Cabinet approves setting up Defence Forces Commission to examine issues like recruitment and pay “This is about modernising Irish Defence infrastructure and making sure that it’s fit for purpose,” Defence Minister Simon Coveney said. By Gráinne Ní Aodha Tuesday 15 Dec 2020, 6:08 PM Dec 15th 2020, 6:08 PM 12,457 Views 13 Comments Irish troops Return after an eight month deployment with UNIFIL in South Lebanon. Image: Press Miltary Image: Press Miltary A COMMISSION WILL be set up on the current state of the Defence Forces, examining issues like low pay and recruitment. Minister for Defence Simon Coveney announced that government ministers have approved the establishment of the independent Commission, its terms of reference and the membership of the Commission at Cabinet today.