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there is a constant thought process there as well. I also refer to the long overdue restructuring of the command structure of the Defence Forces as well, embedding in a cybersecurity command function into that. Finally, on the investment piece, and we should rightly try to achieve … level of ambition with regard to the Defence Forces too but we also need to look in the short term at drone technology and aerial surveillance technology and how we protect the subsea cables around our territories and our cybersecurity infrastructure and how we build up our Naval

Gael now argue that dismantling the triple lock is necessary to strengthen Ireland's defence. What a brass neck. The deficiencies in our Defence Forces were not created by the triple lock. They were the result of decades of political choices by those same parties: Fine Gael … Fáil. The triple lock never prevented investment in radar, maritime surveillance, cybersecurity or our Naval Service. Indeed, Ireland needs properly staffed and equipped Defence Forces capable of protecting our land, seas, airspace and critical infrastructure. The answer is to invest in those capabilities, not dismantle the triple lock

cannot commend our Defence Forces enough on the level of training our personnel get. That is evolving and changing all the time. I was recently in a barracks where there was new technology that enables our Defence Force personnel to train in tanks in a simulated fashion

during its formal conciliation council meetings with the Department. Since the signing of the public service agreement to which members of the Permanent Defence Force are a party, all cost increasing claims can be channelled through the local bargaining process. As I said a moment ago, local bargaining … pleased that interest in applying for a cadetship remains extremely high, with 1,819 applicants this year alone, and the Permanent Defence Force is currently in the process of making offers to successful candidates. It is anticipated that a class of 80 cadets will be inducted in October

contribution of our Defence Forces, both at home and abroad, is undoubtedly a source of incredible pride for us as Irish people. Could the Tánaiste please outline the plans to further support our veterans of the Defence Forces? I notice that in the programme for Government, there

practical measure. The argument simply does not stand up. When it comes to sending the proud members of our Defence Forces abroad, democratic accountability should be strengthened, not lessened. I also have concerns regarding the expansion of missions outside traditional peacekeeping roles, including military security duties and close … protection operations. I want the Defence Forces to be properly funded, which they are not, properly equipped and properly respected. As I said, its members have served us over many decades in many areas, and they need to be supported, not demonised and neglected by the Government

indeed, Fine Gael want to remove it. The triple lock will remove the UN Security Council veto, meaning the deployment of our Defence Forces will be effectively in the hands of two political parties. Increasingly in those two political parties, backbenchers are not listened to, particularly in Fianna … Fáil. We are essentially giving control of our Defence Forces to two political leaders. That is what this is ultimately going to lead to. The context of this is very significant. Europe is on a path to militarisation and is rearming. European funding has been and is being

December, 2026, for retired pay, pensions, compensation, allowances and gratuities payable under sundry statutes to or in respect of members of the Defence Forces and certain other Military Organisations, etc., and for sundry contributions and expenses in connection therewith; for certain extra-statutory children's allowances and other … expenses of the Office of the Minister for Defence, including certain services administered by that Office; for the pay and expenses of the Defence Forces; and for payment of certain grants. Vote 37 — Social Protection (Revised Estimate). That a sum not exceeding €14,066,335,000 be granted

December 2025 for retired pay, pensions, compensation, allowances and gratuities payable under sundry statutes to or in respect of members of the Defence Forces and certain other Military Organisations, etc., and for sundry contributions and expenses in connection therewith; for certain extra-statutory children's allowances and other … expenses of the Office of the Minister for Defence, including certain services administered by that Office; for the pay and expenses of the Defence Forces; and for payment of certain grants. Vote 42 - Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (Revised Estimate) That a sum not exceeding

minimum wage increased from €10.10 to €13.50, which is an increase of more than one third. The European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Defence Forces) Regulations 2025 were signed into law a few months ago. These regulations provide the statutory protection of the Organisation of Working Time … ensure that it is now applied to the Defence Forces. Ireland will, as mentioned, develop an action plan to promote collective bargaining, which, under the EU directive on adequate minimum wages, must be submitted to the European Commission by November of this year. Statutory sick leave was introduced

