Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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390. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of the 82 projects listed in the 2015 White Paper on Defence that are completed; and the number deferred until the Commission on the Defence Forces reports. [12095/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon and covers all aspects of defence within overall security policy. Since publication of the White Paper, a total of 95 separate projects have been identified for completion over a ten-year period. To provide flexibility, projects may be sub-divided or merged, changing the top-line number. Project and Programme Management Governance arrangements were put in place to monitor the ongoing status of individual projects and to review the scope of projects within the programme.

Following on from the White Paper Update 2019 and the Government’s High Level Plan to implement the Report of the Public Service Pay Commission, senior civil and military management have concluded a review of the projects which has resulted in reprioritisation of certain projects. This takes account of work that is progressing across the organisation which has been contributing to implementation of the White Paper. Of the initial 95 projects, 63 projects have either been initiated through the project management methodology (44), or have already been absorbed into the day-to-day work of the Defence Organisation or have been superseded by events (19). 27 projects are now formally completed and closed with a number of others due to close shortly. Taking account of the specific matters provided for in its terms of reference, 14 projects have been deferred until the Commission on the Defence Forces reports. The Commission is due to report by year-end.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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391. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of the 13 Reserve Defence Force, RDF, projects that have been completed since 2015; the number deferred; and the reason for each deferral. [12096/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capabilities. The 2015 White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon, to 2025. While the majority of projects arising from the White Paper are primarily focused on the Permanent Defence Force, there were 13 White Paper projects relating to the RDF.

As part of the phased implementation of the White Paper, the majority of the projects relating to the RDF were scheduled for commencement in the latter part of the White Paper time frame. This reflects the fact that there are finite resources available to pursue multiple individual projects and, in this context, the necessary phasing of White Paper implementation. Emergent recruitment and retention issues in the Permanent Defence Force have also been a priority.

A White Paper project relating to a skills survey of the RDF was initiated and the completed survey provides an overview of the range of skills available within the Reserve. This project has subsequently been merged with another White Paper project.

As part of the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Report of the Public Sector Pay Commission on recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, a Workforce Planning project is underway which will identify skills sets in the PDF and identify appropriate measures to address any such gaps. The skills survey already undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of member of the Reserve will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold. The Government has additionally given approval for proposed amendments to the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020, which will update Defence legislation relating to utilisation of the RDF.

The work of the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, established in line with the Programme for Government 2020, encompasses the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation, the regulations governing the RDF, the development of the First Line Reserve (FLR) and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas.

The remaining 12 White Paper Projects relating to the RDF will be reviewed on foot of the recommendations arising from the Commission.