79 Mr. Mulvihill asked the Minister for Defence whether he intends to include a non-commissioned officer on the special review body that is being established to review the operation of the Naval Service. [10041/96]

A major reform of the Defence Forces based on the report of the Efficiency Audit Group is now taking place. On 5 February last the Government approved the plan drawn up by the Implementation Group which was established to prepare a fully costed three year implementation plan covering phase 1 of this reform process.

The plan makes provision for special studies of both the Air Corps and the Naval Service. These studies will be carried out by the Efficiency Audit Group. I understand the Efficiency Audit Group invited tenders recently from management consultants to assist them with the reviews. The final composition of the study group will be decided by the Efficiency Audit Group.