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matter of the Bill in order to make amendments to the Defence Act 1954, in order to provide for certain powers of the Defence Forces in relation to: a) safeguarding, protecting and defending the security of the State by the Defence Forces in certain circumstances arising … risk to the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the State in the exclusive economic zone; b) the deployment of members of the Defence Forces in aid of the civil power; and c) the protection of military installations by the Defence Forces; and to change the title

thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The Minister for Defence is at the annual PDFORRA delegate conference today. Bringing the Defence Forces within the remit of the Organisation of Working Time Act has been a key issue for the Defence Forces representative associations for a number … years. The inclusion of the Defence Forces under the Organisation of Working Time Act required careful consideration and extensive consultation in getting here and recognises the unique nature of the work carried out by our Defence Forces members. A particular consideration was of course those military activities which

being here this morning. The Government, including the Minister for Defence, has clearly stated its intention to increase the strength of the Defence Forces, which is badly needed and very welcome. At the end of 2025, there were 7,756 personnel in our Defence Forces, an increase … that trajectory. In response to a recent parliamentary question I submitted, the Minister stated her intention to increase the strength of the Defence Forces by 850 in 2026. Again, that is very welcome. We all know the importance of the Defence Forces and of ensuring they are fully

referendum on enshrining neutrality into the Irish Constitution is necessary; and — amending the Triple Lock legislation in relation to the deployment of our Defence Forces to peacekeeping missions will have no impact on this policy of military neutrality, and that no other European Union Member State, including other … neutrality, and our strong tradition of participation in international peace support and crisis management operations over many decades; — that members of Ireland's Defence Forces continue to contribute bravely to peacekeeping and crisis management efforts, particularly in the Middle East, as well as elsewhere in the world; — that

reply. I begin by reiterating the Government's strong commitment to boosting recruitment to and supporting the retention of personnel in the Defence Forces. Military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,778 as of 31 March, the latest date … which this figure is available. Last year saw an increase in the overall strength of the Permanent Defence Force by almost 200 personnel, which was facilitated by the achievement of a total of 790 inductions during 2025, the highest figure in 20 years. We want to build

talk at the minute and a shared desire across all sides of this House to ensure we invest in our Defence Forces. The Defence Forces have been profoundly neglected and that needs to be addressed. As far as I am concerned, Ireland should be strong in neutrality … Government's desire to hit those targets, the reality is there is not a hope in the wide earthly world that the Defence Forces will meet the target of 11,000 permanent personnel by 2028. That is under level of ambition 2. It is not going

avoid debate and proper consideration but that is not reflected in the facts. Since coming into this Department and first engaging with our Defence Forces, particularly our Naval Service, and since publishing the maritime security strategy, I have been very clear that I want to introduce new legislation … consolidate the various pieces of legislation our Naval Service currently works to into a specific defence Act. The Defence Forces have been asking for that. I have also been very clear that I want this in place before we begin our Presidency. There is a reason for that

reason our peacekeepers, of whom we are all immensely proud, are so well-respected and trusted in conflict zones. Members of our Defence Forces have served as peacekeepers with distinction the world over, protecting civilians, monitoring ceasefires, delivering aid and so on. Our reputation for peacekeeping has flourished … that its grounded in international law, which itself brings legitimacy, respect and an additional level of confidence in the safety of our Defence Forces personnel who are being deployed. We do not need to look too far to see the disastrous effects of unilateral wars and illegal invasions

numbers to where they need to be, we need to make sure we look not only at recruitment to the Defence Forces but also at civilianisation more broadly. That is the path we have taken with An Garda Síochána where it has obviously improved numbers. Everyone brings something … different and significant to the roles as well. A new workforce plan is being developed by the Defence Forces, working with my Department, and I hope to be able to present that in the coming weeks and months. That will set out the overall figures and also what

Minister of State will be aware that the Defences Forces are a significant part of the life of Cork city. I believe it is similar in his own county. Many personnel are stationed in Haulbowline, Collins Barracks and even in Kilworth in Liam Lynch camp. When I talk … people in the Defence Forces, they see a huge discrepancy and a gap between the kind of ambition that the Minister talks about and the manner in which the Defence Forces operate. They say the same that I have said, that the men and women of the Defence

conscious, as we all are, of the narrative that Ireland has not been spending enough and that we have not invested in the Defence Forces. I think we all agree that we need to do more and spend more. That is why, in the past six months … have seen an increase in our overall capital plan for the Defence Forces of 55%. We have a new defence sectoral national development plan from 2026 to 2030. This is a comprehensive plan for the record €1.7 billion capital investment in over the next five years - an increase

need to look at all of the stock in the Defence Forces. We need to make sure that where we can refurbish, we are doing that, and where we need to build new, we are doing that, but also that we are looking at other options, whether with … school there. It is a community. We want to make sure that it maintains that sense of community, given its importance for the Defence Forces overall. My priority is to make sure we continue to invest in it, and that where there is dereliction, we address that

