have much more flexibility in the assistance that we can provide. I do not deny that we need serious investment in our Defence Forces, but we need to be clear on what we are trying to achieve because multi-role combat vessels would not deliver our humanitarian
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In debates
space. I am very conscious, cognisant and satisfied all of that can happen within the current capital upgrade programmes being planned by the Defence Forces and the current levels of operation at an EU level that are consistent and in line with our military neutrality
change in the total cost of approximately €300 million for the programme; if the current training courses for such operations in the Defence Forces are compatible with the new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60897/25
Tánaiste's previous answer tailors well enough with this question. One of the key priorities in how we tailor investment in our Defence Forces is our naval capacity and our understanding of what is in Irish waters. That is probably the number one issue of concern
primary radar system and the full radar picture is one of the cornerstones of the transformation of the Defence Forces and it is crucial we get it right, not least because it will cost a substantial sum of money. Can the Tánaiste give us a sense of what
Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the way in which the shortfall in critical staffing levels in the Defence Forces poses a national security risk; the efforts which are being made to resolve this; and if he will make a statement
deployment of our troops abroad. A lot has been said about the world that is changing. It is my view that the Defence Forces were allowed to go significantly backwards by successive governments. That is true in terms of equipment but it is also most true in terms
Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the level of preparedness within the Defence Forces to respond to cyber or physical interference via subsea communication cables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60462/25
hidden networks. As an island, we are uniquely vulnerable, something I know the Minister is well aware of. Therefore, the ability of the Defence Forces' ability to respond to cyber and physical interference is a matter of national security and resilience.
The private wire piece will help
have just announced the signing of a multimillion euro contract with Thales DMS for the provision of towed sonar capability for the Defence Forces. That, too, is going to make a big difference in terms of our security because the new sonar capability will now be used
taking over the Presidency of the EU, in relation to giving leadership, we would not be able to deploy our members of our Defence Forces there in a peacekeeping mission without a UN mandate. That then would leave us in a very difficult position. On one hand
Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence in view of his support for chaplains to the Defence Forces having representation, his plans to agree to amending the PDF’s conciliation and arbitration scheme to provide for such representation in this administrative scheme
regarding the establishment of a joint cybersecurity command and other actions related to cybersecurity contained in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60523/25
more personnel will be needed over time, particularly when you look at the scale of personnel envisioned in the Commission on the Defence Forces. We could do with some clarity on the relationship between the cybersecurity command and the National Cyber Security Centre. It was previously answerable
Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the preparedness of the Defence Forces in extreme weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60427/25
light of the disastrous effects of Storm Éowyn in January, can the Tánaiste make a statement on the preparedness of the Defence Forces in the event of further extreme weather events
additional satellite communications to protect the emergency response when the networks collapse. Has the Department carried out a technical assessment of the Defence Forces' storm and post-storm readiness, particularly their availability of trained personnel, engineering assets, off-road mobility and the speed with which they
read a report that the €300 million project to purchase Ireland's biggest ever naval ship is in the doldrums, as senior Defence Forces personnel seek a more combat-orientated vessel. I am unapologetic in wanting to see, as I am sure the Tánaiste is, an increased naval
declining morale. This potentially runs the risk of some of those personnel, even adding further to the problem, by departing from the Defence Forces. In some of those critical specialist areas, the numbers remain critically low. This remains the case and has real operational implications and personnel implications
been said by Deputy Smith. I will also flag the issue of cadets. We spoke about cadets and subsequently officers in the Defence Forces as a whole a short time ago, where serious challenges exist. In the 63rd naval cadet class, six cadets commenced training but only
doubt that in a small nation like ours the opportunities for economies of scale in procurement are greatly increased by us joining other defence forces across the EU for procurement purposes. As the Tánaiste has said, we get better value for the State's money and equipment
Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if as part of the implementation of the working time directive in the Defence Forces, he will provide a timeline for the delivery of the welfare measures under strand 2; and if he will make a statement
there are other deliverables, including additional or increased bottled water and rations for overseas locations and improvements to laundry and recreation facilities across Defence Forces locations at home and overseas. Perhaps something in that regard could also be looked
