Written answers

Wednesday, 1 February 2017

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Personnel

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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343. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his proposals to compensate members of the Permanent Defence Forces that have been transferred to other military installations and that incur substantial costs in travelling to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4912/17]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The re-organisation of the Defence Forces, finalised in October 2012, resulted in a fundamental re-structuring of Army Formations and Units across the country including the closure of a number of operational posts. This was undertaken in order to enhance operational readiness and deployability, while reducing the number of personnel involved in administration. This re-organisation led to a re-configuration of the Defence Forces operational processes, from a garrison-based system to a more flexible, deployable system that makes more efficient use of all resources, including personnel.

All members of the Defence Forces reassigned under the Defence Forces Reorganisation Plan 2012 were entitled to Change of Station Allowance in circumstances where they meet the qualifying criteria. The Defence Forces Personnel Support Service had a representative in every Barrack or Installation to which personnel were being reassigned and these individuals are in a position, using both internal and external resources to provide the necessary supports to the redeploying personnel and their families if applicable, as was previously provided during Barrack closures and redeployments.

While functions moved between locations under the reorganisation, every effort was made to limit to relocation of personnel from their existing locations, insofar as was practicable. The movement and transfer of Officers across locations throughout the country has always been and will continue to be a feature of an Officer's career, which is essential to their career and experiential development within the Defence Forces. I am advised by the military authorities that every effort is made to limit the disruption to personnel and to relocate personnel closer to home as opportunities arise. I understand that the military authority authorities take due consideration of personnel circumstances where possible.

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