Search the record

important to reiterate that we have not taken our security seriously enough. That starts with the pay and conditions of our Defence Forces and goes all the way up to the lack of investment in our detection systems, which has caused us to rely on the Royal … Government, as a priority, to take a look and invest in this. The issue is more widespread, however. With regard to our Defence Forces, we are nowhere near the levels of personnel we need, which now only stands at 7,497 members. While I touched on this last

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

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

Garda leading on this but it is obviously working very closely with a number of different bodies. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces by Government is the provision of aid of the civil power which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested … each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána requests their assistance and accordingly any security assessments and consequent decisions to seek support from the Defence Forces in terms of security provision are a matter for An Garda Síochána in the first instance

enough. I am minded of a conversation I had with our colleague Councillor Pat Balfe in Kildare who is a very proud former Defence Forces member. He spoke to me of the incredible tradition that the Irish Defence Forces has. They are trained to the highest degree … very challenging environments that our reputation upholds. However, this Government and successive Governments have dropped the ball on defence, the members of the Defence Forces and their families. The Social Democrats believes we must invest in the Defence Forces with the goal of bringing funding to a sustainable

Government because so much else of what we want to do, in terms of the national security space, the capability of the Defence Forces and the infrastructure we want to purchase and secure, relies on having men and women to operate and operationalise much of that. Figures provided … quite a number of years where we saw modest growth but we certainly saw a stabilisation in the number of people in the Defence Forces. There were 708 personnel inducted into the Defence Forces in 2024 and this is the highest number in over five years. The current

permanent members to veto our national sovereign decisions regarding our participation in an International Force and will also allow for the deployment of Defence Force personnel overseas, in other overseas roles, such as the crisis management evacuation of Irish citizens.". As Minister of State at the Department … currently serving in UNIFIL in south Lebanon. At the outset, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all Defence Forces personnel who are currently serving overseas. I am very mindful of the sacrifice that they and indeed their families make in serving our countries

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

There is a sense of a lack of ambition with respect to redeveloping the Reserve Defence Force. Typically, reserve defence forces are a critical element of recruitment to permanent defence forces. We are at critically low levels. Indeed, the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces reflected … fact that the Reserve Defence Force is important in terms of surge capacity as required. That is not remotely possible at present. There is hardly another reserve defence force in Europe whose membership is a fraction of that of the permanent army. In many cases it is multiples

April and May, members of the Irish Defence Forces' 1st Armoured Cavalry Squadron travelled to the Fort Benning in the US, where they achieved historic success at the 2026 Sullivan Cup, becoming the first non-American team to win the competition since it began in 2012, and this … while using fighting vehicles with which they had no previous familiarity. We frequently speak here of the pride we have in the Defence Forces, but this is yet another example of how the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces continue to distinguish themselves internationally. I come

what they do. The Deputy will have seen my recent announcement confirming the introduction of a payment to officer instructors in the Defence Forces. Over recent months, my Department has engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, with a view to recognising the upskilling … priority for any government. It is our most solemn obligation. In that context, this Government has committed to strengthening our Defence Forces. Of course, to strengthen the Defence Forces, we rely heavily on the expertise and experience of instructors, who deliver high-quality training programmes to new recruits

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

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

agree with the Deputy about recruitment and retention. We can have all the investment plans, and we need to in the Defence Forces, but the men and women in the Defence Forces constitute its most important resource. Given that this is a country with full employment and very … skilled individuals work in the Defence Forces, how we recruit in the first instance and then crucially retain them is a very fair question raised by the Deputy. My Department has one service commitment scheme in place in respect of Air Corps pilots and these matters are always

ordinary people. The Government should let the people decide. In his contribution, the Minister of State spoke about and paid tribute to the Defence Forces. I join him in that. However, the Government does not match its tributes with meaningful action. There is now a phenomenon … Defence Forces whereby people are not even serving their full time but are resigning. They are not waiting until retirement. The Government has made the Defence Forces a deeply unattractive place to work and the members are telling it that by leaving. If the Government valued the Defence

crystal clear on this matter. We have not taken our own security seriously enough. That starts from the pay and conditions of our Defence Forces and goes all the way up to our lack of investment in sonar, military and detection capabilities. The buck has to stop … raised my serious concerns of the lack of investment in the National Cyber Security Centre, but the issue is much more widespread. Our Defence Forces are nowhere near the level of personnel we need, standing at 7,497 members. I received a response to a parliamentary question yesterday

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

right. This is a real issue which he has rightly challenged. We have made very good progress on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, but we have a lot more to do. The Deputy's question gets to the heart of the fact that the statistics … quote belie or ignore the fact there are real pinch points in respect of certain technical skills our Defence Forces require. When we lose those numbers of specialist personnel, we see how quickly it can cause real operational difficulties in Casement, as we have discussed this morning

more money on our defence. I agree with him. It is hugely important that money is spent on improvements for people in the Defence Forces and on the equipment needed to bring us up to a standard. At present, we have no standards as things are. I have … serious reservations about sending members of our Defence Forces to countries where there is conflict going on, even if there are peace talks. Many peace talks do not work out, and sending a small number of members of the Defence Forces to certain countries to negotiate and keep

