Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:114. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the main policy initiatives undertaken by his Department since 27 June 2020; and his main priorities for 2021. [2080/21]
View answerThursday, 14 January 2021
Questions (114)
Written answers
The Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
One of the main policy initiatives undertaken by my Department since the 27th June 2020 follows a commitment made in the Programme for Government to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On 15th December 2020 Government approval was given for the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces along with the Terms of Reference and the membership of the Commission. This Commission will work throughout 2021 with their report due in December 2021.
The Defence Organisation's role has been an important one in the State's overall response to the Covid 19 pandemic. The response involved the Department, Defence Forces and Civil Defence taking account of their specific roles. The Defence Organisation has undertaken a number of specific actions including participation in a number of official groups and more recently the Defence Forces are represented on the High Level Task Force for Covid 19 Vaccination. In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces have also provided a broad range of supports to other Departments and Agencies. Provision of this support will continue to remain one of my Department's main priorities for 2021.
In July and November 2020, my Department saw the launch of the first "Be Summer Ready" and annual "Be Winter Ready" Government Information Campaigns, and my Department also commenced preparation of Ireland's 2020 National Risk Assessment with analysis to be completed in early 2021.
My Department’s main priorities for 2021 cover a range of activities including recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces and related HR issues, the on-going impact of COVID. My Department will continue to monitor, and respond to, as appropriate, implications of Brexit on fisheries enforcement and control. Implementation will continue of White Paper projects and the three year implementation plan for "Civil Defence - Towards 2030" and other Public Sector Initiatives. An Organisational Capability Review of my Department will commence in 2021 and on-going engagement will continue with our partners both internationally and domestically.
My Department will continue to implement the rolling 5 year Infrastructure Plan and rolling 5 year equipment development plan for the Defence Forces. During 2021 one of my main legislative priorities will be the enactment of the Defence (Amendment) Bill and the Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill.
Climate action has been integrated into equipment & infrastructure programmes of work and this will continue in 2021.
In relation to international initiatives, my Department's main focus since June 2020 has been Ireland's policy input regarding the establishment of the European Peace Facility (EPF) which is a new mechanism to finance Common Security and Defence Policy activities. In addition, my Department provided initial policy input into the process around the EU's Strategic Compass which was proposed to enhance and guide the implementation of the Level of Ambition arising out of the EU's Global Strategy. These two EU initiatives will require further policy input by my Department in 2021.
Since June 2020 with the successful outcome for Ireland in achieving a UN Security Council seat, additional structures have been established between the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Defence Forces with a view to greater coordination on peacekeeping policy issues. This will continue to be a priority for my Department and the Defence Forces throughout 2021.