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Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin welcomes the publication of the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report 2022

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, has welcomed the publication of the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report for 2022.

The Annual report reviews the performance of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces during 2022 against each of the strategic goals as set out in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2021 – 2023.

The Tánaiste said:

“This report highlights the significant progress made by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces during 2022, and the ongoing work to transform, and invest in, a Defence Forces fit for the future, following the largest increase in Defence spending in the history of the State.

“It was also a year that saw the work of the Independent Review Group continue, with publication of their final report early in 2023 a watershed moment, highlighting issues which go to the very heart of dignity, mutual respect, and duty of care within our Defence Forces.”

The Tánaiste added:

“The dangers and perils faced by our personnel serving abroad were also brought home by the shocking killing of UN Peacekeeper Pte Sean Rooney in Lebanon in December, and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues.

I would like to thank our military and civil personnel, the Secretary General and Chief of Staff for their continued dedication, and the important and valuable work carried out at home and overseas.”

ENDS

Notes to the editor:

• Amongst other work, 2022 saw the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and Government approval for a move to Level of Ambition (LOA) 2.
• A detailed Implementation Plan which will clearly set out the work needed to fully realise the transformation of the Defence Forces and defence provision in Ireland will be published in autumn 2023. 
• The Judge-led Independent Review Group examining issues relating to sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces also continued its work and the final report was received in February 2023.
• The report’s 13 recommendations are being progressed as a matter of urgency. The Organisational Capability Review (OCR) Report of the Department and associated Implementation Plan were also noted by Government and work has commenced on the recommendations.