An Cosantóir

11 DF COMMISSION As a former FCA man, Adrian O'Driscoll is uniquely qualified to head up the Commission on the Defence Forces. "When I got the call from the Minister I didn't hesitate. I have a great affection and commitment to the Defence Forces". He knows he is facing a daunting task in his review and recommendations for the future of the Irish Defence Forces, but believes the team which makes up the Commission will bring vast experience to the job ahead. "We have very experienced Irish and overseas military people, along with people from academia with a background in security and defence", he said, adding that there was other senior Civil Servant and HR people from the public and private sector. In a Defence Forces podcast interview with Capt Cian Clancy, Mr O'Driscoll talked about the wide range of issues which the Commission has to deal with and how they plan to tackle those. "It is a very strong Commission, these are people used to making tough decisions. It is not going to be a timid Commission but one that knows its own mind and will make the recommendations it wishes to make." He emphasises that they are "anchored firmly in the Defence Forces of the future" looking at what kind of Defence Forces is needed for the 21st century. He added: "We have been asked to look at structures, capabilities and staff for the future." Mr O'Driscoll added: "There are challenges out there. Some of them are old challenges in the defence and security area. However some are very new and very different and require different approaches, different technologies, structures, training and skills. We have to move on and look to the future." One of the issues a lot of people are concerned about is that of pay. "People are obviously interested in whether or not we are looking at remuneration. We don't have a remit to look at pay rates, which is a whole separate process, but we have been asked to look at remuneration systems and structures including the various allowances, which are quite complicated." Saying the Commission had very good engagement from the various staff organisations, Mr O'Driscoll said they had had over 100 submissions and this was very welcome: "Public consultation is extremely important in that it gives people an opportunity to put ideas and thoughts to us. While we have a brilliant Commission, we don't know everything, so good ideas can come that way." However, COVID – not surprisingly – has curtailed the Commission's plans to engage directly with Defence Force members. "I really want to get out there and meet people of all ranks in their natural environment, in their barracks, in other locations. COVID is a problem for us so I want to try a mixture of physical visits and virtual visits." There may also make use of webinars. Retention and recruitment are other major issues which the Commission will consider. "There is a huge range of issues under this heading. Career progression is extremely important. Then there are gender issues along with diversity and the various HR issues." Structure is also an important matter to be dealt with by the Commission. "Command and Control is called out as a specific issue in our Terms of Reference. But there are issues of structures at the whole Defence Forces level and also in the Army, Navy and Aer Corps," he said. "There are a whole set of issues around these structures that I think are absolute key. In fact, I would perhaps see them as the first issue in terms of the overall overview on the future of the Defence Forces. You really need to get a clear sense of what kind of structure you think is necessary for the 21st century." The Reserve Defence Forces will also figure. "Actually, I think the Reserve is hugely important and it is an area we need to attend. There is widespread recognition of this so we will certainly be giving it that attention." Mr O'Driscoll pointed out the need for all kinds of specialisations and technical skills in the Defence Forces saying: "Some of these technical skills are present in the private and public sector and some of those people are very willing and happy to serve in the Reserve Defence Force, so it is another way of tapping into those skills." As regards the Commission's final recommendations, he said the report would be presented to the Minister. "It is a report to Government, it is then for them to decide whether to implement the recommendations. Government will typically set up some sort of implementation structure, but the crucial step I think is their response to our recommendations." Adrian O'Driscoll interview on the DF Commission By Tony O'Brien https://www.military.ie/!B9SU9R

• Cover