I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 310 together.
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 undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference in its report published in 2022. It recommended 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.
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.
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, the Defence Forces have established an office of Army Force Design and an overarching strategic force design office, which has begun to undertake the significant work required to give effect to this recommendation.
It should also be noted that the geopolitical environment, which has changed substantially since the Commission on the Defence Forces reported, will also have to be factored into a future force design.
On completion of the force design work by the Defence Forces and other work, the Chief of Staff will submit a report on Force Design to me for review. Designing a structure for a modern force of Ireland's size taking into account the Defence Forces roles and capabilities required to deliver these roles is complicated and challenging work which we need to get right to ensure that we design a modern force which is fit for purpose for future generations.
Currently there are no plans to consider the former Dún Uí Néill site in Cavan as a forward operating base, which is now the Education and Training Facility for Cavan Institute.
