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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022

Thursday, 10 March 2022

Questions (58)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the implementation of the recommendations from the recently published report by the Commission on the Defence Forces; the timeframe for same; the indicative budget for defence for the remainder of 2022 and in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13456/22]

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Written answers

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.

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published on the 9th February.  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. 

As the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, there is a process underway to consider these recommendations.   The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.  It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.

On an annual basis, the overall Defence Vote Group allocation is determined within the overarching budgetary framework and approved by Dáil Eireann, having regard to the level of resources available and defence policy requirements. Thus, for 2022, the total gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group, as set out in Budget 2022, is €1,107 million, comprising of €836 million for Vote 36 (Defence) and €271 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions).  Funding for 2023 will set out in Budget 2023.

Capital funding allocations are also framed by the multi-annual National Development Plan. The White Paper on Defence, updated in 2019, highlighted the importance of capability development and the necessity for continued renewal, upgrade and acquisition of military equipment and infrastructure. To this end, the National Development Plan has allocated multi-annual funding of €566 million to Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million per annum provided for 2022 and 2023 and €142 million per annum for 2024 and 2025. Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the funding certainty now provided by the National Development Plan is welcome, as it will enable the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects over the coming years.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 8.
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