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

The current two Brigade structure was introduced in 2012 following a reduction in the strength of the PDF to 9,500 personnel. The previous three Brigade structure, which was originally introduced for a PDF strength of 11,500 personnel, could not be sustained within that lower strength level and would have been significantly at variance with international norms within that strength level.

Key aspects of the reorganisation included the consolidation of understrength units into a smaller number of larger units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated redeployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units. 

The current strength of the PDF is just under 8,500 personnel, which is significantly less than that intended for the two Brigade structure. A key aspect of the terms of reference for the Commission on the Defence Forces was to consider the most appropriate structures for the Defence Forces.

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published and the report contains 69 main recommendations and, together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations in total.  The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. The Report recommends further work on the identification of suitable Army structures.

As the Report contains many detailed recommendations, there is a process underway to consider these recommendations.  The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.  It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.

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

55. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of applications made by persons from counties Cavan and Monaghan to join the Defence Forces in each of the past five recruitment campaigns; the number that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13252/22]

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

The following table details the total number of applications received from counties Cavan and Monaghan, for Cadet,  General Service Recruit and Direct Entry competitions during the past five recruitment campaigns (years).

- Not having the required qualifications or not forwarding proof of such qualifications.  

- Not attending, or being unsuccessful, at the various inductions stages.  For applicants who do not show for a stage of the induction process, the Defence Forces remain proactive in attempting to re-arrange times etc.

- Not obtaining Garda security clearance

The Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted in 2022 with the targeting of General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians and specialists for the army, Air Corps and Naval Service.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

58. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the implementation of the recommendations from the recently published report by the Commission on the Defence Forces; the timeframe for same; the indicative budget for defence for the remainder of 2022 and in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13456/22]

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

The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership.

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published on the 9th February.  The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference.  The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations.  The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. 

As the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, there is a process underway to consider these recommendations.   The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.  It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.

On an annual basis, the overall Defence Vote Group allocation is determined within the overarching budgetary framework and approved by Dáil Eireann, having regard to the level of resources available and defence policy requirements. Thus, for 2022, the total gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group, as set out in Budget 2022, is €1,107 million, comprising of €836 million for Vote 36 (Defence) and €271 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions).  Funding for 2023 will set out in Budget 2023.

Capital funding allocations are also framed by the multi-annual National Development Plan. The White Paper on Defence, updated in 2019, highlighted the importance of capability development and the necessity for continued renewal, upgrade and acquisition of military equipment and infrastructure. To this end, the National Development Plan has allocated multi-annual funding of €566 million to Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million per annum provided for 2022 and 2023 and €142 million per annum for 2024 and 2025. Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the funding certainty now provided by the National Development Plan is welcome, as it will enable the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects over the coming years.