Tuesday, 16 Dec 2025

Written Answers Nos. 229-260

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Defence Forces

Questions (229)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

229. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the current status of the procurement process for the military primary radar system; if rollout of the system will commence in 2026 and full operational status achieved by 2028; if there has been any change in the total cost of approximately €300 million for the programme; if the current training courses for such operations in the Defence Forces are compatible with the new system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72055/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

As Minister for Defence, one of my key priorities is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed in line with the Government’s decision to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as defined by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF).

The CODF recommended the development of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’, and that this should be an immediate and top priority.

There are three elements to the Military Radar Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.

This programme of work is ongoing and good progress has been made.

When fully delivered, the Recognised Air Picture will incorporate this suite of military radar systems; which will have the capability to detect all aircraft traversing our airspace including any that may be operating with their transponders turned off.

Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 identified in the Detailed Implementation Plan. That being said, elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026, towards full delivery by the end of 2028.

My Department has engaged with a number of countries, including all EU Member States, to ascertain their interest in supporting Ireland to deliver this capability.

Based on the responses received, my officials commenced bi-lateral discussions with a small number of countries earlier this year, with a view to assessing options for delivery. This phase has concluded and a decision on this is imminent.

The requirements for delivery of military radar, across the various domains, including primary radar, are extremely complex and clearly this will be an expensive capability to deliver and maintain. However, all capital expenditure associated with delivery of this Programme will be met from within the capital allocations for 2026-2030, which were recently agreed as part of the review of the National Development Plan. Given the critical stage we are now at in this phase of the Programme, it would be premature to make any further comment on the likely costs involved, at this time.

Training needs will be determined and delivered as part of the delivery of the Programme and will encompass equipment level training, including maintenance, as well operational and tactical level training.

Defence Forces

Questions (230, 249)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

230. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Defence Forces; the number of personnel required to meet Level of Ambition 2; the current number of personnel; and her target for recruitment each year under this Government. [72056/25]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

249. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the key measures taken to increase recruitment to the Defence Forces during 2025; her priorities for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72500/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 249 together.

As of the 31 October 2025, the latest date such figures are available for, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,760 personnel consisting of 6,237 Army, 739 Air Corps and 784 Naval Service personnel respectively.

On foot of the recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, 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 was in place at the time of the Commission’s report.

The establishment figure for the Permanent Defence Force has increased incrementally since 2022 to 9,739 to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Working towards the achievement of Level of Ambition 2, Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.

In order to meet government targets, the Defence Forces are making concerted efforts to increase recruitment. Expanding training capacity is being progressed. A Joint Induction Training Centre has been established in Gormanston Barracks which provides initial training to new recruits.

Last year saw a stabilisation in numbers with 708 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force and the military authorities have advised that they are targeting over 750 inductions for 2025. There continues to be very strong interest in a career in the Defence Forces with further growth again this year in the number of applications received. A total of 14,879 applications have been received to the end of October this year which represents an 11% increase on the 13,348 applications received for all of 2024.

Government has introduced a range of key enabling measures to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention. These include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel and the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year while the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years.

There has also been significant progress on pay with a further pay award due in February of next year.

Though challenges undoubtedly remain, the allocation of record levels of expenditure, coupled with the recruitment and retention initiatives currently in train, is indicative of the government's commitment to Defence.

Defence Forces

Questions (231)

Catherine Callaghan

Question:

231. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the expedited purchasing of counter unmanned aerial system equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71315/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from July 2026, there is an urgent operational requirement to prioritise delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for use by the Defence Forces.

Subject to negotiation and finalisation of a contract, the required capabilities are to be procured in an accelerated manner with planned delivery, and training, being carried out during the first half of 2026.

Pending finalisation of contract negotiations, and also for operational security reasons, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment on this matter, at this time.

