DOCSLIB.ORG

Commission on the Defence Forces Public Consultation Response Template

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Commission on the Defence Forces Public Consultation Response Template Commission on the Defence Forces Public Consultation Response Template 1. Capabilities – In this regard, you may wish to consider future integrated capability development and the planning and delivery requirements to support a joint force approach in terms of new equipment, professional military education and training, maintenance and development of infrastructure, developments in military doctrine, and transformative concepts, including specialist capabilities, that prepare and support the Defence Forces for future operations. Hi, this is just a quick brief of my back ground within the Defence Forces to date, My name is from the 27th Infantry Battalion, A-Coy, Dundalk, Co. Louth. I have being in the Defence Forces since joining up since 2008. I did my training with 5th Battalion in Gormanstown Co. Meath and was sent to serve in 5th Infantry Battalion SP, COY, McKee Barracks, Dublin. I served three years in Dublin during this time I served on my first overseas mission 102nd to CHAD Africa. On my return I was granted an intercompany posting back to 5th BN B-Coy which I was based in Gormanstown. I served a further 6 years here. During this time the RE-ORG happened in the Defence Forces. Gormanstown had being now changed to 27 INF BN B-Coy. I then took a career (8 months leave) break to travel. On returning from this I went and done the PNCO’s course in the 2 BTC which is based in the Cathal Burragh Barracks, Dublin. On the passing of that course I then transferred up to serve in 27 INF BN Sp-Coy. During my time in SP-Coy I took a work placement offered to me to work back in McKee barracks in the Gym. I done this for four months. On my return to Dundalk I was promoted into A-coy. I am now currently serving overseas on my second mission with the 62nd INF, GP, UNDOF, where I am serving as a Section Commander in the rank as a Corporal. I will just highlight what I gather what I feel you guys could look into, also have a discussion about and give you a few key points from what I feel would make the Defence Forces a better working environment. Doctrine: As of what I have seen over my time more as a Corporal rather than a Private, the Doctrine is very much outdated and is more based on the trouble days and mostly relates back to the early 70’s/80’s. This should be looked at and updated the likes of DFDM-L2. Development of Infrastructure: To my knowledge this is ongoing and some barracks are to a high standard and some then to a very low one. This needs to be looked at with more of an onus’s of each UNIT but falls on what they always say, funding. 2. Structures – In this regard, you may wish to consider the most effective high-level Command and Control (C2) structures within the Defence Forces to ensure an agile and balanced approach that can function across all domains at home and overseas. Additionally, you may wish to address appropriate future force structures for the Army (including its brigade structure), the Air Corps, and the Naval Service, individually as component services and collectively as part of an integrated joint force approach. Furthermore, you may wish to address the changing nature of reservists, which presents an opportunity for the Reserve Defence Force to further integrate and support the Permanent Defence Force through the provision of enhanced collective and specialist capability across all domains. Structure: Since the Re-Org has happened, a lot of troops has being shifted around the island. Some units disbanded and some units strengthened. For me the Re-Org didn’t really affect me in my living requirements as I have just bought my first home last year. But for some people this would of being/ is still meaning a 2hr drive to and from there place of work. That said it did affect me in terms of promotion as there was an embargo on promotion and climbing the ranks. This then would have a knock on effect on my contract (contracts this I will get back to). To what I see now and have witnessed first-hand is what I am going to talk about. The 2-BTC being based in Cathal Burragh Barracks, Dublin. As I stated I spent six months here doing my PNCO course with men all in my brigade. From Finner Camp, Donegal, Custume Barracks, Athlone Co. Westmeath, Air Corps, Balldonnell Dublin, Aiken Barracks, Dundalk Co.Louth, Cathal Burragh, Co. Dublin partaking on the course. Now some of these troops for six months only spent Friday and Saturday night at home with their families due to how far the 2-BTC is from their home unit. They had to spend the other five nights living in the barracks. Sunday night to Thursday night due to how far away it was and how bad the accessibility is to get in and out of it. You could be 1 hour trying to get out of the city and then have another 2 hour plus of a journey, your day would not finish to 1730 some nights. They did state on the joining instructions this is a family friendly course. To this day I did not witness anything to agree with this. My Recommendation would be to Change the 2-BTC to Gormanstown Co. Meath as I feel this is a far better training environment. Would be ideal for training