Written Answers Nos. 386-405
386. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence the names of all special advisors working in his Department; the Minister and Junior Minister who each advisor is associated with and their respective salaries, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51251/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister for Defence in June 2020, Mr. Chris Donoghue and Ms. Laura McGonigle have been appointed as Special Advisers to me, as both Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs. They are employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and their salary and expenses are administered by that Department.
387. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if he will detail both the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51594/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if he will detail both the maximum and the current strength levels of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51595/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
The following table details the current strength and establishment of the Permanent Defence Force, as of the 31 August 2022.
|
- |
Current Strength (WTE) |
Establishment |
|
Permanent Defence Force |
8,146 |
9,500 |
|
Army |
6,621 |
7,520 |
|
Air Corps |
704 |
886 |
|
Naval Service |
821 |
1,094 |
Ongoing challenges in relation to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. My focus is on bringing the strength of the Defence Forces to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and a number of initiatives are being implemented to address this and also counter current staffing challenges.
389. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current total strength of Air Corps personnel and the breakdown of the number of qualified military pilots, cadet pilots in training, qualified military aircraft maintenance technicians, qualified military avionics technicians and military apprentices in training of both aforementioned disciplines. [51596/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Air Corps, as at 30 September 2022, is 756 wholetime equivalent personnel.
The table below shows the strength by requested stream: -
|
Personnel Stream |
Strength as at 30/09/2022 |
|
Qualified pilots |
93 |
|
Cadets currently completing military training* |
6 |
|
Young officers in pilot training |
15 |
|
Qualified Military Aircraft Technicians |
177 |
|
Qualified Military Avionics Technicians |
29 |
|
Apprentice Military Aircraft Technicians |
66 |
*Cadets are scheduled to commence their Pilot Wings course once they graduate as Officers.
A Military Aircraft Technician (MAT) is an individual who has qualified from an Air Corps apprenticeship, or a direct entrant deemed to have the appropriate qualifications to work on aircraft in the various maintenance roles. Personnel in these roles cover the broad range of disciplines within the Air Corps e.g. avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, crew leaders, and aircraft inspectors.
All MATs are employed in the maintenance of aircraft. At any one time, they may be employed in any of the broad range of maintenance disciplines, be in training, or serving overseas. The total number of qualified MATs is therefore inclusive of those who may be assigned to avionics duties, or any of the other disciplines, at any one time.
As outlined, there is a strong training pipeline for MATs consisting of 66 apprentices. Of these apprentices, 19 are undergoing basic military training. The remaining 47 are undergoing their qualification process and will, on successful completion, be streamed into rotary, fixed-wing or avionics technician categories.
390. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service operations and patrols which have been cancelled to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51597/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. In terms of fishery protection the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
A range of factors including adverse weather conditions and unscheduled maintenance, as well as staffing issues can impact scheduled patrol days.
A total of 30 scheduled Naval Service patrol days have been cancelled up to 30 September 2022.
Notwithstanding some challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations.
391. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current number of women in the Defence Forces by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51598/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra392. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current number of women in the Defence Forces who are currently serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51599/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women members of the Defence Forces who have left in 2022, by month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51600/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 391, 392 and 393 together.
As at 31 August 2022, the latest date for which figures are available, the strength of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force stood at 579, of whom 28 were serving overseas.
The requested breakdown, by rank, of the 579 female PDF personnel is as follows:
|
OFFICER |
LT GEN |
MAJ GEN |
BRIG GEN |
COL |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
58 |
51 |
53 |
|
|
OTHER RANKS |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
PTE |
CADET |
|
0 |
0 |
5 |
8 |
66 |
103 |
227 |
4 |
As of 31st August 2022, 36 females had been discharged from the PDF.
|
Month |
Jan. |
Feb. |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug. |
|
Discharges |
2 |
6 |
14 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
2 |
Typically, discharges include personnel who leave for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and would also include any trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
In line with current policies and commitments, and the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a number of initiatives are in place with a view to increasing the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. Additionally, special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment and retention of personnel, both male and female, to maintain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles, to undertake the tasks laid down by Government.
394. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51601/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The Government remains absolutely committed to the advancement of the RDF. The White Paper on Defence is quite clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve and the Government remains fully committed to this.