Defence Forces

Questions (232)

Catherine Callaghan

Question:

232. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the way in which her Department publishes calls for companies to express an interest in supplying military equipment to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71316/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Department of Defence follows the principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts in accordance with national and EU Regulations, including specific EU Regulations for procurement of defensive equipment, and in line with Office of Government Procurement guidelines where relevant.

Under Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 05/2023, the threshold at which contracting authorities are required to advertise all contracts for goods and services on e-Tenders is €50,000 (exclusive of VAT). My Department also advertises contracts over the EU threshold, currently €143,000 for Goods and Services, in the Official Journal of the EU.

Office of Government Procurement guidelines allows that contracts below the national advertising threshold of €50,000 (exclusive of VAT), may be awarded on the basis of responses to written specifications issued to at least three suppliers or service providers.

Departmental procurement procedures are kept under constant review to ensure Office of Government Procurement advice is followed and to ensure best value for money procurements are achieved.

Departmental Policies

Questions (233)

Catherine Callaghan

Question:

233. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Finland on defence cooperation; if there are plans for a formal working group to be established to discuss potential areas of collaboration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71317/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

A key priority is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.

This includes the implementation of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) recommendations, particularly with regard to the enhancement of Defence Force Capabilities. The Commission's Report included a wide range of further recommendations in relation to capabilities and funding.

More specifically, capability priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered as part of the capability development planning processes which include both a five-year Equipment Development Plan and a Built Infrastructure Programme. This is an ongoing iterative process. In this context, the principal aim of Government policy is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.

The Defence Policy Review 2024 sets out an approach to collaboration with other States. It provides that “No nation acting alone can address all of the current complex and dynamic security challenges affecting global and regional defence and security. Ireland accepts this practical reality and appreciates the need to broaden and deepen our levels of engagement on defence issues internationally. In this context, increased collaborative procurement and capability development with partners will also be a feature of Irish defence capability planning to increase our knowledge, subject matter expertise and skills. This approach will serve to improve our defence interoperability, to harness and enhance efficient value-for-money procurement and capability development at the EU level.”

It is in this overall context that engagement with Finland, and a number of other countries has been ongoing in recent months. Engagement with Finland has included meetings between Department officials and colleagues from the Finnish Ministry of Defence and the Finnish Ambassador. I can confirm that a Memorandum of Understanding in respect of Defence Material cooperation was signed earlier this month at official level.

Engagement with Finnish colleagues has already begun with regard to planning the first formal Steering Group meeting which is expected to take place early in 2026. I look forward to the outcome of the work of the Steering Group, provided for under the MoU, and potential future co-operation in the defence procurement sphere between Finland and Ireland.

Departmental Programmes

Questions (234)

Catherine Callaghan

Question:

234. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence when she intends to publish the National Capability Development Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71318/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed and this will be aided by the Capability Development Programme.

The civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces to implement a top down Capability Development Planning Process, are preparing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the Capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review. This will be in line with the capital allocation under the National Development Plan. To this end, the priority continues to be progressing to LOA 2 thereby providing the foundations for future developments in capability.

The Capability Development Programme will be published in the first half of 2026.

Defence Forces

Questions (235)

Donna McGettigan

Question:

235. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Defence the number of musical shops that applied for the contract to supply the Defence Forces School of Music with musician instruments but were unsuccessful when the contract was last out to tender; when will this contract be next put out to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71406/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I am advised that the Defence Forces sought quotes from three suppliers to supply Wind Instruments in November 2025. Only one valid submission was received for this competition, and this contract is currently ongoing.

This approach is in line with Office of Government Procurement Guidelines which directs that contracts below the national advertising threshold of €50,000 (exclusive of VAT), may be awarded on the basis of responses to written specifications (for example, by email) issued to at least three suppliers or service providers.

