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Minister, I am committed to the ongoing work of ensuring that our Defence Forces are modern, agile and fit for the world we live in to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. That obviously means investing not just in the Defence Forces … personnel but also in our infrastructure. That is a key commitment in our overall capital plan. The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes to the Defence Forces and defence provision in Ireland. It covers high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation

acknowledge the important role played by members of the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, and thank them for their continued commitment and the way in which they consistently support the members of the Permanent Defence Force. The strategic objective for the Reserve Defence Force is the development … reserve force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with our Permanent Defence Force, both on the island and overseas. As the Deputy mentioned, this is strongly reflected in the report of the commission. A key recommendation for the RDF was the establishment

height of what are now called the fuel protests, the Minister added fuel to a volatile situation. He essentially called for the Defence Forces to be deployed to assist gardaí in removing fuel protest blockades. It was a serious escalation and provocation at a time when the Government … blue there were amendments brought forward by the Minister for Defence, added to the Minister for justice, to expand the deployment of Defence Forces under aid to civil power. There has been no explanation as to what happened to bring this situation about. When the Minister for Defence

less than that but I am absolutely determined that we make progress across all areas of pay when it comes to the Defence Forces, at every level. The Deputy will appreciate that much of that work will have to happen through the normal process of the public sector … would like to do so. I want to highlight the significant progress that the Government has made on pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the last five years, including in the area of cadet pay. For context, in July 2021 the first entry-level point

radar programme but other ways in which we are working more closely together. The French have been supporting and working closely with our Defence Forces personnel around the training on how to use this. This is just to assist. I stress that again because there is often … perception that it is the Defence Forces which are going to be carrying out all of these security measures. What they are putting in place will be to supplement and assist the work of An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána already has significant levels of counter-drone technology

mandate in Lebanon where we have had members on the ground for decades. In the last two weeks, I met members of the Defence Forces in Rome. On the very day I met them, they had to finish up with Operation Irini, which had a mandate to operate … from getting to Libya. These members contributed significantly to that overall mission and are held in very high regard among members of the defence forces of other countries. They themselves told me personally that Ireland is the main one to lose out because of this mandate not being

Atlantic and goes through Ireland on to mainland Europe and beyond. It is an absolutely essential component of the work of our Defence Forces that we ensure we have the right numbers, that we grow our capacity within our Naval Service and that we continue to invest … capabilities while working more closely with our European and international partners. Integral to that is the expansion and overall growth of our Reserve Defence Force members. We have seen that in other important structures of our State, notably An Garda Síochána, where our reserve members, coupled with

consolidate, with amendments, the existing provisions of the defence Acts 1954 and 2015 concerning the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State. There are other elements to the legislation proposed today, specifically where we can give a mechanism to the Defence Forces … removed. It will modify the existing requirement regarding what we know as the 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. There has been extensive engagement between my Department

myself until coming into the Department, but there is a significant body of work happening, following on from the Commission on the Defence Forces, to look at what we need. The commission has set out how we reach level of ambition 2, how we increase our numbers … areas we need to look at from a maritime perspective and from the perspective of our Naval Service, our Air Corps and our Defence Force personnel. Then, taking into account the reform of the triple lock, the question is how we make sure that an integral part

addressing this discrepancy? Is the Minister committed? That is what I want to know. Cadet pay is one of the lowest in the Defence Forces at €503 per week compared with €550 for a recruit, which rises to €627 after 12 weeks. In the first year they earn … cadet that is coming through but there have been issues in the past where groups have come out of training in the Defence Forces and a large number of them have ended up in the private sector because the terms and conditions are more attractive

were. While we welcome the scheme overall, there are still issues that deserve further consideration. I am concerned that former members of the Defence Forces who may have been dishonourably discharged or otherwise penalised under parallel military provisions do not appear to be fully covered. The proposed timeframe … into it, without scrutiny. It deals with community sanctions, the use of incapacitant spray in prisons, counselling records in rape trials, firearms legislation, Defence Forces powers, European arrest warrants and now it deals with international criminal law and historical convictions. Many of those issues deserve attention and many