The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 July 2022, is set out below:
|
Service |
Total Effective Personnel |
|
Army Reserve |
1,390 |
|
Naval Reserve |
101 |
|
First Line Reserve |
276 |
The Deputy will be aware that the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, published in February, contains many detailed recommendations, including on the future structure and role of the RDF.
A High Level Action Plan (HLAP) that sets out the Government’s response to the Report has also been approved with some specific initiatives including the immediate commencement of planning for the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force.
395. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women in the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51602/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve. As of 31 July 2022, the effective female strength of the RDF is 194 members.
In line with current policies and commitments, a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. For example:
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework, including a Female Recruitment Standing Committee reporting on initiatives for 2022, with dedicated female recruitment teams proposed. In addition, a female specific "Always on" (constant targeting of the female demographic) campaign commenced in October 2021.
- The Defence Forces actively engage with schools to conduct career talks and regularly attend events aimed at future career choices for schools.
- A Gender Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are committed to gender equality and employ a gender perspective in the planning and execution of operations both at home and overseas and in all policies and regulations. Gender Advisors are available to all Brigades and Services and trained Gender Focal Points are deployed with all overseas units and ships in order to promote a gender perspective in operations.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
Initiatives in place to recruit individuals to the Reserve include supports provided to maximise RDF recruitment, including use of social media, promotion through the DF Press Office, outreach activities by RDF members, and the use of PDF exit interviews which contain information on applying to the RDF. In addition, a number of measures to streamline the recruitment and induction process for the RDF are in train and it is hoped that they will yield a positive outcome.
The Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces includes a number of recommendations relating to gender and diversity in the Defence Forces. A High Level Action Plan (HLAP) that sets out the Government’s response to this report has also been approved. Some specific initiatives include the immediate commencement of planning for the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force. In addition, the Defence Forces Women's network is to be extended to members of the Reserve.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
396. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces for the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51603/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The combined effective strength of the AR and NSR, at year end, for the past five years is set out below:
|
Year |
AR & NSR Effective Personnel (at year end) |
|
2021 |
1,489 |
|
2020 |
1,588 |
|
2019 |
1,673 |
|
2018 |
1,799 |
|
2017 |
1,856 |
The strength of the First Line Reserve, at year end, for the same period is as follows:
|
Year |
FLR Personnel (at year end) |
|
2021 |
271 |
|
2020 |
262 |
|
2019 |
272 |
|
2018 |
288 |
|
2017 |
271 |
The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the RDF.
I am very cognisant of the fact that the RDF strength level remains lower than the Establishment figure. However, I am aware of the many initiatives in place to recruit individuals to the Reserve. These include supports provided to maximise RDF recruitment, including use of social media, promotion through the DF Press Office, outreach activities by RDF members, and the use of PDF exit interviews which contain information on applying to the RDF. In addition, I am advised by the Military Authorities that a number of measures to streamline recruitment and induction process for the RDF are in train and it is hoped that they will yield a positive outcome.
While the commitment to restoring the strength of the RDF is not in doubt, it is noted the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will continue to be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
Heretofore, there was no provision in the Defence Acts to allow RDF personnel to be deployed overseas. However, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the Permanent Defence Force.
The Deputy will be aware that the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF), published last February, contains many detailed recommendations, including on the future structure and role of the RDF. As the Deputy will also be aware, in July, I announced that the Government has approved a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework by the Commission.
This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.
A High Level Action Plan (HLAP) that sets out the Government’s response to the CODF has also been approved.
Some specific initiatives include the immediate commencement of planning for the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force.
397. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the cost of increasing the establishment figure of the Defence Forces by 2,000 to 11,500 personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51604/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast July the Government approved a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel (civil and military) over and above the current establishment figures, with related, ongoing recruitment work now being facilitated through the Defence Forces recruitment campaign, ‘BE MORE'.
A key enabler supporting this initiative will be the recruitment of the Head of Transformation and the Head of Strategic HR n the Defence Forces, as outlined in the High Level Action Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces. The external advertisement and progression of both these roles are vital early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government Decision
Ultimately, the costing of the additional numbers will be subject to a detailed workforce planning exercise. In that context, and commensurate with the associated levels of organisational change required, final, definitive costings are currently not available.
398. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current capital expenditure budget for the Defence Forces for 2022 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51605/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence 2015, reinforced by the White Paper Update 2019, sets out the Government’s medium term policy for Defence. It is recognised that the principal demand drivers of Defence capital requirements are the ongoing renewal, retention and acquisition of military equipment along with the development and upgrade of Defence Forces built infrastructure.
