Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:177. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost to provide the resources required for the staffing of C2 and service HQ structures. [49567/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 18 September 2025
Ceisteanna (177)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Defence, 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 recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
The Commission on the Defence Forces also made significant recommendations around command and control of the Defence Forces including command being delegated from the Minister to the head of the Military to be titled Chief of Defence (CHOD). Currently, military command is delegated from the Minister for Defence (on behalf of the Government) to five separate high ranking military Officers commanding Army Brigade units, the Naval Service and Air Corps (all Brigadier General rank).
There are a number of Government approved Commission recommendations contained in the report in relation to high level command and control and HQ structures. This work is on-going, 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. The intention is to have a General Scheme approved by myself followed by submission to the Government in the near future.
There is no initial cost for this legislation as the post of CHOD will take over the post of Chief of Staff on the same remuneration. The Defence Forces are undertaking further work on the HQ structures below that of the new CHOD post and this work is on-going and subject to further analysis and subsequently any costs are not yet clear. The full costs of any HQ structure proposals will be subject to engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. It should be noted that there is currently an establishment figure for Defence Forces Headquarters staff and the new HQ structure will utilise and repurpose these staff as efficiently and effectively as possible.
A great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place, coupled with progress to date, will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.