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mentioned in this House, but 12 million people have been displaced. Genocide against the civilian population is happening there. Some of the rebel forces are being supported by neighbouring countries with arms and so forth. To respond to Deputy Conway-Walsh, the framework is Article 2 compliant … standstill if anything untoward were to happen to those interconnectors. I hope the Deputy would agree that we should have close defence co-operation for our economic security, in particular, and for our subsea cables. That will mean a lot of technological co-operation. When a Russian shadow

should not worry; neutrality is not under threat. As part of the national maritime security strategy, the Government participates in the Joint Expeditionary Force - an alliance made-up of ten NATO members and led by Britain. However, we should not worry; neutrality is not under threat. If anybody … detail? I quote: "The Irish Presidency will advance work on the measures set out in the White Paper on the future of European defence and the associated defence-readiness roadmap 2030 and on defence procurement." The Government is saying openly it is going to advance the White Paper

These are not fantastical ideas. They are things that could definitely happen. What does the EU look like in a security, defence and peace enforcement scenario when its two biggest powers are being run by the far right? These are genuine questions and concerns that cannot be dismissed … That is not a problem. We agree with all that. When it comes to the deployment of troops in a multilateral force, we have to have the UN involved. If we turn our backs on the UN, we are turning our backs on the only hope

Colombia and, unbelievably, he is now even threatening potential military takeover in Europe, with the dire warning that he will take Greenland, by force or otherwise. No one can say we were not warned. Last year, Trump renamed the US Department of Defense the Department … stark reality now. We can only call it imperialist warmongering by the US. Ireland and the EU must take an unambiguous stance in defence of the UN Charter and the principle of national sovereignty. They are not abstract ideals; they are the foundations of international order

join the protest. Arrogance is a key aspect of this Government. The Government is using the infrastructure of the Oireachtas to push through, force through and beat through its objectives on various issues. Yesterday was an example of that. Today's debate about the triple lock is another … zones they get involved in. There is a significant project within the European Union to change its nature to an EU defence union. There is no doubt about that. The steps the EU has taken so far, which include creating funds and loans for military hardware, are blurring

morning and one of the items on the agenda is consideration of what interim measures can be introduced in advance of permanent flood defences going in to particular areas. We need to speed up mitigation measures in areas such as those mentioned by the Deputy. I reiterate … design a scheme that will be fit for purpose for Ireland. The insurance industry has already established a flooding task force. I met a member of that task force earlier today who informed me that it will have proposals for consideration by Government in the next number

that category. I praise all the front-line staff, especially those in the ESB, outdoor council staff, the Civil Defence, the Red Cross, contractors, including agri-contractors and plant contractors, farmers, volunteers and nurses, who go out all the time. We used to call them district or community … cold, with no grants or planning and no way to heat their homes. It is pure unadulterated nonsense that people are forced to build houses, when getting planning in the country, which is so hard to get, with no chimneys and no way of heating anything. I hope

environmental criteria. For the first time, our agencies will be able to support projects on carbon abatement grounds alone without having to force them through criteria designed for a different purpose. That is a sensible and overdue reform. The IDA has described the current arrangements, quite bluntly … provision written for an agency that no longer exists and that has had a chilling effect on the work of our agencies in defence, security and resilience. In a Europe investing heavily in cyber, satellites, maritime security and hybrid threat monitoring, Ireland cannot afford to have one hand

must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and that international borders must not be changed by force. Ireland has always insisted that an end to the war must be obtained through diplomatic means, with the full participation of Ukraine in any peace … Russia's energy revenues, the lifeblood of its war machine. We will also work to increase our support to Ukraine to strengthen its defences and protect Ukraine's critical infrastructure. We will put in place the security guarantees that Ukraine needs to underpin any future peace agreement. Ireland

proud to be Europeans. I cited Mercosur as a key issue where we were not seeing enough action from the Government in defence of those core values. I am frustrated and disappointed to have been proven right with the result last week. We are already seeing extreme weather … deadlier for Palestinians still in Gaza. In parallel with this, settler violence in the West Bank continues, resulting in killings, demolitions and the forceful expulsion of Palestinians from their homes and villages where they have been for generations. This

