Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the projected increase in fuel costs for the forthcoming year for the Defence Force in view of the increases in travel that will result from the reduction in manpower; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54705/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The gravity of the current economic difficulties means that all areas of the public sector must deliver greater efficiencies and operate within a reduced resource envelope. In that regard, all elements of the Defence organisation’s expenditure have been critically reviewed in order to reflect the current financial climate. Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. A major reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve is ongoing and this will ensure that within the reduced strength, the operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces is maintained. This is being achieved through the rationalising of headquarters, administrative and support functions and re-balancing force elements in favour of “front line” operational Units.

While the reorganisation means that certain units are being disbanded, amalgamated or relocated, it maintains, as far as possible, the existing organisational strengths within the current locations.

Given the complexity of the reorganisation process and the associated logistics to be managed by the Defence Forces, it is too early to say as to whether there will be an increase or decrease in fuel costs. This will only be evident when the full reorganisation is in place for a reasonable period. To that end, I am advised that the Defence Forces are in the process of collating data on transportation costs with a view to determining the net costs involved.