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investments the Government has made under the infrastructure development plan, IDP, in Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny. I hope to visit it shortly. The Defence Forces IDP sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper … programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide accommodation and training for personnel, and maintenance and storage of equipment for land, sea and airborne operational requirements. The plan, which was launched in 2020 and was agreed

welcome the opportunity to outline and discuss the recently published detailed implementation plan of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the new strategic framework I launched and brought to Cabinet last week. The plans set out the ambitious timelines I intend to set over … next year to make sure we can expand, enhance and grow our overall Defence Forces capabilities. Of course, as is the case with any plan, it has to be matched by a capital budget. Deputies will be aware that just before Christmas I published our new capital plan

into forestry to try to resolve the situation, pulling wires in and trying to carry equipment in. There was no sign of the Defence Forces. The Ministers here last night thanked the Defence Forces. If members of the Defence Forces assisted with this, at least we could split … programme for disaster that this Government is presiding over. We need urgent action. We need to get the Defence Forces on the ground in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo, in these areas that have been so badly affected. We absolutely need to get them now, but it should

upcoming EU Presidency. This is completely and utterly down to this Government and its predecessors in how they have completely neglected our Defence Forces. They have allowed the Defence Forces to become depleted. It is an absolute disgrace that the Government has left us in this vulnerable position … full radar picture is an indictment of successive governments. This argument should not only apply to the EU Presidency. The neglect of our Defence Forces over the years has resulted in our not being able to police our waters and our skies and being seen as a soft

measures that were put in place in January that finally removed the blanket exemption from the working time directive for the Defence Forces. That is an important recruitment tool and it is an even more important retention tool. It is also an important recognition of the important work … done by the Defence Forces and the need to protect our Defence Forces personnel. Obviously, there was complexity in introducing the working time directive for our Defence Forces, including the Army. As a result, alternative compensatory measures were put in place. Good faith now needs to be shown

time that we saw stabilisation and very small growth, which I do not overrate, in the number of men and women in our Defence Forces. We expect to see this trend continue. Let us look at this in the round. The budget increased each year from … C295 transport variant due for delivery this year. Also in 2023, two inshore patrol vessels were bought from the New Zealand Navy. The Defence Forces transport fleet was also renewed and there was an investment in Defence Forces protection measures and the upgrade of the Defence Forces communications

Taoiseach and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. We are taking action on this and any objective examination of Defence Forces spending would have to acknowledge that we have significantly increased Defence Forces spending over the last few years. We now have the highest ever … budget for the Defence Forces. Is it enough? The answer is "No". The Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces shows us very clearly that we need on a trajectory to reach LOA2 and then, as the programme for Government says, to head on to LOA3. Since

Deputy. As he will be aware, in January of this year the blanket exemption from the Organisation of Working Time Act for Defence Forces personnel was removed and most Defence Forces personnel now enjoy the protections of the Act. Due to their specific nature, a number of activities … additional funding beyond existing resources are to be addressed in line with the normal Estimates process. Most people understand this and want our Defence Forces to be able to avail of the working time directive. Most people will also understand that there are times when those

continue to do so. The Irish people are proud of our history of neutrality, diplomacy and peacekeeping. We are particularly proud of our Defence Forces and the role they have played as peacekeepers in some of the most dangerous conflict zones in the world. In deployments in Europe … extremely important aspect of that is the checks required under the triple lock system. Our neutrality and the reputation of our Defence Forces abroad are part of the reasons the Irish passport is one of the most respected across the globe, allowing us access to 186 countries. Generally

