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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022

Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Questions (405, 406)

Duncan Smith

Question:

405. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the timelines involved in the implementation of the recently published report on the commission on the Future of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9116/22]

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Duncan Smith

Question:

406. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he plans to establish a committee to oversee the implementation of the report on the Commission of the Defence Forces; the way that the committee will be constituted; if there will be a Government member as part of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9117/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.

The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership.

I welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission which was launched on 9 February 2022. The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.

The report proposes significant changes for the Defence Forces, including to high-level command and control structures, and for the level of Defence provision in Ireland. Clearly, there are matters that will require careful consideration and in some critical aspects inter-departmental discussion and agreement. This includes the level of resourcing that may be allocated to Defence and the governance framework that will be required to underpin any changes the Government approve on foot of the Commission's report. I will also be seeking the views of my Department and the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces Representative Associations will be consulted on all matters that fall within the scope of representation, relating to the implementation of any approved plan. I also intend to engage with key stakeholders and the Oireachtas, which commenced with the Dáil statement on the report which took place on 16 February. When these deliberations are completed I intend to revert to Government with a proposed plan of action.

It is anticipated that this process will take at least four to five months in order to bring a considered and comprehensive proposal back to Government to address the fundamental issues that the Commission have set out.

Question No. 406 answered with Question No. 405.
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