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important to reiterate that we have not taken our security seriously enough. That starts with the pay and conditions of our Defence Forces and goes all the way up to the lack of investment in our detection systems, which has caused us to rely on the Royal … Government, as a priority, to take a look and invest in this. The issue is more widespread, however. With regard to our Defence Forces, we are nowhere near the levels of personnel we need, which now only stands at 7,497 members. While I touched on this last

enough. I am minded of a conversation I had with our colleague Councillor Pat Balfe in Kildare who is a very proud former Defence Forces member. He spoke to me of the incredible tradition that the Irish Defence Forces has. They are trained to the highest degree … very challenging environments that our reputation upholds. However, this Government and successive Governments have dropped the ball on defence, the members of the Defence Forces and their families. The Social Democrats believes we must invest in the Defence Forces with the goal of bringing funding to a sustainable

permanent members to veto our national sovereign decisions regarding our participation in an International Force and will also allow for the deployment of Defence Force personnel overseas, in other overseas roles, such as the crisis management evacuation of Irish citizens.". As Minister of State at the Department … currently serving in UNIFIL in south Lebanon. At the outset, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all Defence Forces personnel who are currently serving overseas. I am very mindful of the sacrifice that they and indeed their families make in serving our countries

ordinary people. The Government should let the people decide. In his contribution, the Minister of State spoke about and paid tribute to the Defence Forces. I join him in that. However, the Government does not match its tributes with meaningful action. There is now a phenomenon … Defence Forces whereby people are not even serving their full time but are resigning. They are not waiting until retirement. The Government has made the Defence Forces a deeply unattractive place to work and the members are telling it that by leaving. If the Government valued the Defence

crystal clear on this matter. We have not taken our own security seriously enough. That starts from the pay and conditions of our Defence Forces and goes all the way up to our lack of investment in sonar, military and detection capabilities. The buck has to stop … raised my serious concerns of the lack of investment in the National Cyber Security Centre, but the issue is much more widespread. Our Defence Forces are nowhere near the level of personnel we need, standing at 7,497 members. I received a response to a parliamentary question yesterday

more money on our defence. I agree with him. It is hugely important that money is spent on improvements for people in the Defence Forces and on the equipment needed to bring us up to a standard. At present, we have no standards as things are. I have … serious reservations about sending members of our Defence Forces to countries where there is conflict going on, even if there are peace talks. Many peace talks do not work out, and sending a small number of members of the Defence Forces to certain countries to negotiate and keep

general secretary of Independent Ireland, I commend everyone in the Defence Forces. I commend everyone in our Army, and everyone who is a protector of Ireland. I say to those people that I am sorry that this and previous Governments have not treated them with fairness, even … looked after. Their pay and living conditions while they are protecting us are not fair. The investment we need to put into our Defence Forces needs to be in the people in the Defence Forces first. Then we should put it into equipment that we need

frank and open debate in the Chamber. I agree with Deputy O'Donoghue's paying credit to the men and women of the Defence Forces and the service they give to the State currently and have given previously. It is with great pride that I see the Tánaiste … rush in this. Any revised legislative framework will continue to require Government and Dáil approval, where appropriate, for the dispatch of Defence Forces personnel to participate in peacekeeping and similar missions. These proposals remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. The proposed

approval, and (iii) a United Nations (UN) mandate through the General Assembly or Security Council for the deployment of more than 12 Irish Defence Forces personnel overseas; — that the Triple Lock mechanism was introduced to safeguard our military neutrality during the adoption of the Nice and Lisbon Treaties … European Union for our neutrality - respect that is now threatened not by the triple lock but by the failure to fund our Defence Forces and the willingness of the Government to be carried away on a defence tide. Tá áit tuillte ag Éirinn i measc na náisiún

