Press release
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin welcomes the publication of the Strategic Framework
Published on
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Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin today welcomed the publication of the Strategic Framework 2023 - Transformation of the Defence Forces.
The aim of the Strategic Framework is to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into an organisation that is fit for the purpose of defending the State, and meeting the challenges of today and the future. Key actions to be delivered before the end of 2024 from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF) and the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) are set out in the Strategic Framework. Also detailed in the document are the efforts underway in recruitment and retention, and in enhancing the physical working environment and equipment of our Defence personnel. Furthermore, the clear and transparent governance and reporting arrangements, which will be critical in the driving and overseeing delivery, are explained.
The Tánaiste said:
“This Strategic Framework clearly sets out the vital work that is underway relating to the transformation of the Defence Forces and outlines the necessary actions to be delivered by the end of 2024. It covers the recommendations made in the IRG and the CoDF reports, together with measures to address recruitment and retention challenges, and the legislative changes needed to modernise our Defence Forces.
“As Minister for Defence, I am committed to the radical reform of our Defence Forces. While much progress has been made to date, there is undoubtedly more work to do. Amongst my priorities is cultural change within the Defence Forces - ensuring that it is an equal opportunities employer where all members are treated with dignity, in an organisation that continuously evolves to deliver positive change.
“I want progress to be seen internally within the Defence Forces, and to be reported externally. Clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground is the only thing that will rebuild the trust and confidence of serving members.”
This Strategic Framework consolidates key actions to be delivered by the end of 2024 from a number of key reports and plans:
The Report of the Commission on Defence Forces (CoDF) was published in February 2022, in line with the Programme for Government commitment. A High Level Action Plan (HLAP) was presented to Government in July 2022. A detailed implementation plan of the next phase of delivering on the transformation recommendations from the CoDF will be published in October.
The Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (the ‘IRG Report’), published in March 2023 This report examined the current policies, systems and procedures for dealing with matters relating to dignity, discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces.
Core priorities identified for completion by the end of 2024 under the Strategic Framework are:
i. Specific actions to support cultural change within the Defence Forces through a well-designed and expertly implemented culture change programme, led and driven convincingly from the leadership of the Defence Forces.
ii. That the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces are stabilised, and thereafter increasing the strength towards the level of ambition arising from the Report of the Commission on Defence Forces.
iii. The implementation of an agreed policy for the application of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces.
iv. To progress specific projects to enhance the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel including specific capability enhancements across all Services.
v. To set up a new independent, external complaints service for serving members of the Defence Forces and a new complaints process for civilians and civil servants.
vi. To introduce the legislative changes to support the transformation of the Defence Forces.
vii. To set up the Judge led Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces into workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct is established.
The transformation process will be supported by new governance and reporting arrangements which are both clear and straightforward: