Written answers

Tuesday, 6 March 2018

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Training

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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28. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Army, Naval Service and Air Corps training continues to be in line modern and international best practice; if particular procedures are in need of updating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10723/18]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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31. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which ongoing training of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, including Reserves, is scheduled in the course of the next two years; the extent to which such ongoing training meets international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10726/18]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 31 together.

The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable it to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.

The Defence Forces conduct training and education under four broad categories namely; Leadership, skills, career and collective training. Leadership training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in International operations. Skills training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that its personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career training and

education provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.

The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021.

I am advised that the Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.

The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. The Defence Forces also engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and

international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.

I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.

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