Defence Forces

Questions (236)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Question:

236. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of females that applied to join the Defence Forces 2025 in cadetship recruitment campaigns for both Army and Naval service, in tabular form. [71421/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Total number of Female applications to the 2025 Cadetship campaign for Army and Naval Service are as follows:

Service	Army	Naval Service
Total Female Applications	127	37
Total Female Inductions	12	1

Defence Forces

Questions (237)

Paul Murphy

Question:

237. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the average wait time for security clearance to be granted to reservists in the Defence Forces. [71474/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

An Garda Síochána, as the nominated National Security Authority, conduct all liaison with police or security services abroad during the Security Clearance process.

Military authorities have advised that the security clearance process can take anything from 6 weeks to 9 months for candidates depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, their previous country(ies) of residence, the address(es) they have lived at, prior interactions with police or security services and the speed at which foreign authorities respond to requests from An Garda Síochána. These delays are beyond the scope of Ireland’s National Authority to address.

The Vetting/Security Clearance Process applies equally to applicants to both PDF and RDF.

Defence Forces

Questions (238)

Shane Moynihan

Question:

238. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of military personnel in Óglaigh na hÉireann, broken down by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service; the number at each rank (officer and enlisted); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71545/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The table attached provides the requested whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) by branch and rank as of 31 October 2025, the latest date such figures are available for.

The Government has acknowledged the on-going staffing challenges in the Defence Forces; however, figures provided by the Defence Forces to date for 2025 indicate a modest expansion in the strength of the PDF.

A range of measures have been undertaken to tackle the recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces over the last number of years. Notable among these have been the extension of private secondary healthcare to all PDF personnel, a doubling of the Patrol-Duty Allowance, the application of the provisions of the Working-Time Directive across the Defence Forces as well as significant progress on pay.

It should be noted that there continues to be a very strong level of interest in a career in the Defence Forces is high with some 14,881 applications to date in 2025, with total inductions for the year expected to exceed 750.

Budget 2026 includes an allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, which incorporates a provision for the recruitment and training of at least a net additional 400 enlisted personnel in 2026. The Defence Forces advise that they will target in excess of 800 inductions in 2026.

Whole Time equivalent Strength of the Permanent Defence Force by branch and rank as of 31 October 2025

Air Corps

Questions (239)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

239. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence if the Air Corps have received the new Government jet; if not when does the Air Corps expect to receive this jet. [71772/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department signed a contract for the French made Dassault Falcon 6X in December 2024 with delivery expected in December 2025. The aircraft is expected to arrive in Casement Aerodrome today.

The Dassault Falcon 6X is a next generation aircraft which will enhance the State’s transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities, with a range of over 5000 nautical miles meaning it can reach the west coast of the United States without the need to refuel.

It provides the State with an independent and flexible air transport service, which is an increasingly essential requirement to assist the Government in meeting Ireland’s national and international obligations.

In addition, the aircraft will be used for a broad range of other taskings, including the evacuation of Irish citizens from critical situations, air-ambulance patient transfers, medical evacuation or repatriation of Irish Defence Forces personnel deployed on overseas missions, and logistics support for the transport of supplies to Irish Defence Forces overseas missions.

The delivery of the Dassault Falcon 6X strategic reach aircraft represents a significant enhancement of the State’s transport, airlift and medical capabilities, and is further evidence of the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (240)

Eoghan Kenny

Question:

240. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the amount her Department has spent on translation services from a company (details supplied) for the years 2020 to 2025 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72064/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department has no record of using the company, whose details were supplied, for the provision of translation services in the years 2020 to 2025.

Legislative Measures

Questions (241)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

241. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence her plans to introduce legislation on the triple lock before the end of 2025; the timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66249/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

As Minister for Defence, I am committed to introducing legislation to reform the Triple Lock. It is not acceptable to the Government that any one of five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council have an essential veto on Ireland participating in Peacekeeping missions overseas.

The General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 was approved by Government in March of this year.

The General Scheme was subsequently referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security for consideration under the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny process.

