Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 10, 12, 15, 30, 41 and 43 together.

The programme for Government committed to establishing an independent commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces and include the following matters: arrangements for the effective defence of the country on land, in the air and at sea; the structure and size of the Defence Forces, encompassing capabilities, structures and staffing; appropriate governance and high-level command and control; pay and allowances structures; recruitment, retention and career progression; and to leverage the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, in its supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.

This independent commission on the Defence Forces was established by the Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the terms of reference, based on the programme for Government, and the membership of the commission. The commission’s overall approach will be guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and its update in 2019. As part of a broader consultation process, the commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its terms of reference. The commission received more than 500 submissions, which it is currently analysing.

The commission has been established as an independent body, and while it is a matter entirely for the commission, I understand it has met a broad stakeholder group, including the representative associations, senior and enlisted members of the Defence Forces, senior officials from my Department and other groups. Site visits to military locations by members of the commission have taken place and I understand that further site visits have been scheduled if Covid restrictions permit. The chairman of the commission, Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll, also met members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on 20 April to discuss the ongoing work of the commission.

The establishment of an independent commission on the Defence Forces underpins the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, in terms of both meeting immediate requirements and also seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030. The commission is to submit its report by the end of the year and it will be considered fully at that time. I look forward to having a debate in the House on the contents of that final report when it has been presented to me and the Government has had an opportunity to consider it.

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