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Commission on the Defence Forces report recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding. One of the recommendations in the report was the creation … enlisted rank of lance corporal in the Army and Air Corps. The detailed implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces has identified that this recommendation requires further evaluation. The further evaluation will be informed by work under way in the Defence Forces

thank the Deputy. As of 31 October 2025, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,760 personnel, consisting of 6,237 Army, 739 Air Corps and 784 Naval Service personnel, as well as over 400 civilian members. On foot of the recommendations from the report … Commission on the Defence Forces, the Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Permanent Defence Force capability equivalent to level of ambition 2. This will require an additional 2,000 personnel, including a civilian component, beyond the 9,500 establishment figure that

recognised in the Report on the Commission on the Defence Forces and accepted by the Government, the Defence Forces need to be capable of delivering military effects across the cyber domain. To this end, my Department published the high-level action plan for the report, which included recommendations … relating to the Defence Forces' cyberdefence functions. As a result, the Defence Forces have established the joint cyber defence command, which was established back in 2024. The command will be able to conduct full-spectrum cyberspace operations to robustly defend against cyber threats, support Defence Forces' operations

need to be asked every single year in regard to how we fund our public services. One of those questions relates to the Defence Forces because the State has to set aside a certain amount to meet the established membership figure the forces are supposed to achieve. That … short of the magical number of 9,500. There are not enough people in any of the sections of the Defence Forces, whether an Cabhlach, the military or the Air Corps. They cannot provide services as an aid to the State at the rate we would like them

that at no stage was the flight of President Zelenskyy compromised and the security operation, led by An Garda Síochána supported by the Defence Forces, was successfully deployed through multiple means, ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit to Ireland by President Zelenskyy, the first lady … circumstances, as you would expect after something like this, regarding the drone incident have been and are being investigated and analysed by the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána. At all times, the Irish Naval Service vessel operated within standard operating procedures, rules of engagement

progress needs to be made, the Deputy is aware that there has been significant progress overall in terms of pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the past six years. A school-leaver cadet, on commissioning, was paid €30,884 in January … paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of colonel, for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces. In the conversation surrounding the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces, it is important to point out that in addition

extremely seriously. That is why there is a review under way. That is why the Garda is conducting a review working with the Defence Forces. Of course, if lessons need to be learned about how different information was communicated and whether or not appropriate steps were taken … capabilities?" and his very clear answer was "Yes". It is important for all of us to be confident in the capacity of our Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána to defend this country and to make sure we have a successful Presidency. I certainly have confidence but again

clear we are not immune to these types of threats and that is why we are investing the way we are in our Defence Forces. The capital plan I announced last week provides for a 55% increase in spending on the previous capital plan. I will look … much as we can with that and where and if possible, to increase that further. Our current spending on the Defence Force in the past four years alone has increased by about 40%. If we look at the work being done following on from the Commission

Relating to cybersecurity, the primary role of the Defence Forces is to defend and secure their networks and systems. The role of the Garda is to do the same and to look at other areas as well. Specifically in relation to the joint cybersecurity command, there are three … come back to the Deputy on the figure as regards the overall objective. The focus of my Department now, working with the Defence Forces, is on working on the implementation of all of this. That is happening. I believe a meeting is taking place as soon as tomorrow

capacity as Minister for Defence as part of the national security committee, on the initial findings and I am reassured by both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána that they have examined and are examining this matter extensively. While I can confirm a C70 was issued … Garda Síochána to the Defence Forces seeking assistance in respect of the visit of President Zelenskyy, the Deputy will appreciate I cannot comment further because these are operational matters. However, a C70 form was issued by An Garda Síochána to the Defence Forces. One of my key priorities

saying anything to the contrary. It is clear that there continues to be a very strong interest in a career in the Defence Forces with further growth this year. Let us look at the figures. A total of 14,879 applications have been received this year … that we retain as many of them as possible. We have introduced a range of key enabling measures to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention, working closely with the Defence Forces. These include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement, the extension of private