heavy focus on the ramping-up of EU defence readiness. Of course, under the Commission Presidency of Ursula von der Leyen, the term "defence readiness" is simply code for the acceleration of a militarisation agenda, an agenda that pushes Europe into a new arms race, an agenda that … cannot prevent and resolve conflict by sending signals of European readiness to partake in them. When fear and warmongering become the driving force behind policy decisions, then militarisation becomes a dangerous, self-fulfilling prophecy, an unstoppable quicksand that drags the world in only one direction, down

queried this, the senior counsel removed herself from the case with no explanation given. Margaret's victim impact statement was censored by the defence and Trevor Bolger. She had to take out parts of it he was not happy with when the report was read out. Details … Garda Síochána. Fiosrú is conducting a root and branch investigation into the case, attitudes to domestic violence and treatment of women on the force while Trevor was given a gun. There are so many wider implications to this case that I am asking the Minister to meet with

that, in its operations in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7th October, 2023, Israeli authorities and members of the Israeli security forces had committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and these included, the war crime … arrest warrants have been requested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor for key Israeli officials, the Prime Minister and former Minister of Defence, in respect of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity; deeply regrets the UN Security Council's failure to pass a resolution to demand

including more than two million children, in dire need of humanitarian aid. Tens of thousands of children were also abducted by Russia and forcefully taken away from their families. Despite its vicious, indiscriminate military assaults and many war crimes committed, thanks to the bravery and steadfastness of Ukraine … nearly €174 billion from fiscal years 2022 to 2024, and supplemented appropriations to aid Ukraine. This assistance was instrumental in bolstering Ukraine's defence and providing humanitarian relief. However, recent shifts in US policy have thrown this into disarray. President John F. Kennedy and President Zelenskyy have both

meeting tomorrow to examine what immediate measures can be taken to protect areas where there is a longer lead-in for permanent flood defence measures to be introduced. In relation to Deputy Callaghan's points on the thatched issue, that is something I am acutely aware … insurance industry, Department of Finance and OPW. Today, I met with a representative of the insurance industry who sits on its flooding task force. I expect a proposal to come from the task force within a number of weeks. It might be in a month

active participation of the Assembly and Executive in events and advocate for observer status for Northern representatives. This Presidency must be a force for peace. The EU has lost immense credibility in its response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Ireland must use its leadership role to build … meetings of any military alliance on Irish soil. This must be an active, ambitious and proudly Irish Presidency, one that champions unity, defence and neutrality and fights for a social Europe. To do anything else would betray the trust of the Irish people

playgrounds and high-value, high-amenity areas targeted regularly by anti-social behaviour; — a clearer legal definition of what constitutes reasonable self-defence when being threatened, or assaulted by underage perpetrators, including having items such as sticks, rocks, glass and other implements being thrown at individuals; — zero tolerance … just to play petty politics and cast aspersions. I will give credit where credit is due. We have a task force on antisocial behaviour. The previous Government published the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027. However, as far as I know, that task force has not sat since before

Media Regulation Act 2022 establishing Coimisiún na Meán as our new online safety regulator is a welcome step in that it brings into force parts of the EU Digital Services Act. The launch of the national counter disinformation strategy in 2025, built on five core principles, has also … also continue to support and fund verified fact-checked journalism, which is often the first casualty of disinformation and the last line of defence against it. This is all pivotal to defending our democracy

1950s. The reality is that only once in 70 years, back in 1956, has the resolution been used to establish a peacekeeping force. This was under very specific circumstances at the time, in which all the parties and the key members of the Security Council were in agreement … General Assembly is a significant indication of its importance to the international community and an opportunity for each member state to speak in defence of the protection of the fundamental values of the United Nations. The fact that Palestine can now table its own resolutions, and has done

essentials has been allowed in no matter how critical. Just in case the Taoiseach or we were in any doubt at all, the defence minister in Israel, Israel Katz, told us that Israel's policy is clear that "no humanitarian aid is about to enter Gaza." Preventing humanitarian … state that "We have seen the images of children's bodies being thrown from one building to another due to the force of the bombing. We have seen the videos of families being burnt alive." These are the words of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

does and the esteem in which it and the Irish people are held internationally in relation to their stance on Palestine and their defence of Palestinians. I have met many of these representatives in this House and abroad who hold Ireland up as an exemplar. It is never … included in the Bill. The committee never divided on any of the amendments proposed for the Bill. In other words, we were never forced to a vote, such was the unanimity of the members of the committee who undertook the scrutiny. The committee also unanimously recommended that

state engaged in war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide 4F. (1) For the purposes of this Part, training in the armed forces of a state engaged in the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide means intentionally providing instruction or training in the skills … subsection (1) and he or she shall— (a) before making such regulations, consult with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Defence, the Commissioner of An Garda Siìochaìna, and such other Minister of the Government as the Minister considers appropriate having regard to the weapons, substances, techniques

