Mark Wall
Ceist:23. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of actions recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces which have been completed and implemented to date. [52069/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 8 July 2026
Ceisteanna (23)
Freagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for giving me this opportunity provide an update on the Detailed Implementation Plan of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, and the considerable progress this is being made by my Department and the Defence Forces. The vital work on the transformation of our Defence Forces is a core priority for me as Minister for Defence. I am fully committed to the continued, meaningful 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.
Many of the immediate priority projects set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan of 2023 have now been delivered. These include:
• The appointment of a full-time Gender Advisor
• Removal of the blanket exclusion from the Organisation of Working Time Act
• Review and modernisation of personal appearance standards
• Implementation of key Strategic HR structures
• Establishment and staffing of civil/ military capability development unit
• Development of regeneration and recruitment plans for the Reserve Defence Forces.
57 of the 130 recommendations from the Commission have now been implemented, and as the updated Detailed Implementation Plan illustrates, there is significant progress underway on the remaining recommendations.
As outlined in the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan, 2026 will see significant progress being made on key Defence Equipment projects, including the priority Military Radar Programme. The Military Radar Programme is a key Government priority and I am assured that good progress is being made. The full delivery of the Military Radar Programme is a complex programme of works; but has been prioritised with a target delivery date of a 'full air picture' by 2028. Elements of the programme will be rolled out in phases, starting this year with the counter-drone technology.
Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 18.