Maintaining Ireland’s neutrality, improving pay and conditions for serving personnel, and enhancing supports for veterans are among the key areas prioritised in the Social Democrats’ Defence and Security policy, which was published today.
The policy was launched in Newbridge by Cllr Chris Pender, the party’s Kildare South candidate, and justice spokesperson Catherine Murphy.
In government, the Soc Dems will reconfigure the Department of Defence as the Department of Defence, Security and Emergency planning. Within that department, the party would develop a new National Defence and Security Framework.
The policy outlines proposals for increased investment to support 11,500 active personnel, plus 500 in training. Issues around pay and conditions would also be addressed to tackle the recruitment and retention crisis in the Defence Forces.
The need for increased supports for veterans is identified as a priority area in the strategy. The party would establish a Veterans’ Commission and Veterans’ Support Office, in addition to developing a comprehensive veterans’ policy and enhanced veteran services.
The Soc Dems have also pledged to create an Active Reserve to utilise the expertise of leaving and retired personnel; equip the Defence Forces with the systems and technologies required to effectively carry out national defence and security roles in the 21st century; and create an Office of National Information, Cyber and Data Defence and Security.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Cllr Chris Pender said:
“In an era of complex global threats, our Defence Forces must be equipped not only to protect national sovereignty, but also to continue our proud tradition of international peacekeeping.
“It is time for a defence and security policy that respects the sacrifices of our service members and prepares Ireland for the future. This means not just investing in equipment and personnel, but ensuring our veterans and their families are supported throughout and after their dedicated service.
“The Social Democrats are committed to a defence strategy that upholds Ireland’s values of neutrality and peace while ensuring the nation is prepared for the realities of modern global conflicts.”
Catherine Murphy said:
“Today, the defence and security challenges facing Ireland are becoming more complex and diverse. However, we are not funding our institutions sufficiently to handle them.
“As the international security environment grows ever more precarious, it is the Defence Forces that will carry out Ireland’s overseas peacekeeping missions. Ensuring they are adequately equipped for the task must be a central pillar of defence and security policy.
“Leaving things as they are is not an option. This would result in the Defence Forces being unable to effectively conduct defence and security operations within the State, likely requiring a reduced commitment to international peace support, crisis management, and humanitarian operations due to capacity constraints.”
November 23, 2024
Note: full text of Defence and Security policy here