Strategy Statement 2008 - 2010 - Department of Defence

Strategy Statement 2008 – 2010 | Department of Defence & Defence Forces
Remain firmly committed to maintaining Irish neutrality and opposing
any changes to the triple lock as enshrined in our law. In accordance
with this, we will ensure that participation by the Defence Forces in any
overseas peace support missions continue to be based on the triple-lock
mechanism of UN mandate, Government and Dáil approval.
Ensure that investment in the Defence Forces continues to grow, with
the full commercial value of all defence property disposals to be received
by the Department of Defence for investment in capital projects and
new equipment.
Continue the ongoing policy of annual recruitment and maintain the
present establishment. This will enable the Permanent Defence Forces to
maintain a strength of 10,500 fully trained personnel with an additional
provision from 2008 onwards for up to 350 troops to be in training at
any given time.
Fast-track the civilianisation of all outstanding agreed posts.
Ensure that our troops have the most modern and effective range of
protective equipment, weaponry and training available.
Fully execute the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) implementation plan by
the 2009 target, including improving RDF interoperability with the PDF,
and the introduction of procedures to allow suitably qualified RDF
personnel serve on overseas duties.
Continue the ongoing policy of recruitment to the RDF through regular
and targeted recruitment campaigns.
Develop the role and contribution of the Medical Corps and expand its
capacity to deliver a range of medical facilities on UN mandated
missions.
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Develop the Commissioning From the Ranks programme, both for
enlisted personnel under 28 by way of the cadet programme and by way
of regular CFR competitions for NCOs.
Conduct regular reviews of the operation of the equality and antibullying
measures in the military.
Ensure the Defence Forces are intrinsically involved in all future 1916
commemorations.