am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including equipment and training resources, enables the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.