Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Defence the way Ireland's defence expenditure as a share of GDP compares with other EU nations; his optimum target for such expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13266/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Each country pursues a Defence policy that reflects its particular requirements and there can be significant differences in the proportion of funding that differing States allocate to Defence. I am committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces can continue to meet this State's defence policy requirements. The latest comparable figures obtained from the European Defence Agency (EDA) show that Ireland’s 2010 Defence expenditure, including Army Pensions, at 0.59% of GDP, was the second lowest across the participating EU member states. Luxembourg at 0.48% had the lowest percentage with the United Kingdom at 2.56% having the highest. The average figure for Defence spending in 2010 across participating EU member states was 1.61% of GDP. Ireland has the lowest percentage of Defence expenditure as a share of GDP among the six EU countries not in NATO.

The current economic conditions have necessitated reductions in public sector expenditure in Ireland, including Defence expenditure. Having regard to these resource constraints, I initiated a broad range of measures aimed at maintaining the operational capacity of the Defence Forces.

Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, I secured the agreement of Government agreed to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. Within this strength ceiling, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces was initiated. This has prioritised operational capability and re-deployed PDF personnel from administrative and support tasks to operational Units. A major re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force is also currently underway. In addition, equipment procurement continues to prioritise Defence Forces operational requirements.

Together, these measures are ensuring that the Defence Forces remain fit for purpose. The Chief of Staff has confirmed that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all operational requirements, at home and overseas.