Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department has quantified savings accruing from budgetary, administrative or operational changes made in each of the past two years; the effect on budget on an ongoing basis in the future; if he can take any steps to address any negative impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48728/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Gross Provision for the Defence Vote (36) has reduced from €756m in 2010 to €727m in 2011 and €688m in 2012, representing a reduction of €68m over the two year period. These reductions followed on the significant reductions achieved over previous years on this Vote. Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the Government’s decision to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel has resulted in sustainable pay savings as reflected in the figures above. In addition, there were reductions in the number of Civilian Employees and Civil Servants employed.

I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces in order to maximise the operational capabilities of the PDF within the revised strength level. The organisational structures that were in place for a PDF strength of approximately 11,500 personnel were clearly outmoded and no longer fit for purpose. In July this year, I accepted the Chief of Staff and Secretary General’s recommendation regarding new PDF structures and announced the details. Implementation of these revised organisational structures is ongoing.

Measures to reduce costs and deliver greater efficiencies over the past three years have also included a further rationalisation and consolidation of the Defence property portfolio. Regarding the recent closure of the four military barracks - Clonmel, Cavan, Mullingar and Castlebar - military personnel occupied on security and support functions within these installations have been released for operational duties leading to a manpower efficiency gain of around €5 million p.a. In addition, there are direct cash savings of approximately €1.3m per annum arising from utilities, maintenance and security duty allowances in the four barracks. Despite the reductions in funding, a key focus has been the prioritisation and maintenance of PDF operational capacity in order to ensure that the PDF retain the capacity to fulfil all roles assigned.