The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces already have an established track record in externalising the delivery of goods and services. A wide variety of services/projects required by the Department/Defence Forces are already delivered by external providers ranging from the provision of catering services through to certain medical services and the development of IT capabilities.
In accordance with the Government Decision in July 2013 and following in-depth discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the relevant stakeholders within the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, a detailed draft external services delivery plan has been prepared. This draft Plan and the necessary implementation measures are under active consideration in the Department in advance of its transmission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The plan achieves a balance between external services delivery and the obligation to retain the contingent capability necessary to perform all of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces.