Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021
218. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the status of the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces; when he expects to receive the final report of the Commission; if he has received interim reports to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56586/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government committed to an independent commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. An independent Commission on the Defence Forces was subsequently 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 is 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 and encompasses the following matters;
- Structure and size of the Defence Forces encompassing consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing.
- Leveraging the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in their supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.
- Governance and high level command and control structures in the Defence Forces.
- The evolution of remuneration systems and structures in the Defence Forces.
- A strategic perspective on HR policies and associated strategies, recruitment, retention and career progression.
As part of a broad consultation process, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on matters related to its terms of reference. The Commission received nearly 500 submissions, all of which have been published on their website, together with an initial report on the public consultation.
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 taken place at a number of barracks across the country.
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 Commission also held two webinars, one in conjunction with the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and one in conjunction with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
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 mandated to submit its report by the end of the year and I look forward to receiving it. The Commission has not submitted any interim reports.