The acquisition of military equipment is pursued through a comprehensive Equipment Development Plan which provides a consolidated, structured basis for investment in military equipment to maintain and develop necessary capabilities. Similarly, a Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme sets out the requirements for essential infrastructure development works over a medium term timeframe. These strategic frameworks combine to provide the basis for medium term equipment and infrastructural planning and investment requirements for the Defence Forces.
Multi-Annual capital funding allocations are framed by the overarching National Development Plan, with annual allocations negotiated as part of the annual Estimates process. In 2021, a mid term review of the National Development Plan was undertaken and the capital allocation for Defence was increased to €566 million for the period 2022 to 2025, with annual allocations as follows –
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Defence NDP Capital Funding Allocation |
€141m |
€141m |
€142m |
€142m |
As part of the Budget Estimates process for 2023, and in line with this Government’s commitment to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Defence capital allocation for 2023 has increased significantly, by €35 million, to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022, an allocation which represents the single biggest annual capital investment ever provided to Defence.
This increase in funding reinforces commitments made by this Government to providing a financial platform for the Defence Sector for the required transformation, as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times. The certainty of funding provided by the multi-annual allocations outlined in the National Development Plan provides a baseline which enables the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects.
399. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the capital expenditure for the Defence Forces from 2017 to 2022, tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51606/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence capital expenditure over the period from 2017 to 2022 is outlined in the table below:
Vote 36 (Defence) Capital Expenditure 2017 to 2022:
|
2017 €m |
2018 €m |
2019 €m |
2020 €m |
2021 €m |
2022 €m (YTD) |
|
|
Vote 36 (Defence) Capital Expenditure |
95.3 |
94.7 |
137.8 |
158.7 |
130.1 |
50.1 |
The principal demand drivers of capital expenditure for the Defence Forces are the ongoing renewal, retention and acquisition of military equipment along with the development and upgrade of Defence Forces built infrastructure. The level of capital funding provided since 2017 has facilitated an ongoing programme of Defence equipment replacement and infrastructural development which aligns with White Paper objectives.
Many of the Defence Forces equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times. However, internal strategic planning frameworks aligned with the certainty provided from multi-annual funding envelopes have enabled the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on a broad range of capital investment programmes/projects over this timeframe, including, inter alia,
- the Naval Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme;
- the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Programme and
- the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of Mowag armoured personnel carriers.
It has also facilitated a comprehensive upgrade and modernisation of Defence Forces Built Infrastructure across Army, Naval and Air Corps platforms.
Capital investment has been increasing over recent years, however, similar to many other Public Service Organisations, capital investment in Defence was impacted somewhat by Covid-19 and supply chain difficulties in 2021. The capital expenditure allocation for 2022 is €141 million and current indications are that this allocation will be fully expended by year-end.
400. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the meetings of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group that have been attended by representatives of Ireland in which those meetings took place; and on what date those meetings took place, and the person or body that has represented Ireland at those meetings. [51668/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing Russia’s unprovoked, illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, a conference was organised by the United States to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany on 26 April. This was the first meeting of what became known as the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which Ireland, along with a number of other countries, was subsequently invited to join.
Since the formation of the group, Ireland has participated in five meetings which took place on 23 May, 15 June, 20 July, 8 September and most recently on 12 October. On each occasion, Ireland was represented at senior official level from the Department of Defence and at senior military level by the Defence Forces. These meetings have alternated between video conferences and in-person meetings.
This Group provides a forum to discuss the response of the international community to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ireland has provided military equipment in the form of body armour and ready-to-eat meals to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and has committed to contribute a further €55 million through the European Peace Facility.
The contact group has grown to more than 50 participating members, including almost all NATO and EU Member States as well as a number of African and Asian countries.
It is useful for Ireland to avail of all appropriate opportunities for high-level and diplomatic engagement on issues relating to Ukraine, particularly as regards the long-term perspectives for the conflict, the potential scenarios ahead, including any eventual pathway to a negotiated solution, as well as the wider transformation of the European security landscape.
401. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of the names of each special advisor employed by his Department since 2015, the relevant Minister they worked under and the date that their employment with the Department/Minister ceased where applicable. [51775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following are details of the advisors who were employed by my Department since 2015:
|
Name |
Date of Employment |
Minister |
|
John Coughlan |
6 May 2016 to 27 June 2020 |
Minister Paul Kehoe |
|
Clare Mungovan |
18 May 2016 to 7 January 2018 |
Minister Paul Kehoe |
|
Niall O'Connor |
29 January 2018 to 27 June 2020 |
Minister Paul Kehoe |
402. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the estimated full-year cost if the daily food allowance for personnel within the Defence Forces of €4.20 per day per personnel was increased to €6.20 per day per personnel. [51866/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review of the Daily Ration rate by the Military Authorities, my Department has recently considered and approved the proposal to increase the Daily Ration rate from €4.20 to €6.40 per person. This increase, which will be considered within ongoing Revised Estimate discussions, will be made to Subhead A.14 (Defence Forces Uniforms, Clothing, Equipment and Catering) of the Defence Vote and is expected to increase the annual ration allocation to some €5 million in 2023.
403. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant engineer room artificer technicians currently in the Naval Service; and when these vacancies will be filled in tabular form. [51867/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraVacancies are filled in line with promotional arrangements, as appropriate, and by recruitment. A direct entry competition for Engine Room Artificers is ongoing and, as at 30th September 2022, has attracted 21 applications.
|
Engine Room Artificers Vacancies in the Naval Service as of 14 October 2022 |
|
|
Establishment |
85 |
|
Strength |
68* |
|
Vacancies |
17 |
*includes 17 personnel undergoing training to become Engine Room Artificers.
404. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if he has undertaken a review of the operation to evacuate Irish citizens from Kabul in Afghanistan; if a review, if any, examined the mode of transport that was required to facilitate the Army Ranger Wing trip to Afghanistan; if he is satisfied that a future purchase of enhanced airlift capabilities for the Air Corps is a necessity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51881/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation to evacuate Irish citizens from Kabul in August 2021 was carried out by an Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT) led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and supported by Defence Forces personnel.
The goal of the ECAT Mission was to provide consular advice and assistance, including by assisting in the safe evacuation of the Irish citizens and dependants that had been identified. With the support of ECAT, 26 Irish citizens and residents were successfully supported to evacuate Afghanistan.
The post mission review covered all aspects of the operation, including transportation. The ECAT received transport assistance from our EU partners, France and Finland. It is not unusual for small countries such as ours to receive this type of support from larger partners in relation to overseas deployments and crisis management scenarios.
With regard to enhanced airlift capabilities for the Air Corps, my priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible in order to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
The White Paper provides for the replacement of the CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with larger more capable aircraft, which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was signed with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019. The principal role of the C295 is maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection. It will also enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, search and rescue and a general utility role. The cost of the contract, including equipment fit-out and ancillary support, is approximately €228.3 million including VAT and the aircraft are scheduled for delivery next year. These aircraft when delivered will provide enhanced airlift capabilities for the Air Corps.
Notwithstanding the recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces to enhance the Air Corps fleet with the addition of a fixed wing aircraft with strategic reach capability, no decisions have yet been made in respect of the purchase of aircraft in other roles such as strategic airlift /strategic reach capability.
In line with the approach to proposals for major acquisitions and the Public Spending Code, the assessment of a proposal to acquire a large aircraft includes consideration of the overall investment rationale.
405. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence with reference to the strategic reach aircraft requirement noted in a Commission On Defence Report (details supplied), if this recommendation requires yet another aircraft type for the Air Corps with new support and operational resources or alternatively; if there are any aircraft types in service or coming into service which, if an additional airframe were to be procured, could fulfil this requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51882/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s priority is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This is primarily to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020. The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process.
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 was undertaken over a period of 5 months by my Department and the Defence Forces. This involved significant inter-departmental consultation, and I and my officials have engaged with key stakeholders to ascertain their views. Following this engagement, I returned to Government with a High Level Action Plan and a Memo for Government which were approved on July 12th of this year. As part of this, Government approved a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission, which will entail funding increases to reach a defence budget of c. €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
The recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces for the enhancement of the Air Corps’ fleet with the addition of a fixed wing aircraft has been agreed in principle and now requires an informed approach and full consideration in accordance with the Equipment Planning process.
As with all capital investment decisions, costing over €10 million, the requirements of the Public Spending Code will need to be met, covering the various steps required in assessing the viability of the proposal and those associated with relevant decision-making and potential subsequent public investment in any additional aircraft.