Physical Fitness (in which I am a P.T.I in the Defence Forces) so can speak first hand and say that. In Dublin you are confined to train within the barracks which isn’t ideal. They also have a full functional shooting range in which our soon to be young leaders of the Defence forces could get more time teaching how to teach. On a accessibility front it would be also ideal as would mean four out of the five units would be closer to the home unit’s and would even entice more instructors to go and train them rather to be detailed to do it. They could get to go home to their families during the six months also. 3. Staffing – In this regard you may wish to consider the HR policies that support the requirement for an agile and adaptive modern military force. You may wish to consider issues such as recruitment and retention, organisational culture and values, gender and diversity, career progression, and industrial relations machinery. Recruitment and Retention: This seems to be the big bubble topic at the moment since I joined we hit a recession. This hit the Defence Forces and the whole of Ireland very bad, but obviously the first / easiest target to cut the wages was us. We do not have a seat at the table to fight our coroner in this regard but I know we are fighting this at the minute through P.D.O.F.R.A. I will just give you a few points on retention as I feel it looks like the recruitment is going well. • I reckon 75% if not higher of the troops I speak to do not understand or know what exactly there contact for when they retire. There is no information out there you can go and get to truly explain it to them. • For Example my contract was recruit – two star training, the three star private to serve from three to five years having to hit a certain amount of points. Five to seven same again the seven to nine same again then nine to twelve. At twelve I had to be a Corporal within the Defence Forces. This then changed one year before I was due to sign back on. Luckily do as I had this done so either way I can now serve till twenty one year’s service. But this is the part that is up in the air, it is rumoured know let that sink in a rumour within the Organisation that pride itself on professionalism. That I can now serve to the age of 50 years of age in any rank. I for one did not sign a new contract to say this so how that is acceptable. • Post 2004 joining if you served 21 years you could retire and draw a full pension. They changed it again in 2006 than in 2013 yet again. So I feel all these people feel they are working for the state but all on different contracts. I feel this is wrong and if I am serving with a troop he or she should be earning what I am earning within the rank structure as me. Career Progression: This is where the embargo has affected me. So there was an embargo for close to 5 years. This meant no PNCO courses where ran. Taking away my chance of becoming a corporal before I did. This then reduced my chances of reaching a higher rank before my time 21 years serve is done. So question that needs to be asked is will I get them extra 5 years added on to my contract to serve till I am 55 years of age ? 4. Any other comments you may wish to make in relation to the Defence Forces having regard to the Commission’s Terms of Reference Overseas Flights while on Leave: So my last point is the overseas payment for flights while on leave of duty during your time working with the United Nation’s.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Status and Roles Assigned Female Personnel in the Permanent Defence Forces
    Dublin City University Women in Combat: The status and roles assigned female personnel in the Permanent Defence Forces. Thesis submitted to the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies for the degree of Ph.D August 2000 Thomas Martin Clonan B.Ed. M.A.C.C.S. Supervisor: Dr. Maggie Gibbon I hereby certify that this material, which I now submit for assessment on the programme of study leading to the award of Ph. D. is entirely my own work and has not been taken from the work of others save and to the extent that such work has been cited and acknowledged within the text of my work. SIGNED: ID No. 96970499 DATE: 01 August 2000. ABSTRACT Women in Combat: The Status and Roles Assigned Female Personnel in the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF). The aim of the PhD study is to examine critically the integration of female personnel within the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF). Their integration is examined in light of the deployment of women in the international military, and in light of a liberal-feminist examination of the workplace in terms of its equality of opportunity agenda. It is argued that the sex-role stereotyping used to recruit young men in to the military in the past along with socio-biological theories of women’s and men’s appropriate spheres of activity have combined to disempower women within military culture, i.e; women’s involvement represents a threat to the constructed masculinity the military embodies. Despite the persistence of patriarchal culture within the sphere of the military, there has been an unprecedented growth in the numbers of women within the military in the west due to the demands of modem total and technological warfare.
