Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
141. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the implementation of the Programme for a Partnership Government as it applies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24574/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government (PfG) identified a total of 14 separate commitments that were assigned to my Department in 2016. Many of these overlap with White Paper on Defence implementation projects and their importance is reflected in the various Objectives and Actions that are set out in the Strategy Statement of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces 2017-2020.
Two of the PfG commitments, the award of a 1916 medal to all members of the Defence Forces who served in 2016 and the introduction of a pilot employment support scheme, have been implemented in full.
In relation to the remaining commitments, progress continues to be made across all fronts. These include ongoing implementation of the White Paper on Defence, efforts to increase serving strength levels within the Defence Forces including increased female participation, supports for veterans, while plans have been developed to guide a wide range of equipment and infrastructure investment priorities including those identified in the PfG. In relation to the latter, a maintenance and upgrade programme for the armoured personnel carrier fleet is well underway, a contract has been placed for the acquisition of three new PC12 aircraft which will replace the current Cessna fleet, while a new Offshore Patrol Vessel is scheduled for delivery later this year. A range of other equipment priorities are also being progressed and, in addition, some €35m worth of infrastructure projects are at various stages of implementation. In relation to Civil Defence, the commitment to establish an inter-agency guidance team has been met and this is now is now up and running.
I am satisfied that good progress continues to be made across the range of PfG commitments assigned and that these will continue to be a priority for my Department.