The purpose of this Bill is to:

(a) revise and consolidate the current legislation, including the provisions concerning the operation of the so-called 'Triple Lock' mechanism, relating to the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State; and,

(b) give effect to recommendations pertaining to suspension and associated provisions contained within the report prepared by Mr Peter Ward, Senior Counsel, concerning the management of members of the Defence Forces charged, with or convicted of, serious criminal offences.

Prior to my recent appointment as Minister for Defence, there has been very detailed engagement on this legislation, most recently as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process which provided the Committee with the opportunity to examine the Heads and to consult relevant stakeholders on the proposed Bill.

The Committee conducted a very thorough piece of work which reflected the views of a wide range of stakeholders I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee for their report, which I am now considering as part of the drafting process for the Bill.

I can perfectly understand the concerns that some people have around this legislation and I want to assure them that this Bill will not impact on Ireland’s policy of military neutrality. Ireland's policy of military neutrality is characterised by the non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. However, I ask that Deputies reflect on the much- changed geopolitical landscapeover the last number of years and resulting challenges arising globally and at UN Security Council level. I believe that the Defence Forces have played a really key role in peace keeping abroad, but Deputies must also be aware that no new peacekeeping mission has been authorised in the U.N. since 2014.

Ireland has always taken an active approach to global challenges and making significant contributions to international peace and security, and will continue to do so. The proposed changes will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (242)

Duncan Smith

Question:

242. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence to provide clarity on any correspondence from her Department and the US administration in regard to the defence of sub-sea cables off the Irish coast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72286/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Over the summer, an official from my Department provided the US Embassy with an overview of the work being done to develop the new National Maritime Security Strategy, including the public consultation that my Department undertook in support of this work.

Subsequently, the US Embassy asked whether Ireland is considering joining a US initiative on the security and resilience of undersea cables, known as the New York Principles. As this initiative is a policy matter within the responsibility of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the US Embassy’s request was shared with them and that Department is currently considering this matter.

Defence Forces

Questions (243)

Duncan Smith

Question:

243. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the plans that are in place to keep members of the Defence Forces operationally ready once peacekeepers are withdrawn from Lebanon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72287/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Ireland has always been, and continues to be, a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed through Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations as well as our engagement with the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Ireland’s overseas commitments in that regard form an important part of our support to multilateralism and the maintenance of international peace and security.

Currently Ireland contributes personnel to a number of UN, EU and other international peace keeping and crisis management operations. Our participation in UNIFIL has been a central element of this engagement for many years and plays a central role in supporting peace and security in Lebanon and in the wider region. The current mandate for UNIFIL runs until the end of 2026, with the winddown and drawdown to be completed by end 2027, and both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will continue to assess operational implications arising from this timeline. The period of transition for any mission is a challenging one. Ireland recognises that careful planning will be needed over the coming period.

I am informed by the Defence Forces that a primary activity of it, when not engaged in overseas operations is continuous preparation and training. This training ensures that the Defence Forces remain operationally ready, at all times, to respond to all tasks assigned to the Defence Forces by Government. The Defence Forces also has a rigorous evaluation system based on best international military practice to ensure that units comply with and meet the Defence Forces training standards, quality assurance and governance requirements. This process actively evaluates the operational readiness of units to meet its assigned tasks by identifying strengths as well as areas for improvement, and where deficiencies are identified, appropriate action plans are developed and implemented.

Training and education within the Defence Forces is coordinated and managed under a Training and Education Directive which sets out a detailed landscape of training and education activities that are required. It outlines training priorities and indicates how these are to be achieved through the conduct of training and education activities, and deliver military capability necessary to meet Defence Forces assigned roles into the future.

Finally, I wish to reassure the Deputy that the Defence Forces will continue to maintain the operational readiness of personnel following any redeployment or changes in overseas commitments, including following the withdrawal of the peacekeeping contingent from Lebanon in UNIFIL, once that Mission mandate ends.

