Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence when he proposes to implement changes for the Defence Forces as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces; if the upgrading of existing army accommodation and the provision of additional accommodation will be included in such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34192/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
That being said, I can advise the Deputy that in Military Installations across the country, there are capital works projects taking place with the sole aim of ensuring infrastructure, including accommodation, in the Defence Forces is modernised to allowed our Military personnel to fulfil their demanding roles.
These works are carried out under the auspices of the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme (IDP) which was published in January 2020. There are currently over €85m worth of projects underway at various stages of development from design to construction.
