The establishment of the 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 for beyond 2030. As the Deputy will be aware, the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published on the 9th February 2022.
The report is being fully considered, in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders. The intent is that following relevant consideration, and before the summer recess, I will revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan. This high level plan will set out proposed initial timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.
Total expenditure to date for the Commission is €454,708.82.