Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2024
15. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations arising from the Defence Forces high-level action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41487/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra16. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to indicate the progress in recent months in implementing the reforms in the Defence Forces identified in a recent report, in particular all of the major recommendations including gender equality, recruitment, pay and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42080/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
As 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. 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.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken with a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022. This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2) by 2028, as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The move to LOA2 is due to be complete by 2028. 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.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, was published on the 21st of November last. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to LOA 2 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across:
• Strategic HR and Cultural Change;
• New Command and Control and Joint Structures to be established;
• Services to be reformed and restructured;
• Reserve Defence Force to be revitalised; and
• Joint Capability Development to be implemented
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with 33 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, the recommendations implemented to-date have had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.
This includes changes made to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance.
In addition to this, extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks was implemented in September 2023.
In terms of recruitment, a number of initiatives have been progressed to counter staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, The Government agreed to increase the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 62. This facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles. The maximum recruitment age for Direct Entry Officer specialists has been increased to 50.
The Commission on the Defence Forces made a number of recommendations around Command and Control including the creation of a new position of Chief of Defence. I received Government approval in July this year to prepare the necessary legislation to provide for the reform of high-level Command and Control of the Defence Forces.
The work undertaken is significant, complex and sensitive involving a fundamental review of the current regulatory framework governing the relationship between the Minister for Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence. These reforms are part of the modernisation of the Defence Forces and bring the high level structures in line with international comparators.
However a great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved.
By the end of this year it is anticipated that 46 of the Commission's recommendations will be fully implemented, with many more being progressed over the course of the year. Work is currently underway on the development of an updated Detailed Implementation Plan, which is scheduled to be published in Q4 2024.
Transformation efforts of this magnitude 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.
