Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

153. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a person or persons with detailed knowledge of the work of and demands on the Defence Forces over the years in the Border region and the unique security issues in that area will be appointed to the commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44076/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In accordance with a commitment made in the Programme for Government, I wish to confirm that Government approval was granted yesterday to establish an independent Commission on the Defence Forces. The Commission, which is due to commence its work before the end of this year, has been given a mandate to report within 12 months.

The membership of the Commission has been carefully chosen to ensure the optimum range of expertise in key areas including management, HR, security policy, public service, as well as both domestic and international military expertise. Membership of the Commission includes a number of former Defence Forces personnel and I am satisfied that this ensures that the Commission has a significant reservoir of domestic military experience at its disposal, including in relation to the border region.

A Press Release providing details of the Commission's Terms of Reference and membership has issued on my Department's website.