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Europe, we are experiencing an increasingly challenging and volatile security environment. In that context, Ireland has a responsibility to invest in our Defence Forces, to protect our citizens, our values and our sovereign interests, and to continue to contribute to international peace and security. To this … will provide for the full impacts of the national pay agreement, along with the creation of new posts throughout the Department and the Defence Forces in critically important areas such as cybersecurity. The Government remains committed to increasing our Defence Force numbers and today’s allocation will provide

funding for the Department of Defence for 2026. This represents an 11% increase and will provide for: a net increase of 400 Defence Forces members; the creation of 50 new civilian posts next year; the recruitment of an additional 70 civil servants to work in critically important areas … such as cybersecurity; and a range of non-pay measures, including a new Defence Forces uniform, equipment and maintenance projects, enhanced recruitment advertising, additional funding to progress maritime security, digital transformation, and training and healthcare supports for the Defence Forces. This investment will also enable the progression

will ensure that it does now because there can be zero tolerance for this. “Zero tolerance” cannot just be a phrase. The Defence Forces cannot recuse themselves from zero tolerance. It has to apply to every part of Irish society, including the Defence Forces. I am open … crime Act, again, I want to engage with my officials on it, but it seems logical to seek to extend it to the Defence Forces More broadly, the Deputy rightly mentioned the Women of Honour, which is important. They have done the State a huge service. We have

role of the de-mining is in respect of training Ukrainian civilian authorities to clear mines. This is done by members of the Defence Forces. Ireland has a particular expertise globally in de-mining. We have been to the forefront of a number of training missions across Africa … still active in Uganda through the United Nations. In the last two years the Defence Forces acquired new de-mining equipment that is top of the range, to ensure that our Defence Forces officers are able to implement that, not only when participating in peacekeeping missions, but also

welcome and means we are on track to meet the level of ambition 2 by 2028, as recommended by the Commission on Defence Forces. The major challenge, however, will be the additional 4,000 personnel who are required to reach the 11,500 for level of ambition … about national security. I am hopeful that part of the biggest-ever defence budget will go towards resourcing the JCDC to ensure our Defence Forces possess operational cyber capabilities in our modern world, a world where cyberattacks are increasing in frequency, complexity and destructiveness and can compromise critical

partners and friends. We are speaking about the people who build our homes, teach our children, run our businesses and serve in our Defence Forces. Yet, too often, men’s health, especially men’s mental health, remains a taboo. In Ireland today, approximately 80% of all suicides … like to meet the counsellor in person, that will be arranged. We are funding dedicated services for men who have worked in our Defence Forces through ONE, the organisation for ex-service personnel. We are also investing in targeted outreach for Traveller men, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ

Defense Forces air base. The F-35 fighter jets have dropped 900 kg bombs on Gaza. It is a significant issue that our Defence Forces and our territory would facilitate these flights happening. If The Ditch can get to the heart of the contents of those flights

important to note that we do not try to divide up Ireland's protections into different spheres, whether it is the Defence Forces or what comes within the ambit of the Department of justice. Huge collaboration is ongoing across Government. At present, my Department is engaging with

assistance because neutrality can never mean indifference. Compassion must be matched by action. In defence, we have delivered record funding to our Defence Forces and are on the trajectory to reach level of ambition 2. This is not simply about equipment; it is about respect … Minister for Health, Minister for further and higher education, Minister for Justice, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, I have always tried to work hard in service of the people. I have never claimed to be infallible

have to be 35 to run for President. Why? If a person is old enough to vote at 18, can serve in the Defence Forces, pay taxes and contribute to society, he or she should be old enough to stand for office. As I have said previously

unregulated with absolutely no oversight. No one knows what they are at out there and we do not have the capacity in the Defence Forces to try to ensure we stop that overfishing. The Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 needs to be redrafted from scratch

transport infrastructure that will be the bedrock of our country's success for generations to come. We are investing in our Garda and Defence Forces to keep our people safe. We are tackling inequality and ensuring our young people are among the best educated in the world

effectively enhance cybersecurity and resilience across public bodies, essential services, businesses and households. I recently had a quick look at the Defence Forces' cyberdefence strategy for 2024 to 2027, and I was very impressed by their ambition to ensure that their strategy delivered cyber capabilities that could prevent

know An Garda Síochána leads the domestic intelligence and national security operations, while the NCSE manages cybersecurity. In the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces handle external and military intelligence. In the Department of the Taoiseach, the national security secretariat provides strategic oversight and co-ordination. Will

State. I would not like the impression to be created that there are separate agencies doing their own things such as the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre. There is collaboration through the Government to ensure that we have a national system

Mediterranean neighbourhood through Operation Pontus and working with EU partner states on that. We can act and we do have expertise in our Defence Forces and Naval Service to do that. On the piracy and the kidnapping and detention of Irish citizens, the Tánaiste says he is open

