Public views sought by Defence Forces Commission

The website of the Commission on the Defence Forces (www.gov.ie/codf) is now live and accepting submissions from individuals and organisations.

The commission said it is seeking submissions on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference. It said these submissions would form an important input to the Commission’s report, to be submitted to the Minister for Defence by the end of this year.

Before Christmas, Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney announced Government approval for the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces.

The establishment of the commission was included in the Programme for Government.

It is to undertake a review of the existing arrangements for the effective defence of the country at land, air and sea and consider other issues including the brigade structure; pay and allowances and composition of the Defence Forces and recruitment, retention and career progression.

Of particular local relevance is the consideration of the brigade structure.

Custume Barracks in Athlone has historically been the headquarters of the 4th Western Brigade. The 4th Western Brigade was one of three brigades in the country’s Defence Forces until it was abolished in November 2012 by the Fine Gael/Labour coalition, under Defence Minister Alan Shatter, with a two-brigade structure introduced.

The launch of the Commission’s website and the request for submissions is part of a broad consultation process that will be undertaken by the Commission throughout the year.

Since the Commission was established in December 2020, it has already held two plenary meetings (virtually) and has held discussions with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and the General Staff, and with the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and the Department’s Management Board.

Further discussions and consultations are planned with Defence Forces personnel of all ranks, and the Commission will also be engaging with the Defence Forces Representative Associations and other key stakeholder groups.

Submissions can be made to the Commission by post (Commission on the Defence Forces, Floor 1 West, Agriculture House, Dublin DO2 WK12) or through its website (www.gov.ie/codf) where details of how to make a submission are set out.

In order to assist the Commission in carrying out its work within the timeframe set down by Government, the closing date for receipt of submissions is March 5, 2021.

The full terms of reference of the commission are included in this article