Departmental Data

Questions (244)

Duncan Smith

Question:

244. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if her Department will release footage of the drone activity during the visit of President Zelenskyy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72288/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department does not comment on security issues

Departmental Policies

Questions (245)

Duncan Smith

Question:

245. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if her Department was involved in the figure of €750 being offered to victims of the HSE cyber-attacks; if her Department has developed a rate for which they are prepared to offer victims of future cyber-attacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72289/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Defence Forces are responsible for Cyber Defence. I wish to clarify that I have no function with respect to the National Cyber Security Centre, which is under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, or the HSE, which is under the remit of the Department of Health. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have no oversight or responsibility for victim support measures.

Defence Forces

Questions (246)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

246. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Curragh Camp in 2025; if each of those capital work projects are completed or still ongoing at present; the new capital works projects that are scheduled to commence at Curragh Camp during the first half of 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72394/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The following are the current capital works that are ongoing at the DFTC, Curragh Camp, completed in 2025, or estimated for works to commence in the first half of 2026.

Below sets out the various stages of construction, tender procurement, design or planning of each project, the estimation completion and estimate cost.

Project	Project Status	Estimated Completion
CIS workshops / store	Completed	2025
Transport Body Workshop and Ancillary Offices Electrical Upgrade	Construction	End 2025/ Early2026
ARW Training Centre Roofing (Old Cinema)	Construction	2026
ARW - New HQ Block	In Procurement	2027
LED External Street Lighting Conversion	Design / Planning	2026

The Deputy may also wish to know that the following capital works were completed since 2020 for the DFTC at a total cost of €16.3M.

• New Vehicle Garaging Facility

• New Vehicle Garaging – Coolmoney Camp

• Engineer Logistics Office

• ARW Enabling Works

• Cadet School HQ

• St Bricins Re Location - Barracks Services Engineer Store

• Provision of a new Electric Target Range

• Upgrade of Block 7, Plunkett Barracks Accommodation

In addition, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €12.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.

Defence Forces

Questions (247)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

247. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on capital funding to Defence Forces Projects in the National Development Plan for the period 2026 to 2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72395/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The revised National Development Plan Capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group for the period 2026-2030 is €1.7bn. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 bn. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation will increase by €85 million to €300 million.

Capital Investment in Defence primarily provides for the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and infrastructural platforms. This expenditure enhances and supports military capabilities and therefore contributes to a more secure and resilient society.

As Defence capital expenditure is often atypical, with long lead-in times, the funding certainty now provided will support the internal Equipment Development Plan and Infrastructural Development Planning Frameworks.

The revised capital allocations will assist ongoing efforts at modernising and upgrading Defence equipment and built infrastructure platforms and will enable targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments within LOA 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report, including the priority Military Radar Programme.

In an era defined by a rapidly evolving geopolitical tensions, the investment will modernise Defence Forces capability across all domains and ensure that Ireland continues to meet its national and international security responsibilities.

Full details of the Defence NDP 2026-2030 Sectoral Plan are available on the Government website www.gov.ie.

Waste Management

Questions (248)

Pádraig Rice

Question:

248. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of 4 of December 2025, his views on further matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72404/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Deputy has previously been advised that there is a Joint Planning Working Group which considers the need to raise concerns and or comments in relation to proposed developments likely to affect Defence Force operations. The observations provided in this instance were based on returns received from the Defence Forces within the established time frame. I am advised that subsequently the Naval Service submitted observations several weeks later outside of the agreed protocols. The late provision by the Naval Service of these observations within days of the deadline for submission of observations to the consenting authorities did not provide my predecessor sufficient time to consider same. As the Deputy will be aware the decision to grant consent with or without conditions is a matter for the planning authorities, in the final instance.

Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 230.

Defence Forces

Questions (250)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

250. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the key measures taken to increase retention levels in the Defence Forces during 2025; her priorities for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72501/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Attracting and retaining talented individuals and encouraging them to stay and enjoy a fruitful career in the Defence Forces will continue to be a priority for me in 2026.

