Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

801. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated savings to the State since the standing down of the Fourth Western Brigade by the Government in 2012; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this decision may have had a negative impact on the overall morale in the Defence Forces; if consideration will be given to review this decision in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37315/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following a comprehensive review of expenditure carried out in 2011, the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) was stabilised at 9,500 personnel. It was clear from the review that the three brigade Army structure was no longer viable, particularly when compared to international norms.

Accordingly, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces 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. The re-organisation encompassed the consolidation of the three under-strength brigades into two full strength brigades. Key aspects of the re-organisation, which was introduced in 2012, 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.

The re-organisation has maintained the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to the greatest extent possible within the available resource envelope and has improved the deployability and sustainability of the Defence Forces, both at home and overseas. This remains a key focus for the future. It is important to note that the re-organisation did not reduce the numbers of PDF personnel serving in locations within the former 4th Western Brigade area and I am satisfied that a return to a three brigade structure would cause a range of unnecessary inefficiencies, such as an increased administrative burden arising from the need to reintroduce a layer of non-operational middle management, and a return to under-strength units.

The White Paper on Defence 2015 confirmed the Government’s commitment to retain a PDF strength of at least 9,500 personnel and the continued retention of the Army’s two Brigade structure.