Until then, I urge the Minister not to mess with neutrality or the trust of the Irish people in how we use our Defence Forces. The Government should not change a core policy without the people's consent. I fully support the motion, which respects our neutrality, democracy … same. In a number of interviews, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade mentioned that we are spending more money on our Defence Forces. I have no issue with that because over the years little or nothing has been spent. Members of the Defence Forces have been treated

changes to the triple-lock mechanism, which currently requires UN Security Council approval alongside Government and Dáil approval for deployment of Irish Defence Forces overseas and whether any of these proposed changes, are solely intended to ensure that future peacekeeping missions are not hindered by a geopolitical deadlock … global threats, from cyberwarfare to the hybrid attacks on infrastructure. We cannot talk about defence policy without talking about how we treat our Defence Forces personnel. I thank those who have served and who continue to serve Ireland with pride. This brings me to the urgent case

years. This has allowed us to procure much-needed capabilities to provide for Ireland and the Irish people. The 2022 Commission on the Defence Forces report recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and defence provision in Ireland. Following the commission, the defence budget is increasing from … obligation to participate in any project. Ireland will only consider joining those in areas where capabilities and needs have been identified by our Defence Forces, for instance, in cybersecurity and protection of subsea cables and other critical infrastructure. Other member states may have wider interests

opening the coffers. The Taoiseach said this very much aligns with the ambitious investment programme that is in place for our own Defence Forces to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces and it aligns with the programme for Government. He says that we will … funding mechanisms. It does not compute that if we benefit by drawing down money to invest in and improve our own security and Defence Forces that there will not be conditionality towards a common defence union and an impact on our neutrality. We must have a more rigorous

points about defence spending made by Deputies Duncan Smith and Daly, I agree that now is the time to increase investment in our Defence Forces. Deputy Smith spoke about pay and conditions. He is right, but does that mean we need to have further debate … decide the pay of our Defence Forces? Twenty-five years of public partnership has worked very well for the public sector, but is there a pinch point in the Defence Forces on which we might reflect? I agree wholeheartedly with the points made by Deputies Shane Moynihan

militarily non-aligned country. In the context of level of ambition 2 and the report of the Commission of the Future of the Defence Forces, I absolutely want us to get there. I agree with other Members that we have not got there. There is a shameful lack … investment in our Defence Forces that needs to be remedied. I am glad that we are remedying it. I am glad that when Simon Coveney was in that portfolio, he spearheaded the process. Mr. Coveney purchased two coastal patrol vessels from New Zealand and established progress in terms

devastating economic consequences. In this context, I welcome the establishment of the national security council, which will bring together key Government, Garda and Defence Forces leaders. This is a necessary step in ensuring that strategic security and defence policy will be treated as a national priority. Ireland … investment in primary radar for airspace monitoring is welcome but it must be part of a broader sustained effort. Increased funding for the Defence Forces, for recruitment and retention initiatives and for enhancements to the Naval Service and Air Corps are all steps in the right direction. Greater

member states to co-operate more on capability development and inter-operability. This very much aligns with the ambitious investment programme for our Defence Forces that is in place to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces and aligns fully with the programme for Government

lucky to have Stephens Barracks where almost 500 men and women are in training and being prepared as future of members of the Defence Forces. Some investment has taken place over the years, but not enough by a long shot. We are planning a new medical centre … look after those who are going overseas on peace missions or to participate in other matters relative to the workings of a defence force. It is only now that we are putting that in place. The Government still has not made a decision on the appointment

there is a constant thought process there as well. I also refer to the long overdue restructuring of the command structure of the Defence Forces as well, embedding in a cybersecurity command function into that. Finally, on the investment piece, and we should rightly try to achieve … level of ambition with regard to the Defence Forces too but we also need to look in the short term at drone technology and aerial surveillance technology and how we protect the subsea cables around our territories and our cybersecurity infrastructure and how we build up our Naval

their health damaged or their care delayed as a result of the attack. The Government has seen the complete collapse of the Defence Forces. We have hardly enough staff to float a ship on the high seas at the moment. Currently, the Army … Government is the problem. I believe in Irish neutrality and the best way to ensure it is to properly invest in our own Defence Forces and make sure they are fit for purpose

points in history where there was the arms race of the type we are seeing now that had a happy ending. Our own Defence Forces are in a perilous situation. They have been decimated by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments. It is quite sickening to hear … representatives from those parties actually point to the weakness in our Defence Forces that they have overseen as an excuse for the need for us to abandon what has been a position of neutrality that has served Ireland and allowed us to serve the world very well

right, even when it is not easy. Let us continue to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. While we are speaking about the Defence Forces, I would like to say that I am very sad to see that the progression of Cadet Matthew Scully … moving as quickly as we would hope. It really shows the clear need for communication to be sped up between our Defence Forces because the men and women who have served and continue to serve deserve more respect

