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tradition of compassion and collective action. The resolve of the Irish people to raise our voices, whether in solidarity with Gaza or in defence of our planet, is a powerful reminder that even in despair we can choose courage, community and hope. Mental health does not exist … across multiple branches of Government. Positive examples of cross-departmental collaboration over the last number of years include the high-level task force, which focuses on the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector. This has involved extensive

These include Operation Sophia for search and rescue in the Mediterranean and enforcing the Libyan arms embargo, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights, which Ireland pulled out of in 2024, and the Haiti mission that was approved by the Security Council … raise this? Did he talk about how we would like the General Assembly to satisfy our triple lock as outlined in the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006? I do not think

Waterford and Dublin depends entirely on the patient transport services provided by the HSE or voluntary organisations, such as the Red Cross, Civil Defence and the Order of Malta, which I salute for the work they do. These are not luxury services; they are essential lifelines. I have … transfer. This woman literally had no other option. She could not just get a neighbour to drive her. In the end, she was forced to beg a voluntary organisation to transfer her and her daughter to her daughter's appointment, which did happen thanks to the volunteers

manner it has. The images we have seen over the past number of years of an enormously powerful, well-armed Israel Defense Forces absolutely crushing a very poor, unarmed state right beside it are incredible. The injustice of the disparity between the two states is shocking … simply occupy that area because that grievance does not disappear. It exists for generations beyond that. In terms of Israel's own defence and security, it is sowing the seeds of future damage to its country in the occupation of the West Bank. The use of famine

denial, etc. Imagine something like that being handed to a judge. In that instance, the psychologist involved was entirely wrong. In a defence team’s hands, however, those notes would be used to destroy a legitimate case. We need to be mindful of that. We also need … cases of sexual assault, rape and gender-based violence. We must end the lengthy delays for rape and sexual assault cases that are forcing people to put their whole lives on hold for long periods. We have to improve communications and protections for victims and survivors when perpetrators

Government - the Minister for Finance - to prevent the Central Bank of Ireland giving these permissions or approvals to sell these bonds. It would force Israel to seek that permission from another country and, of course, it would then be for other countries to stand up and be counted … definition, the Irish Government must unilaterally remove these permissions and approvals. What the Taoiseach calls unilateral action is actually called leadership in defence of human rights. The Government's reasons for opposing the Bill are exposed as bluff. The emperor has no clothes. It is precisely the tactic

hours, which have seen more air strikes across Gaza and on Palestinian refugee camps, killing 13 people. In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot a child and a journalist. The scale of the slaughter may have reduced but it has certainly not stopped. Until it stops and until … time for rhetoric is over. Our farmers, consumers and planet demand decisive action. The time dedicated to discussing the ramping up of defence readiness was something else. We should be under no illusion. More weapons and bombs will not bring peace and security. If they did, the United

flying over our airspace. It is something I and others are very concerned about because successive Irish Governments have long claimed the defence of plausible deniability in relation to this. To say we did not know because we did not ask is no longer acceptable. We have already … That is why we must act. Act to stop the illegal use of Shannon Airport and act to seek a UN peacekeeping force to act as a literal barrier between the Palestinian people and their annihilation and extermination because this is a moment in history like Darfur, like

misled the public on the key issue of housing during the general election. When this ploy was exposed last month, the Government's defence was that the claim of 40,000 homes in 2024 was not a promise but a forecast that ended up being wrong - in other … staying at home with their parents or going to Australia? Does the Taoiseach think it is a good answer for mothers and fathers forced into homelessness and children being raised in bed and breakfasts and hotel rooms? The Taoiseach's sniggering interaction hurt a lot of people

them. I also welcome section 31 amending the Schedule to the Bail Act, which will add the offences of coercive control and forced marriage. This will be hugely beneficial and it has been an oversight. Deputy Lawless made a point that is something I have reflected … whole episode from the moment in which she took the stand and was cross-examined. The first question put to her by the defence barrister was whether she had ever taken the morning after pill. What a question to ask. One would wonder why he was asking this

have just come from the Seanad, where I am very pleased to say that Committee Stage of the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 has passed. It included, as the Deputy knows, and because he spoke very much in favour of it, a disregard … thing that is being done. More important than that is the resources of An Garda Síochána. Historically, the Garda, like many other police forces around the world, may not have been sufficiently sensitive to these types of offences or may not have recognised that they are offences that

this community have shown extraordinary integrity, dignity and resilience throughout this period. They have stood together as a community, calmly but firmly, in defence of their right to live in peace and without an unwanted march being imposed upon them. Their strength and dignity have resonated far beyond … ambiguity about what a sustainable solution must achieve. It cannot leave the community under the continuing threat of an unwanted Orange march being forced down the Garvaghy Road because for almost three decades this community has lived without an Orange march being imposed upon it, and this peace

