Minister for Defence

The Minister for Defence is the head of the Department of Defence and exercises military command, executive and administrative authority over the Defence Forces on behalf of the government.

The primary responsibilities of his Private Office are the:

• provision of a link between the Minister, the Department of Defence and the military authorities
• provision of advice and assistance to the Minister in relation to his ministerial functions
• processing correspondence, representations, parliamentary business and enquiries
• organisation of the Minister's diary and public engagements