Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A range of savings measures that were introduced in the years immediately following the onset of the economic downturn in 2008 led to a reduction in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force. Following a comprehensive review of expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel.

The three Brigade structure had originally been designed in the 1990s, when the strength ceiling of the PDF was 11,500 personnel. Clearly, at a strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel, this structure was no longer viable.

A major reorganisation of the Defence Forces was initiated which resulted moving from a three brigade structure to a two brigade structure. This reorganisation was implemented in order to ensure that the Defence Forces could operate efficiently and effectively within the revised strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel and was not focused on achieving savings.

Key aspects of the reorganisation included the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength Units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational Units.

I have comprehensively and conclusively answered this question on a number of occasions. The reorganisation has ensured that the PDF can continue to operate efficiently and effectively within a strength level of 9,500 PDF personnel. I am satisfied that the current structures optimise the capacity of the Permanent Defence Force to deliver the required operational outputs, within the available resources.