Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 May 2024
100. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the progress made developing family friendly policies in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19715/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that there is an on-going programme of HR transformation within the Defence Forces, part of which, is aimed at developing family friendly policies to ensure that there is an appropriate work-life balance for service members.
The design of an overarching Family Friendly Policy for the Defence Forces is currently the subject of a tendering process. The development of this policy will commence on the appointment of the successful external third party.
There are a number of initiatives currently in place aimed at creating an attractive working environment within the Defence Forces. These include greater accessibility of career courses for those with family commitments.
A number of family friendly overseas appointments for Commissioned and Enlisted Personnel are available, whereby the normal 6-month tour of duty can be ‘shared’ with another member of the Defence Forces, resulting in a 3-month deployment.
The Defence Forces have placed a renewed focus on members whose spouse/partner is also in the organisation, with a view to ascertaining how they can be assisted when their spouse/partner is deployed away from home. This includes no 24-hour duties whilst partners/spouses are deployed overseas, or for 2 years for a mother after the birth of a child.
In addition, a range of ‘harmony’ measures have been implemented including ‘hot-desking’ for certain Enlisted and Commissioned personnel who have been posted away from their home address, and remote working is considered for a limited number of personnel depending on the circumstances.
A revised Maternity and Associated Protected Leave policy was introduced on 1 October 2023.
The Report of the Commission on Defence Forces recommended the creation of a Senior Leadership role for a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Gender Advisor to lead on the implementation of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategies across the Defence Forces. This role is currently advertised and the closing date for applications is 8 May 2024. The successful candidate will be appointed to rank of Colonel and will support the Defence Forces in developing a strategic and progressive approach to equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure these matters are embedded into Defence Forces decision making concerning employments, deployments, policies, processes and HRM procedures.
My Department remains open to consider, in conjunction with Military Management, additional practical arrangements that are amenable to the unique work environment of the Defence Forces having due regard to the operational requirements.
