Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
54. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence his views on and response to the assertion in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces that the 2012 reorganisation led to a number of anomalies including reduced personnel numbers in the two largest urban centres and career progression opportunities being heavily skewed towards the eastern region. [13338/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current two Brigade structure was introduced in 2012 following a reduction in the strength of the PDF to 9,500 personnel. The previous three Brigade structure, which was originally introduced for a PDF strength of 11,500 personnel, could not be sustained within that lower strength level and would have been significantly at variance with international norms within that strength level.
Key aspects of the reorganisation included the consolidation of understrength units into a smaller number of larger units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated redeployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units.
The current strength of the PDF is just under 8,500 personnel, which is significantly less than that intended for the two Brigade structure. A key aspect of the terms of reference for the Commission on the Defence Forces was to consider the most appropriate structures for the Defence Forces.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published and the report contains 69 main recommendations and, together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations in total. 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 recommends further work on the identification of suitable Army structures.
As the Report contains many detailed recommendations, there is a process underway to consider these recommendations. 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 pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
