Written Answers Nos. 93-120
94. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the Defence Forces is developing its unmanned aerial systems capability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71843/25]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, one of my key priorities will be to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones are deployed across the Defence Forces. These are small and medium sized systems which provide situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities for deployed personnel in training and on operations, both at home and overseas. These assets have no lethal offensive capabilities.
UAS capabilities are currently used by a number of branches within the Army such as by Ordnance Corps personnel to assist in the safe conduct of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) duties, as well as by Army Engineer personnel for activities such as Specialist Search and Clearance operations and training. The use of UAS capabilities serves to reduce risk exposure to personnel thereby increasing force protection and safety.
The Naval Service utilise UAS capabilities daily in the maritime domain for specific operations such as search and rescue, fishery inspections, damage assessments, port and offshore installation security, and maritime pollution monitoring. The Naval Service have also used UAS to support overseas operations including during Operation Pontus - the humanitarian search and rescue mission undertaken in the Mediterranean.
The Air Corps utilise UAS capabilities for operator training, photography and videography, communications, infrastructure inspections, and support to air crash investigations.
Looking forward, as the Army’s existing UAS capability is reaching its end of life, market research is being conducted to assist in the procurement of replacement and enhanced capabilities. To that end, and in compliance with EU public procurement procedures, a Prior Information Notice was published earlier this year to alert the market of the planned procurement and for market research purposes. This planned procurement remains at market research stage and no decisions have been taken on the final capability requirements for the replacement systems.
Furthermore, a specific recommendation in relation to the further development of the Defence Forces’ RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) capabilities was made by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The timeframe for implementation of this recommendation will be outlined in the updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which is due to be published shortly.
96. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence to confirm that during Ireland's EU Presidency, Casement Aerodrome will be the primary location for arrivals of other EU member states' leaders and members of government into Ireland, and will have C-UAS systems installed; if she will confirm that, should weather or other operational issues preclude landing in Casement Aerodrome, contingency plans are in place to ensure military C-UAS systems are operational at Dublin Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72009/25]
View answerPreparations for Ireland’s Presidency are now intensifying across both policy and operational strands of planning both within my Department and the Defence Forces, and across Government. The Department of Defence will work closely with the central Presidency team within the Department of Foreign Affairs who are tasked putting in place key operational and logistical building blocks to underpin the delivery of the programme of Presidency meetings to be held in Ireland. They will also work with their colleagues in An Garda Síochána.
At the outset, I should state that National Security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces’ role, as always, is to provide support to An Garda Síochána where specific capabilities are required under the Aid to the Civil Power framework. In relation to specific measures to be taken at Dublin Airport, including drone detection measures, is primarily a matter for the Dublin Airport Authority and An Garda Siochana.
The Deputy will appreciate for security reasons it is not appropriate to comment further on operational details of the use of Casement Aerodrome. However I can assure the Deputy that my Department and the Defence Forces are committed to ensuring that the 2026 Presidency is delivered safely, efficiently, and in full partnership with other State agencies.
The Deputy will also appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment further on operational decisions particularly in relation to deployment of military capabilities, however, I recognise that there is an urgent operational requirement to prioritise delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for use by the Defence Forces and work in this area is ongoing to ensure this capability is available ahead of the EU Presidency.
This week I brought the National Development Plan for the Defence Sector to Government and in that I have prioritised the delivery of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’. This is an immediate and top priority for me as Minister and has been recognised in the Commission on the Defence Forces as being essential. A project team comprising senior civil and military personnel is continuing to progress the “Military Radar Programme”. I was pleased to recently welcome the approval by the Dáil of the Government’s proposal for a substantive capital supplementary estimate of €19 million on the Defence Vote. It is intended that the additional budget allocation will be used to procure, in an accelerated manner, Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces, that will provide enhanced aerial protection around Baldonnel and ensure that the facility can remain fully operational at all times.
99. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if she has had any engagement with an organisation (details supplied) since he took office. [71603/25]
View answerI intend to meet with representatives of PDFORRA early in the New Year. I am very proud to be Minister for Defence and I know that the dedication, duty and patriotism demonstrated by members of our Defence Forces is second to none.
As you know, I launched the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan(NDP) 2026-2030 last week, which is worth €1.7 billion and is the most significant investment package in the Defence Forces in the history of the State. I am determined to ensure that members of our Defence Forces have the equipment, infrastructure and capabilities they need to operate safely and effectively, at home and abroad. The global geopolitical situation is more volatile today than at any time since the end of the Second World War.
