26 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the Gleeson Commission Report recommendation that a joint strategic management group for the Defence Forces, comprising senior military and Civil Service management, he proposes to activate the Council of Defence or introduce a new body.

Steps have been taken to establish a strategic management committee in the Department which will subsume certain pre-existing management group arrangements. The Council of Defence is a separate body which is provided for by statute, under section 11 of the Defence Act, 1954.

Does the Tánaiste accept fully the concepts contained in the report of integrating civilian and military organisation and administration within the Defence Forces? Will he accept that this has certainly been a source of major and unnecessary duplication and expense within the Defence Forces heretofore?

I agree that what we are doing is the right thing in this case. We should have a joint management operation between the civil and military side.

A joint operation is one thing. Are we talking about the same integrated scheme?

We are, yes.

Are we talking about integrating fully the two parallel organisations that exist?

Yes, that is what I meant.

Will the Tánaiste indicate whether that proposal has been discussed or has he got agreement between the civil and military sides as to their views on it?

It is being done. I agree with it in principle and I have directed that the mechanics of it be presented to me. It is a great principle and it is being worked out at the moment.