Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
103. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence when he will bring forward an implementation plan for the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33670/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence the status of the work of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34227/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 105 together.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and I, as Minister for Defence, welcomed the publication of the report of the Commission on 9th February last. The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces' structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations has been undertaken over the last four months by my Department and the Defence Forces. This has involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I intend to return to Government with a proposed response to the Commission’s recommendations and a high-level action plan before the Summer recess.