Irish economy over the past number of decades and since the last recession reflects the strength of our highly skilled labour force. These factors do not change overnight despite the introduction of tariffs. In this environment, we must look to and trust in our competitiveness strengths to succeed … pivot as needed through the challenges ahead. We are not alone in this. We are part of the EU, which stands together in defence of fair trade. We are in contact with like-minded partners and supporters of the multilateral trading system from which we derive so much

Civil Defence and others. The phone network had gone down there as well. They were dusting off old phones in the Civil Defence. Old technology, if you like, was the only technology left working. What do you do when the technology goes down? If we can manage … engaged. I am ruling nothing out, nor is the Government. We are keeping an open mind and engaging constructively. There will be task forces and reports to review, but that is separate to and distinct from helping people in the here and now with the emergency they

with: "Those who remain ... will be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters." The article states: The intensification of military operations in Gaza City has forced the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to temporarily suspend operations at its Gaza City office and relocate staff to ICRC offices … last while? We have seen 66,000 Palestinians killed. We have seen famine used as a means of war. The only defence is that if they really wanted, they could kill more. One of Netanyahu's intentions, the absolutely criminal one, is to stay out of jail

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from the Russian Federation on the United Nations Security Council in the years

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from China on the United Nations Security Council in the years 2001 to date

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from the United Kingdom on the United Nations Security Council in the years

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of proposed peacekeeping missions involving the deployment of Defence Forces personnel that have been vetoed by a vote including a vote from France on the United Nations Security Council in the years 2001 to date

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of crew and passengers the Defence Forces new Airbus C295W can carry as opposed to the older CASA CN235 maritime patrol aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9212/25

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated amount spent on purchasing specialist fire appliances for the Defence Forces fire services in each of the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [9580/25

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide the establishment figures for the permanent Defence Forces in each of the years 2000 to 2014, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9695/25

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of bed spaces available in the Defence Forces system; the number currently occupied; the number not in regular use; the number capable of being made useable; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to discuss the need to ensure increased recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6439/25

changes to the triple-lock mechanism, which currently requires UN Security Council approval alongside Government and Dáil approval, for the deployment of Irish Defence Forces overseas; whether any proposed changes are solely intended to ensure that future peacekeeping missions are not unduly hindered by geopolitical deadlock

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the current involvement of Irish Defence Forces personnel in UNIFIL missions in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5944/25

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the strength of the Defence Forces in each respective year from 2020 to 2024 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6083/25

Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the progress of the Defence Forces tribunal; the details of the resources allocated to the tribunal; the number of support and administrative staff appointed to the tribunal; the details of the legal supports

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Defence Forces; the current number within each service; and his targets for recruitment, by year, for 2025 to 2030. [5746/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when he expects the report by the Defence Forces in relation to the suitability for renovation of the derelict homes owned by his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total enlistment in the permanent Defence Forces from 2019 to 2024; the measures that will be implemented this year to increase recruitment and improve retention of personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter

capital expenditure from 2023 and 2024; the total expenditure incurred under each heading each year; the progress achieved in improving accommodation for permanent Defence Force members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6100/25

asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline any occasion during or in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn when the Defence Forces were asked to aid the civil authorities or the civil power, as per their remit; and if he will make a statement

establishment of a joint cyber security command and other actions related to cyber security contained in the commission on the future of the Defence Forces. [6106/25

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of accommodation units by the Defence Forces, the number currently in use; the plans for the development of new accommodation for officers and enlisted personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7178/25

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant or derelict housing units or barracks accommodation owned the Defence Forces, by location; the plans in place for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7181/25

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will bring forward proposals to ensure that members of the Defence Forces are offered mental health supports when they return from foreign deployment without having to first request it; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide the establishment figure for the permanent Defence Forces in total, and separately for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, from each year beginning in 2006 to date, in tabular form

Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is considering changes to the public service pension abatement for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7921/25

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his approach to the use of artificial intelligence by the Defence Forces and its use generally in international conflicts. [6889/25