I look forward to engaging with the Representative Associations, including PDFORRA and getting further insight into the issues of interest to them. I know a lot of progress has been made in recent years on pay and conditions. I am interested to hear the key issues currently affecting their members. I am also interested to hear PDFORRA's views on the implementation of the Working Time Directive. In short, I am committed to constructive and meaningful engagement with the Associations in the months and years to come. I very much appreciate the work of the Representative Associations on behalf of our personnel in the Defence Forces.
101. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if the Government is to take delivery of the Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft in December 2025; the final agreed cost; and the date by which the aircraft will enter operational service. [72029/25]
View answerMy 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.
This strategic reach aircraft, with a range of over 5000 nautical miles 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.
I am advised by the military authorities that the aircraft is presently expected to be operational by the end of quarter one (Q1) 2026.
The cost of the Falcon 6X aircraft was just below €53 million excluding VAT. 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.
102. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence the work that is being carried out to improve the technology, such as radar equipment, which needs to be made available to the Naval Service to protect undersea cables and critical infrastructure around the coast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71892/25]
View answerProtecting undersea critical infrastructure requires a multifaceted approach with different capabilities working in coordination to firstly detect an undersea threat, localise it, classify it and track it as it moves through the water. The Government has committed to measures to safeguard undersea critical infrastructure and the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have a significant body of work underway in that regard.
In relation to subsea domain awareness capabilities, a programme of work has been approved as part of the overall Equipment Development Plan. As part of the NDP Plan for the Defence Forces which I published last week, investment in sonar capability is being prioritised as the first project which will see the Naval Service acquire sonar capability which will be used to detect objects near cables and pipelines in Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. This new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces. This is a complex project and a new capability, so work in training personnel and establishing the procedures and structures required within the Defence Forces has commenced, and will continue in the period up to the delivery and operationalisation of the system.
A second project within that subsea programme of work has commenced. This project will result in a new Air Corps capability which can be used to detect, localise, identify, and track objects in the Irish EEZ. This capability will be used in conjunction with the new towed sonar capability planned for delivery in 2027, and also with existing Air Corps assets.
In the longer term, my department is preparing a Capability Development Programme which will identify at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040 across all domains of operation including the subsea domain. 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.
104. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence if she has requested or intends to request naval support from France for Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union, including any consideration of a French Navy vessel operating in Irish waters; if her Department has engaged with the Office of Public Works and Áras an Uachtaráin regarding a proposal to rename a section of the Phoenix Park (details supplied) in honour of General Charles de Gaulle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71897/25]
View answerPreparations for the Presidency are now intensifying across Government. Our Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 is going to be a major national undertaking.
The EU Presidency will be a key opportunity for Ireland to shape and manage the EU’s agenda for that six-month period. Within the European Union, it is accepted that security and defence is a national competence and that any decisions as regards EU defence arrangements, including any deepening of EU co-operation, does require unanimity. To that end, I am working very closely with colleagues and we know exactly what we need to do to make sure that we have a successful presidency.
It is important to note that National Security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces’ role, as always, is to provide support to An Garda Síochána where specific capabilities are required under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) framework.
An Garda Síochána is central to the security planning and preparation. It has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement.
Support during the Presidency may include security-related and logistical assistance from across the Defence Forces — the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps — in response to requirements identified by An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána maintain a strong working relationship, and engagement has already taken place in respect of preliminary security planning. Further engagement with colleagues in the Department of Justice and AGS will ensure early visibility of any formal requests for Defence Forces assistance and capability and options, if required will be assessed.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department of Defence has not engaged, nor is it intended to, with the Office of Public Works and Áras an Uachtaráin regarding a proposal to rename a section of the Phoenix Park.
105. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on her engagements with regard to the impact her proposed removal of the Triple Lock neutrality protection will have on Irish neutrality. [72040/25]
View answerAs 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.
106. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Defence if she will outline her Department’s work in collaboration with other Departments in the drafting of the National Cyber Security Bill 2024; and if she will consider integrating national cyber-security, both military and civilian, under one administrative umbrella. [70592/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the responsibility for the National Cyber Security Bill lies with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration. Officials from my Department are collaborating with their counterparts in that Department on aspects of the National Cyber Security Bill that pertain to the interaction between Competent Authorities and Single Points of Contact under its provisions, and those under the European Union (Resilience of Critical Entities) Regulations 2024.
In terms of cybersecurity, the primary role of the Defence Forces is to protect and secure their networks and systems. This crucial role is being developed in the context of the High-Level Action Plan based on the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and will become increasingly significant as threats in cyberspace grow.
To that end, the Defence Forces Cyber Defence Strategy for 2024-2027 prioritised the establishment of a Joint Cyber Defence Command. This new Command, which was established in 2024, will conduct comprehensive operations to defend against cyber threats, support Defence Forces operations both at home and overseas, and enhance national cyber defence resilience and capabilities.
