Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
11. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of the strategic framework for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21827/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces in March 2023, I set out my priority to develop one Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, fully understood by everyone, that has the appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms, and is properly resourced.
The purpose of the Strategic Framework is to bring together into one overarching document, from the multiplicity of plans developed, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Strategic Framework sets out the key actions to be delivered before the end of 2024 from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF) and the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG). It also details the efforts underway in recruitment and retention, and in enhancing the physical working environment and equipment of our Defence personnel.
When I published the Strategic Framework – Transformation of the Defence Forces in September 2023, I was absolutely clear on the immediate actions to be delivered in 2024 to support the transformation of our Defence Forces into a fit-for-purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. My priority for this transformation is cultural change above all else. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer reflective of contemporary Irish society, where all members are treated with dignity, is well-resourced, and provides a rewarding and attractive career path for new and existing personnel.
Core priorities identified for completion by the end of 2024 under the Strategic Framework are:
i. Specific actions to support cultural change within the Defence Forces through a well-designed and expertly implemented culture change programme, led and driven convincingly from the leadership of the Defence Forces.
ii. That the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces are stabilised, and thereafter increasing the strength towards the level of ambition arising from the Report of the Commission on Defence Forces.
iii. The implementation of an agreed policy for the application of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces.
iv. To progress specific projects to enhance the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel including specific capability enhancements across all Services.
v. To set up a new independent, external complaints service for serving members of the Defence Forces and a new complaints process for civilians and civil servants.
vi. To introduce the legislative changes to support the transformation of the Defence Forces.
vii. To set up the Judge led Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces into workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
In the months since the publication of the Strategic Framework, the Government has delivered a number of very significant actions that have had real impact on the Defence Forces personnel including:
» Extension of private healthcare to enlisted ranks in September 2023;
» Doubling of the Patrol Duty Allowance (PDA) paid to Naval Service Personnel; and
» Increases in maximum recruitment ages and mandatory retirement ages for Permanent Defence Force and Reserve Defence Force personnel;
These measures will have a very positive impact on the overall benefits of joining and remaining in the Defence Forces, allied with the implementation of the Public Sector Pay Agreement 2024 – 2026.
In addition, enhancements to the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel has also continued.
This significant investment in our Defence Forces will continue as part of the ambitious programme of work outlined in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground is the only thing to rebuild the trust and confidence of serving members.
The actions set out in the Strategic Framework are being actively progressed and monitored. I am pleased with the progress made on each of the core priorities, further details of which are outlined in the first update report of the Strategic Framework which was published yesterday. A Revised Strategic Framework for 2025 and beyond, is due to be published at the end of this year.
I look forward to the completion of each of the transformative actions outlined in the Strategic Framework by the end of 2024 and building upon the momentum and impetus to support the transformation of the Defence Forces.
