John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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367. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of current PESCO projects in which Ireland is participating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31527/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is currently participating in one PESCO project, the Greek led Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance.

The main objective of this project is to enhance the Maritime Surveillance, Situational Awareness and potential Response Effectiveness of the EU, by using the existing infrastructure and developing related capabilities in the future. The covered area of the project consists of all seas that envelop the EU. It aims to address timely and effectively new and old threats and challenges (such as energy security, environmental challenges, security and Defence aspects); thus, ensuring accurate Awareness and Rapid Response to contribute to the EU defence and its citizens’ security.

Ireland previously participated in the German led project EU Training Mission Competence Centre, this project closed in November 2019 with the agreement of all members as it duplicated existing structures in the EU.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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368. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of current PESCO projects that Ireland is observing on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31528/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is currently observing on nine PESCO projects: (1) Deployable Military Disaster Relief Capability Package; (2) Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures; (3)Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform; (4) European Secure Software Defined Radio; (5) Military Mobility; (6) Energy Operational Function; (7) EU Radio Navigation Solution; (8) Counter Unmanned Aerial System; (9) Special Operations Forces Medical Training Centre.

Observers on PESCO Project have no voting rights or influence on the project activities. Observer status allows Member States to evaluate the project and to assess the added-value of joining as full participants.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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369. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider Custume Barracks, Athlone, as the location for the proposed Army headquarters as recommended in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31654/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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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 was published on the 9th February 2022.

The Commission undertook a significant body of work encompassing their wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and a number of sub 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.

The Commission's report proposes significant changes for the Defence Forces, including to Defence Forces culture, high-level command and control structures, and for the level of Defence provision in Ireland. The report is being fully considered, in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders.

The intent is that following relevant consideration, and before the summer recess, I will revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan.

One of the Report's recomendations is that the structure of the Army be reviewed and, in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion on this matter prior to completion of the ongoing process, Government approval of any proposed plan of action, and completion of any subsequent reviews that may ensue.