Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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423. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which savings throughout the Defence Forces in line with targets have been achieved in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29320/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The gross expenditure outturn position for Defence (Vote 36) from 2008 to 2012 is as follows:

Defence (Vote 36) – Gross Outturn 2008 to 2012

The outturn figures show a saving of €223m in the period from 2008 to 2012. This represents a saving of some 25% from the 2008 position. The current economic conditions have necessitated reductions in public sector expenditure in Ireland, including Defence expenditure. Having regard to these resource constraints, I have initiated a broad range of measures aimed at maintaining the operational capacity of the Defence Forces.

Following a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, I have secured the agreement of Government to accept my recommendation 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. In addition, equipment procurement continues to prioritise Defence Forces operational requirements. This has all been achieved within the reduced resource envelope allocated to Defence. The Chief of Staff has confirmed that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all operational requirements, at home and overseas.