Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2025
18. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of draft legislation to create the post of Chief of Defence; the powers to be allocated to the Chief of Defence; if the Chief of Defence will be appointed as accounting officer for the Defence Forces budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52269/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. Approval has been given by Government to prepare a General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to these recommendations. 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, but I expect to be in a position to bring the General Scheme to Government within the coming months.
