Senior officers 'shocked' by lack of consultation

ARMY REORGANISATION:SENIOR OFFICERS in the Defence Forces are shocked by the lack of consultation by Minister for Justice and Defence Alan Shatter in advance of his announcement of radical new changes to the formation of the organisation.

The Irish Times understands nobody within the Defence Forces was consulted by Mr Shatter or his officials in advance of Monday’s announcement of a “major streamlining” and “major reorganisation” of the Army.

While Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieut Gen Seán McCann was informed of the plans by letter last Friday, he was not consulted in advance. Such a move is believed to be unprecedented.

A number of sources suggested Lieut Gen McCann was told that because the announcement was part of the budgetary process, he could not discuss the matter with any of his staff. Mr Shatter’s proposals involve the reorganisation of the Army into two brigades rather than the current three. He believes this will free up personnel from administrative duties, enabling more personnel to be channelled into frontline duties.

Sources said while the change may not seem as significant to civilians, it was a “very major” reform process that would:

See the ratio of officers to non-commissioned personnel greatly changed, meaning fewer officers commanding more men than our foreign partners on UN missions. Result in the loss of many specialists such as engineers and ordnance experts.

“Almost certainly” result in more barracks being closed, despite Government assertions to the contrary following the announcement last week of the latest barrack closures.

The two staff associations that represent Defence Forces personnel – some 9,500 soldiers, sailors and aircrew – learned of the announcement when the media reported it on Monday afternoon.

Raco, the organisation that represents commissioned officers, said it was “shocked and angry” at the complete lack of consultation and forewarning. “It’s not the way to do business,” said general secretary Col Brian O’Keeffe.

The reaction of Raco could be regarded as very strong. It does not enjoy union status and therefore is generally more tempered in its public comment, particularly on issues relating to Ministers and their senior officials.

Other officers who spoke in a private capacity said they were “disgusted”.

A spokeswoman for Mr Shatter said because the announcement was part of the budgetary process it was not open to consultation. While the announcement had been made, its execution would follow consultation.