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decriminalised in 1993. Shockingly, military law still refers to the old 19th century criminal laws which state it is an offence in the Defence Forces under the Defence Act 2007, although in 1993 the then defence Minister, David Andrews, affirmed in the House that it would … considered in breach of the regulations of the Defence Forces. Let me be very clear. I unequivocally condemn every administration - British, Free State and Republican - that enacted, defended, enforced and supported these heinous laws over a 359-year time period. To date, no apology for those

Curragh Camp is the jewel in the crown of the Defence Forces, as I and many Members of this House and the Upper House have said many times. The first thing anyone who drives through the Curragh Camp will notice is dereliction and the closed premises … plans, as the incoming Minister for Defence, to ensure the Curragh Camp survives and becomes the jewel in the crown of the Defence Forces again. With regard to married quarters and encouraging members of the Defence Forces to continue in the Defence Forces, I am currently dealing with

conscious, as we all are, of the narrative that Ireland has not been spending enough and that we have not invested in the Defence Forces. I think we all agree that we need to do more and spend more. That is why, in the past six months … have seen an increase in our overall capital plan for the Defence Forces of 55%. We have a new defence sectoral national development plan from 2026 to 2030. This is a comprehensive plan for the record €1.7 billion capital investment in over the next five years - an increase

that. The point the Deputy makes is a fair one. We are seeing an increase, thankfully, in the number of people joining the Defence Forces. We want to see a greater increase in diversity within the Defence Forces, and most particularly in terms of female participation … pleased to say that already a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force. This includes the establishment by the Defence Forces of a female-specific recruitment team which co-ordinates attendance of tri-service female-specific recruiting

Ranelagh Gaels on a number of occasions in recent months. I thank him for the work he has been doing with them. The Defence Forces facilities that we have are, of course, primarily for our Defence Forces but where it makes sense to make parts of that available … then we should do that as well. The Deputy will be aware there is a long-standing policy of my Department and the Defence Forces of allowing, where possible and appropriate, third parties to access Defence Forces facilities and properties to support local communities. It also raises

need to look at all of the stock in the Defence Forces. We need to make sure that where we can refurbish, we are doing that, and where we need to build new, we are doing that, but also that we are looking at other options, whether with … school there. It is a community. We want to make sure that it maintains that sense of community, given its importance for the Defence Forces overall. My priority is to make sure we continue to invest in it, and that where there is dereliction, we address that

benefit from that spending. It is a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to enhancing the capabilities, equipment and accommodation for our Defence Forces. This capital investment in defence primarily supports the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and the development of defence infrastructure … clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to delivering what we all spoke of here - modern Defence Forces capable of responding to what is an increasingly complex security environment that we live in. The infrastructure development plan, IDP, sets out a programme of project delivery to 2027, reflecting

infrastructure plan and the new strategic framework clearly set out how we can be more ambitious when it comes to increasing our overall Defence Forces numbers. Our numbers increased by 200 last year. I appreciate that this is a smaller number than we would like … determined that we will continue on that trajectory right across our Defence Forces. To that effect, I am working closely with the Defence Forces to make sure we have a new workforce plan in place, but also that we have a new civilianisation plan, which I will have

programme for Government sets out a number of commitments relating to national security as well as priorities for recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. In this regard, the previous Government approved a move to a Permanent Defence Force capability equivalent to level of ambition 2, which requires … increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include, among other things, a provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional Permanent Defence Force members per annum. In order to meet Government targets, the Defence Forces are making concerted efforts to ramp up recruitment. Last year

Relating to cybersecurity, the primary role of the Defence Forces is to defend and secure their networks and systems. The role of the Garda is to do the same and to look at other areas as well. Specifically in relation to the joint cybersecurity command, there are three … come back to the Deputy on the figure as regards the overall objective. The focus of my Department now, working with the Defence Forces, is on working on the implementation of all of this. That is happening. I believe a meeting is taking place as soon as tomorrow

general secretary of Independent Ireland, I commend everyone in the Defence Forces. I commend everyone in our Army, and everyone who is a protector of Ireland. I say to those people that I am sorry that this and previous Governments have not treated them with fairness, even … looked after. Their pay and living conditions while they are protecting us are not fair. The investment we need to put into our Defence Forces needs to be in the people in the Defence Forces first. Then we should put it into equipment that we need