That is welcome. There are still multiples of that envisioned under the commission on the future of the Defence Forces. Off the top of my head, it was about 300 but that is from memory so I might be wrong on that. We are in a fortunate position … that the intelligence elements of the Defence Forces and the Garda have a good working relationship but that is not necessarily the experience in every jurisdiction and should not be taken for granted. Similarly, in this regard, it should not necessarily be taken for granted. We have

their health damaged or their care delayed as a result of the attack. The Government has seen the complete collapse of the Defence Forces. We have hardly enough staff to float a ship on the high seas at the moment. Currently, the Army … Government is the problem. I believe in Irish neutrality and the best way to ensure it is to properly invest in our own Defence Forces and make sure they are fit for purpose

points in history where there was the arms race of the type we are seeing now that had a happy ending. Our own Defence Forces are in a perilous situation. They have been decimated by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments. It is quite sickening to hear … representatives from those parties actually point to the weakness in our Defence Forces that they have overseen as an excuse for the need for us to abandon what has been a position of neutrality that has served Ireland and allowed us to serve the world very well

this needs to make us question our defence and looked at the Opposition as if somehow it was we who left the Defence Forces in such a ragged state that we could not have a ship going out to sea. That was not the Opposition … Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Government. We believe in an enhanced Defence Forces. We understand the necessity of radar technology to understand what is going on beneath our seas. We absolutely need to have a conversation about Ireland's place in a world that is getting increasingly darker

them makes a vital contribution to the economic fabric of Kilkenny. To put that into context, outside their traditional duties, members of the Defence Forces based at Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny are regularly drafted in by the local authority to grit the city and county's footpaths in freezing … weather. We have had flooding in many of our towns and villages and the Defence Forces are never found wanting in providing support. That has been acknowledged in the past and I want to put on the record today that the support they have given on the ground

past week on the lack of support provided by the Department of Defence to Women of Honour, whose members are participating in the Defence Forces tribunal. I absolutely understand that it is important to guarantee the independence of the tribunal and I also understand that limited supports … place, but it is vital that we listen when victims of abuse within our Defence Forces tell us that what is in place is inadequate, especially when, in testifying, they are reliving some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Will the Department commit to providing additional

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

available to military alliances and the strategic interests of larger states because the UN aspect of the triple lock is hugely significant. Irish Defence Forces members wearing the blue beret provide a critical stabilising role in conflict zones. Their presence there saves lives, ensuring fragile peace agreements endure … international consent and that carries a moral and legal authority. Removing the UN part of the triple lock weakens the protection our Defence Forces' blue helmets have and it allows any Irish Government to send out troops to an international military operation simply because a powerful ally could

patrol of our coasts and coastal waters is a mammoth task for the Defence Forces, customs, An Garda Síochána, the RNLI and the Coast Guard. I want to put on record my admiration for those involved in the seizing of the MV Matthew and the drugs haul that … came with it. The work done by the Defence Forces, the RNLI and An Garda Síochána has borne great fruits for this country in stopping the drug shipment. The patrolling of this enormous exclusive economic area is a very difficult task. Is there a role for more economical

that regard. In terms of the HSA and the inspection that took place, it advised in a subsequent report in 2024 that the Defence Forces had proactively rolled out training in the use of substances across the relevant personnel and noted the evidence of compliance with the contravention … notice, It is important to point out where there have been inspections, where there have been engagements with the Defence Forces and where there have been changes. As well as the report I mentioned, the tribunal of inquiry is due to start. This will have the power

relation to the situation in Lebanon, it is not acceptable what is happening. It is essentially a ground invasion. The Israeli defence forces and army are trying to annex the south part of the region. Unfortunately, that is where many of our troops are, though not all. What … assure the Deputy is that I am in regular daily contact with the Chief of the Defence Forces who provides me with updates of our troops and how they are. I am pleased to inform the House that all of our troops are safe and accounted

