Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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30. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his priorities for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5208/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 48 together.

The Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme. 

One of the key commitments was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces and their report was published on the 9th February 2022.

On the 12th July 2022, Government approval was given for a move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA2), as set out in the Commission report.  This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State.  The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel (civil and military) over and above the current establishment of 9,500. A High-Level Action Plan (HLAP) was also approved by Government.

A civil/military Implementation Management Office (IMO) has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report and work on a detailed implementation plan is currently at an advanced stage.

One of the Early Actions identified in the High-Level Action Plan was the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review as part of the regular defence review process set out in the White Paper. The first stage of this review will be a security environment analysis to be conducted by an interdepartmental working group which is due to commence shortly.

Along with the actions arising from the Commission on the Defence Forces the following items are some of the more immediate priorities for my Department:

Independent review group

The Judge-led Independent Review Group, established on 25 of January last year, following approval by Government, has been examining the systems, policies and procedures for dealing with issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces, as well as the prevailing workplace culture. In accordance with the Terms of Reference, the Group will provide a Final Report with their findings to me within a year. I understand the Group are nearing the conclusion on the report and it will be submitted to me very shortly which I will consider in full, in consultation with the Attorney General. The Final Report will be brought to Government, before being published.

International

Continuing the work done in 2022, one of the key priorities of my Department in 2023 is the successful reflection of Ireland’s position in relation to various EU defence and security initiatives, including on the implementation of the Strategic Compass, the operationalisation of the European Peace Facility and EU actions in support of Ukraine.

Following the tragic death of Private Sean Rooney  on 14th December 2022 in the course of an attack on a UNIFIL mission convoy, the Irish Government is determined that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident in which Private Rooney was killed, are fully established. This matter will be a priority for my Department in 2023. The incident is the subject of a number of parallel investigations and no stone will be left unturned  to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Recruitment and retention

Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. In addition to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, there are a number of initiatives currently underway to counter the on-going recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces and play a role in restoring and retaining capacity.

Other priorities that will be progressed during 2023 include the Organisational Capability Review, regeneration of the RDF, strategic defence review, working time directive, infrastructure and equipment development, Civil Defence and strategic emergency management.  Whilst this list does not cover all the work to be carried out in 2023 it captures some of my key priority areas.