Defence Vote Group
Commentary

Overview:
The proposals submitted by the Department of Defence identified measures totalling €21.4m which would be required to manage within its approved pre-Budget Estimate. These comprised an expected slower rate of recruitment to the Permanent Defence Forces and of civilian employees attached to Units, an expected reduction in the numbers serving overseas, the deferment of some planned purchases of Defensive Equipment and the cancellation of the tender competition for medium lift helicopters.

The Committee noted, however, that the proposals did not provide for costs of some €5m in respect of certain EU funded fishery protection projects and implementation of the Management Information Framework.

The Committee identified additional measures which had the potential to generate a further €20m, after allowing for the €5m addition referred to above. Implementation of all these proposals would result in an allocation of €864m.

Additional comments:
Proceeds from Sale of Surplus Property - The Committee also recommends that for 2003 and future years estimated receipts (€38m in 2003) from sales of surplus property should be included as Appropriation in Aid receipts in the Department’s Estimates. Departmental spending should be explicitly linked, inter alia, to the receipt of these Appropriations in Aid, i.e. if, for whatever reason, they do not materialize in 2003, then the Department’s estimated spending must be reduced accordingly.

Numbers - While the Committee recognises that the February 2000 White Paper on Defence provided for an authorised strength of 10,500 plus 250 recruits in training, the Committee considers that there may be a case for reviewing this in the light of current defence, security and economic circumstances.