garda is convicted of a criminal offence, that should be collated, recorded and collected by An Garda Síochána just as the Defence Forces are now devising a system to do that in respect of Defence Forces members who may have committed a criminal offence. That level of data

thank the Deputy for this particular question. Developing the military radar capability of the Defence Forces is one of my key priorities and a key element of the move to level of ambition 2. The Commission on the Defence Forces advised that the absence of a capability … under the military radar programme. There are three elements to it, namely, the land-based, long-range radar primary radar; ground-based air defence systems to include the counter-unmanned aerial systems, that is, the counter-drone technology and our maritime radar. This programme of work is ongoing

that other troops and teams are protected. In the past few months in particular, we have seen a lot of how the Irish Defence Forces, our peacekeepers, have worked closely to protect and support their French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Indonesian and many other colleagues. It is really important … this mission comes to a conclusion, it does so in a safe and orderly way. That is absolutely at the forefront of our Defence Forces members' minds in everything they do. What is also important - and I can touch on this in my final contribution - is what

thank the Minister for her response. Although we are a neutral nation and plan to remain one, it is important our Defence Forces are provided with appropriate radar technology to help with their vitally important day-to-day operations. In an ever-changing world, the development … radar capability should be a cornerstone in ensuring our Defence Forces’ protection of national security concerns. I understand that a business case for a national military radar programme was approved last year for a proposed delivery target of 2028. Is this still the timeline the Department is working

been agreed by this Government, specifically investment not just in the men and women, but also in our overall structures within our Defence Forces system. I have visited quite a number of barracks in the past few months. I have been in Aiken Barracks in Dundalk, the accommodation … million for maintenance and running costs. There is an absolute commitment to make sure that our barracks and critical infrastructure for our Defence Forces members are up to scratch, modern and fit for purpose. Any new decisions for a new barracks or new accommodation will have

House and as I have stated a number of times this evening, amending the legislation that governs how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas does not require a referendum. It does not require a national plebiscite. We are talking about a very different time when the legislation … they have been working for a number of years now and where they have been held in such high regard by their fellow defence force members and the Mediterranean Operation Irini because the UN mandate has not been renewed. This is what we are talking about

that a person can bring pets, etc. There are sports clubs on the edge of it, and it is the home of the Defence Forces and, in the main, to the Irish racing industry. We cannot continue to see the destruction of the Curragh of Kildare

Ukraine, particularly on the mobilisation of the European Peace Facility support. We are going to continue to engage the Department of Defence. The Defence Forces have provided bilateral support to Ukraine, fully in accordance with our military neutrality and our commitment to providing non-lethal support. That support

Gulf and the wider Middle East, and the implications for Lebanon, in particular. The Government remains deeply conscious and appreciative of Irish Defence Forces personnel, and all peacekeepers, currently serving under the UNIFIL mandate in south Lebanon. I again commend those members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, past … work of international peace and security, as I am sure all Members do. In addition, yesterday I attended the informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Nicosia in Cyprus. I can certainly discuss the meeting, but I do not have a full written report of the meeting

crown of the whole county. It is 4,870 acres of historic and, in the main, undeveloped land. It is home to our Defence Forces, the racing industry and a large number of sheep farmers, along with a number of magnificent sports clubs. As well as being home … years, I have been raising concerns about the growing number of illegal encampments on the Curragh. In 2024, for example, the Department of Defence spent €186,000 cleaning up after illegal encampments on the Curragh. This is the Curragh of Kildare where there are currently two battlefield sites

right to fly that flag for a free Ireland, the flag that draped the coffins of Irish patriots and servicemen in the Defence Forces alike. They did not die so that a sitting Member of the Upper House of the Oireachtas could stand up generations later and call

Curragh of Kildare Act 1961. Under that Act, the Curragh Plains are recognised as a working environment for the State's Defence Forces, as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance, as the Deputy alluded to. As I have already stated, the Minister remains fully

spent quite a lot of time in the occupied territories in the West Bank and Gaza. I have witnessed the way the Israeli Defence Forces have behaved. I have thankfully never been a direct victim but I have had stones thrown at me by Israeli settlers in Hebron

convictions for homosexuality-related offences today, and there are provisions relating to arrest warrants, prisons, the Minister's capacity to ask for Defence Forces' help, counselling notes, sex for rent, DNA, pepper spray, community service orders, face coverings - there is so much