Government need to engage seriously on topics of defence and national security, there has to be a sensitivity that the words "defence" and "security" have a completely different resonance in the Republic of Ireland than they may have in the Six Counties. The Kenova report demonstrates exactly … responsible for up to 120 murders, including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. This operation report confirms serious collusion and intelligence-sharing by security forces. No evidence of political level collusion was found. There was no evidence of British state involvement in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, although

issue in the 2020 election. People also realise that it is farcical that those in the private sector and elsewhere are forced into retirement when they do not want it. People are living longer lives. Many people have a lot to offer in the workforce. The previous speaker … relates to them. That is not in any way acceptable. There are real anomalies. I have spoken to the Tánaiste, as Minister for Defence, about one that needs to be dealt with. I do not wish to put it in the public domain at this point. When talking

days since the humanitarian aid blockade of Gaza began. This regime has long since passed the threshold for what would constitute legitimate defence following the horrific and condemnable Hamas attacks on October 7. This was already genocide before the deliberate and inhumane blocking of lifesaving food, medical supplies … with Israel that allows Israeli goods to enter European markets with reduced tariffs. Suspending this would significantly impact the Israeli economy and potentially force the Israeli government to reconsider its policy. There are a whole load of areas of co-operation where engagement could be frozen

thank all those who were involved in dealing with the aftermath of this horrific storm. I mention county council staff, ESB staff, Civil Defence, Irish Water staff, fire brigade and ambulance services, mountain rescue teams, various committees including local committees, community organisations and centres, sport centres, GAA clubs … storm. Certainly, we have to be in a position in future to ensure there is a quick and an effective response. A task force including all stakeholders must be set up and it must respond and report urgently. We need a statutory authority at national level to deal

able to get housing assistance but too poor to be able to afford rent and in the limbo space of being forced into temporary accommodation. It is an incredible situation. The Government refuses to change the income limits despite the realities of the cost-of-living crisis. This … Europe. It takes a phenomenally long time to build anything. This is not just affecting the housing crisis. We cannot build flood defences, rail lines and the other infrastructure necessary to allow people to live, and that is a significant problem. The habitats directive has a big influence

brilliant job. I thank the services the Minister of State thanked, including the Red Cross, An Garda Síochána, the HSE and the Civil Defence. I also thank neighbours and friends who came out to help. Anyone who was in a position to do so, came out to help … flood warnings directly to communities and improving the detail and accuracy of forecasts. This work is being overseen by the Government's task force on emergency planning, which is really important. Unfortunately, the reality is that our climate is changing. We are seeing more frequent storms and extreme

peace but we must also recognise what has followed in the months since. The military response in Gaza has gone far beyond self-defence. What we are witnessing now, day after day, is the collective punishment of a civilian population. It is a breach of international humanitarian … advisory opinion has made it clear: states have a duty not to aid or recognise illegal situations. The Bill gives that principle legal force. It is modest, practical and principled, and I hope colleagues from across the House will support it as it proceeds through the pre-legislative

Bill that exposes the moral limits of the Government more starkly than in what it does to survivors of sexual violence. Right now, defence teams can apply to access survivors' therapy records. We all know that. It is well documented. Everyone across the Chamber, no matter the political … country has faith left in the Department of housing, the same Department that has delivered thousands of homeless children and whose failures has forced people into desperate situations. We cannot separate sexual exploitation from housing insecurity but the Government has found a way to avoid responsibility

time when the European Union is moving further and further away from the Irish people on matters of foreign affairs and defence. While Europe is moving away from the Irish people, the Irish Government seems to be following Europe rather than the people they serve. There have long … example. The principal Act, the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, explicitly excludes from the provisions of this legislation "the activities of armed forces during an armed conflict insofar as those activities are governed by international humanitarian law". While Israel has repeatedly been condemned for defying international