United Nations peacekeeping in this State. Has the Minister of State had any conversations with ordinary rank-and-file members of our Defence Forces, who will be asked to go to war-torn countries to keep the peace? Has he had any conversations with UN veterans, those … table for me and the rest of my family. Fast forward 30 years since my dad last served, and we still have Defence Forces members going abroad for economic reasons. A father of seven in my area goes away every six months and when he comes home after

Taoiseach and the Tánaiste should be represented at that national security council but so too should the Garda, the Army and the Defence Forces in general. That will be a fundamental arm of the State going forward. I wish to comment on the unpredictability relating … years. Again, all of this is linked to cybersecurity. It is something that the Taoiseach takes very seriously. The beefing up of our Defence Forces and the prioritisation of resources in that regard needs to be fundamentally advanced. I will end by saying a brief word about

Minister of State is engaging in distraction tactics. I want to agree with the Minister of State's comments thanking our Defence Forces and their families for the contribution they make. I fully agree with the Minister of State on that. Ireland has a proud role in this … Minister of State's party leader, the Taoiseach, Deputy Martin, told the Dáil when in opposition that: Earlier this year, the Minister for Defence signalled that he would try to water down Ireland's commitment to the triple lock, which is at the core of our neutrality

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the unmanned naval or air drones for patrolling Irish territorial airspace or waters that are available to the Defence Forces; if a procurement process is underway to secure any such assets for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement

will clarify Section 3 of the Guidelines on Terms and Conditions of HSE Employment regarding incremental credit, if service in the defence forces is recognised as relevant service in Ireland and abroad, and if ‘previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service … bodies and statutory agencies’ includes previous service in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10765/25

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he and or his officials and or Defence Forces personnel have communicated to any of their Ministerial or Departmental colleagues and or third parties in respect of drone delivery operations and or operators in the context … date in 2025; the nature of those communications; and if such operations are included on his and or Defence Forces risk register. [9142/25

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current force strength of the permanent Defence Forces; the breakdown of the current number of serving members in the Naval Service, Army and Air Corps; the funded establishment strength of each; the number of vacant posts remaining

Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware that in previous times, the Defence Forces used to make available marquee community organisations for family and community day events, and also erected and removed such marquees for the group; whether such a facility

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of indoor and outdoor firearm shooting ranges (excluding shooting ranges owned by the Defence Forces) to which armed Gardaí have access for firearm training practice, in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [13843/25

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount that the Defence Forces spent on purchasing military equipment from Japanese companies in each of the years 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [13137/25

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount the Defence Forces spent on purchasing military equipment from Australian companies in each of the years 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [13139/25

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the budget allocated in 2024 and 2025 for purchasing new horses for the Defence Forces equitation school; and the percentage of the 2024 budget that was actually spent. [13140/25

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount of unspent allocation for Defence Forces staffing in each year since 2018 based on the revised estimate for each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11317/25

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline each UN peacekeeping mission the Defence Forces have served on since 1960; the UN mandate that sanctioned each; the number of peacekeeping missions Ireland currently participates in; the number of personnel assigned to each, in tabular

Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the procedure for former members of the Defence Forces to get access to their full military record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11443/25

initially in receipt of flying pay who were subsequently awarded the payment following interventions of the court and or the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, from 2015 to 2024 and to date in 2025. [11649/25

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the last time the stables at the Defence Forces Equitation School were refurbished; when those stables are next scheduled to be refurbished. [11860/25

Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for a detailed breakdown of costings for the way in which the Defence Forces can get from level of ambition 2 to level of ambition 3, which he referred to in a Dáil debate on 26 February

Defence the unit in his Department which he has tasked with providing a detailed breakdown of costings for the way in which the Defence Forces can get from LOA2 to LOA3 which he referred to in a Dáil debate on 26 February 2025; and if he will make

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote of the United Nations Security Council in the years 2001 to date; and if he will make

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from the United States on the United Nations Security Council in the years

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from the Russian Federation on the United Nations Security Council in the years

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from China on the United Nations Security Council in the years 2001 to date

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from the United Kingdom on the United Nations Security Council in the years

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from France on the United Nations Security Council in the years 2001 to date

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of crew and passengers the Defence Forces new Airbus C295W can carry as opposed to the older CASA CN235 maritime patrol aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9212/25

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated amount spent on purchasing specialist fire appliances for the Defence Forces fire services in each of the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [9580/25

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide the establishment figures for the permanent Defence Forces in each of the years 2000 to 2014, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9695/25