Commissioned Officers has sent in a claim. This is being dealt with through the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Those discussions are confidential. While I would like to resolve the matter myself, I cannot do so. However, I would like … through the public sector pay agreement. It is essential that we look in the round at how to attract more people to the Defence Forces. Of course, an important part of that is pay and conditions. I accept that. We all know that. That is why, in recent

propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 84 together. I am fully committed to supporting the Defence Forces to increase numbers and, overall, to strengthening our Defence Forces. It was positive to see the growth in numbers last year, with 790 inductions. I have set a target … inductions for 2026. Indeed, overall application numbers for careers in the Defence Forces continue to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025 and more than 7,000 received to end of March 2026. On top of that, the number of people who left last

thank the Deputy for raising this matter. There has been significant investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure in recent years. The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the past five years was approximately €170 million, and for this year … million. In particular, the development of accommodation for new recruits has been a priority for the Department. In terms of the existing Defence Forces residential housing stock in the Curragh Camp, of 104 residential units, 63 residential properties are uninhabitable. None of these properties can be brought

waters and protect the sovereign rights of the State and our exclusive economic zone; making provision for the long-standing role of the Defence Forces in aid of the civil power; and enhancing the protection of military installations. These are substantial things to amend and should be done … civil powers. On 9 April, the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, confirmed it was well established in law that the Defence Forces may assist An Garda Síochána in aid to the civil power. That was on 9 April when he was deploying Defence Forces in relation to the fuel

thank the Deputy for raising this matter. He would probably agree that significant progress has been made on pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the last six years. I have met with the various associations. I met with RACO on 22 January and its representatives … increasing claims have to be addressed within the parameters of public pay policy. When dealing with our public servants, including members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, we have to work within that public pay policy. As the Deputy will be aware, different pay scales apply

interdictions and different things. The reality is that the triple lock does not prevent any of those things. It does not prevent the Defence Forces participating in humanitarian evacuation, the rescue of civilians, training, drug interdictions or any of those things, nor does it prevent us from investing … Defence Forces. As far as I am concerned, Ireland should be strong on defence and neutrality. This Government is neither. Allowances agreed with the Defence Forces have been unpaid. Several personnel are down by thousands of euro. Overtime is not being recorded properly, and, therefore, personnel

purpose of the defence (amendment) Bill is to consolidate the existing provisions of the Defence Acts concerning the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State. In effect, the requirement for a UN mandate will be removed. It will modify the existing requirement regarding … called triple lock mechanism in relation to the despatch of the Defence Forces for service outside the State as part of an international United Nations force. It is important to note that the Bill will also seek to amend the Defence Act to provide for the suspension

move this in at short notice on Russia apparently. There would be openness from all sides of this House to ensure our Defence Forces had the powers necessary for the safeguarding, protection and defence of the State, particularly in respect of maritime security, if it was done … before the House. It states that the Minister may, subject to conditions, give general approval for the deployment of a member of the Defence Forces in aid of the civil power for such classes or class of assistance as may be agreed with the Minister for Justice, Home

regeneration of the Naval Service is one of my priorities as Minister for Defence. It is also, of course, a priority for the Defence Forces. This reflects the commitment in the programme for Government. It is reinforced in the actions required under the strategic framework to 2026, which … Staff on the need to have a regeneration report submitted on the Naval Service, and work is under way on that. The Defence Forces, in conjunction with senior officials in my Department, are working to have the report, and an action plan against which progress will be able

present day. The Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960 encompassed neutrality and the requirement known as the triple lock, which means the Defence Forces cannot be deployed overseas without the authorisation of the UN, the Government and the Dáil. The triple lock has been central to neutrality, despite … neutrality. The policy of neutrality does not inhibit or stop the Government or State from increasing the capacity and capabilities of the Defence Forces, or from modernising them. The triple lock does not restrict the number of Defence Forces personnel that can be deployed overseas, despite propaganda

investment in the men and women in our Defence Forces is an investment in our security and the security of our State. We all fully agree and we are all aligned in that. We all fully agree we need to expand and grow our Defence Forces and expand … they can be. We have made significant progress in the past number of years. Conditions not just for our cadets, but across the Defence Forces, have improved. Through public sector pay agreements, overall pay has increased. There has also been investment in specialities and particular roles as well

fully agree. The world is changing. We need to expand our Defence Forces. We need to enhance our capabilities. However, we need to make sure we have the men and women in our Defence Forces to be able to operate and be able to grow … well. As the Deputy will be aware, there has been significant progress made more broadly in terms of pay and conditions for the Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the past six years. There has been a renewed focus, and rightly so, in making sure we increase

Irish people decide our future, not the rest of the world. Independent Ireland strongly believes we can support and strengthen our Defence Forces while remaining proudly neutral. Those two things are not contradictory. Our Naval Service needs ships, our airspace needs protection, our soldiers deserve proper … conditions and our Defence Forces need investment after years of neglect, but strengthening our Defence Forces' capability is a very different thing from dragging Ireland closer and closer to European military structures. People in Ireland understand this clearly. They do not want Irish neutrality chipped away

