The current Defence Forces organisational structures have now been in place for almost five years. The basis for the current structures was a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces which occurred in 2012 which led to the consolidation of three under-strength Army brigades into two full strength brigades. A major re-organisation was necessary because it was clear that the three brigade structure was no longer viable, particularly when compared to international norms, and to achieve the most effective force in keeping with the stabilised establishment for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500. This required that an emphasis be placed on the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units. These benefits will continue to be gained into the future.
The decision to move to a two brigade structure involved full consultation with the Defence Forces, and was taken by the then Minister on foot of a joint recommendation made to him by the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff.
The subsequent White Paper on Defence, which was published in 2015, resulted from a comprehensive examination of Defence requirements over a ten year planning horizon and it specifically provides for the retention of the Army’s two Brigade structure. Accordingly, there are no plans to return to the previous structure.
I am advised by the military authorities that in order for 2 Brigade to execute its full range of operational, training and administrative tasks, Units based outside Dublin perform operational duties in Dublin on certain occasions each month. The execution of such duties enhances situational awareness of the capital for all units. These duties normally require the conduct of a wide range of familiarisation patrols throughout the greater Dublin area to 2 Brigade vital installations, and other Dublin based specific operational taskings.