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence her views on concerns from members of the Defence Forces, on the publishing of names of Defence Force officers involved in sensitive operations under EU regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43409/26

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of riding instructor posts filled within Defence Forces equitation school; and the normally filled ranks of Defence Forces personnel for these posts. [41804/26

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence if suitable qualified civilians can apply for vacancies within the Defence Forces School of Music; and whether all vacancies are normally filled by personnel within the Defence Forces. [47421/26

Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the number of leaseholds her Department holds for company headquarters for the Reserve Defence Forces; the number surrendered to local authorities since 1 January 2016; and if her Department requested that any surrendered sites were reserved for potential future … Defence Forces. [49030/26

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence the resources currently available to the Defence Forces for the protection of strategic maritime infrastructure, defence ports and the monitoring of activity within Ireland’s territorial waters; whether any additional maritime surveillance, naval or defence capabilities are planned or under

Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence to discuss 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, and which will result in major defence projects, such as the anti-drone CUAS system

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence whether she will provide an update on the review of Defence Forces accommodation and infrastructure, including training facilities and barracks conditions; and if she will confirm when concrete capital works will commence to address long-standing deficiencies across

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department or the Defence Forces maintain any central register, inventory, procurement database or asset-management framework recording the country of origin of mission-critical software, avionics, communications systems, sensors, cybersecurity systems or other defence-related technologies

Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the permanent Defence Forces who have participated in the military medicine training scheme since its establishment; the number who were required to enter into service undertakings as a condition of participation; the duration of such

asked the Minister for Defence regarding the Army Nursing Corps, the current cost for using agency nurses for covering nursing duties in the Defence Forces; the number of hours that were covered by these agency nurses for the 2025 fiscal year; and if she will make a statement

asked the Minister for Defence regarding the Army Nursing Corps, the current cost for using agency nurses for covering nursing duties in the Defence Forces, in total for 2025; the average hourly cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49755/26

regarding the Army Nursing Corps (ANC), the pay scale for an ANC nurse; the number of hours covered by agency nurses in the Defence Forces for the 2025 fiscal year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49756/26

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence to outline the measures she has in place to protect the national Defence Forces memorial at Merrion Square, Dublin; and if she will address recent concerns about activities by commercial operators at the memorial. [47984/26

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of horses that had trials for the Defence Forces Equitation School in the years of 2025 and to date in 2026; of the number of horses that had trials the number that were successful in being accepted

extension of the 1916-2016 Commemorative Medal or the establishment of a separate 1916 centenary medal for veterans and retired members of the Defence Forces who took part in commemoration events; and if she will provide details of any such proposals. [48160/26

arrangements adopted by An Garda Síochána in relation to the Garda Síochána Centenary Medal in considering recognition of former members of the Defence Forces who took part in commemoration events; and if she will provide details of any such proposals. [48161/26

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who received the 1916-2016 Commemorative Medal; the eligibility criteria applied; and whether extending eligibility to retired members who took part in the 1916 commemorative events was considered at the time. [48163/26

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [46817/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if she will work with veterans organisations representing Defence Force veterans in the North with a view to ensuring they are remembered for their service to the Irish State, and the Government recognise commemorations and other relevant events

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Defence to set out the procedure for residents residing adjacent to a Defence Forces location (details supplied) to submit a complaint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47558/26

Social Protection the actions he plans on taking for those who have been working to date this year as reserves in the Defence Forces, and are now being left without certainty regarding income as they do not have the necessary PRSI contributions to qualify for jobseekers benefit

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence whether it is her intention to require the Defence Forces to pay for welfare provisions from existing resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46743/26

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the cost of rebuilding Defence Force numbers, based on meeting LOA2 requirement of 11,500 DF personnel within a single term, on a pro-rata basis given current numbers of 7,500 against funds allocated for 9,500 allow

Connell asked the Minister for Defence for an update on her Department's plans for establishing an allowance for members of the Reserve Defence Forces. [46113/26

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the current military radar capability of the Defence Forces; her plans, if any to increase such capability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43588/26