The recent decision taken by the Government to enhance its Defence Forces budget spend, the largest increase since the foundation of the State is a “significant commitment” towards the transformation of the country’s military presence, Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, stated this week.
“The Commission report on the future of the Defence Forces recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland, covering high level Defence Force’s structures, defence capabilities, human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
“I welcome the Government’s commitment to tackle many of the long standing issues in our Defence Forces as outlined in the report by The Commission on the future of the Defence Forces in Ireland.
“I participated in the report on the future of the Defence Forces and made a strong case for improved pay and conditions for personnel. Following discussions with PDFORRA, I also made a strong case for members of the Defence Forces to be allowed to enter into pay negotiations, collective bargaining, so I am very pleased to see that this has been agreed by Government.
“I am also pleased that Government has committed to approving the High Level Action Plan, and that it has noted the urgent need for HR and cultural transformation. It has been approved to move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2 ), which will entail funding increases to reach a defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion,” Cllr O’Rourke asserted.
The recommended increase in the number of military personnel is a necessary development as the Council Cathaoirleach aims to work with his political colleagues to formulate a plan for the establishment of a centralised military base at Custume Barracks in the heart of Athlone.
“Commencement of planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar, and an increase in personnel numbers of 2,000 over the current establishment of 9,500 are vital components of the Commission’s recommendations.
“Government will immediately progress the pay structure measures, including, removal of the requirement for a Private 3 Star/Able Seaman to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank, and payment of the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA ) applicable to the rank of all Private 3 Star/Able Seaman personnel.
“I will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of those serving in the Defence Forces because while these changes are welcome, they have been too long coming and together with my colleagues, I will continue to work on the plan to establish a new head quarters in Custume Barracks as this would be a game changer in many ways. However, what shape this might take is still very much under ongoing discussion,” Cllr O’Rourke commented.
Cllr O’Rourke is of the firm belief that the Government must appoint a political representative to fulfil the role of Minister for Defence with a sole focus on matters military.
“I am strong in the belief that the Government should appoint a Minister for Defence and not simply have the job tagged on to another ministry. The job of reforming the Defence Forces in Ireland is a major task and one that requires the full attention and efforts of a department in its own right, and a minister that is not distracted by Brexit, Ukraine or any other political issue for that matter.
“However, the immediate priority must be a package of enhanced pay and conditions for members. This needs to happen quickly if we are to hold the critically low numbers we have, while at the same time attract ambitious young people in to the army in the short term and going forward,” Cllr O’Rourke concluded.