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

thank the Deputy for his question and for the opportunity to discuss the considerable investment made by my Department in the Defence Forces over the past five years. This is much-needed investment when we have to do more in terms of our national security and defence … Defence Forces infrastructure development plan, IDP, sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the need for appropriate infrastructure to provide accommodation and training of personnel as well

which I published on 10 February, highlights my Department's plans over the next 12 months to further improve working conditions within the Defence Forces. This is a commitment I will continue to champion, as will the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, for defence and the Defence Forces … that and more opportunities for members. There will be policies to transform career and talent processes and promotion systems, developed by the Defence Forces, which will be submitted to me as Minister for approval, along with plans for implementation. There will be a new process of culture surveys

Sullivan Cup and the success they brought to themselves and our country. I acknowledge not just Deputy Ó Fearghaíl's interest in our Defence Forces, but his long-standing advocacy on behalf of them, which is coloured in part, I am sure, by the community and constituency … which he lives and, therefore, the knowledge he has in regard to that lived experience in County Kildare. I am proud of our Defence Forces. Every day, I am proud of the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann and how they serve our country with distinction

with €250 a week. That is simply unbelievable. It is not acceptable. Firefighters have called for a supplementary occupational pension, along with the Defence Forces, the Garda, the Dublin Fire Brigade and the Prison Service. It was promised by Fianna Fáil. It should have been in the programme … retention of the Curragh fire service and also investment in the Curragh training camp. It is the jewel in the crown of the Defence Forces. Speaking of the Defence Forces, we need to ensure retention in the Defence Forces. This has been mentioned by colleagues previously. The Curragh

Minister for Defence whether her Department keeps any statistics on the inclusion of those with ADHD or on the autism spectrum in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [74125/25

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 Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason the arrangements between the Defence Forces and the Maltese Defence Forces whereby Maltese cadets receive training at the Curragh Camp has ceased; when this occurred; if he has plans to recommence the bilateral arrangements

Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on progress towards achieving the high-level goal for the Defence Forces, as set out in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2023 - 2026: "to provide for the military defence

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements that apply where a serving member of the Permanent Defence Force is referred by a Defence Forces medical practitioner to a private hospital or specialist for investigation or treatment; the circumstances in which her Department meets the cost

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date figures relating to Defence Forces personnel who have left the Defence Forces, broken down by service, rank, reserve or non-reserve status, by month, from the period 2021 to date, in tabular form

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date figures relating to Defence Forces personnel who have left the Defence Forces broken down by service, rank and reserve or non-reserve status, by month from the period 2021 to date, in tabular form

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel, by rank currently in Defence Forces School of Music. [21333/25

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 Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the way her Department will close the gap between the current strength of the Defence Forces and the establishment strength of the Defence Forces, with a 2000 personnel shortfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12526/26

will report on a television programme (details supplied) of 18 September 2025 in which it was alleged that the phones and geolocation of defence force personnel, while on duty and/or in defence forces campuses, can be tracked by a third party; and if he will make a statement

Minister for Defence for an update on his plans to replace the Mowag Piranha and RG32M; the number of armoured vehicles the Defence Forces require following the recommendation of the Defence Forces Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29593/25

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the amount that the Defence Forces spent on purchasing specialist fire appliances for Defence Forces fire services in 2025 and to date in 2026; the ages of the fire appliances that are currently in use, in tabular form

barrack accommodation, maintenance, and infrastructure in each of the years 2021 to 2025 inclusive; the current estimated backlog of maintenance works required across Defence Forces installations; the estimated cost of bringing all Defence Forces accommodation up to an acceptable standard; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the total number of people recruited to the Defence Forces since 2020 who have since left the Defence Forces, broken down by each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13221/26

Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific instances where the Triple Lock mechanism has prevented the deployment of Irish Defence Forces personnel in situations where the Government, the Defence Forces, and the Oireachtas were otherwise willing to proceed; and if he will make

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 Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware of Irish Defence Forces members participating in military competitions with the Israeli Defence Forces; and if confirmed, her views on such on participation. [29788/26

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces is addressing and accepting primary carers within the Defence Forces and engaging with families with caring responsibilities. [2278/26

Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the progress of his Department in increasing the future Reserve Defence Forces establishment strength as per a Commission on the Defence Forces Report. [31701/25

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount the Defence Forces spent on replacement of musical instruments for the Defence Forces school of music in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; the name of the company that was awarded the contract

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if consideration was given to calling in the Defence Forces in the aftermath of storm Éowyn; if the Defence Forces are trained for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4735/25

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the breakdown, by gender of current members of the Permanent Defence Forces; and a breakdown by gender of members of the Defence Forces recruited in the past three years, in tabular form. [57959/26

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 Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the number of meetings of the Defence Forces board; and the most senior female member of the Defence Forces has attended in 2025, and in 2024, as is provided for. [31708/25