Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to meet Defence Forces Chief of Staff

The following representatives are due to appear.
• Lieutenant General Séan Clancy, Chief of Staff
• Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy, Assistant Chief of Staff
• Colonel Caimin Keogh, Director Strategic Planning Branch
• Colonel Rory Sheerin, Director Human Resources Branch
• Commandant Gemma Fagan, Staff Officer, Chief of Staff Division

Speaking ahead of the meeting Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Charlie Flanagan said: “We welcome the opportunity to discuss facing the key issue the Defence Forces faces as an organisation and how it can ensure it is operationally ready to carry out its role at home and overseas.”

“The report by the Commission on the Defence Forces submitted to Government last year set out where investment was required and how Ireland is vulnerable to security threats due to a lack of resources and personnel.”

"The Government committed to increasing Defence Forces spending from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion by 2028 and the recommendations of the report provide a roadmap to design and develop the force into the future.”

“We look forward to discussing priorities for the Defence Forces in the year ahead and other related matters with representatives.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.