Minister's moment to make the changes that need to be made. Changes were made back then by the Minister for Defence and Ruairí Quinn when he was the Minister for Finance. We need to make a lot of changes, some relating to resources, some of them legislative … using drugs, cut the supply lines into our country and intercept the international gangs. We need to manage how our police force is funded and resourced to deal with this issue. We need to consider the intelligence the Garda is receiving. There is a serious cross-Border element

drives our economy and creates jobs, has also been hit hard. Local shops, restaurants and services are struggling to stay afloat, with many forced to close their doors for good. We need a clear roadmap for recovery that prioritises our small businesses and fosters an environment where they … humanitarian assistance scheme is ad hoc, inadequate and too narrow in its provisions. It means investment in climate mitigation infrastructure such as flood defences, as well as dealing with issues around insurance for households and businesses where they cannot get flood insurance despite being in at-risk areas

harbours and coastal infrastructure. Rising sea levels, intensified storms and more frequent flooding events are already damaging vital port facilities and coastal defences. All over Ireland, harbours are experiencing increased erosion, structural damage to quays and slipways and siltation that hampers navigation and marine operations. These challenges threaten … supply. The processing industry employs 3,800 people across 91 companies and has already been struggling since Brexit. Further cuts in 2026 could force closures. This is not sustainable, economically, socially or politically. The EU's management of these resources must respect scientific limits but also fairness. Ireland

face of that aggression has been a sight to behold. They have managed to hold off the imperialist, criminal advances of the Russian forces and keep going through four long, cold winters as their towns and cities are bombarded. Their bravery and dedication in the face of such … ensure aid provided by Ireland through this mechanism continues to align with the principle of military neutrality. I have received commitments at the defence committee that we have had visibility downstream on how every euro we have given Ukraine has been spent to ensure it has been spent

been made on Ireland's National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security regarding the protection and participation of women in the Defence Forces; to detail what progress has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6402/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons in the Permanent Defence Forces, by the county of their primary residence in 2011, 2016, 2020, and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5705/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons in the Reserve Defence Forces, by the county of their primary residence in 2011, 2016, 2020, and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5706/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of premises operated by the Defence Forces which have been closed since 2011, by premises, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5707/25

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies for doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists currently within Defence Forces Medical Corps; and the estimated timeframe for filling each of the vacancies, in tabular form. [5972/25

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons, by gender currently in recruit training in each of the three branches of the Defence Forces, in tabular form. [5974/25

Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if service in the Defence Forces can be used for pay purposes in terms of HSE personnel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5687/25

Foreign Affairs for an update with regard to the deeply troubling abduction and abuse of a person (details supplied) by the Israeli Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4999/25

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the establishment figure, size, and numbers recruited and who left each branch of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces in the years 2019 to date, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4267/25

that Ireland would not be procuring military equipment or defence equipment from Israel, if he is aware that various aircraft purchased by the Defence Forces in recent months contain Israeli components; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4271/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the Defence Forces purchase orders for 2024, by quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4273/25

each year from 2014 through 2024 inclusive, and for which specific service they are employed (National Ambulance Service, Dublin Fire Brigade, the Defence Forces, Coastguard and the Dublin Airport Fire Service, and so on); the planned salary budget for advanced paramedics in the National Ambulance Service in each

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated number of Defence Forces personnel, by rank, that would be required to train a new Army cadetship class consisting of 60 persons. [2896/25

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated number of Defence Forces personnel, by rank that would be required to train a new Naval Service cadetship class consisting of 50 persons. [2897/25

Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if officials from his Department attended a briefing arranged by the Defence Forces and an organisation in November 2024 (details supplied); the number of times and the dates on which officials from his Department met with the organisation

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the detention of a Palestinian doctor by the Israeli Defence Forces (details supplied); the engagements he has had with his international counterparts in respect of this case; if he will seek an intervention

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will urgently condemn the abduction and abuse of a doctor (details supplied) by the Israeli Defence Forces; if he will call for his immediate release and the cessation of violent attacks on medical staff and facilities in Gaza, which constitute

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel, by rank, required to fully crew LÉ George Bernard Shaw, LÉ Gobnait and LÉ Aoibhinn naval ships. [46389/24

Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the investigation being carried out into the death in Lebanon of an Irish Defence Forces member of UNIFIL (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46697/24

James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by the Defence Forces where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1756/25

Defence to provide a timeline for the implementation of LDA 2 of the Recommendations of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1957/25

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of females serving by rank in the Irish Defence Forces; the number of females serving by rank in January 2022, 2023, 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2129/25

Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the reason the export of €20 million worth of dual-use technology to the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Ministry of Defence was sanctioned by his Department in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45930/26

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Defence the membership of the Government task force on emergency planning; and how often the task force has met in 2025 and in 2026, in tabular form. [68839/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the specific weapons systems, munitions categories, or force-protection systems approved for procurement in connection with the Airbus H145M helicopters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39243/26