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citizens’ assemblies or Oireachtas committees. A number of fast-emerging and deeply unsettling international trends demand we give much greater consideration to our defence resourcing, especially the war in Ukraine and the departure of the US from its traditional diplomatic and military alignment with Europe. We also must … natural resources. Issues of national security will increasingly be tied to volatile, immensely destructive natural forces. Notwithstanding these threats, we need to proceed with extreme caution with any proposed changes to our defence policy. While there are legitimate critiques of UN decision-making, there is also well-founded

between conservation and progress towards a model where they are mutually reinforcing. The task force's power to make concrete recommendations on pollution control and to design vital infrastructure works, from flood defences to public access points, shifts our approach from reactive to proactive. It provides a single … national heritage, a source of recreation, wellness and inspiration. By mandating consultation with users, landowners and local organisations, the task force ensures its work is rooted in the lived experience of those who know and love the river best. It fosters a spirit of shared custodianship. Some

heads of the defence (amendment) Bill. Is there disagreement in Fianna Fáil over this? The Taoiseach wants to abolish the triple lock that enshrines the principle that we will only engage in the use of force with a UN mandate while a Fianna Fáil Minister of State

only can send troops in line with international law. The Minister of State, Deputy Troy, stated, "Ireland's position on the use of force where there is no UN mandate or authorisation is well established and known. For fear that anyone is in any doubt … mission. The Government wants to send troops abroad outside of that framework. Its defence is that we should not worry because the Government is only going to send them as part of an international force. I do not think anyone here thinks the Government is going to invade

Israeli military slaughters men, women and, most horrendously of all, children, babies and infants. The defence minister who is presiding over the Israeli military, the so-called IDF - in reality, the occupation force - actually said that Israel was going to starve people and deny them the means

office roles in Brussels, was he describing roles in NATO headquarters? The international forces the Minister of State is describing are exactly like the coalition that invaded Iraq. It was clarified at the defence committee that, should the triple lock not have been in place, we would have

Europe and boosts the far right, which is such a growing and powerful force across Europe. We need to be careful and aware and we need to bring this into our language. On defence spending, it is deeply concerning that in his opening comments, the Taoiseach highlighted

next multi-annual financial framework, competitiveness and global economic challenges, and migration. Other items on the agenda were, among others, European security and defence, illicit drugs and support for Moldova. I will set out the main results of the European Council meeting on Ukraine, the conflict … Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces. Leaders made a clear commitment on continued emergency aid amid the devastating destruction and displacement experienced by the people of Lebanon. European leaders also agreed on the need for a potential post-UNIFIL, common security and defence policy, CSDP, mission, aimed

state solution through recognition of the State of Palestine. The Israeli defence minister is talking about building a concentration camp in southern Gaza on the ruins of the Gazans' own homes. Israeli forces continue to launch raids into the West Bank and seize hundreds of acres of land

Three years ago, Ukrainians awoke to a living nightmare. Russian forces had launched a full-scale invasion with the intention of destroying Ukraine's democracy and snuffing out its existence as a sovereign independent state. Russian tanks rolled across the border, Russian troops rushed to seize key objectives … forced from their homes by the brutal unjustifiable war of aggression. Across Tipperary, Ireland and Europe, Ukrainians have been welcomed into our homes and communities with warmth, understanding and compassion. I welcome the commitment by the Government to provide further aid to Ukraine, including through donating air defence

defences will apply to causes of action which accrue on or after the date those defences come into operation. For example, the defence of live broadcasting introduced by the current section 11 will come into operation for broadcasts made after that section commences. Amendments … force. For example, section 16 provides for certain requirements regarding the making of correction orders. Those requirements will apply to defamation actions brought after that section is commenced. Clearly, this group of amendments comprises transitional provisions. They all provide the same with regard to providing that the defences

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the urgent actions he and his Department will take to ensure that the 505 squadron at Casement Aerodrome at Baldonnel is fully staffed and will not be forced to continue to operate at 50% capacity and a reduced

bound by international humanitarian law. Of course, Ms Mahony is correct. Nobody in their right mind can argue that an EU regulation could force any institution in the State to be complicit in genocide and the Government must act to make sure the Central Bank is no longer … this Bill and the motion my party will bring to the Dáil tomorrow will put Ireland's money where its mouth is in defence of the Palestinian people and in defence of humanity, of multilateralism and of justice. The Minister has a strong firm moral compass

relation to the meeting, and I have taken some notes. The key focuses were on Ukraine, the so-called Middle East peace process, defence readiness, competitiveness, the energy transition, digital sovereignty, migration and the ongoing enlargement process. I have a couple of comments to make on those … nothing that is going to force Israel to do anything meaningful. Collectively, the countries that have shown a little bravery such as Ireland, Norway, Belgium and Spain will have to do more in a co-ordinated way on this issue. On defence and security, I will head

tell us he is not reforming the triple lock and that he is abolishing it? The civil servant at the Department of Defence at the committee said, "You could call it a removal of the triple lock" so stop misleading people. In the Government's legislation … order to "keep alive the ... tradition of peacekeeping." That is not true either, is it? The Government's Bill states, "a relevant international force operates for the purpose of peace-keeping, peace-enforcement or conflict prevention". Can the Taoiseach explain to the public what peace enforcement

tonight, they are both joining forces to get rid of the triple lock. They are chipping away at our neutrality. We see other things that are happening. The CAP budget is being reduced because we are putting more into defence. That is God's honest truth

always stood strong against these malign forces. In today's world, Putin and Trump are leading the charge to rip up multilateralism and we should never, ever follow them down that path. The response should be to stand strong in defence of peace and the United Nations. Instead

seen horrific scenes. Six children were killed by an Israeli air strike while collecting water in Gaza this week. Even the Israel Defense Forces stated that this was an error. The protest group who were on Kildare Street last week had a clear ask of the Government … full. That is what I want to raise with the Taoiseach today in the final sitting week before the recess. Gazan civil defence reports that more than 58,000 people in total have now been killed by Israel in Gaza. Those men, women, journalists, medics, aid workers