From a Defence perspective, we are on a positive trajectory to ensure the new Joint Cyber Defence Command is well-prepared to meet the ambitious targets outlined in the Cyber Strategy.
The functions of the National Cyber Security Centre, which falls under the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration, and the Joint Cyber Defence Command, which operates under my Department, are distinct and separate.
Although they conduct operations in two very different domains, they mutually support one another, in crisis and as such there are no plans to merge their diverse and separate functions.
107. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the progress being made towards purchasing a ship to replace the LÉ Eithne, which was the former flagship of the Naval Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71605/25]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
The capital funding of €1.7 billion allocated to Defence in the latest National Development Plan covering the period 2026 to 2030 represents an increase of €600 million on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. The revised capital allocations will enable targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments within LOA 2 objectives.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended a programme of naval vessel replacement under Level of Ambition 2, to ensure a balanced fleet of a modern ships is reached early in the next decade, this has been accepted in principle by Government.
I intend to develop and finalise a long-term Capability Development Programme 2028 to 2040 which will identify and cost, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040 across all domains of operation including the maritime and subsea domain.
I also intend to bring a Regeneration Plan for the Naval Service to Government in the new year. This will address the challenges they faced in recent years. In finalising these plans, I as Minister and the Government will make evidence informed decisions on what the balanced fleet of modern ships should be, including decisions regarding the Multi-Role Vessel, and the greater use of technologies. These decisions will also be informed by other relevant information, including the new National Maritime Security Strategy which is expected shortly.
108. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date on reaching her Department’s Programme for Government commitments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72032/25]
View answerThank you Deputy for your question, and the opportunity to outline some of the achievements of my Department this year.
As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
Since the publication of our Programme for Government:?Securing Ireland’s Future, in January of this year, a great deal has been achieved, including the following;
In Quarter One
• The blanket exclusion of the Defence Forces from the Working Time Directive has been removed.
• Revised ATCP priorities, structures and resources have been implemented.
• Regular climate and continuous attitude surveys have been conducted and continue on an ongoing basis.
In Quarter Two
• A Non-financial ‘labour hours budget’ was introduced.
• Phase 1 of the Sub Sea Domain Awareness (SSDA) Contract was awarded
• A public consultation on Ireland’s first Maritime Security Strategy was launched, as part of the preparation of the Strategy this year.
In Quarter Three
• Additional Civil and Military assignments were made to the Capability Development Unit, deepening the knowledge and experience within the unit for delivery of key projects.
In Quarter Four
• The delivery of a third C295 aircraft
• The increased use of Direct Entry Recruitment into Specialist Posts in the Permanent Defence Forces
• The establishment of the Office of Veteran Affairs
The Programme for Government commits to increased investment in Defence, providing the funding and political support necessary to achieve Level of Ambition 2 (LOA 2), and move as quickly as possible to Level of Ambition 3 (LOA 3).
Last week, during a visit to the Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC) at the Curragh Camp, I launched the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan (NDP) 2026-2030.
This plan sets out the Government’s record €1.7 billion capital investment in Defence over the next five years, an increase of €600 million, or 55%, on the previous baseline.
Key features include:
• Record multi-annual investment rising from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030.
• Major capability upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
• Full delivery of the Military Radar Programme by 2028, with phased rollout beginning in 2026.
• €19m accelerated investment in Counter-UAS systems ahead of Ireland’s 2026 EU Council Presidency.
• Air Corps modernisation, including:
• Four Airbus H145M helicopters (2027–2028)
• Progress on acquiring eight Super Medium Helicopters
• Delivery of a new Falcon 6X strategic aircraft
• Replacement of the PC-9M fleet by 2029/2030
• Naval Service upgrades, including Towed Array Sonar, a Sonobuoy project, and the P60 Fleet Extension Programme.
• Army capability improvements, including:
• Midlife upgrade of 80 MOWAG Piranha III vehicles
• Progression of the Armoured Fleet Replacement
• Acquisition of RPAS/drones
• Rollout of Software Defined Radios
• €400 million investment in Defence Forces infrastructure, including accommodation, offices, gyms, aircraft hangars and naval berthage.
• €175 million for IT, transport, engineering and ordnance systems.
• Strong governance structure, including updated Equipment Development and Infrastructure Development Plans and rigorous procurement oversight.
