28 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence the reasons for the long delay in publishing the Price Waterhouse report; and the status of the report. [12952/98]

29 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Defence the reasons for the long delay in publishing the Price Waterhouse report; and the status of the report. [12949/98]

48 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the reasons for the long delay in publishing the Price Waterhouse report; and the status of the report. [12951/98]

70 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the reasons for the long delay in publishing the Price Waterhouse report; and the status of the report. [12950/98]

113 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the reasons for the delay in publishing the Price Waterhouse report; and the status of the report. [13171/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 29, 48, 70 and 113 together.

31 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence the rate of progress of the implementation plan in the Defence Forces; when he will introduce the appropriate legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12933/98]

56 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence the rate of progress of the implementation plan in the Defence Forces; when he will introduce the appropriate legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12932/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 56 together.

The Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan, 1996-98 was adopted by Government in February 1996. The reorganisation process is ongoing and the first phase of the implementation plan should be completed by the end of 1998.

The implementation of the plan requires some amendment to the Defence Act, 1954, and the Government recently approved the heads of a Bill in this regard. The legislation to give effect to these amendments will be brought before this House later this year.