That is precisely what the triple lock does. The Minister of State, Deputy Troy, was correct in what he said. The deployment of forces outside the framework of a UN mandate or authorisation is against international law. That is the truth. The reason the Minister of State, Deputy … party leader since Seán Lemass. He said that suddenly, and without discussion, the triple lock was anathema. Those were the words of former defence Minister, Deputy Willie O'Dea. Why is this happening now? Why is the Government trying to get rid of the triple lock while pretending

notes being used by the defence. The Minister has drafted a Bill but it leaves the option open. A judge will decide if they can be included. Even the fact that such a decision could be made is traumatic. It is forcing many people to choose between therapy

changed by brute force and that smaller states are fair game. That is why Ireland’s role, though militarily non-aligned, is not as a bystander. We are firmly on the side of international law. We are contributing to Ukraine’s defence in a way that is consistent

people are going to be killed in the Russian invasion and the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war? When we talk about building European defence and this move to war and war preparedness in Europe, we really need to question how many Europeans are going to get killed … economic sanctions on Russia. We believe the European Union and Ireland could be doing more to implement those sanctions. The use of military force is not the only way to challenge aggressors like Russia. The economic sanctions are also very important and the European Union and Ireland should

international stabilisation force answerable, not to the Palestinian people, but to the viceroys on the board of peace. What is absent from the UN resolution and what is absent from the peace plan is the Palestinian people; the Palestinian people's right to self-defence, their right … message to seek to block the progress of the draft Irish legislation. That is all this is and the only thing that can force this Government to act is massive public pressure from below. That is why I will be on the streets with lots of others tonight

everyone but itself, the weather, local authorities, even Met Éireann has been thrown in for good measure. Met Éireann does not build flood defences. Local authorities do not decide on national capital priorities. The responsibility rests with the Government and the consequences of this are being felt … finishing them off, creating a serious road safety issue in counties like Wexford and Wicklow. Last week in Bunclody, a school bus was forced to abandon its route when the road beneath it collapsed and 53 families were affected. This damage was foreseeable. It was warned about

constructive force for good as well as what is required in terms of our own security? At a time when the multilateral system is under attack from those who seek to discredit, dismantle or even supplant it entirely, Ireland should come to its defence. It is both

Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views as to the most positive steps that could be taken to ensure the Defence Forces are funded, equipped, and supported in the face of evolving global security steps. [18001/25

Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on recruitment to the Defence Forces across the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17829/25

light of storm Éowyn, there are plans to enhance emergency response capabilities in the west of Ireland through greater collaboration between the Defence Forces and other agencies. [17268/25

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how he plans to improve pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17920/25

Minister for Defence the progress made to date in respect of the key recommendations set out in the Independent Review Group into the Defence Forces Report 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18007/25

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has considered 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. [17825/25

asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the Government's plans to modernise the equipment and infrastructure of the Defence Forces; the investment being allocated to ensure operational readiness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17651/25

Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the heads of Bill regarding suspension of Defence Forces personnel will be published; when the recommendations of the report by a person (details supplied) will be implemented; and if he will make a statement

McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the current situation with respect to recruitment to both the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18016/25

Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action he is taking to improve retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17828/25

Minister for Defence when the professional instructor payment, committed to by the Government, will be paid to commissioned officer instructors in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18070/25

Defence the progress made to date in respect of the establishment of an independent external complaints system for serving members in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18006/25

Lebanese Government, particularly regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and on his views on how conditions could be improved for Irish Defence Forces personnel serving on peacekeeping duties there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15503/25

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of residential Defence Forces buildings currently not habitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18073/25

Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures his Department will take to improve pay and conditions of the Defence Forces over the term of Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17745/25

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress that made on completing the review of Defence Forces medical services; when that review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23121/25

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of horses that joined the Defence Forces equitation school in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [21789/25

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps his Department is taking to retrofit or otherwise bring vacant married quarters previously used by the Defence Forces owned by his Department back into use as accommodation; his plans for any units deemed unfit to be brought back into

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has engaged with representatives of the Defence Forces since January 2024 on the issues with the fast accrual (uniformed) single public service pension scheme for uniformed services recruited after 2013; the dates of those engagements

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are height requirements for joining the Defence Forces; the basis of such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19885/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 18 February 2025, if the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) record the addresses of members of the RDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20895/25

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated full-year cost if the Defence Forces sea going Naval personnel tax credit increased to €2,000 and reduced the number of patrol days to 68 days annually to be eligible. [20904/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the cadet classes of the Defence Forces were ever housed in hotels; the number of times this happened; the length of time in each case; and a breakdown of the amount this has cost the State each

Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the strength of the permanent Defence Force as of 31 March 2025 or the latest date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17830/25

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will consider funding a Defence Forces liaison officer to deal with the significant housing challenges that are facing serving members and liaise with housing agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18312/25