    [Show full text]
  • Dept of Defence & Defence Forces Annual Report 2012
    An Roinn Cosanta Department of Defence Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report 2012 Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report 2012 Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report 2012 An Roinn Cosanta Department of Defence © 2013 copyright Department of Defence and Defence Forces Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Tel: (045) 492000 Fax: (045) 49 2017 Lo Call: 1890 251 890 ISSN: 1649-9999 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 1 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Minister, We are pleased to submit to you the Annual Report on the performance of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces for 2012. Michael Howard, Lt Gen Conor O’Boyle, Secretary General Chief of Staff ANNUAL REPORT 2012 3 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 FOREWORD Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence I am pleased to accept delivery of this Annual Report, which sets out the progress that the Defence Organisation has made over the course of 2012 in meeting the strategic objectives set out in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2011 – 2014. On a day to day basis the Defence Organisation continues to deliver a broad range of services both at home and overseas. This Report highlights this important work and provides detailed information on the operations conducted by the Defence Forces during the course of 2012. Ireland has a proud record of supporting the United Nations. The deployment of our Defence Forces on overseas peace support missions continues to provide the most concrete expression of that support. The high level of ongoing domestic security and support operations differentiate our Defence Forces from other Defence Forces, many of which exist solely to provide a contingent capacity or to service Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence overseas operations.
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report To
    Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report to the Minister for Defence for 2007 1 Foreword by the Minister I am pleased to present this Annual Report for 2007 encompassing the performance of both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Ensuring the continued modernisation of Defence has been my main priority since becoming Minister. I am very pleased to be able to report significant progress in developing modern and flexible military capabilities. The White Paper on Defence set out a challenging programme of reform and modernisation for the Defence Organisation. Following a detailed review of the White Paper’s implementation, a report outlining the findings was published in April 2007. This report highlighted that substantial progress has been made and that the many detailed recommendations for change that were laid out in the White Paper, have been implemented or are being implemented according to agreed timetables. The report also concluded that all the detailed targets should be met within the time frame of the White Paper i.e. up to 2010 . I remain fully committed to ensuring the ongoing development of Defence in the years ahead. Among the significant developments that took place in 2007, were: • 1,646 members of the Defence Forces served with 19 different Peace Support Operations and postings in 2007, with numbers serving overseas at any one-time peaking at 830 personnel. • The Defence (Amendment) Act 2007 was enacted by the Oireachtas in April 2007. The purpose of this Act is to modernise the military code of discipline by amending Part V of the Defence Acts relating to summary procedures and courts- martial.
    [Show full text]
  • Sleeping Flags Campaign ‘The Bags We Didn’T Want to Make’
    Issue 56 SUMMER 2019 ONEConnect THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ÓGLAIGH NÁISIÚNTA NA hÉIREANN SLEEPING FLAGS CAMPAIGN ‘The bags we didn’t want to make’ On Monday, February 11th ONE commenced other internet portals, was edited by Raygun decided that the deliverers and users of a campaign to raise public awareness and a post production company. Garret Harte ONE homeless services would front the aid for the homeless Irish Defence Forces’ from Harte Media was brought in to handle campaign. The Sleeping Flags Campaign was veterans it supports by situating veterans the Public Relations Campaign. quickly picked up by print, broadcast and in specially-created Tricolour sleeping bags Ollie O’Connor, CEO of ONE, “Our first social media and raised public awareness of around the streets of Dublin. homeless hostel opened in direct response the work carried out by ONE on behalf of Dubbed ‘Sleeping Flags’, the symbolic act to a number of veterans dying on the streets homeless and in need veterans. The House which challenges protocols around the of Dublin. Since then, we’ve helped over 900 Managers and former and current residents treatment and representation of the Irish flag, homeless veterans from all over Ireland who of all three homes were interviewed on TV, is to represent both the homeless veterans could have faced the same situation. These radio and for the print media. who died on Dublin’s streets, which was the Sleeping Flags are bags we never wanted to While fundraising remains vital, the most catalyst for ONE setting up its first homeless make, but if we can’t get enough funding, our important product of the campaign was that hostel, and the reality facing current and veterans will end up back on the streets”.