clear that the biggest danger to our national security is the persistent failure over many years of successive Governments to properly resource our Defence Forces and national security infrastructure. Look at the spending of 0.2% of GDP. Look at the depleted Naval Service. We in the Labour Party … cannot mean passivity with respect to our defence capabilities. There is no contradiction between neutrality and properly investing in and resourcing our Defence Forces. On the contrary, our military neutrality must be protected and our sovereignty safeguarded through investment in our own defence. Our persistent failure

that we need to see continue to encourage more and enhance greater uptake when it comes to those who wish to join the Defence Forces. I have said the numbers wishing to join are pretty substantial, but it is about then translating them. My focus this year … making sure we have the accommodation we need for training and that we have enough personnel for those in our Defence Forces carrying out the training. There were changes made recently to provide allowances in that regard. It is important that those changes were made, but where more

Commissioned Officers has sent in a claim. This is being dealt with through the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Those discussions are confidential. While I would like to resolve the matter myself, I cannot do so. However, I would like … through the public sector pay agreement. It is essential that we look in the round at how to attract more people to the Defence Forces. Of course, an important part of that is pay and conditions. I accept that. We all know that. That is why, in recent

propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 165 together. I can advise the Deputies that the Defence Forces have established a new joint cyberdefence command. This new command will be able to conduct full spectrum operations to robustly defend against cyberthreats and support Defence Forces operations at home … resilience and contingent capabilities. Deputy Heneghan is right that this is a real and growing issue. Following the establishment of this unit, the Defence Forces cyberdefence strategy for 2024 to 2027 was published last year. This strategy sets out a road map to ensure our Defence Forces achieve

issue can be addressed. As the Minister of State knows, I grew up on the Border. I saw the importance of the Reserve Defence Force. In many instances, good members of the community got young people who may have been in certain difficulty into the Reserve Defence Force … young people enjoyed the training and benefited a great deal from it. Many of them went on to serve in the Permanent Defence Force. Were it not for that conduit and avenue they had to enlist in the Reserve Defence Force, acquire training and skills and discipline

committed to strengthening recruitment to and supporting retention in the Permanent Defence Force. The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,823 personnel on 31 May, the most recent date for which we have a figure available. Last year … Corps and 75 into the Naval Service. I am pleased that there continues to be very strong interest in careers in the Defence Forces, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025 and over 10,000 applications received to end May of this year. The challenge

this constructively in return. The health and well-being of the men and women working in the Air Corps and the wider Defence Forces is of the utmost priority for me, both as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence. I take my responsibility to those who commit to military … service to the State very seriously indeed and I know the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and the Secretary General of my Department are with me on this position. As Deputy Ó Laoghaire is no doubt aware, a number of cases are before the courts alleging

These are an implementation plan, which will continue to implement the changes that were recommended by the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces, and a new strategic framework, which essentially sets out how we are going to increase our Defence Forces, how we are going … going work more closely with other European and international partners, and how we can protect and support the men and women of our Defence Forces and the vital work they do. It is essential, first and foremost, that we increase the number of Defence Force personnel we have

Curragh Camp, which he knows well. I, too, appreciate the historical importance of the Curragh Camp to many members of the Defence Forces and their families. I am sympathetic to the sense of attachment many serving and former members of the Defences Forces have to the camp … longer a location where significant numbers of people live, particularly families and dependants. Regarding the proposals by the military authorities to close the Defence Forces Training Centre, DFTC, fire station, the military authorities have been engaged with officials from my Department on this matter since 2023. In December

propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 84 together. I am fully committed to supporting the Defence Forces to increase numbers and, overall, to strengthening our Defence Forces. It was positive to see the growth in numbers last year, with 790 inductions. I have set a target … inductions for 2026. Indeed, overall application numbers for careers in the Defence Forces continue to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025 and more than 7,000 received to end of March 2026. On top of that, the number of people who left last

welcome an increase in Defence Force numbers, given that this has been a matter of discussion in these Houses for a number of years in terms of the recruitment and retention crisis. The advance we are talking about is quite modest given the context. We are far from … commission on the future of the Defence Forces. We are below establishment and the minimum acceptable level of personnel. I want to focus on officers. Governance in the Defence Forces is a key factor when it comes to national security. There are 330 officers in the Defence Forces

thank the Deputy for raising this matter. There has been significant investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure in recent years. The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the past five years was approximately €170 million, and for this year … million. In particular, the development of accommodation for new recruits has been a priority for the Department. In terms of the existing Defence Forces residential housing stock in the Curragh Camp, of 104 residential units, 63 residential properties are uninhabitable. None of these properties can be brought

waters and protect the sovereign rights of the State and our exclusive economic zone; making provision for the long-standing role of the Defence Forces in aid of the civil power; and enhancing the protection of military installations. These are substantial things to amend and should be done … civil powers. On 9 April, the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, confirmed it was well established in law that the Defence Forces may assist An Garda Síochána in aid to the civil power. That was on 9 April when he was deploying Defence Forces in relation to the fuel

thank the Deputy for raising this matter. He would probably agree that significant progress has been made on pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the last six years. I have met with the various associations. I met with RACO on 22 January and its representatives … increasing claims have to be addressed within the parameters of public pay policy. When dealing with our public servants, including members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, we have to work within that public pay policy. As the Deputy will be aware, different pay scales apply

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how he will ensure adequate funding for the Defence Forces in line with the report of the commission on the Defence Forces. [6102/25

that were established prior to the procurement of the Dassault Falcon 6X; who authored these criteria; whether the criteria were drafted by uniformed Defence Forces personnel, civilian Department staff, or external consultants; whether the criteria were reviewed and approved by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the type and retention standard of holsters issued with sidearms to members of the Defence Forces; whether any review of holster safety was carried out by the Defence Forces following the incidents involving Garda issue holsters in June

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces applicants who did not progress to becoming members of the Permanent Defence Forces in the past three years; the breakdown of the reason they did not become members; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in implementing the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to recruitment and retention of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the initiatives currently being implemented by his Department to enable the Reserve Defence Forces to deliver enhanced military capabilities when required to support the Permanent Defence Forces. [31702/25

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how the Defence Forces are contributing to enhancing cybersecurity; the collaboration in place that the Defence Forces has with educational stakeholders in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5811/25

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence her plans to modernise the Reserve Defence Forces to ensure that they are ready to act in support the Permanent Defence Forces and the civil power, and deal with the challenges Ireland faces in the 21st century

February 2025, for an update on any progress by military authorities in their consideration of the report and recommendations of the Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group on colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces; when she will publish this report; and when the recommendations will

plans to amend the Finance Bill 2025 to reverse the increase in tax liability on pensions to Gardaí and members of the Defence Forces that is negatively affecting recruitment of senior Gardaí and members of the Defence Forces (details supplied). [58240/25

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the benefits for the Irish Defence Forces and international reputation of the country arising from cooperation between individual national defence forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38889/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces general service body armour (GSBA) that is currently in service throughout the Defence Forces, including in overseas missions, was first issued to members in 2006; if, given that these systems degrade overtime, and trials

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

Minister for Defence to provide an update on any progress by military authorities in their consideration of the report and recommendations of the Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group on colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces; when he will publish this report; and when

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when Defence Forces regulations were amended prohibiting suitably qualified members of the Air Corps and Naval Service from filling the role of assistant chief of staff; the rationale for this decision; and if, in view of the emphasis … Commission on the Defence Forces on the need for truly joint high-level leadership and the recommendation that the future assistant chief of defence role be a joint appointment, he continues to support the prohibition on suitably qualified members of the Air Corps and Naval Service competing

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any assessment has been undertaken by her Department or the Defence Forces regarding the procurement, operational use, maintenance, licensing, or integration of Israeli-origin defence technologies or software within Defence Forces platforms or systems; and if she will

Clarke asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of long-service increment recommendations contained within the Commission on the Defence Forces report; and the measures being taken to improve recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces. [35390/26

Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Defence the person that indemnifies Defence Forces chaplains when they deploy overseas, if they are not considered members of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71649/25

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have protection orders or barring orders against them; the protocol within the Defence Forces for dealing with an individual member of the force with a protection order

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force; the efforts being made by his Department to increase recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49254/25

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he would consider offering members of the Reserve Defence Forces full time contracts to expedite PDF recruitment to achieve the Commission on the Defence Force's stated target of 11,500 personnel; and if he will make

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the unmanned naval or air drones for patrolling Irish territorial airspace or waters that are available to the Defence Forces; if a procurement process is underway to secure any such assets for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the number of riding instructor posts currently filled within Defence Forces Equitation School; the number of riding instructor posts currently vacant; and the rank of Defence Forces personnel these posts are normally filled by. [66717/26

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on the Commission on Defence Forces recommendation to clarify the roles of the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and the Defence Forces’ ARW to ensure that there is a clear understanding

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