Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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15. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent the strength of the Defence Forces at all levels remains sufficient to meet any and or all requirements of a security nature now and in the future; if provision continues to be made for emergency situations which might arise in the event of a natural disaster or a threat of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1201/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In common with all areas of the public sector, the priority in recent years has been to ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all operational requirements within a reduced resource envelope. Arising from the comprehensive review of expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. Resulting from the revised strength ceiling, a major re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force was initiated. Key aspects of the reorganisation included the consolidation of three under-strength Army Brigades into two full strength Brigades, the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated redeployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units.

All of these measures have ensured that the Permanent Defence Force continues to deliver required operational outputs for all approved Aid to the Civil Power and approved Aid to the Civil Authority requests. The Permanent Defence Force also continues to meet Government requirements for overseas peace support operations. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment is also available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises.

Looking to the future, a new White Paper on Defence is currently being prepared. This will set out the Defence policy framework for the next decade having regard to an assessment of the future security environment. The identification of future capability priorities is also a key part of the ongoing process.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfil all roles assigned by the Government.