I am very satisfied with the progress to date of the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan. Significant developments are taking place in the main areas addressed by it. The key focus in the plan is on creating the right organisation to deliver value for money military services which meet the needs of the Government and the public.
Following acceptance by the Government of the Efficiency Audit Group's report in July 1995 an implementation group prepared a fully costed implementation plan for phase 1 of the proposals. The first phase covers a period of three years 1996-8. This plan is essentially strategic in nature and sets out the parameters and objectives within which the reform of the Defence Forces will take place. The initial phase concentrates particularly on the reform of the Permanent Defence Force's structure and organisation.
Reforms are being implemented in a planned and sensitive manner with the full backing of the military authorities and ongoing consultation with the representative associations in accordance with the agreed system of representation. Since assuming office I listened to a range of views within the Defence Forces and I will be anxious to ensure the process of consultation and communication is as developed and inclusive as possible. The reform programme tackles in a positive way the many problems confronting our Defence Forces, for example, the high age profile, inadequate collective training, the extensive numbers working in civilian type jobs and the imbalance between pay and non-pay spending.
Work is at present under way to amend the Defence Act, 1954, to reorganise Defence Forces headquarters. The amendment will involve the abolition of the positions of adjutant-general and quartermaster-general and their replacement by two new appointments of deputy chief of staff. I hope to be in a position to bring the draft heads of the Bill to Government shortly. Simultaneously, work is also under way to amend Defence Forces Regulations where necessary to give effect to the new organisation.
With regard to personnel issues, moves have been made to address the age profile problem. A voluntary early retirement scheme commenced in 1996 when a total of 500 personnel availed of it. A further 735 members were granted voluntary early retirement this year. In tandem with the voluntary early retirement scheme a recruiting drive has taken place. A total of 46 cadets and 600 recruits were enlisted in 1997 and the recruitment of 17 apprentices is taking place.
The question of equipment and infrastructure are important elements of the development of the Defence Forces. The Government's commitment to continue a programme of major investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces has been proven. In the three years 1995-7 no less than £29 million was provided in infrastructural investment in military barracks generally. When the voluntary early retirement scheme is completed at the end of 1998 a substantial amount of savings from the reduced Defence payroll will be allocated for equipment and infrastructural purposes.
The reorganisation of the Defence Forces is developmental in nature. The Government is fully committed to ensuring the Defence Forces become a more effective and efficient organisation geared to deliver the required military and other Defence services in a value for money way. I am confident the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan is the process to make this happen.