Government of the day. We have a very honourable tradition of peacekeeping in this country. I pay tribute to members of the Defence Forces. Over the last number of years we have significantly increased pay and conditions and it was unfair of the Deputy not to acknowledge that … Over a year ago now we introduced, for example, free secondary care for every member of the Defence Forces. We have increased starting pay in the Defence Forces such that it is significantly better now than many starting pay levels of many other public servants, or indeed people

difference between an independent Ireland and an Ireland under the British? It is that we can protect ourselves. We should have Defence Forces that can protect this island, ward off cyber threats and protect our economic security and our peace. We will not be joining NATO … right to do so, but it would be welcome to hear Deputies recognising and commending the involvement of members of the Irish Defence Forces in Operation IRINI when comments like this are made. Members of our Defence Forces are contributing to this effectively humanitarian operation to prevent arms

taking national security very seriously in this country. We need to see a step change in our investment in the capability of our Defence Forces. I am very proud of the work done by all parts of Óglaigh na hÉireann but just because we are militarily neutral does … investment in defence and security over the lifetime of the Government. We are really committed to looking at how we can transform the Defence Forces into a modern, fit-for-purpose organisation to meet the challenges of today and the future. The specific issue Deputy Ward has raised

Ireland the space to speak for peace, for disarmament, for humanitarian action and for the importance of respect for international law. Ireland’s Defence Forces have served with distinction under the United Nations across the world. Neutrality certainly does not prevent this State from properly funding the Defence … Forces. For years, successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments have failed to provide the Defence Forces with the resources they need. We now hear the false argument that neutrality is somehow responsible for weaknesses in our defence capacity. If we want a State capable of protecting

only so much we can partake in. In regard to UN requests over the past ten years, in September 2019, we had 14 Defence Forces personnel deployed to a UN mission in Mali as part of a joint operation with the German armed forces. This arose from … participation in that concluded in 2022. In December 2021, we received a request from the UN to provide members of the Defence Forces to support the United Nations Mine Action Service in Entebbe, Uganda. One Defence Forces expert is currently serving with this training initiative under this arrangement

deal more that can be added to that. Fr. Murphy, in particular, is regarded with great affection and trust by members of the Defence Forces. He responded to that attack with great courage and a great deal of grace as well. It is an important role. This … discussed at the RACO conference. As outlined, the legal advice is that chaplains are not members of the Defence Forces but it is difficult to reconcile that with the reality that they wear the uniform, they are employed overseas and they are remunerated by the Department of Defence

July 2024 and has four main priorities: recruitment and retention: resourcing; training; and integration and deployment. In relation to specific issues with Reserve Defence Force activities that attract payments, conditions under which reservists are paid for certain activities are set out in the Defence Force regulations … regulations and items have been replaced with an updated guidance note. The office of Reserve affairs has prepared a paper for the Defence Forces board about reserve activities that should attract a payment. The office has advised that the Defence Forces board is considering the content

west, and to the north west. I take this opportunity to recognise the contribution made by our Civil Defence units and our Defence Forces in helping those worst affected by the recent storm. As Tánaiste and Minister for Defence - in other words, as their Minister - I thank them … right across the country that we collectively owe the volunteers of the Civil Defence a huge debt of gratitude. In regard to the Defence Forces, while they are not the primary response agency for non-security related emergencies they do of course where requested provide assistance

move this in at short notice on Russia apparently. There would be openness from all sides of this House to ensure our Defence Forces had the powers necessary for the safeguarding, protection and defence of the State, particularly in respect of maritime security, if it was done … before the House. It states that the Minister may, subject to conditions, give general approval for the deployment of a member of the Defence Forces in aid of the civil power for such classes or class of assistance as may be agreed with the Minister for Justice, Home

issue with applications or expressions of interest. We have seen that time and again. People are interested in the prospect of joining the Defence Forces. The difficulty is bringing them to the point when they are inducted and ensuring they are retained within the Defence Forces. Across … Government does not have the ambition at the start or the policies at the end. The difficulty is that the members of the Defence Forces have been telling us all, and specifically the Government, the measures that are required to actually address the retention and recruitment crisis

regeneration of the Naval Service is one of my priorities as Minister for Defence. It is also, of course, a priority for the Defence Forces. This reflects the commitment in the programme for Government. It is reinforced in the actions required under the strategic framework to 2026, which … Staff on the need to have a regeneration report submitted on the Naval Service, and work is under way on that. The Defence Forces, in conjunction with senior officials in my Department, are working to have the report, and an action plan against which progress will be able