term "level of ambition" about the future of the Defence Forces. However, the level of ambition from the Government is absolutely pathetic considering where we are starting from and the situation we have as a result of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael mismanagement. In December 2019, just prior … Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael coming together in the previous Government, the number of personnel in the Defence Forces was 8,700. We are supposed to celebrate that numbers are now a little over 7,700. There are 1,000 fewer personnel. This is at a time when

issue with applications or expressions of interest. We have seen that time and again. People are interested in the prospect of joining the Defence Forces. The difficulty is bringing them to the point when they are inducted and ensuring they are retained within the Defence Forces. Across … Government does not have the ambition at the start or the policies at the end. The difficulty is that the members of the Defence Forces have been telling us all, and specifically the Government, the measures that are required to actually address the retention and recruitment crisis

kinetic or physical element to something, such as what we had with drones recently, as well as a co-ordinated cyberattack on Defence Forces' equipment, personnel and installations to hinder the ability of the Defence Forces to deal with the kinetic element of it, for example, drone interference … protocol and how recently has it been concluded? Is there an agreed protocol between the National Cyber Security Centre, the Garda and the Defence Forces in terms of how they will respond? Is there a clear plan of action in those instances

commend the men and women of the Defence Forces on the fantastic work they do. In my time as Minister for Defence, my priority will be investing in them and their capabilities, including their ability to respond to emerging threats. It is also important to acknowledge the historic … respond to these types of threats. I mentioned in response to an earlier question the investment that is going into technologies within the Defence Forces to enable them to identify and reject these types of threats. There has been huge investment in recent years in An Garda Síochána

days; the extension of the Naval Service tax credit for a further five years; the application of the working time directive across the Defence Forces in January of this year, subject to certain exemptions; and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members … Permanent Defence Forces. There has also been significant progress on pay, with the most recent increase paid in August of this year with a further pay award due for all personnel in February of next year. Recruitment to the Naval Service is ongoing via a wide range

speculation in respect of this incident. It is important that we show confidence in the capacity and ability of the Garda and the Defence Forces, both of which were involved in that hugely successful operation, to do their jobs effectively. I have been fully briefed, in my capacity … Minister for Defence and as part of the national security committee, on the initial findings and I am reassured that both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána have examined and are examining this matter extensively. With any incident of this kind, we have to review what happened

that the presence of drones such as this in our airspace is a threat to our national security. The neglect of the Defence Forces by the past three Governments, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in their various turns, has created a threat to our national security. The Minister … system capabilities. That was due to be delivered in the autumn - quarter 3 of 2025. It is in the Commission on the Defence Forces. She is not bringing it forward. It is already late. In that context, it is a concern to me as to whether it will

there is more work we need to do. I fully appreciate that. There is a new strategy being worked on looking at the Defence Forces overall. The Defence Forces and the Chief of Staff are working on a strategy that will set out how we will achieve

that she was going to meet all the representative organisations. I welcome that and hope that includes not only those for the Permanent Defence Force but also those for the Reserve Defence Force and the veterans' organisations. I am sure RACO will raise this issue with the Minister

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the National Cybersecurity Centre. The programme for Government, securing Ireland's future sets out a number of national security commitments, acknowledging that this … focus on ensuring protection of critical maritime infrastructure, especially critical undersea infrastructure. The ongoing implementation of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the modernisation of aspects of our defence legislation is also included in the preparations. The National Cyber Security Centre has been placed

been investing significantly in its capabilities, capacity and workforce. That is why we are doing what we are doing here with the Defence Forces. There is an emergency group that I chair when it relates to specific defence matters. It is chaired by the Minister for the environment … that the different arms of the State are working together and in close in communication. The Garda Commissioner and the head of the Defence Forces are working closely together, not just because of the EU Presidency, but because of the changing nature of the threats that we have

would appreciate it if the Minister would inform the Dáil of the current numbers of personnel within each service of the Defence Forces, the current establishment figure and the number that will be required to meet level of ambition 2 under the commission on the future … Defence Forces

