Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
51. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on efforts to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50885/23]
View answer55. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he accepts the broad consensus articulated in the Report of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy that Ireland needs to invest more in its defence, across all three services, the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50710/23]
View answer56. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when he intends to publish a detailed implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [50876/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 55 and 56 together.
As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
Following the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces in March 2023, I set out my priority to develop one Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, so it would be fully understandable to everyone.
The Strategic Framework, which I published in September 2023, brings together into one overarching document, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces.
My priority within this transformation is cultural change above all else. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and that is providing a safe workplace where
• self-worth is actively promoted,
• mutual respect becomes a dominant feature,
• all members are treated with dignity,
• in an organisation that continuously evolves to deliver positive change.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces forms a core element of the overarching Strategic Framework and achieving this end goal.
I am pleased to inform the House that today I published the Detailed Implementation Plan.
The finalisation of the Detailed Implementation Plan is a further important step on this journey and builds on the publication of the Commission Report itself in February 2022, the High-Level Action Plan (HLAP) in July 2022 and the Early Actions Update published in March 2023.
This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA 2) by 2028 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across the Commission’s recommendations which span:
• Strategic HR and Cultural Change
• New Command and Control and Joint Structures to be established;
• Services to be reformed and restructured;
• Reserve Defence Force to be revitalised; and
• Joint Capability Development to be implemented
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with 12 recommendations implemented and a further 6 to be completed by the end of the year. This includes:
• Existing Sea-going Allowances have been replaced with less complex Sea-going Duty Measures through the approval to increase patrol duty allowance. There will be double payment after ten days and the tax credit will also be retained for one more year .
• Healthcare afforded to officer ranks has been extended to enlisted ranks.
• All personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are now paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank, and, the requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank has been removed. (Mark Time refers to the fact that there were no annual pay increments, for the first three years on the payscale of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman. This payscale also includes the rank of Airman.)
However a great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved.
Transformation efforts of this magnitude take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
It is also important to highlight the significant evolution in the international security context since the original Commission report was published in February 2022. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, two weeks after the Commission’s report was published, triggered the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, with lasting repercussions for Europe’s collective security architecture.
In parallel, the prevalence of new and emerging threats (cyber, hybrid, disinformation), climate change and increasing pressure on natural resources all represent growing threats to the rules-based international order, which Ireland has relied on for its fundamental security and prosperity.
The recent tragic and shocking events we are witnessing in the Middle East demonstrate the dynamic and evolving nature of this wider international security environment.
Against the reality of the current global and European threat landscape, it is more important than ever that Ireland has a well-functioning, professional and well-equipped Defence Forces.
The Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, which took place in June, also provided a welcome and much needed opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues including those relating to Defence matters. It was an open, inclusive, and consultative discussion involving a wide range of stakeholders, representing a breadth of experience and views. The report prepared by the Chairperson of the Consultative Forum, Louise Richardson DBE has been presented to Government. Statements on the Consultative Forum are scheduled for this Wednesday and I look forward to hearing contributions on the day.
It is important that this Detailed Implementation Plan is seen within its wider context.
I am confident and determined that through the Strategic Framework, and the Detailed Implementation Plan, we will realise our shared ambition for the transformation of the Defence Forces accompanied with clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground for serving members.