Minister is 100% correct that we all want to see recruitment to our Defence Forces continue. However the figures she has given far from the 11,500 sought by the Commission on the Defence Forces by 2028. The Minister mentioned 850 a year. Is that the height … hope is to bring these houses back into habitable condition. This is what we need to do to improve recruitment to our Defence Forces. We need to look at the pension scheme and we need to provide housing for those who want to enter our Defence Forces, regardless

Civil Defence, of which I am proud to be a Minister, play a very boots-on-the-ground role. I saw the Defence Forces respond to every request that was made of them. The way it works is the Defence Forces responds to requests from the civil authority … blaming any local authorities; everyone was working hard - there was a technical expertise element that was perhaps not readily available to the Defence Forces in some of the issues that would have been pressing to the Deputies' constituents. To be very clear, the State has to do better

present day. The Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960 encompassed neutrality and the requirement known as the triple lock, which means the Defence Forces cannot be deployed overseas without the authorisation of the UN, the Government and the Dáil. The triple lock has been central to neutrality, despite … neutrality. The policy of neutrality does not inhibit or stop the Government or State from increasing the capacity and capabilities of the Defence Forces, or from modernising them. The triple lock does not restrict the number of Defence Forces personnel that can be deployed overseas, despite propaganda

checking the tenses in my answer, and my answer tells me the Defence Forces have established a new joint cyberdefence command. The truth is in what I said. We have seen the assignment of 19 Defence Forces specialist posts to kick-start the unit and it is headed … have a clear understanding of what the universities are doing. There generally is good collaboration but I might look specifically at having Defence Forces third level engagement with the Minister, Deputy Lawless, and the relevant universities on this. Deputy Heneghan asked more broadly, beyond the Defence Forces

disclosure - a very serious protected disclosure - have a conflict of interest. Here is another example. This is to do with members of the Defence Forces who came to me because they alleged they were working with dangerous chemicals that affected their health and even their ability to have … children. They allege that a presentation you get when you finish in the Defence Forces was denied to them because they had made a protected disclosure. When I put in a parliamentary question about this to the Minister, this was the answer I got: I would like

Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Defence the specific capital investment projects planned for the Defence Forces over the next five years; the way in which these investments will address current capability gaps identified by the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if a costing has been done to provide members of the Defence Forces as part of the security apparatus for an event (details supplied); if so, the costs; and to provide costings for the role of the Defence Forces

Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 17 June 2025, if she or her predecessor authorised the use of social media influencers by the Defence Forces for recruitment and communications; and her views on whether there may be conflicts of interest caused by social media accounts advertising careers … Defence Forces while simultaneously sharing partisan content related to live conflict situations and international politics. [67083/25

Conor D. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has authorised the use of social media influencers by the Irish Defence Forces for recruitment and communications; and his views on whether there may be conflicts of interest caused by social media accounts advertising careers … Defence Forces while simultaneously sharing partisan content related to live conflict situations and international politics. [32080/25

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice if his Department has considered a recruitment scheme or campaign that would see former Defence Forces personnel join An Garda Síochána at a point on the salary scale that takes into account their period of service and rank … Defence Forces. [5378/25

Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department maintains structured data on the reasons for resignation or discharge from the Reserve Defence Forces, including exit interviews or retention surveys; if not, whether she intends to introduce a formal retention monitoring system to support the objectives … Reserve Defence Force Regeneration Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20337/26

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if her Department will now commit to paying members of the Defence Forces premiums for public holidays and overtime following the decision by the European Committee of Social Rights, which said both the prohibition on overtime across the Defence Forces