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the progress of legislation under the Strategic Framework for the Defence Forces which underpins the appointment and status of military chaplains, including mechanisms for representation by a Defence Forces representative association; and in the absence … chaplains who deploy on overseas service to conflict zones are; who indemnifies them if they are not currently recognised as members of the Defence Forces and have no contract of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33215/26

justification for the maximum limit of 100 days in a calendar year for reservists undertaking supplemental military service (SMS) in support of Permanent Defence Force or Reserve Defence Force activities; the reason the SMS limit is capped at 100 days rather than permitting service

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware of four meetings held between the Defence Forces and public representatives regarding support for homeless and struggling Defence Force veterans; and if she can clarify the action she has taken to support these individuals. [33326/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any assessment has been undertaken by her Department or the Defence Forces regarding the procurement, operational use, maintenance, licensing, or integration of Israeli-origin defence technologies or software within Defence Forces platforms or systems; and if she will

Clarke asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of long-service increment recommendations contained within the Commission on the Defence Forces report; and the measures being taken to improve recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces. [35390/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the personnel number of the Defence Forces for 2026, 2025 and 2024; the steps she is taking to increase numbers and strengthen the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Defence Forces; the figure required under level of ambition 2 of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and the total number in 2019 and currently. [33261/26

Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Defence the rationale behind the Defence Forces policy whereby serving personnel are required to discharge and re-enlist in order to undertake apprenticeships or Defence Forces funded education and training schemes; the reason this process necessitates the issuing

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Defence Forces or her Department maintain a register, inventory classification, or procurement record identifying the country of origin of major defence-related software, avionics, communications systems, sensors, or mission-critical technologies currently in use across Defence Forces

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Department or Defence Forces require prime defence contractors to disclose the origin country of embedded software, avionics systems, communications architecture, sensors, mission systems, or cybersecurity components supplied under State defence procurement contracts. [40586/26

asked the Minister for Defence her views on the revised defence plan deadlines in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the transformation of the Defence Forces, which have been pushed out again by Government, which will result in major defence projects such as the anti-drone CUAS system being

avionics, communications systems, sensor systems, mission systems, cybersecurity systems, electronic warfare components, or other defence-related technologies currently in operational use within the Defence Forces were manufactured, developed, licensed, or supplied by companies headquartered in Israel or by subsidiaries of Israeli defence or technology firms

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any third-party systems integrators, subcontractors, or original equipment manufacturers involved in Defence Forces procurement programmes utilise Israeli-developed software, firmware, avionics architecture, cybersecurity tools, sensor technology, or communications systems as part of integrated defence platforms supplied

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken to improve recruitment and retention within the permanent Defence Force, particularly in regional areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40857/26

Defence whether any component, subsystem, software module, sensor, avionics unit, or communications system integrated into equipment currently in operational use by the Defence Forces was manufactured, developed, or licensed by a company headquartered in Israel or by an Israeli subsidiary of a multinational company; if so, to provide

which a reservist undertaking supplemental military service (SMS) can be deployed overseas for a period of six months, interoperating with the Permanent Defence Force, when SMS is currently limited to a maximum of 100 days in a calendar year; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the way in which reservists undertaking supplemental military service (SMS) can effectively support the Permanent Defence Force during Ireland’s EU Presidency when the maximum period of SMS service available between 1 June 2026 and 31 December 2026 is limited

governing supplemental military service (SMS), a reservist must now voluntarily apply for SMS and obtain prior Ministerial approval in order to undertake Reserve Defence Force (RDF) recruitment activities, RDF administrative activities or to instruct on RDF training activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter

been undertaken of the extent to which foreign-origin defence software, firmware, avionics systems, communications systems, or mission-critical technologies used by the Defence Forces are dependent on ongoing licensing, remote servicing, software support, or update agreements with external suppliers; and if she will make a statement

Defence whether any contractual provisions exist permitting the State to restrict, remove, replace, or refuse embedded defence technologies originating from specific jurisdictions within Defence Forces procurement programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40588/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether she intends to publish the Strategic Workforce Plan for the Defence Forces in full; whether any sections are expected to be withheld or redacted; the rationale for any such redactions; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Department or Defence Forces have conducted any operational capability assessment or formal risk assessment relating to current Air Corps staffing levels; and if so, whether any risks were identified regarding operational readiness, air ambulance support, maritime surveillance

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Defence Forces maintain internal workforce modelling regarding projected shortages in specialist Air Corps roles, including pilots, engineers, air traffic personnel and technical grades; and if she will provide details at a policy level. [39227/26

revised national military aviation strategy or rotary-wing capability doctrine arising from the implementation of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39250/26

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel, by rank that would be required to train a 30 persons Air Corps cadetship class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39379/26