Search the record

points about defence spending made by Deputies Duncan Smith and Daly, I agree that now is the time to increase investment in our Defence Forces. Deputy Smith spoke about pay and conditions. He is right, but does that mean we need to have further debate … decide the pay of our Defence Forces? Twenty-five years of public partnership has worked very well for the public sector, but is there a pinch point in the Defence Forces on which we might reflect? I agree wholeheartedly with the points made by Deputies Shane Moynihan

certainly eager to see how we can explore that. I think Irish people are rightly proud of the role that members of the Defence Forces have played in peacekeeping missions right across the world. It is a record that dates back many decades and which has remained unbroken … structure today. I have consulted with lots of people in relation to this. Obviously with the command structure that works in the Defence Forces it is often difficult to have direct conversations with serving members of the Defence Forces but we do of course talk to their representative

have been in the Curragh a number of times. It is synonymous with the Defence Forces and is long-standing in terms of what it has provided and supported for Defence Forces members for many years, including accommodation and training on the grounds. I want to do everything … Curragh and all of the various different barracks and areas that I have mentioned. It is important to stress that we have a Defence Forces infrastructure development plan. It has set out the delivery of these projects from 2023 to 2027, many of which have already been delivered

that recruitment is a challenge and will be a challenge until 2028. I hope she will acknowledge that retention is also an issue. Defence Force members in County Meath, the Minister's constituency and mine, raise with me the issues of breaches of the working time directive … recognition, respect and fair pay for our Defence Forces and for the overtime they do. Does the Minister recognise that is a contributing factor in terms of the recruitment and the retention of Defence Force members? How will she address that

able to participate. We have to be able to continue to ensure that those words and values are translated through our Defence Forces peacekeeping missions. Quite frankly, that will not be possible for so many missions and in so many situations if the triple lock remains. I wish … restate again that this legislation will ensure that our Defence Forces can continue to participate in UN-led and UN-organised missions. That will not change. We will have a choice, as we do now. It will also enable the Defence Forces to participate in missions organised

Atlantic and goes through Ireland on to mainland Europe and beyond. It is an absolutely essential component of the work of our Defence Forces that we ensure we have the right numbers, that we grow our capacity within our Naval Service and that we continue to invest … capabilities while working more closely with our European and international partners. Integral to that is the expansion and overall growth of our Reserve Defence Force members. We have seen that in other important structures of our State, notably An Garda Síochána, where our reserve members, coupled with

thank the Minister of State for outlining the facts. To reiterate, the increase in personnel in the Defence Forces is very welcome, with 780 inductions in 2025. That brought an overall net increase of 200 in the Defence Forces complement, which is welcome. The intention to have … high standards of education and people have alternative careers; we have a strong economy. If we genuinely want to encourage people into our Defence Forces, we have to have a system in place that works for them, is user-friendly and efficient and brings them from the point

prevented us from sustaining a peacekeeping presence in the Golan Heights; it is because of a lack of resources and underinvestment in the Defence Forces. The most recent issue for Irish personnel being in a position to contribute to peacekeeping was, unfortunately, the approximately 130 personnel who were … withdrawn from the Golan Heights and that was because of the failings and underinvestment in the Defence Forces. Returning to the first question, the most fundamental issue we have to resolve that is relevant to this area is the proper resourcing of our Defence Forces

military equipment store, locker block and upgrade of the other ranks accommodation block. I will ask my officials to engage with the Defence Forces on the other projects he referred to. We will continue to invest in and support Stephens Barracks. I am aware of the important role … plays in our Defence Forces strategically and the affection and pride the people of Kilkenny and the south east region have for it. We are in a period of investment. We will see greater levels of investment, which is right, in defence and security in the time ahead

terms of changing any sort of military alliance within the European context. We cannot separate this debate from the condition of our Defence Forces, as we have so many long-standing deficiencies in terms of recruitment, retention, abuse of members, gaps in maritime surveillance and air-defence radar … coverage. The report on the Commission of the Defence Forces highlighted the need for substantial reform and investment. We also had the issues of pay and conditions. This week, the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers expressed huge frustration over delays in delivering promised improvements and pointed

