To ask the Minister for Defence the administrative efficiencies he plans to put in place in the Defence Forces in 2011 in order to achieve the €3 million savings as outlined in the Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. DEPUTY DAVID STANTON
FOR WRITTEN ANSWER ON THURSDAY, 13th JANUARY, 2011
REPLY
Minister for Defence, (Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D.): In common with all areas of the public service, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will operate with reduced funding for 2011. The gross 2011 Estimate for Defence and Army Pensions combined is €933m, an overall reduction of 4% on the 2010 Estimate. Defence spending at €725m, including capital, will be reduced by €30m or 4%.
The administrative efficiencies of €3m in 2011, as outlined in Budget 2011, will be achieved chiefly through reduced employee numbers and related costs.
Expenditure in every area of Defence is being critically appraised. The priority now and into the future is to maintain the capability of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government.
