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near future, but also an overall capacity review, specifically, one for Haulbowline and more generally as well for the needs of the Defence Forces of the future. I will be working with the Department and the Defence Forces to progress that and, obviously, to ensure they have

strong recognition of Ireland's military neutrality. We are strong believers in the triple lock but we also believe in investing in the Defence Forces. Neutrality is not a cheap option and we need to see our Defence Forces properly supported and sustained. Regarding trade, I welcome

asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence in the context of Storm Éowyn, the specific protocols and contingency plans in place to ensure Defence Forces assistance in future natural disasters; the criteria that are used to determine Defence Forces deployment in such emergency situations; and if he will

reputation for peacekeeping gives moral legitimacy to our voice for the international rule of law and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Former Defence Force members with first-hand experience of peacekeeping and conflict have spoken in defence of the triple lock. These people include Senator Tom Clonan who stated … escalation of armed conflict. Gerry Rooney, a former secretary general of the PDFORRA, which represents about 7,000 members of the Defence Forces, is also on record as saying that maintaining the triple lock and strengthening the engagement of the United Nations would be a more effective path

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

that regard. The Curragh, as State land vested in the Minister for Defence, is recognised as a working environment for the State's Defence Forces as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance. The main occupiers are the Defence Forces in the Curragh Camp … open, accessible, and arguably beautiful areas in this country. As the Deputy will be aware, for the past several years, the Department of Defence has been collaborating with Kildare County Council on the Curragh consultancy project, seeking to develop a suitable future management method and to highlight

people. There is no hope that that money will ever be paid back. We should use the money for European funds for our Defence Forces because they can protect us. No one can stop us going abroad with our Defence Forces. We are a sovereign State. We need

victims' charter but also in other ways. The external oversight body, which was only established in April 2023, is working with the Defence Forces to make changes where needed. I regularly meet the chair, the chief of the Defence Forces and others specifically on their work

conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Permanent Defence Force has been without an adjudicator since June last year? This is the only place Defence Forces members can have grievances addressed. This process is being held up because of the lack of an appointment. I would like an update

There has been extensive consultation with civil and military management and with the Defence Forces representative associations with regard to implementing the working time directive for members of the Defence Forces and the associated proposals for a legislative framework. We have a conciliation and arbitration subcommittee

know it will. Trying to bring this issue to a resolution that works is important. The ultimate priority for me and for the Defence Forces is the protection of the health and well-being of members of the Defence Forces in carrying out its essential service

first interventions. As State land vested in the Minister for Defence, the Curragh is recognised as a working environment for the State's Defence Forces as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance. The main occupiers are the Defence Forces at the Curragh Camp … This caused a great deal of disruption and anxiety for local stakeholders, as the Deputy has alluded to. The Department of Defence does not accept that those occupying these encampments have any right to reside on the Curragh Plains and, as such, has been engaged with the CSSO

package of €1.6 billion for the Department of Defence for 2027. This increase of 9% will support: an intake of 850 new Permanent Defence Force members next year; increases for Air Corps and Naval Service equipment; national preparedness and resilience funding; IT investment for digital transformation … joint cyber operations unit; and healthcare and medical services for the Defence Forces. Some €340 million of NDP funding will support: the delivery of new helicopters and the military radar programme; targeted investment in capabilities, including maritime surveillance and cybersecurity; and the modernisation and upgrade of military installations

should be looking at countries where Irish Aid is active and where we could recruit members to the Permanent Defence Force on fixed-term contracts to allow us achieve the strength level required in our Defence Forces to fulfil their mandate. Many national armed forces make formal

four big issues and if there is anything we can glean further from that. I have asked the Chief of Staff and the Defence Forces to prepare for when I bring the updated implementation plan on the Commission on the Defence Forces to the Cabinet later this year

Successive Governments, for decades, have underinvested in our Defence Forces. Beyond that, wider politics needs to take some responsibility. We have used our commitment to military neutrality as a reason not to invest in our Defence Forces and our national security. We do need, at this time