Gormanston Camp in County Meath. As I know the Deputy will be aware, this training installation has now been designated as the Defence Forces’ Joint Induction Training Centre. Its function is to accommodate the induction training of all future recruits into the Defence Forces. In February of this … accommodation block with capacity for 100 people. All of the projects I have mentioned are part of and are included in the Defence Forces infrastructure development plan, which sets out a programme of project delivery up to 2027. The capital allocation for building works in military installations

consolidate, with amendments, the existing provisions of the defence Acts 1954 and 2015 concerning the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State. There are other elements to the legislation proposed today, specifically where we can give a mechanism to the Defence Forces … removed. It will modify the existing requirement regarding what we know as the triple lock mechanism in relation to the despatch of the Defence Forces for service outside the State as part of an international United Nations force. There has been extensive engagement between my Department

thank the Deputy for raising this issue. When we look back at the Commission on the Defence Forces and everything else, radar and sonar are two key areas on which we must move. The Deputy and I can largely agree on that point. These are no-brainers … skies and seas. We need that capability. It is a key priority for me to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed in line with the decision the Government has already made to move to level of ambition 2, as defined

days; the extension of the Naval Service tax credit for a further five years; the application of the working time directive across the Defence Forces in January of this year, subject to certain exemptions; and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members … Permanent Defence Forces. There has also been significant progress on pay, with the most recent increase paid in August of this year with a further pay award due for all personnel in February of next year. Recruitment to the Naval Service is ongoing via a wide range

speculation in respect of this incident. It is important that we show confidence in the capacity and ability of the Garda and the Defence Forces, both of which were involved in that hugely successful operation, to do their jobs effectively. I have been fully briefed, in my capacity … Minister for Defence and as part of the national security committee, on the initial findings and I am reassured that both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána have examined and are examining this matter extensively. With any incident of this kind, we have to review what happened

when responding to what was a vicious and violent attack. Last week, I had the honour, with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces,of presenting them with the distinguished service medals. This is something that is not given out to everybody. This recognised their bravery … more broadly, the way in which members of our Defence Forces go about their work and put themselves at risk and in danger in the protection of our State and in the protection of those they serve, which is each and every one of us. It is important

myself until coming into the Department, but there is a significant body of work happening, following on from the Commission on the Defence Forces, to look at what we need. The commission has set out how we reach level of ambition 2, how we increase our numbers … areas we need to look at from a maritime perspective and from the perspective of our Naval Service, our Air Corps and our Defence Force personnel. Then, taking into account the reform of the triple lock, the question is how we make sure that an integral part

militarily non-aligned country. In the context of level of ambition 2 and the report of the Commission of the Future of the Defence Forces, I absolutely want us to get there. I agree with other Members that we have not got there. There is a shameful lack … investment in our Defence Forces that needs to be remedied. I am glad that we are remedying it. I am glad that when Simon Coveney was in that portfolio, he spearheaded the process. Mr. Coveney purchased two coastal patrol vessels from New Zealand and established progress in terms

thank the Deputy. He is right to mention the primary role the Defence Forces play and carry out with distinction. We all feel a great sense of pride, which we have been talking about in the Houses this afternoon, when we see our troops abroad. I think … Lebanon and look forward to visiting them shortly. We also see on a local level the difference the men and women of the Defence Forces play in providing aid to the civil authority. When the bad weather comes, such as snow or flooding, their willingness to assist local

vitally important that we are investing in the areas of most relevance to us as an island nation, and also in building the Defence Forces on a stable foundation through training, equipment and ensuring that, with the recruits we are bringing in, we are able to arrest … slide in establishment numbers in the Defence Forces. We also need to ensure the equipment and the environment in which recruits are trained are to the highest standard. The issues relating to Gormanston have been well publicised. The consensus is that the current location is in a state

million last year and €70 million in 2023 and 2022. Any objective analysis would find that more than 900 people recruited to the Defence Forces since 2020 left within five years. We have had the embarrassing situation where ships have been put to sea with no functioning main … because of a lack of specialist staff. The objective analysis is that our Defence Forces are at rock bottom in terms of morale and seriously struggling in terms of recruitment and retention. The Tánaiste gave me an answer to a related question but not quite

make changes so that there is an appropriate level of oversight. I would again stress that a lot of people in the Defence Forces are very keen to make sure that it is an environment in which people feel safe. I believe it is but where issues arise … This Value Our People survey will be carried out on a continuous basis so that we can assess what is changing within the Defence Forces, how people are feeling, what challenges are still there and how we can improve. With Patricia King and others through the external oversight