Israelis have the right to live in peace and security but so do Palestinians. However, international law limits the use of force in self-defence to no more than what is necessary and proportionate. The Government's position has been clear for some time now: Israel is breaking

with: "Those who remain ... will be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters." The article states: The intensification of military operations in Gaza City has forced the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to temporarily suspend operations at its Gaza City office and relocate staff to ICRC offices … last while? We have seen 66,000 Palestinians killed. We have seen famine used as a means of war. The only defence is that if they really wanted, they could kill more. One of Netanyahu's intentions, the absolutely criminal one, is to stay out of jail

tradition of compassion and collective action. The resolve of the Irish people to raise our voices, whether in solidarity with Gaza or in defence of our planet, is a powerful reminder that even in despair we can choose courage, community and hope. Mental health does not exist … across multiple branches of Government. Positive examples of cross-departmental collaboration over the last number of years include the high-level task force, which focuses on the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector. This has involved extensive

harbours and coastal infrastructure. Rising sea levels, intensified storms and more frequent flooding events are already damaging vital port facilities and coastal defences. All over Ireland, harbours are experiencing increased erosion, structural damage to quays and slipways and siltation that hampers navigation and marine operations. These challenges threaten … supply. The processing industry employs 3,800 people across 91 companies and has already been struggling since Brexit. Further cuts in 2026 could force closures. This is not sustainable, economically, socially or politically. The EU's management of these resources must respect scientific limits but also fairness. Ireland

street so they can avail of the domestic tariffs. The local authority in south Dublin appears to be trying to penalise people by forcing them to use commercial rate chargers. That is not the way to encourage people to use EVs. As someone who has driven … numbers have been highlighted but the one-off payments have gone and people are in a very vulnerable position. I welcome the defence spending. I see nothing on drone technology. Given the drone attacks, I would love to see that put in place for next year. I welcome

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have been convicted of crimes under civil and/or military law in the past five years; and of these, the number which remain serving members of the Defence Forces … provide a breakdown of the types of offences for which these members were convicted; the number of members of the Defence Forces who are currently before the courts (civil and/or military), the categories of offences with which they are charged; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the rationale for removing the training/attendance allowance for members of the Reserve Defence Forces when undergoing training; the allowances that are now available to members of the Reserve Defence Forces; and the number of new members that have

February 2025, the progress which has been made regarding a review of the findings of the Study Group on Defence Forces Standards of Colour Deficiency being carried out by the military authorities; if they have engaged with his Department on the matter; and when they will engage with … Defence Forces representative associations. [54781/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Taoiseach if his Department, or the National Security Analysis Centre has received any briefings from the Defence Forces, the Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service or allied intelligence partners regarding Chinese political influence operations in Ireland; and if he will make

Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the Defence Force’s expenditure on advertising, with details of the objective, duration, social media platforms, reach, audience, CTR and cost of each social media advertising campaign, in each of the years 2023 to date

Minister for Defence his expenditure on advertising, with details of the objective, duration, social media platforms, reach, audience, CTR and cost of Reserve Defence Forces Recruitment Campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54680/25

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the exclusion of Defence Forces members from WRC remedies under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 is intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54892/25

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for details concerning the purchase of H145 helicopters by the Defence Force Air Corps, in particular the details of the tendering process ahead of this purchase; whether any consideration was given to the fact that these helicopters

Minister for Defence the number of females who are currently in cadetship training in each of the three branches of the Permanent Defence Forces. [53357/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans for increasing pay and pension levels for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53495/25

Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the progress of recruitment campaigns for school leavers into careers in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53496/25

consideration is being given to reopening the Irish Army apprentice school in Devoy barracks as part of the expansion in recruitment of the Defence forces. [53497/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the role members of the Defence Forces will play in Ireland's holding of the Presidency of the European Union from July to December 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53504/25

Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the counter unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities the Defence Forces currently possess; if he will outline, in monetary value, the capital terms that have been invested by his Department in these capabilities; and if he will make

from participating in future procurement processes that seek to replace and enhance capabilities relating to unmanned aerial systems or drones deployed across the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53630/25

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department is satisfied that sufficient budgetary foresight was applied when barriers to recruitment for the Reserve Defence Forces were removed, given that internal documents show that, by November 2024, the existing budget was already insufficient to pay reservists for the remainder

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total amount of funding allocated to the Reserve Defence Forces for the years 2019 to 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52889/25

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the proposed reduction in pay of current Reserve Defence Force members for activities including marching drills and firing range practice, in particular taking into account the affect it may have on current members

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action his Department is taking to ensure that the budget for Reserve Defence Forces for the coming year is sufficient to ensure the continued payment of current RDF members and the increase in recruitment numbers

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of new recruits to the Reserve Defence Force for the years 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52892/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current height restrictions in place for applicants to the Defence Forces; if there are plans to review these restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52222/25

Minister for Defence the progress made on each action listed in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52266/25

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date on each action listed in the Reserve Defence Force Regeneration and Development Plan, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52267/25

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the rationale for the withdrawal of certain payments to Reserve Defence Force personnel, per recently issued pay guidance, the civil service grade at which this decision was taken; and if he will make a statement

powers to be allocated to the Chief of Defence; if the Chief of Defence will be appointed as accounting officer for the Defence Forces budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52269/25