Significant work has been undertaken over the past five years to transform the Defence Forces and it is having a tangible impact with the stabilisation of overall staffing levels in the Defence Forces.

In addition to a programme of cultural transformation, which is underway, specific actions in retention, which have been delivered, include:

• Significant progress on pay;

• The extension of the existing Service Commitment Scheme for Air Corps pilots, to Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel;

• An increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;

• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;

• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;

• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;

• The provision of excellent training and education opportunities;

• The implementation of the Working Time Directive.

Work is continuing to build on these initiatives through the delivery of a Strategic HR Change Programme, which includes:

• The transformation of Career and Talent Processes and Promotion Systems;

• Remote Learning Solutions;

• A Coaching and Mentoring Programme;

• Flexible Work Practices and Family Friendly Policies.

Local Bargaining has emerged as an important tool to address targeted issues related to workforce retention, particularly within critical skill areas. A range of bespoke proposals are currently under consideration that seek to improve job satisfaction, enable professional development, and address known pinch points affecting career progression and operational continuity.

In January 2025, a Retention Team was set up in the Defence Forces to start building a clear pathway to reduce overall attrition across the Defence Forces. The first focus has been on stabilising the workforce through targeted, evidence-led actions.

Work is well underway on the Defence Forces Retention Strategy, with support from an external partner.

Looking further ahead, the Defence Forces Strategic Workforce Plan is being developed. This plan will set out how the organisation can best balance its workforce in terms of numbers, structure, and skills over the coming years.

In a buoyant employment market, such as we have now, it is my aim to have the Defence Forces regarded as an employer of choice. in 2026 and beyond.

Defence Forces

Questions (251)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

251. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the key measures taken to support and expand the Reserve Defence Forces during 2025; her priorities for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72502/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

One of my key priorities in 2025 and into 2026 is the continuation of the modernisation of our Defence Forces and a vital part of this transformation process is the revitalising of the Reserve Forces, as identified and recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces.

The Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) Regeneration and Development Plan (RDFRDP), published in July 2024, coordinates 27 individual actions to drive forward recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; as well as integration and deployment - the 4 operational objectives of the plan. Each of the 27 actions contribute to the ultimate goal of developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.

Examples of recruitment measures include: the increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages; implementation of a ‘managed Induction Process’ and the on boarding process which enables candidates to undergo pre-attestation recruit training.

In addition to general service recruitment, a further action within the RDFRDP is the enabling of multi induction streams, which will ensure the RDF has as many induction mechanisms as possible, including direct and lateral entry.

The Office of Reserve Affairs has created a Reserve Strategic Engagement Team, comprised of reservists with relevant marketing, advertising and media production skills, who have led a series of initiatives to enhance awareness of the RDF and support recruitment. This involves conducting a social media campaign, attending events and engaging with relevant stakeholders.

Furthermore, a national advertising campaign is being developed which will include new updated RDF promotional material and the roll out of branded exhibition equipment.

Admission to the First Line Reserve (FLR) element of the RDF, which provides a pool of former trained/ specialist personnel, available to supplement the PDF in times of emergency, is also under review.

The increased interest in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was reflected when the original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was proactively increased in Q4 2024 to meet evolving levels of RDF activity, with a further increase requested and sanctioned in the latter part of the year. The budget was further increased to €3.5m for 2025 and will be increased again for 2026.

The initiatives contained in the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan are generating positive change and increased momentum towards a regenerated, trained and capable RDF to support the Permanent Defence Forces and the work in 2026 will build on that success.