will talk to the new Minister for Defence in respect of that. I did set up the office of the Reserve Defence Force. We really have beefed up the capacity behind it, all with a view to increasing the number of reservists because it is a very important … dimension to our Defence Forces. My view is that we should be doing everything to incentivise the recruitment of reservists, not disincentivising

that those who serve the State with such professionalism and integrity should be able to do so in a modern and well-equipped Defence Forces that is also a safe place to work, as all places should be. In that regard, as I mentioned previously, I announced … substantial investment of €1.7 billion in the Defence Forces over the next four years. It is not just about technology and equipment or new naval vessels. There is an investment specifically in the men and women and the equipment they use on a day-to-day basis

asked the Minister for Defence if her Department will provide details of the efforts made since 2022 to encourage former members of the Defence Forces and, former Defence Forces technicians and other specialists to transfer to the Reserve Defence Forces or to return to uniform in the Reserve

Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Defence the existing direct entry, lateral entry and re-entry mechanisms for recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force; the number of personnel recruited under these mechanisms in 2025; if she intends creating additional entry pathways

Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Defence the person that indemnifies Defence Forces chaplains when they deploy overseas, if they are not considered members of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71649/25

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence to outline the role played by the Defence Forces and Civil Defence during Storm Bram. [72656/25

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of current members of the Reserve Defence Force; the measures she has put in place to attract new members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73352/25

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment programme for the Reserve Defence Force for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73614/25

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment programme for the Permanent Defence Force for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73615/25

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date in upgrading accommodation for members of the Permanent Defence Force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73619/25

Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date in implementing the recommendations of the report of the commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73620/25

opening of Dún Uí Néill, Cavan, as an army barracks; taking into account the recommendation of the commission on the Defence Forces that the structure of the army be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73635/25

confirm that US miliary aircraft are permitted while carrying lethal weapons and other lethal miliary equipment to Isreal or to support the Israeli Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72717/25

Affairs and Trade if she will prevent US military aircraft from transiting Irish airspace while carrying military equipment to be used by Israeli Defence Forces in connection with Gaza or the occupied Palestinian territories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72718/25

legal basis on which her allows military aircraft to carry lethal weapons or other lethal military equipment, to be used by the Israeli Defence Forces, to pass through Irish airspace; whether this breaches Ireland's military nonalignment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72722/25

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when and where Defence Forces personnel will be trained to operate the new counter-UAS capability; the number of personnel that will be trained; and whether this training will be completed ahead of the EU Presidency. [72598/25

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence to outline the current counter-drone capability within the Defence Forces; and whether additional support from partner states is expected to be required for major events in 2026. [72599/25

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the measures her Department is taking to ensure the budget for the Reserve Defence Force will be sufficient for the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72679/25

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence if she will address the concerns of Reserve Defence Force members regarding recent changes to reservist payments, including the removal of payment for routine activities and the reduced effective daily rate after taxation; the impact these changes

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the capacity of the Defence Forces and security forces generally to respond to drone incursions in Irish aerospace and to respond to reported suspicious drone activity near Dublin Airport during the visit of President Zelenskyy. [72050/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel required under level of ambition 2; the current establishment figure; and the current number within each service. [71896/25

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the actions she has taken to improve pay and conditions in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71668/25

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the Defence Forces is developing its unmanned aerial systems capability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71843/25

regarding the establishment of a joint cybersecurity command and other actions related to cybersecurity contained in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [72045/25

incident involving five drones endeavouring to intercept the plane carrying President Zelenskyy recently; if a C70 form was completed to ensure a Garda-Defence Forces co-ordinated response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72042/25

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces engage with other agencies and supporting resources to respond to severe weather events such as storms, flooding, and other emergencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71888/25

Murchú asked the Minister for Defence if she will outline any recent progress made in all the investigations into the death of a Defence Forces member who was killed on duty in the Lebanon, details supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71889/25