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enforcement, as was mentioned by the joint committee. Changes have also been made to the provisions concerning the suspension of members of the Defence Forces and the dismissal of officers, ensuring that fair procedures apply, and that the circumstances in which suspension or dismissal may arise are clearly … also bring forward an amendment on Committee Stage to ensure that the provisions of the Army Pensions Act apply to members of the Defence Forces deployed outside the State as part of an international force. Let us go through the Bill. Sections 1 to 3 in Part

matter of the Bill in order to make amendments to the Defence Act 1954, in order to provide for certain powers of the Defence Forces in relation to: a) safeguarding, protecting and defending the security of the State by the Defence Forces in certain circumstances arising … risk to the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the State in the exclusive economic zone; b) the deployment of members of the Defence Forces in aid of the civil power; and c) the protection of military installations by the Defence Forces; and to change the title

thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The Minister for Defence is at the annual PDFORRA delegate conference today. Bringing the Defence Forces within the remit of the Organisation of Working Time Act has been a key issue for the Defence Forces representative associations for a number … years. The inclusion of the Defence Forces under the Organisation of Working Time Act required careful consideration and extensive consultation in getting here and recognises the unique nature of the work carried out by our Defence Forces members. A particular consideration was of course those military activities which

Minister, I am committed to the ongoing work of ensuring that our Defence Forces are modern, agile and fit for the world we live in to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. That obviously means investing not just in the Defence Forces … personnel but also in our infrastructure. That is a key commitment in our overall capital plan. The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes to the Defence Forces and defence provision in Ireland. It covers high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation

propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 174 together. As recognised in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and accepted by the Government, the Defence Forces need to be capable of delivering military effects across the cyber domain. To this end, my Department published … high-level action plan for the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. This included recommendations relating to the Defence Forces' cyber defence functions. As a result, the Defence Forces have established a joint cyber defence command. This command will be able to conduct full-spectrum cyberspace

being here this morning. The Government, including the Minister for Defence, has clearly stated its intention to increase the strength of the Defence Forces, which is badly needed and very welcome. At the end of 2025, there were 7,756 personnel in our Defence Forces, an increase … that trajectory. In response to a recent parliamentary question I submitted, the Minister stated her intention to increase the strength of the Defence Forces by 850 in 2026. Again, that is very welcome. We all know the importance of the Defence Forces and of ensuring they are fully

acknowledge the important role played by members of the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, and thank them for their continued commitment and the way in which they consistently support the members of the Permanent Defence Force. The strategic objective for the Reserve Defence Force is the development … reserve force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with our Permanent Defence Force, both on the island and overseas. As the Deputy mentioned, this is strongly reflected in the report of the commission. A key recommendation for the RDF was the establishment

Commission on the Defence Forces report recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding. One of the recommendations in the report was the creation … enlisted rank of lance corporal in the Army and Air Corps. The detailed implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces has identified that this recommendation requires further evaluation. The further evaluation will be informed by work under way in the Defence Forces

referendum on enshrining neutrality into the Irish Constitution is necessary; and — amending the Triple Lock legislation in relation to the deployment of our Defence Forces to peacekeeping missions will have no impact on this policy of military neutrality, and that no other European Union Member State, including other … neutrality, and our strong tradition of participation in international peace support and crisis management operations over many decades; — that members of Ireland's Defence Forces continue to contribute bravely to peacekeeping and crisis management efforts, particularly in the Middle East, as well as elsewhere in the world; — that

thank the Deputy. As of 31 October 2025, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,760 personnel, consisting of 6,237 Army, 739 Air Corps and 784 Naval Service personnel, as well as over 400 civilian members. On foot of the recommendations from the report … Commission on the Defence Forces, the Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Permanent Defence Force capability equivalent to level of ambition 2. This will require an additional 2,000 personnel, including a civilian component, beyond the 9,500 establishment figure that

pleased to present the Bill to the House today. At the outset, I want to again acknowledge the members of our Defence Forces and thank them for the work they do in keeping us safe at home, but in particular, given this debate, to acknowledge, recognise and thank … again today. It is well known that the triple lock is the legal mechanism that governs the deployment of our Defence Forces personnel overseas as part of an international force. We currently require a UN Security Council mandate, Government approval and Dáil approval to deploy any number

