Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:97. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of creating a new rank of lance corporal as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52819/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 July 2026
Ceisteanna (97)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Commission on the Defence Forces Report recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. One of the Commission’s recommendations was the creation of a new enlisted rank of Lance-Corporal in the Army and Air Corps.
This recommendation has been identified as requiring further evaluation. The outcome of current work by the Defence Forces on force design will inform the further evaluation process on the introduction of the rank of Lance Corporal. Such further evaluation will also require consultation with other key stakeholders, including the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, regarding all aspects of the resource, policy, financial and legislative implications of introducing a new rank into the Defence Forces.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces identified that further evaluation of the Lance Corporal recommendation is expected to be completed in December 2027.
Estimated costs of creating the new rank of Lance Corporal are not available at this stage.