Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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11. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the After Action Review for 148 Platoon recruit training and three star course and the results of same will be released; if other after action reviews have taken place into recruit and-or cadet training standards since May 2016; if so, the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35922/18]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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12. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the Defence Forces Directorate of Training Lessons Learned cell is staffed and functioning correctly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35923/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.

I am informed by the military authorities that After Action Reviews are conducted following the completion of all courses in the Defence Forces, including recruit and Cadet training, as a constituent part of the organisation’s Lessons Learned policy.

The aim of the Defence Forces Lessons Learned policy is to promote organisational learning in order to improve the effectiveness of Defence Forces' decision-making, the development of doctrine and planning and conduct of operations/training.

The policy is designed to enhance security, education, efficiency and exercises as well as managerial practices and resource management. The internal dissemination of best practiceis a key objective and an integral component of the Lessons Learned process.

The Defence Forces does not comment on individual course after-action reviews, their contents, or any of the specifics of the individual courses for reasons of operational security.

Finally, the military authorities inform me that the Lessons Learned Cell is functioning correctly and is staffed in accordance with the establishment.