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

words seem like a get-out clause from making good on the recommendations of the ECSR. We have had modest increases in Defence Forces numbers, but they are nowhere near where they need to be. We know from speaking to Defence Force members and potential members that

council received a detailed, up-to-date briefing on the current security situation from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and also on current cyberthreats. The council meeting also reviewed commitments relating to national security and defence set out in the programme for Government and re-emphasised … Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, and the implications for Ireland; the ongoing work on the reform and modernisation of the Defence Forces; the continued development of the State’s cybersecurity capabilities; and the ongoing work to strengthen and modernise our security-related legislation. The preparation

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

context of Storm Éowyn, will the Tánaiste outline the specific protocols and contingency plans in place to ensure the Defence Forces' assistance in future natural disasters and the criteria that are used to determine the deployment of the Defence Forces in emergency situations

That ship had military grade detection equipment on its hull. That was not an accident; it was a message. Are we prepared? Our Defence Forces really needs to look into how we can look after our seas. How can the EU, as a whole, protect our energy? This … because we are not part of a military alliance. Neutrality without capability is vulnerability. How do we respond? One part is obvious. Our Defence Forces need the capability to monitor, defend and respond to both cyber and physical threats. As a neutral, sovereign nation, strengthening our defence

that, and I know they are take great pride in the work they do. The health, safety and well-being of our Defence Forces personnel is front and centre in everything that I and the Department do. When we talk about capital investment and investing in equipment, infrastructure … finance to improve pay, terms and conditions, it is all with the ambition of ensuring that the health and well-being of our Defence Forces personnel are front and centre. As the Deputy said, there are ongoing litigation challenges. I will not get into specific detail

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

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

Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to strengthen recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43703/26

Defence the plans in place for an expanded Naval Reserve presence in Galway as supported by the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42813/26

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence her plans to review the structure of the Army following the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43708/26

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the current position regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43709/26

Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the current shortfall in staffing levels across the Defence Forces; the timeframe to reach the targeting staffing levels; and the way in which the staffing shortfall impacts on national security. [43661/26

Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on the current situation in South Lebanon; the current activities and conditions of the Defence Forces on the UNIFIL mission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43531/26

Minister for Defence her views on whether the proposed relocation and expansion of the port of Galway provides an opportunity for the Defence Forces to establish a new naval base at the port; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43663/26

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence to report on any progress made in the investigations into the death of a Defence Forces member who was killed on duty in Lebanon (details supplied); when the independent post-incident inquiry will be published; and if she will

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the current security situation facing the Irish Defence Force personnel deployed with UNIFIL in Lebanon; the steps being taken to strengthen force protection measures to ensure their safety with current security incidents in the region; and if she will make

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence her Department’s assessment on the greatest obstacles to retention in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43411/26

Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence if the proposed legislative changes with regard to international peacekeeping missions by the Defence Forces will stipulate that any such deployment by Óglaigh na hÉireann will operate for the purposes of peacekeeping, conflict prevention and strengthening international security consistent with

Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence the total numbers in the permanent Defence Forces as of 1 June 2026; the way this compares to the end of 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42799/26

Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Defence if the proposed legislative changes with regard to international peacekeeping missions by the Defence Forces will stipulate that nothing in the legislation shall be construed as authorising the State to become a member of an international organisation of which

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she is satisfied with current levels of recruitment and retention in the permanent Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42805/26

allocated for the fast-tracked procurement of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) ahead of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency; the number of Defence Forces personnel who have completed operational training on these anti-drone systems to date; and if these systems will remain permanently deployed to protect

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force personnel currently stationed at Kilworth Camp, Kilworth, County Cork, by rank; her plans to increase the operational capacity or scope of the camp; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43589/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces will be involved in security over the EU Presidency; to confirm that all security arrangements are in place which are under the remit of her Department for the commencement of the EU Presidency

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the operational impact on the Defence Forces arising from current personnel shortages, particularly in relation to overseas peacekeeping commitments and domestic support to civil authorities; and the measures being taken to ensure capability is not diminished

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence the preparations that have been undertaken by her Department and the Defence Forces in advance of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union; the additional personnel, funding, training, equipment and logistical resources being provided to support

Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the total number of members of the Defence Forces currently serving on UN or UN mandated missions overseas; the total figure if the UNIFIL mission is excluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42792/26

purchase; the most recent estimated cost of the modernisation effort; and the date by which the vehicles will be delivered to the Defence Forces. [43593/26