Patricia Ryan
Question:190. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29070/21]
View answerThursday, 27 May 2021
Questions (190)
Written answers
The Programme for Government committed to an independent Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces and to include the following matters:
- Arrangements for the effective defence of the country at land, air and sea.
- Structure and size of the Defence Forces encompassing capabilities, structures and staffing.
- Appropriate governance and high level command and control.
- Pay and allowances structures.
- Recruitment, retention and career progression.
- Leverage the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in their supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.
This independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference, based on the Programme for Government, and the membership of the Commission. The Commission’s overall approach will be guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019.
As part of a broader consultation process, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference. The Commission received over 500 submissions which it is currently analysing.
The Commission has been established as an independent body and, while it is a matter entirely for the Commission, I understand that the Commission has met with a broad stakeholder group including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, commissioned and enlisted members of the Defence Forces, senior officials and personnel from my Department and the Defence Forces as well as other groups. Site visits to Military locations by members of the Commission has already taken place and I understand that further site visits have been scheduled if Covid restrictions permit.
The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll, also met with members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the 20th April to discuss the on-going work of the Commission. Following the work of the Commission the Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Permanent Pay Review body for the Defence Forces which must be consistent with national public sector wage policy.
The establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, both in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030. The Commission is to submit its report by the end of the year and it will be considered fully at that time.