Official Travel

Questions (252, 253, 254, 255)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

252. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the policy or governance framework that applies when Ministers or officials undertake State travel to regions with identified health risks, including malaria; and the date on which this framework was last reviewed. [72513/25]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

253. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether his Department conducted a search of its records, including briefing files, archival material and travel documentation, before confirming that no medical advice, briefing notes or risk assessments had been issued in the past twenty years in relation to anti-malaria medications, and to outline the scope of that search. [72514/25]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

254. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the duty-of-care standards applied by his Department when approving official overseas travel for Ministers or officials to malaria-risk regions, including any requirement to provide general travel-risk information or to reference external public-health guidance. [72515/25]

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

255. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has ever issued, received or referenced general travel-risk information from other Government Departments or public-health bodies when preparing international travel for Ministers or officials, and the process for retaining such information within departmental records. [72516/25]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 253, 254 and 255 together.

There is no specific policy covering the travel of Ministers or officials in respect of travel to regions with identified health risks. When officials or Ministers are travelling abroad, the travel information available to all citizens travelling abroad, provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is available to them. In instances where foreign travel may involve health related considerations, it is for the Minister and officials concerned to seek guidance from their own medical advisers, if required.

As I have previously advised the Deputy, the most recent travel by a Minister for Defence, to a higher-risk region in Africa, was in 2019, when Minister Simon Coveney visited Mali. It is a matter for the individual Minister or official to make decisions in relation to their ability to travel having regard to their own particular medical history and advice from their medical adviser. This does not form part of any formal approval process as the matter is subject to personal medical information.

In response to the Deputy’s previous questions on this matter, I informed him of the Department’s record keeping requirements for ministerial travel do not extend to maintaining medical records of Ministers or officials, which are private to the individual and handled in accordance with normal medical confidentiality standards. As this is the approach taken to such matters, it was not necessary, nor would it be practical to carry out a widespread search for records of Ministers, or for records of any official who may have undertaken travel with a Minister over a period of 20 years.

Briefing material provided to Ministers and officials in respect of individual trips, which would largely encompass material pertinent to the meetings to be attended, is retained in accordance with the Department’s Records Management policy.

Question No. 253 answered with Question No. 252.

Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 252.

Question No. 255 answered with Question No. 252.

Bus Éireann

Questions (256)

Paula Butterly

Question:

256. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the review of the mandatory retirement age for Bus Éireann drivers holding a D1 licence; if consideration is being given to raising the retirement age from 70 to 72 in light of ongoing driver shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71321/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

I am acutely aware of the constraints on our public transport workforce. My Department chairs the Public Transport Workforce Taskforce which aims to progress the Programme for Government commitment to identify options to assist with resolving challenges regarding the recruitment of drivers and mechanics/craftworkers. The taskforce includes representatives from the school transport section in the Department of Education, relevant agencies and transport operators including Bus Éireann, and training bodies.

The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues, and put forward an action plan with recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these wider issues. Officials in my department will also continue to engage with other stakeholders, including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, during the preparation of the action plan.

In line with this work, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment signed regulations on 11 April 2025 extending the general employment permit quotas for HGV/Bus mechanics and vehicle repairers, increasing the total number of quotas available for these roles by 200 permits.

This specific matter raised by the Deputy is a policy decision and operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Bus Services

Questions (257)

John Connolly

Question:

257. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or the National Transport Authority has carried out an assessment of the impact on rural families of excluding commercial bus services from the under-nine free travel scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71323/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.

As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.

The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.

Bus Services

Questions (258)

John Connolly

Question:

258. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the measures to support children under the age of nine in rural and regional areas who are excluded from the Government’s free travel initiative due to reliance on commercial bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71324/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.

As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.

The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.

Bus Services

Questions (259)

John Connolly

Question:

259. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered extending the free fares for children under nine years-of-age to commercial bus operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71325/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.

As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.

The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.

Bus Services

Questions (260)

John Connolly

Question:

260. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if officials or agencies under his remit, including the National Transport Authority, have conducted a cost-benefit analysis on extending the free fares scheme to include commercial bus operators for children under nine years-of-age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71326/25]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.

As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.

The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.

• Written Answers Nos. 221-228
• Written Answers Nos. 261-280