Parliamentary questions

171. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the removal of the triple lock will pave the way for greater Defence Forces participation in EU-led military missions. [17269/25]

172. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he intends to bring forward his proposals to abolish the triple lock neutrality protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17922/25]

173. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views as to the most positive steps that could be taken to ensure the Defence Forces are funded, equipped, and supported in the face of evolving global security steps. [18001/25]

174. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a commitment to the triple lock mechanism for foreign military activities. [15577/25]

175. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on recruitment to the Defence Forces across the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17829/25]

176. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the Government will hold up to its commitment that it gave to the Irish people 20 years ago around the triple lock; if it will remain in place in its current form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16920/25]

177. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position on the safety and security of Irish personnel serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17993/25]

178. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in light of storm Éowyn, there are plans to enhance emergency response capabilities in the west of Ireland through greater collaboration between the Defence Forces and other agencies. [17268/25]

179. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of fighter jets the Government intends to purchase; the estimated cost of each aircraft; the number of personnel required to operate and maintain each new aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18046/25]

180. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for a report on his attendance at the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers on 2-3 April 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17690/25]

181. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the way in which he envisages Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, playing a part in cyber-defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17685/25]

182. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on his meetings in Lebanon recently about a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16860/25]

183. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how he plans to improve pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17920/25]

184. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of naval vessels in the ownership of the Naval Service; and the number currently in active operation-deployment. [17827/25]

185. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the investment made in facilities at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, since 2020; if further investment is anticipated in coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17686/25]

186. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the draft Bill to dismantle the triple lock will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15515/25]

187. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for the amount of funding surrendered from his Department to the Exchequer in 2024; the reason the allocated funds were unspent; and the amount he expects his Department to surrender in 2025, and the reason therefor. [18072/25]

188. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service ships in day-to-day use; the number docked due to understaffing; and the current location of these ships. [17270/25]

189. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he intends to revise downwards his proposed increase in military expenditure arising from increased economic uncertainty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17921/25]

190. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the proposed increase in defence spending in view of the recent geo-political developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17918/25]

191. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason his Department has initiated tender-related processes (details supplied) calling for unmanned aircraft systems for search and rescue that can be adapted to strike targets; to outline the strike capability being called for; the use to which it is contemplated such drones are to be put; the reason(s) such UAMS must…

192. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made to date in respect of the key recommendations set out in the Independent Review Group into the Defence Forces Report 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18007/25]

193. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has considered the introduction of service commitment schemes to retain key specialist functions within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17825/25]

194. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the Government's plans to modernise the equipment and infrastructure of the Defence Forces; the investment being allocated to ensure operational readiness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17651/25]

195. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the heads of Bill regarding suspension of Defence Forces personnel will be published; when the recommendations of the report by a person (details supplied) will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17688/25]