1/ Taking a canter through the legislative basis for the @defenceforces (ref @IRLDeptDefence 'Corporate Governance Framework'): the Constitution of Ireland vests the right to raise and maintain military or armed forces exclusively in the Oireachtas...

2/19 ...and expressly prohibits the raising and maintenance of any other military or armed force for any purpose whatsoever. @BerryCathal @GCraughwell @nealerichmond @CllrPioSmith @John_McGahon @1garygannon
The governing legislation is contained in the Defence Acts, 1954-2015.

3/19 They provide that military command of, and all executive and administrative powers in relation to, the Defence Forces, including the power to delegate command and authority, shall be exercisable by the Government and through and by the Minister for Defence. @CharlieFlanagan

4/19 By law, the Minister for Defence is also the head of the Department of Defence, while the Secretary General is the “principal officer” of the Department. @OCallaghanJim @lawlessj @catherinegalway

5/19 The Department comprises civil and military elements. Its mandate reflects the global concept of civil control of the armed forces. @MarkWall1 @BrianLeddin @davidstantontd

6/19 The Minister is assisted in discharging his functions by the civil and military elements of the Department of Defence which have distinct but complementary roles. The business of defence is achieved through close engagement between...

7/19 ...the civil and military elements of the Department. Whilst the Department and the Defence Forces have separate and distinct roles, both work together in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. @SorcaClarke_TD @malcolmbyrne

8/19 The primary role of the civil element of the Department is to support the Minister as Head of the Department, in particular by providing policy advice and support in the exercise of all functions. @dsmooney @CaitrionaHeinl @mickthehack @jjsalmo @SeanFionn @RuthMCasey

9/19 The civil element is central to formulating Defence policy, the oversight and management of the Defence Votes, the drive for efficiency and the process of change, representing Ireland at EU and international engagements in Defence,...

10/19 ...defending against litigation and providing a range of services critical to the outputs of the Defence Forces. The civil element also provides liaison between the Defence Forces and other Government Departments, public authorities, the EU and public representatives.

11/19 In addition to being the “principal officer” of the Department, the Secretary General is also appointed by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform as the Accounting Officer for all defence expenditure in accordance with the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1866.

12/19 The authority, responsibility and accountability of the Secretary General are further elaborated in the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993 and the Public Service Management Act, 1997.

13/19 Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) is the military element of the Department of Defence, which is headed by the Chief of Staff, who is the Minister’s principal military adviser. @ahernegerald @PeterOHalloran1 @beaufortcomment

14/19 It is focused on planning, managing, formulating military advice, development, and major strategic issues affecting the Defence Forces, including ongoing modernisation and transformation. @PaulPakenham

15/19 DFHQ comprises a range of military staffs, which have responsibilities ranging from Defence Forces Strategic Planning to Operations, Logistics and Human Resource Management. @slandail_nssi @DefenceIreland @RACO_DF

16/19 The Defence Act 1954, as amended together with Defence Force Regulations (DFRs) made under that Act, also govern the Department's work and the work of the Defence Forces.

17/19 In addition, the military authorities issue Administrative Instructions in relation to personnel and other internal matters.

18/19 The Department’s Strategy Statement encompasses the civil and military elements of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces and...

19/19 ...sets out a shared High Level Goal: "to provide for the military defence of the State, contribute to national and international peace and security and fulfil all other roles assigned by Government." (ends) @kforfitz_Wayne @roryireland @DFPRB @NoelO832597 @stevenconlon