Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Defence the tangible results that have been delivered in his Department through the implementation of the Croke Park Agreement; the implementation plan in place in his Department to ensure reforms envisaged through this agreement are delivered on; if he is satisfied with the pace of reform in his Department and the agencies under his remit; the further reforms the taxpayer and Irish citizens may expect to witness in the running of his Department and its agencies through the public sector reform agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31575/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, detailed action plans have been developed by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to underpin the change and reform process envisaged by the Agreement. The Action Plans were first developed in October 2010 and later iterations of the Action Plans reflect the outcomes of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review and the Government's Public Service Reform Plan Action. The Action Plans are available on the Department's website at www.defence.ie. In accordance with Paragraph 1.16 of the Public Service Agreement, the Agreement's Implementation Body conducted its Second Annual Review of the savings and progress being achieved on implementing the Action Plans in each sector. The review period for this exercise was the 12 month period 1st April 2011 to 31 March 2012.

The Defence Sector Reports have now been published on the Implementation Body and Department websites. In this regard, a total of €16.4m has been saved by a range of measures in year two of the Plan including a significant reorganisation and restructuring of the Defence Forces within the reduced numbers and funding; redeployment of over 1,250 military personnel across the organisation; the closure of four barracks leading to an estimated efficiency gain of €5m, and additional annual savings of €1.3m in respect of utilities, security duty allowance and maintenance; and the introduction of merit based systems of promotion at all levels. In addition to savings achieved in the Defence sector, the Department also achieved savings of €2.2m in year two on the civil side of the Department through reduction in civilian employee staffing numbers, restructuring and changes in work practices.

The Department is fully committed at all levels to implementing the Croke Park Agreement, both as part of the Civil Service sector and in relation to the Defence sector. I can confirm for the Deputy that all officials, representative associations and unions in the Defence Sector are fully apprised of the crucial importance of delivery of all actions in our Action Plans. A high priority has been accorded to driving and monitoring the implementation of required savings and efficiencies. Specific measures planned for 2012 include high level proposals such as the extensive reorganisation of the Defence Forces to reduce the number of Brigades from three to two, the completion of the process of barrack closures and redeployment of personnel, and the implementation of a Medical Review to deliver more efficient medical services. These reforms are an ongoing collective challenge in the period ahead and will continue to be monitored by reference to the Defence Sector Action Plans.