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and the Government for many years now, not realise that the men and women in our Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, fire services and Prison Service go above and beyond? What we have right now in all of our public service, but particularly … uniformed services, is a retention and recruitment crisis. All of those groups I mentioned - gardaí, firefighters, Defence Forces personnel and Prison Service staff - have stated that, because of this pension scheme, more and more people are leaving early. If you are told at the age of 55 that

place to examine this is because we should not just talk about recruitment and retention in general in respect of the Defence Forces. I hope and think we will be able to make more progress. We made some last year and I think we will make more this … year. The Deputy’s point about the deep dive into the specialist areas, the pinch points and how the Defence Forces are doing at a time when the country has full employment is important. These people are highly skilled. It is not really an issue to recruit them

want to pre-empt the outcome, some of the risks considered in this further evaluation included greater rigidity in the Defence Forces as a result of an increasingly hierarchical structure, a lack of differentiation between roles, slower progression through the ranks and lack of ambition or opportunities … advancement. This is all being looked at on both sides at the moment. The review being undertaken by the Defence Forces is under way. It will not be completed until next year. It is at that stage that these decisions will be taken

right, even when it is not easy. Let us continue to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. While we are speaking about the Defence Forces, I would like to say that I am very sad to see that the progression of Cadet Matthew Scully … moving as quickly as we would hope. It really shows the clear need for communication to be sped up between our Defence Forces because the men and women who have served and continue to serve deserve more respect

views on whether it is right for SUSI to refuse a grant to a student who is a member of the Reserve Defence Forces but is not employed by the RDF (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36881/26

Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of retired Defence Force personnel who currently have their pension entitlement abated due to being employed in other sectors of the public sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35906/26

status of the proposed procurement of medium-lift or super medium-lift helicopters as recommended by the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces; whether a procurement process has commenced or is planned; the estimated timeline for any such acquisition programme; and if she will make

helicopters is intended by the Department to satisfy, replace, defer, or partially fulfil the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces relating to medium-lift helicopter capability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36008/26

Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any review has been conducted into the consistency of current State aviation procurement policy across the Defence Forces, Air Corps, and Garda Air Support Unit, including procurement standards, certification arrangements, operational oversight, and compliance with stated Government procurement policies

Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Departments which have been completed on time and within budget in Galway in each

Defence if she will provide an update on outstanding arrears owed to serving and retired members of the Army Ranger Wing and Defence Forces chefs relating to allowances and payments previously withheld; whether retired personnel will be included in any resolution process; and if she will make

Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Departments which have been completed on time and within budget in Galway in each of the past five years

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Departments which have been completed on time and within budget in Fingal in each

Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Longford in each

John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Cork North-West

Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Departments which have been completed on time and within budget in Kildare in each

Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Longford in each of the past five years

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the expected date on which the Strategic Workforce Plan for the Defence Forces will be submitted for her consideration; whether it is intended to publish the plan in full or in part; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any formal risk assessment has been conducted by her Department or the Defence Forces regarding current staffing levels in the Air Corps; and if so, to outline the findings at a policy level. [34131/26

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Defence Forces Equitation School in the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and to list the works that are scheduled to commence

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Cork North-West in each

Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Departments which have been completed on time and within budget in Kildare in each of the past five years

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the timeline for the increase of cadet pay in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33427/26

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on her Department’s policy regarding the deployment of the Defence Forces to intervene in peaceful protest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28428/26

paid; if she will acknowledge that the timely implementation of these payments is vital to retaining highly skilled and experienced members across the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32724/26

Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence if her Department or the Defence Forces have plans to renovate and bring back into use more than 80 vacant homes at the Curragh Camp; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33195/26

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the reason the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the permanent Defence Force has been without an adjudicator since June 2025; when an adjudicator will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33416/26

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if she will ensure measures are continued to secure investment in accommodation throughout the Defence Forces; and following on from the positive progress made to date, if she recognises that modern fit-for-purpose accommodation is paramount for recruiting

Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence if she can confirm the Defence Forces are in possession of and can operate under-sea radar equipment and air radar equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33198/26