I published Strategic Framework: Transformation of the Defence Forces on 26 September. The purpose of the strategic framework is to bring together into one overarching document the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit-for-purpose organisation that can defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. My priority within this transformation is cultural change above all else. It consolidates into one document key actions under a number of defence sector reports and plans which will underpin this transformation.
The report of the independent review group that was established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published in March 2023. The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published in February 2022. Other relevant issues include specific actions to support the recruitment and retention of the Defence Forces, the Defence Forces equipment development plan and the infrastructure development plan as well as the legislative programme necessary to underpin the transformation efforts. All of that is covered by the framework. The framework is designed to be fully understood by everyone, to have appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms, to oversee this transformation and to bring transparency and accountability to the work.
The timescale for this strategic framework is to the end of 2024, with an update report published every six months, commencing in March 2024. One of the early actions to be delivered under the Commission for the Defence Forces and referenced in the strategic framework is the development of a Defence Forces vision statement by the Chief of Staff for my approval. The Defence Forces has progressed work on this, including comprehensive internal consultation and the use of external expertise. As the vision statement has yet to be finalised and approved by me as Minister of Defence I am not in a position to comment comprehensively on it currently. I assure the Deputy that the vision statement will align with our policy of military neutrality. It has to.