Cadets are still paid well below the minimum wage. That is damaging to recruitment and retention. Their pay is the lowest in the Defence Forces at €503 per week. That compares with €550 for a recruit. Considering that is weekly pay, there is a considerable distance between … pension contributions so it has a whole-career impact. This is undermining recruitment and retention. These are the future leaders of the Defence Forces. It is crucially important they are supported. I understand RACO has said it has been left with little alternative but to recommend that cadets

welcome that the Minister will engage with Defence Forces personnel regarding a base for the Naval Service Reserve in Galway. There is little coastal coverage for the Naval Service between Limerick and Donegal, which is quite a wide area. Some of the subsea cables to which the Minister … ones. Indeed, some cables come in north of Galway as well. One cable comes inland in County Mayo. Of course, Galway already has Defence Forces personnel within the city. We have Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Barracks in Renmore, which the Minister has visited twice since his appointment

investment. Obviously if there is anything that can be done then we will do that but we are only going to put our Defence Forces personnel into accommodation that would meet what the Deputy and I would consider to be of the reasonable and decent standard they … very much committed to overhauling both the built environment and the working conditions for the men and women of the Defence Forces. I hope this significant increase in investment outlines that commitment. We will have to make a call in 2026 about the uninhabitable accommodation and what

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the progress her Department has made on increasing recruitment in the Defence Forces in the past 12 months. [57954/26

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the number who have left the permanent Defence Forces in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57955/26

engaged with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitilisation on reinstating the supplementary pension for members of the Permanent Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57957/26

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the amount her Department has spent on recruitment advertisements for the Defence Forces in the past 12 months, broken down by whether the cost was directly associated with advertising, design, or consultancy fees, in tabular form. [57958/26

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have retired or been discharged in each of the past five years. [58528/26

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the number of new personnel who have joined the Defence Forces in each of the past five years. [58529/26

Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are incorporating artificial intelligence technologies into operational planning, intelligence analysis and cybersecurity activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59141/26

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on peacekeeping operations involving members of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59152/26

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence the plans for the improvement of the pay and conditions in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59155/26

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59156/26

driving permit specific to members of An Garda Síochána who drive service vehicles in the course of their duties, similar to the Defence Forces AF154 permit system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55290/26

details supplied) illegally transported military aircraft parts, including F-35 components, through Irish sovereign airspace on 7 July 2026, destined for the Israeli Defence Forces at Nevatim airbase; if his Department intends to contact the airline; the action, if any, he proposes to take; and if he will

European Committee of Social Rights of 9 February 2026 on overtime and public holiday premiums will apply to all ranks of the Defence Forces, including cadets, enlisted personnel and commissioned officers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55717/26

Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Defence the steps she is taking to improve retention in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55990/26

asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 341 of 13 May 2025, if she is aware that members of the Defence Forces carried out military exercises at St. Brigid's Campus, Ballinasloe, during the early hours of 15 and 16 July 2026; whether advance notice

Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 10 June 2025, if she will provide an update on the Irish Defence Force’s army force design process; when it will be completed; when will the results be published; and if she will make a statement

Department is satisfied with the level of support being provided by the Department to witnesses from the Women of Honour participating in the Defence Forces tribunal, with particular regard to one-to-one support provided before, during and after testifying; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on recruitment numbers for the Defence Forces as of July 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54380/26

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the role she envisages for the Defence Forces in international peacekeeping and peace support operations over the next decade; the likely contribution of Ireland to future United Nations and European Union missions; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence to report on any progress made in the investigations into the death of a Defence Forces member (details supplied) who was killed on duty in Lebanon (details supplied); when the independent post-incident inquiry will be supplied

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence when legislation to amend the triple lock mechanism for the deployment of the Defence Forces overseas will be introduced, the expected timeline for its passage and implementation and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53891/26

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence to outline the defensive drone capacity of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54267/26

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence the plans the Defence Forces now have for light tactical armoured vehicles which were offered to Ukraine but rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54227/26

Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence the preparations being made by the Defence Forces to support security arrangements during Ireland's forthcoming EU Presidency. [53651/26

Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence to detail the work she has carried out to investigate and tackle misogyny in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54225/26