Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2019
106. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces being given an equal say in defence policy matters with the Secretary General of his Department is being considered. [12568/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence, approved by Government in July 2015, comprehensively deals with all aspects of defence policy and was informed by a wide-ranging consultation process. Chapter 10 deals comprehensively with all aspects of the management of defence specifying any changes required, including relating to the roles of the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff, and the further development of civil-military management.
The White Paper confirms the position that, in accordance with the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924, the Secretary General of my Department is the principal policy adviser to the Minister for Defence while, in accordance with the Defence Acts 1954 to 2011, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces is the principal military adviser to the Minister for Defence. Furthermore, as provided for in the Defence Acts, the Chief of Staff is directly accountable to me for the performance of assigned duties, which include responsibility for the military effectiveness, efficiency, organisation and economy of the Defence Forces.
