Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 March 2022
111. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence if his Department will consider the recommendations set out in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report published in February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13377/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published. The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.
It would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion regarding the recommendations in the Commission’s report or the outcome of an ongoing deliberative process, prior to completion of that process and Government consideration of any proposed plan of action.