Naval Service ships using harbours and piers on the east coast for shelter and shore leave. The Report of the Commission on Defence Forces calls for the development of an east-coast base for the Naval Service. Reflecting this, the programme for Government has also recognised the need
have to be 35 to run for President. Why? If a person is old enough to vote at 18, can serve in the Defence Forces, pay taxes and contribute to society, he or she should be old enough to stand for office. As I have said previously
In parliamentary questions
Matt Carthy
Written
Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Defence Forces; the total number of personnel in 2019; and the current total number of personnel. [48882/25
Cathal Crowe
Written
Defence if he will consider introducing legislation to ensure that military uniforms can only be worn by members of the permanent and reserve Defence Forces, and that for all other uses, such as filmmaking and re-enactment, a licence would have to be obtained from his Department
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Written
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will consider the introduction of service commitment schemes to retain key specialist functions within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49302/25
Albert Dolan
Written
Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on payments and remuneration for members of the Reserve Defence Forces; and to explain the changes that have taken place in recent years. [49214/25
Naoise Ó Muirí
Written
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the planned new training centre for the Army Ranger Wing of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48911/25
Brendan Smith
Written
Minister for Defence the proposals there are to upgrade and-or provide new accommodation and facilities, including living accommodation, for the permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49234/25
Grace Boland
Written
Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the provision of accommodation for Defence Force members is being pursued to improve recruitment and retention of members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49115/25
Shay Brennan
Written
Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures he is taking regarding the further development of the Reserve Defence Force. [48993/25
Thomas Gould
Written
Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the actions taken to improve retention in the Defence Forces. [49210/25
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Written
Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the strength of the permanent Defence Forces as of 31 August 2025, or the latest date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48978/25
Ryan O'Meara
Written
level students, with a view to achieving the target of 11,500 personnel and better representation of women at all levels of the Defence Forces. [48990/25
Shane Moynihan
Written
Defence for an update on the planned rollout beginning in 2026 of the military radar programme as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49273/25
Willie O'Dea
Written
asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has examined the extent to which pension entitlements are hindering retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48985/25
Tom Brabazon
Written
Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the way in which the Defence Forces are developing their drone capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48980/25
Malcolm Byrne
Written
Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number in the Reserve Defence Forces at present; the way in which that compares with five years ago and ten years ago; the measures in place to encourage recruitment; and if he will make a statement
Joe Neville
Written
Deputy Joe Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of students in the most recent intake of cadets into the Defence Forces; the steps his Department is taking to encourage more young people to join; and if he will make a statement on the matter
Sinéad Gibney
Written
considering redeploying peacekeepers to UNDOF in the next two years, considering the wind down of UNIFIL and expected increases in numbers of Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49297/25
Brendan Smith
Written
Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in implementing the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49233/25
Thomas Gould
Written
Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces. [49209/25
Peter Roche
Written
Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the type of ancillary benefits available to members of the Defence Forces, such as healthcare; if there are any plans to expand these benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49368/25
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Written
Minister for Defence the estimated cost increasing Vote 35 to allow for occupational supplementary pension to be provided to members of the Defence Forces on reaching normal retirement age. [49560/25
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Written
Defence the estimated cost of resourcing the capability development 14-year land, maritime, air, cyber and joint enabler programmes to ensure the Defence Forces realise Level of Ambition 2, in line with the Government-approved Detailed Implementation Plan. [49563/25
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Written
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of the provision of funds to resource the development of Defence Forces capabilities to meet the tasking to emerge from the National Maritime Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Written
Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of the planned targeted and tiered recruitment of 800 new Permanent Defence Force members in 2026. [49565/25
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Written
Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on peacekeeping operations involving members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47659/25
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