    [Show full text]
  • Da´Il E´Ireann
    Vol. 695 Thursday, No. 2 19 November 2009 DI´OSPO´ IREACHTAI´ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DA´ IL E´ IREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIU´ IL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Thursday, 19 November 2009. Requests to move Adjournment of Da´il under Standing Order 32 ……………… 239 Order of Business ……………………………… 240 Statement of Estimates for Houses of the Oireachtas Commission: Motion ………… 257 Statement of Expenditure for Houses of the Oireachtas: Motion ……………… 258 Treaty of Amsterdam: Referral to Joint Committee …………………… 258 Statute Law Revision Bill 2009: Order for Report Stage …………………………… 258 Report and Final Stages …………………………… 258 Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Bill 2009: Order for Second Stage …………………………… 259 Second Stage ……………………………… 259 Referral to Select Committee ………………………… 284 Ceisteanna — Questions Minister for Defence Priority Questions …………………………… 285 Other Questions …………………………… 293 Adjournment Debate Matters …………………………… 303 Adjournment Debate Job Protection ……………………………… 304 Company Closures …………………………… 306 Waste Management …………………………… 308 Bovine Disease Controls …………………………… 310 Questions: Written Answers …………………………… 313 DÁIL ÉIREANN ———— Déardaoin, 19 Samhain 2009. Thursday, 19 November 2009. ———— Chuaigh an Ceann Comhairle i gceannas ar 10.30 a.m. ———— Paidir. Prayer. ———— Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32. An Ceann Comhairle: Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 32. I will call on Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. I call Deputy P. J. Sheehan. Deputy P. J. Sheehan: I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, to discuss the review of emergency depart- ments and pre-hospital emergency care in Cork and Kerry by the HSE yesterday which will downgrade Bantry Hospital to a referral unit for the Cork University Hospital.
    [Show full text]
  • RDFRA Submission to the Commission on the Defence Forces
    Reserve Defence Force Representative Association Comhlachas lonadaitheach na nÓglach Cúltaca RDFRA submission to the Commission on the Defence Forces January 2021 Page 1 of 93 Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Executive Summary 5 3. Capabilities 7 4. Structure 9 5. Staffing 17 6. How to better leverage the capabilities of the RDF in their supports to the PDF 22 7. How to make serving in the RDF a more attractive option 25 8. Remuneration systems and structures 32 9. Approaches to recruitment 34 10. System of career progression to meet the recommended forces structures and disposition 42 APPENDIX 1: Structure/Disposition of the Reinforcement Reserve 47 APPENDIX 2: Structure/Disposition of the Specialist Reserve 89 Page 2 of 93 1. Introduction I am pleased to introduce this submission to the Commission on the Defence Forces by the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA). This document represents both the extant policies of the association and constructive proposals for addressing the challenges within the remit of the Commission. We recognise the seismic importance of the opportunity presented to us, and to current and future members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, by the establishment of the Commission. Throughout the history of the State, reservists have always heeded Ireland’s call to step forward and volunteer to do our duty. For many of us, our service is a pure expression of our patriotism and willingness to serve our nation. However, it is regrettable that there are many examples of where this goodwill was squandered. The result is that we are now fewer in number than ever.
    [Show full text]
  • Defence Forces Bereavement Handbook
    DEFENCE FORCES BEREAVEMENT HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION Bereavement is an unfortunate reality that all members of the Defence Forces and their families will face at some point in their lives. Becoming aware of the effects of bereavement can help us come to terms with the notion of death and increase our own understanding of the emotional consequences of loss in others. In most instances, such deaths will be unexpected and/ or shocking to those affected by the tragedy. Additionally, the suddenness and/or manner in which a death occurs can attract attention from a number of sources. This can intensify the feeling of loss that families, friends and colleagues will undoubtedly experience. Dealing with bereavement, grief and loss is an inevitable and normal part of life and work. It is a painful reality which all of us have to face at some point in our lives. AIM OF THIS HANDBOOK This handbook aims to identify the supports currently in place to assist a bereaved individual and the efforts of the Defence Forces to help our personnel and their families. The document may also help identify other supports available outside the Defence Forces. The document mainly outlines the practical supports available and is not an exhaustive list. Unit Commanders are issued with detailed guidelines to assist their understanding of bereavement and the bereaved. TYPES OF GRIEVING Bereavement can take many forms such as natural death, an accidental or sudden death, death by suicide, the death of a baby or a miscarriage. Additionally, there are other forms of grieving outside bereavement such as the breakup of a relationship, a loved one suffering from a terminal illness or a catastrophic or serious injury.
