Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Defence with regard to his previous statement that there is a broad consensus that the subsequent organisational changes have brought significant improvements to the Permanent Defence Force, the study that has taken place to underpin such a statement. [15765/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As I outlined in my answer to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question on 25th March, 2014, there is broad consensus that the organisational changes in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) have brought about significant improvements in the deployability and sustainability of the Defence Forces, while maintaining an all-arms versatile force both at home and overseas. Substantial change and reorganisation has been successfully carried out by the Defence Forces in the last three years. I am advised by the military authorities that the organisational changes have brought significant operational improvements to the PDF, thus ensuring that the Defence Forces organisational structures are configured to maximise capabilities. As such, the restructuring from a three to two Brigade structure, along with the closure of four barracks, removed the burden imposed by manning and maintaining unnecessary installations and freed up more personnel for operational front line duties. Larger formations allow for improved delivery of services and the continued maintenance of services required by Government.

Since my appointment as Minister for Defence I have visited barracks regularly as the opportunities presented themselves. I am very impressed by the quality and professionalism of the military personnel that I have met and how the men and women of the Defence Forces have risen to the challenge of change of modernisation. While no study has been completed, from my own experiences and engagement with Officers and Enlisted Personnel on the ground, both at home and on overseas missions, I am satisfied that the organisational changes in the Permanent Defence Force have brought positive improvements in terms of the deployability and sustainability of the PDF, while maintaining an all-arms versatile force both at home and overseas.