Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
83. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in advancing the recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces, with particular reference to the locations of Defence Forces formations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28210/24]
View answerAs Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 69 main recommendations and with sub recommendations there were 130 recommendations in total. The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with 21 recommendations completed and work ongoing across many others. Government noted that, in light of the Commission’s report, there is an urgent need for HR and cultural transformation in the Defence Forces and this will be prioritised. While we are still in the early stages of the transformation process, a number of recommendations that have been implemented to-date have had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.A great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved.The Detailed Implementation Plan sets out the significant progress that is expected in 2024. By the end of this year it is anticipated that 54 of the Commission's recommendations will be fully implemented, with many more being progressed over the course of the year.
There are a number of Government approved, Commission recommendations contained in the report which may impact on the structure of the Defence Forces including that the structure of the Army be reviewed, and in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered.
The recommendation, that the structure of the Army be reviewed, was identified as an Early Action in the High Level Action Plan. However, no decisions on the future disposition or locations of Defence Forces formations, installations and personnel have been made at this time. In keeping with the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, military authorities have established an office of Army Force Design which will undertake the significant work required to give effect to this recommendation.
Transformation efforts of the magnitude recommend by the Commission take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place and progress to date will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