    [Show full text]
  • Cumann Arachais Fear Na Mbuan Oglaigh (CAFNBO) Celebrating 50 Years Serving the NCO’S and Pte’S of the Permanent Defence Forces
    Cumann Arachais Fear na mBuan Oglaigh (CAFNBO) Celebrating 50 years serving the NCO’s and Pte’s of the Permanent Defence Forces. 23 April 2015 Historical Background The General Staff acutely aware of the need to alleviate the financial distress on the families of deceased servicemen and conscious of the success of CAOGA on behalf of the officers, decided to set up an organising committee in 1963 to undertake the necessary preparatory work to establish an insurance scheme for NCO’s and Pte’s. This committee was chaired by Col W. Donagh and included Comdt J. Counihan and Capt H. Daly. The inaugural meeting of the Society was held in the Gaelic Hall, Curragh Camp on 21 Dec 1964. Col W. Donagh presided and he outlined the preparatory work undertaken by his committee. The meeting unanimously elected the following committee: CHARIMAN: RSM P. DAFFY 2 FAR VICE CHAIRMAN: RQMS J.C MC ALLISTER DEPOT CAV MEMBERS: BQMS W. FURLONG CTD W COMD CPO J. SCANNELL NS FLT SGT J. MANGAN AIR CORPS RQMS T. WALSH 1 FAR PTE P. HYLAND 2 INF BN COY SGT J. CARLEY HQ E COMD COY SGT P. DOHERTY 12 INF BN SECRETARY: CAPT H. DALY AHQ TRUSTEES: LT COL J.S. NOLAN COMDT T. O’SHEA CAPT W.J. BREWER The Society was formally established on 01 Jan 1965 with 4,100 members paying a subscription of two shillings (13c) per week. The benefits were £300 (€380) on the death of a member, £20 (€25) on the death of a member’s wife, £10 (€12.70) on the death of a child over 5 years and £6 (€7.62) on the death of a child under 5 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Written Answers
    7 May 2013 Written Answers. The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised]. Questions Nos. 1 to 15, inclusive, answered orally. Questions Nos. 16 to 71, inclusive, resubmitted. Questions Nos. 72 to 78, inclusive, answered orally. 07/05/2013WRL00550Common Foreign and Security Policy 07/05/2013WRL0060079. Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Defence his proposals for cultivating closer EU/UN relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21320/13] 07/05/2013WRL0070084. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence his proposals for improving EU/UN relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/13] 07/05/2013WRL00800Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 84 together. The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy forms an integral part of the Union’s Com- mon Foreign and Security Policy. In the area of Common Security and Defence Policy, the role of the Presidency is now limited to supporting the High Representative and the European External Action Service in this regard. However, that said, this arrangement provides Ireland with an opportunity to influence the Common Security and Defence Policy agenda. The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy forms an integral part of the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. In the area of Common Security and Defence Policy, the role of the Presi- dency is now limited to supporting the High Representative and the European External Action Service in this regard.