reply. I begin by reiterating the Government's strong commitment to boosting recruitment to and supporting the retention of personnel in the Defence Forces. Military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,778 as of 31 March, the latest date … which this figure is available. Last year saw an increase in the overall strength of the Permanent Defence Force by almost 200 personnel, which was facilitated by the achievement of a total of 790 inductions during 2025, the highest figure in 20 years. We want to build

national referendum on enshrining neutrality into the Constitution is necessary; and — amending the Triple Lock legislation in relation to the deployment of our Defence Forces to peacekeeping missions will have no impact on this policy of military neutrality, and that no other European Union (EU) Member State, including … military neutrality, and our strong tradition of participation in international peace support and crisis management operations over many decades; — members of Ireland's Defence Forces continue to contribute bravely to peacekeeping and crisis management efforts, particularly in the Middle East, as well as elsewhere in the world

thank the Deputy for the question. I will start by recognising the importance of the Reserve Defence Force to the State. In the past few years, we have witnessed a revitalisation of the Reserve. The strength of the Reserve Defence Force … comprised of 1,481 Army Reserve personnel and 131 Naval Service Reserve personnel. The priority of Government is the modernisation of our Defence Forces and revitalising our Reserve Defence Force is a key part of this transformation. In that context, the Reserve Defence Force regeneration plan, published

thank Deputy Ó Laoghaire for raising this issue. As he rightly said, there is huge potential in further expanding the Reserve Defence Force and the already incredible work done by its members. I remain committed to bolstering the numbers in the Reserve Defence Force. I am very much … increase its strength is fundamental to the regeneration of the force. The strength of the RDF is a key focus of the Defence Forces office of Reserve affairs. It was a welcome development to have that dedicated office established. It was a recommendation from the Commission

recognised in the Report on the Commission on the Defence Forces and accepted by the Government, the Defence Forces need to be capable of delivering military effects across the cyber domain. To this end, my Department published the high-level action plan for the report, which included recommendations … relating to the Defence Forces' cyberdefence functions. As a result, the Defence Forces have established the joint cyber defence command, which was established back in 2024. The command will be able to conduct full-spectrum cyberspace operations to robustly defend against cyber threats, support Defence Forces' operations

approach it with confidence, ambition and a serious investment in our future. That starts with our people. That is why people and our Defence Forces personnel are at the heart of our defence investment for budget 2027. We are providing funding for a net increase of 400 permanent … Defence Forces personnel, including specialist roles, bringing funded strength of up to 8,300 personnel by the end of next year. I believe there are reasons to be optimistic. Last year saw more than 16,500 applications to join. By August of this year, there were

thank the Deputy. Increasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a priority for me as Minister and for everybody here who has spoken this evening. As Government, we are committed to putting the resources in place to achieve level of ambition … have the accommodation to be able to support those numbers. It is very positive to see that interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received last year, which is quite a significant number. The challenge

complacency at all. What is interesting, though, is that we are seeing through the application process very significant interest in joining the Defence Forces, and that is to be welcomed. As of 9 April of this year, as I said earlier today, we have seen 7,545 whole … time equivalent personnel in the Defence Forces. That is 6,074 in our Army, 726 in our Air Corps and 745 in our Naval Service. We need to continue to build on this. I am pleased to say that we had 708 people inducted into the Permanent Defence

talk at the minute and a shared desire across all sides of this House to ensure we invest in our Defence Forces. The Defence Forces have been profoundly neglected and that needs to be addressed. As far as I am concerned, Ireland should be strong in neutrality … Government's desire to hit those targets, the reality is there is not a hope in the wide earthly world that the Defence Forces will meet the target of 11,000 permanent personnel by 2028. That is under level of ambition 2. It is not going

