Niamh Smyth
Ceist:21. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence the status of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [34600/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 June 2021
Ceisteanna (21, 43)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:43. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces; when the work of the Commission will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34625/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 43 together.
The Programme for Government committed to an independent Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces and include the following matters;
- Arrangements for the effective defence of the country at land, air and sea.
- Structure and size of the Defence Forces encompassing capabilities, structures and staffing.
- Appropriate governance and high level command and control.
- Pay and allowances structures.
- Recruitment, retention and career progression.
- Leverage the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in their supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.
This independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference, based on the Programme for Government, and the membership of the Commission. The Commission’s overall approach will be guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019. The work of the Commission will inform the future development of the Defence Forces.
As part of a broader consultation process, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference. The Commission received over 500 submissions, a number of which have recently been published on their website.
The Commission has been established as an independent body and, while it is a matter entirely for the Commission, I understand that the Commission has met with a broad stakeholder group including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, commissioned and enlisted members of the Defence Forces, senior officials and personnel from my Department and the Defence Forces as well as other groups. Site visits to Military locations by members of the Commission have already taken place and I understand that further site visits recommenced in June 2021 and will continue over the Summer if Covid restrictions permit.
The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll also met with members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in April to discuss the on-going work of the Commission.
The establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, both in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030. The Commission is to submit their report by the end of the year and it will be considered fully at that time.