    [Show full text]
  • Terms and Conditions
    A TRAINEE IN MILITARY MEDICINE 2019 TERMS AND CONDITIONS TERMS AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE APPOINTMENT OF TRAINEES IN MILITARY MEDICINE IN THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE 2019 The following are the minimum requirements in respect of:- (a) Height The minimum height requirement is 157.48 cm (5ft 2ins). Physical 1. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS standards and weight must be in keeping with height and age. A candidate for appointment as a Trainee in Military Medicine in the Permanent (b) Vision Defence Force, must at the time of application: - Unaided and untreated vision of not less than 6/36 in both eyes, but which can be corrected to at least 6/12 in each eye or not less than 6/6 (a) Possess the required professional qualifications as per paragraph 3. in the right eye and not less than 6/36 in the left eye, with normal colour vision. Both eyes must be free from disfiguring or incapacitating (b) Be of the required standard of medical and physical fitness as per abnormality and free from acute or chronic disease. There must be no paragraph 4. evidence of squint or latent squint. (c) Satisfy the Minister for Defence as to character and satisfy any security The eligibility or not of applicants who have had previous incisional or clearance requirement. laser treatment to correct visual acuity will be determined at the medical examination. Please see Annex B for further information. (d) Be a citizen of Ireland or Be a National of an EEA State* or the Swiss Confederation. (c) Dental Candidates must be free from any serious periodontal disease and *The European Economic Area consists of the member states of the European possess teeth to a specific standard, which is not less than the equivalent Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
    [Show full text]
  • Military Policemen and Women Are Part of a Joint Garda/Defence [email protected] Oforces Team Who Guard Both Leinster House and Government Buildings
    00-An Cos-FEB-11 (p1-5 EDITORIAL) 26/02/2011 14:27 Page 3 VOLUME 71 Number 10 February 2011 11 16 20 26 28 34 FEATURES 11 Making the Grade By Lt Cdr Brian FitzGerald 14 The Provost Guard By Wesley Bourke 16 Bosnia & Herzegovina: Dayton at a Crossroads? By Comdt Gavin Young 22 5th Generation Warfare By Comdt Gary McKeon REGULARS 6 On Parade 10 World Strategic Picture 18 Def Tech 20 Strategic Review 25 Tac Aide 26 History 28 Sport 31 Gadgets 32 Noticeboard 14 33 Reviews 34 What I do… AN COSANTÓIR February 2011 3 00-An Cos-FEB-11 (p1-5 EDITORIAL) 26/02/2011 14:27 Page 4 Scheme Broker Scheme Underwriter From GANBO/GACBO Life Cover Increased to €155,000 1 Jan 2011 Open to all Members of CAFNBO and Partner or Spouse. WITH NEW FEATURES AND ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Death Benefit PLUS! Member €155,000 Accelerated Terminal Illness Payment Partner or Spouse €155,000 If diagnosed as being terminally ill, the Member may receive an interim payment of up to 40% of the benefit payable under the Death of Child €5,000 GANBO/GACBO scheme* Contact CAFNBO (details below) for more information. Subscriptions Member €6.23 per week Continuation Option Members who are leaving the defence forces or those whose Partner or Spouse €4.62 per week ‘Retention of Membership’ has ceased can take out a ‘Whole of (Member plus Partner or Spouse €10.85 per week) Life’ policy (within 31 days of discharge/termination of retention) of up to €15,000 without having to produce any medical evidence* Contact Marsh (details below) for more information.
    [Show full text]
  • Vote 36 Defence
    Appropriation Account 2014 Vote 36 Defence 2 Vote 36 Defence Introduction As Accounting Officer for Vote 36, I am required each year to prepare the appropriation account for the Vote, and to submit the account to the Comptroller and Auditor General for audit. In accordance with this requirement, I have prepared the attached account of the amount expended in the year ended 31 December 2014 for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Defence, including certain services administered by that Office; for the pay and expenses of the Defence Forces; and for payment of certain grants-in- aid. The expenditure outturn is compared with the sums (a) granted by Dáil Éireann under the Appropriation Act 2014, including the amount that could be used as appropriations-in-aid of expenditure for the year, and (b) provided for capital supply services in 2014 out of unspent 2013 appropriations, under the deferred surrender arrangements established by section 91 of the Finance Act 2004. A surplus of €13.58 million is liable for surrender to the Exchequer. The Statement of Accounting Policies and Principles and notes 1 to 6 form part of the account. Statement of Accounting Policies and Principles The standard accounting policies and principles for the production of appropriation accounts have been applied in the preparation of the account except for the following: Stock valuation Military stocks are valued at average cost. Air Corps stocks are valued at purchase price. Departmental stocks are valued at their most recent purchase price. Depreciation Military assets are depreciated to residual values at rates varying between 3% and 20% per annum using the straight line method.
    [Show full text]