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence whether members of the Permanent Defence Force serving out of engagement are expected to obtain private health insurance to meet the cost of medical investigations or treatment arising from a referral by a Defence Forces medical practitioner; her Department

Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the number of leaseholds her Department holds for company headquarters for the Reserve Defence Forces; the number surrendered to local authorities since 1 January 2016; and if her Department requested that any surrendered sites were reserved for potential future … Defence Forces. [49030/26

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the Israeli Defence Forces opening fire while Irish diplomats were present in the Jenin refugee camp; the steps he will take to ensure the safety of Irish diplomats from the Israeli defence

decision of the European Committee of Social Rights, published on 9 February 2026, which found that the prohibition on overtime across the Defence Forces and the lack of adequate provision for payment of public holiday premiums breach the European Social Charter; whether she plans to introduce overtime … members of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55716/26

February 2025, the progress which has been made regarding a review of the findings of the Study Group on Defence Forces Standards of Colour Deficiency being carried out by the military authorities; if they have engaged with his Department on the matter; and when they will engage with … Defence Forces representative associations. [54781/25

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide a list of all chronic illnesses and medical conditions that currently preclude members of the Defence Forces from serving; whether there have been any exceptions made to allow personnel who develop such chronic illness to remain in the service … views on whether members of the Defence Forces who develop chronic illnesses during their careers should, subject to medical advice and operational requirements, be permitted to continue serving. [50104/25

Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to request an update from the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces as to when an investigation will be completed into serious allegations of violence and abuse against women using military equipment (details supplied); if he will … seek the completion of the investigation given the Defence Forces member who the allegations are against is on paid leave, the grave nature of the complaints, and the Army's expressed desire to eradicate gender-based violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19776/25

will clarify Section 3 of the Guidelines on Terms and Conditions of HSE Employment regarding incremental credit, if service in the defence forces is recognised as relevant service in Ireland and abroad, and if ‘previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service … bodies and statutory agencies’ includes previous service in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10765/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether ring-fenced capital funding exists for the Reserve Defence Forces; if not, the reason therefor; whether reservists are currently required to personally purchase any items of equipment or uniform that should be provided by the State; the estimated … total value of equipment shortfalls currently experienced by the Reserve Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17550/26

Minister for Defence the estimated average cost to the Exchequer of recruiting, inducting and training a General Service Recruit in the Permanent Defence Forces, broken down by Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the total estimated cost of recruits who did not complete training in each … years 2020 to 2025; and the estimated cost of personnel who left the Permanent Defence Forces within 24 months of induction in each of those years [13749/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence if the reference to a Pay Review Body for the Defence Forces contained in the previous Statement of Strategy of her Department has been retained in the updated Statement of Strategy; if not, the reason it has not been … retained; whether it remains Government policy to provide for an independent pay review mechanism for members of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60332/26

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he and or his officials and or Defence Forces personnel have communicated to any of their Ministerial or Departmental colleagues and or third parties in respect of drone delivery operations and or operators in the context … date in 2025; the nature of those communications; and if such operations are included on his and or Defence Forces risk register. [9142/25

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current force strength of the permanent Defence Forces; the breakdown of the current number of serving members in the Naval Service, Army and Air Corps; the funded establishment strength of each; the number of vacant posts remaining

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current serving force in the Irish Defence Forces by rank; the total number serving; the number serving by rank in January 2024;in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2127/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Department or Defence Forces require prime defence contractors to disclose the origin country of embedded software, avionics systems, communications architecture, sensors, mission systems, or cybersecurity components supplied under State defence procurement contracts. [40586/26

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence to outline the role played by the Defence Forces and Civil Defence during Storm Bram. [72656/25

Defence if he will report on progress in enhancing our capacity to respond to climate-related emergencies, including through the role of the Defence Forces in civil defence and disaster response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18130/25

full occupational cohort study of mortality in the Air Corps; whether they have been asked to carry out such a study by the Defence Forces or the Department of Defence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16292/26