Europe, we are experiencing an increasingly challenging and volatile security environment. In that context, Ireland has a responsibility to invest in our Defence Forces, to protect our citizens, our values and our sovereign interests, and to continue to contribute to international peace and security. To this … will provide for the full impacts of the national pay agreement, along with the creation of new posts throughout the Department and the Defence Forces in critically important areas such as cybersecurity. The Government remains committed to increasing our Defence Force numbers and today’s allocation will provide

triple lock. The Government has also attempted, at times, to connect getting rid of the triple lock with investing in our Defence Forces, but it is this and previous Governments that have failed to invest. We should have a Government that is strong on neutrality and strong … defence. This Government is neither. We must properly resource the Defence Forces by rebuilding the Naval Service, strengthening air and maritime surveillance and developing adequate radar capabilities. Neutrality does not mean being defenceless. It also does not mean dependence and reliance on others. The weakness in our defence

thank the Tánaiste for his further response. I genuinely believe that if we had a stronger Reserve Defence Forces, it would be a great conduit for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force. I represented two Border constituencies during many bad years on this island. I saw the importance … Reserve Defence Forces along the Border working in the communities that I have the privilege of representing and living in. Over the years the Reserve Defence Forces recruited many young people who may have been vulnerable to other unsavoury groups. Many of those young people went

recent weeks, we have heard lots of big speeches, announcements, lofty promises and big commitments. I welcome that the Defence Forces are finally getting some attention. I live in a city that has a large number of Defence Forces personnel who work in Collins Barracks and Haulbowline. They … talk and small follow-through. The Tánaiste says it is important that we are seen to be increasing the capacity of the Defence Forces. It should not be about being seen to do anything. It is about making sure - in the interests of the men and women

avoid debate and proper consideration but that is not reflected in the facts. Since coming into this Department and first engaging with our Defence Forces, particularly our Naval Service, and since publishing the maritime security strategy, I have been very clear that I want to introduce new legislation … consolidate the various pieces of legislation our Naval Service currently works to into a specific defence Act. The Defence Forces have been asking for that. I have also been very clear that I want this in place before we begin our Presidency. There is a reason for that

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason the Defence Force Regulations made by him under the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015 are not laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas or included in the electronic Irish Statute Book or made public, whether pursuant … section 3 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1947 or otherwise; if the Defence Force Regulations have been expressed to be secret or confidential in whole or in part; if the Defence Force Regulations are exempt from the application of the Freedom of Information Act 2014; if he will

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware that members of the Defence Forces with over 21 years’ service are currently being discharged; if she is aware of any directives from her Department to discharge up to 1,000 personnel from the Defence … Forces; and if any member of the Defence Forces who wishes to remain in service will be afforded the option to do so, particularly given the ongoing retention challenges within the Defence Forces. [9781/26

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence her views on the recruitment of a person (details supplied) to the Defence Forces; the vetting procedures involved in light of their guilty plea and conviction for a violent assault; if the Defence Forces were aware of their guilty … plea and conviction for violent assault prior to their recruitment to the Defence Forces; if not, then when they become aware; if the Defence Forces were aware of the guilty plea and conviction before they were promoted to the position of lieutenant; and if she will make

asked the Minister for Defence if her Department will provide details of the efforts made since 2022 to encourage former members of the Defence Forces and, former Defence Forces technicians and other specialists to transfer to the Reserve Defence Forces or to return to uniform in the Reserve

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for the position with regard to the proposed changes to the Defence Forces' structures, in particular the reform of high-level command and control of the Defence Forces, as set out in the Commission for Defence Forces report

systems, surveillance equipment, communications systems, and all other capital military equipment procured or contracted for procurement by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces since the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in February 2022; the cost of each item; the branch … Defence Forces for which each item was procured; whether each item was identified as a priority in the commission's report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17567/26

Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will ensure that the Defence Forces and his Department adhere to their responsibility of providing balancing statements for Defence Forces personnel on an annual basis, in line with signed agreements and Ombudsman for the Defence Forces

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence as part of culture changes within the Defence Forces the substantial changes across HR structures their fare or primary carers within the Defence Forces; and how primary carers are considered with regard to career progression and equality within the Defence

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence following his recent comments regarding recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces and his commitment to optimising and making necessary changes to the process, if his Department have reviewed the work of the Study Group on Defence … Forces Standards of Colour Deficiency; if his Department has engaged with the Defence Forces with the aim of implementing recommendations made; and if so, for an update on this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27159/25

Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how missions and flying hours completed by the Air Corps in support of the wider Defence Forces are accounted for; the reason these statistics are not reported on in the Defence Forces annual report; and if, with the introduction next … year of a transport variant of the Airbus 295, the flying hours completed by this aircraft in support of the Defence Forces will be reported on in the annual report. [4234/25

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence whether paragraph 302 of Defence Forces Administrative Instruction A12, which provides for dental care at recruit induction "including induction of members to the Reserve Defence Forces", applies to Reserve recruits notwithstanding paragraph 301(a)(3) of that instruction … reason the Reserve Defence Forces are expressly included in paragraph 302; the process by which Reserve recruits may access these provisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73674/26

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces or his Department is keeping data on the number of people leaving the Defence Forces, by service, rank, and when they are leaving; if so, how far back this data goes … been analysed to better understand the reason members are leaving the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49296/25

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason the Defence Forces have a policy of excluding candidate who have had LASIK eye surgery from joining; the number of serving members of the Defence Forces that have undergone laser eye surgery, including LASIK, during … prior to their service; and the reason the Defence Forces does not provide an option for candidates who have previously had LASIK eye surgery to sign a waiver acknowledging the potential risks, in order to allow them to enlist. [45918/25

aware that a number of digital media accounts purporting to be operated by a person (details supplied) and promoting recruitment to the Defence Forces regularly share content and opinions on political and international affairs, and if these accounts are not sanctioned by Government or the Defence Forces … policy of Government in relation to the use of social media channels by and featuring serving members of the Defence Forces, in uniform, providing commentary on political and international affairs. [67084/25

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the progress of legislation under the Strategic Framework for the Defence Forces which underpins the appointment and status of military chaplains, including mechanisms for representation by a Defence Forces representative association; and in the absence … chaplains who deploy on overseas service to conflict zones are; who indemnifies them if they are not currently recognised as members of the Defence Forces and have no contract of employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33215/26

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have been convicted of crimes under civil and/or military law in the past five years; and of these, the number which remain serving members of the Defence Forces … provide a breakdown of the types of offences for which these members were convicted; the number of members of the Defence Forces who are currently before the courts (civil and/or military), the categories of offences with which they are charged; and if he will make a statement

Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the primary operational role of the Dassault Falcon 6X is ministerial and government transport, VIP transport, Defence Forces operational transport, maritime patrol, or a combination thereof; what proportion of projected annual flight hours are allocated to each role; whether a dedicated … ministerial or government transport aircraft of this specification represents an appropriate use of the Defence Forces capital budget given the acknowledged capability gaps in maritime patrol, surveillance, and personnel equipment identified in the Commission on the Defence Forces report; and if she will make a statement

McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence whether the digital media presences, across multiple platforms, of a person (details supplied) are part of Defence Forces or Department of Defence communications; whether posts on these accounts are sanctioned by the Defence Forces or Department of Defence; whether the opinions expressed

justification for the maximum limit of 100 days in a calendar year for reservists undertaking supplemental military service (SMS) in support of Permanent Defence Force or Reserve Defence Force activities; the reason the SMS limit is capped at 100 days rather than permitting service

Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the way the new strategic framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces will improve Defence Forces working conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12176/26

Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the way the new strategic framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces will improve Defence Forces equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12175/26

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the measures her Department is taking to encourage the recruitment and retention of Defence Force personnel; the Defence Force strength on an annual basis for each of the years 2021 to 2025; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the current policy targets set by her Department for the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces under the Reserve Defence Force Regeneration Plan published in July 2024; the projected strength targets for each year to 2028; and the measures

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the ratio of Reserve Defence Forces personnel to Permanent Defence Force personnel as of the most recent available date; how this compares to comparable EU member states; what target ratio the Department considers appropriate; and if she will make

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the response capacity of the Defence Forces, including the Reserve Defence Forces, to provide aid-to-civil-power responses during climate emergencies such as storms or floods; and if she will make a statement