The Defence Sectoral Plan outlines how this investment will tackle capability gaps, modernise infrastructure and support the Defence Forces in delivering Government commitments under Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability), in line with this Government's commitment in its adoption of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
109. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces engage with other agencies and supporting resources to respond to severe weather events such as storms, flooding, and other emergencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71888/25]
View answerAt the outset, I should say my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and his Department are the lead Department for preparing and responding to severe weather events. The Office of Emergency Planning, in my Department, assists and provides support to the lead government departments during emergency events and I very much look forward to taking up the role as Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and look forward to working with all the Government Agencies over the coming months. In October my colleague Mr. James Brown, T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage published the Review of Storm Éowyn which, inter alia, highlighted the necessary response actions taken by the National Emergency Coordination Group and details recommendations considered necessary to consolidate and build on the strengths of the existing coordination structures. As the Deputy will be aware, the Defence Forces are not the first responders in either the preparedness nor in the recovery phase of such events. Their role, when called upon, is to assist civilian authorities in dealing with the various challenges which can present. In the context of some of the severe weather events to date in 2025, the supports provided by the Defence Forces include the provision of helicopter flights carrying ESB personnel in order to identify the extent of the affected network, the collection and distribution of personnel and patients on behalf of the HSE, filling of sandbags in advance of flooding events, provision of logistical expertise etc.I can assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces continues to stand ready to assist in emergency scenarios as part of the whole-of-Government, whole-of-society response at both the national and local level.
110. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on the revised NDP capital allocation for Defence for the period 2026-2030; the way in which defence infrastructure in Louth will benefit from this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71621/25]
View answerAs I announced last week, the revised NDP Capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group will provide €1.7 billion in capital funding to Defence out to 2030. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1,100 million. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation will increase by €85 million to €300 million. Full details of the Defence NDP 2026-2030 Sectoral Plan are available on the Government website gov.ie.
Capital Investment in Defence primarily provides for the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and defence infrastructural development – expenditure which enhances and supports military capabilities and contributes to a more secure and resilient society.
The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) currently sets out a programme of infrastructural project delivery to 2027. It reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide for accommodation and training of personnel, as well as the maintenance and storage of equipment.
The IDP is iterative in nature thus ensuring that it remains relevant and that investment is targeted where most needed and aligns with a range of other factors encompassing funding availability, delivery capacity, timing, interdependency with equipment projects and linkage to strategic capability development goals. Within these overarching IDP structures, a central heating upgrade has recently been delivered to Aiken Barracks, with a dining hall upgrade currently ongoing.
Over the 2026-2030 timeframe, €400 million is being allocated to infrastructural investment on the Defence NDP Sectoral Plan, a level of funding, which will inform and enable associated future IDP processes and deliver enhanced accommodation, offices, gyms etc to military installations throughout the country, together with more targeted investment on the development of specific requirements such as aircraft hangars and naval berthage capacity.
113. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of naval vessels in the ownership of the Naval Service; and the number currently in active operation/deployment. [71894/25]
View answerThe Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). These four vessels consist of three P60 class vessels as well as the L.É. Aoibhinn (P71) with all four vessels conducting patrols on a rotation basis.
114. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the number of resignations from the Defence Forces in 2025. [71669/25]
View answerThe Government are committed to taking steps to increase recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces. Government has introduced several key measures to support recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. Notable among these are 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. Further measures include a doubling of the Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel after ten days at sea in a calendar year and the extension of the Naval Service tax credit for a further five years. There has been significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a further pay award made in August of this year with the next increase due in February 2026.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services including the number of people who leave the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). I am advised by the Defence Forces that there have been 335 resignations from the PDF in 2025, as at 31 October, the latest date for which this data is available for.
Personnel leave the Defence Forces for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and via voluntary discharges. A significant percentage of those who leave the Defence Forces do so with some form of pension. This can make taking up a position in the private sector very attractive where a full-time position, even at the same rates as those in the Defence Forces, could lead to an increase in an individual’s earnings.
The Commission on the Defence Forces stated in their report that they were satisfied that, in broad terms, levels of average turnover are not out of line with other military organisations internationally. Turnover levels for the past five years have averaged approximately 9%. Last year however saw a significant reduction in the number of discharges. A total of 674 personnel left the Defence Forces which was the lowest in 4 years. This trend has continued in 2025 with 508 discharges recorded to the end of October which represents a year-on-year reduction of 68.
Recruitment data provided to me by the Defence Forces provides further cause for encouragement. Last year saw a stabilisation in numbers with 708 inductions to the PDF and the military authorities have advised me that they are targeting 750 inductions at a minimum for 2025.
While recruitment and retention challenges undoubtedly remain, the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector, and the policy initiatives implemented, is indicative of Government’s commitment in this regard.
115. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Defence Ireland’s defence and security preparedness for holding the EU Presidency in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72041/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware from her recent engagement with officials in my Department, preparations for the Presidency are now intensifying across Government. It is important to note that National Security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces’ role, as always, is to provide support to An Garda Síochána where specific capabilities are required under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) framework.
An Garda Síochána is central to the security planning and preparation. It has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement.
Support during the Presidency may include security-related and logistical assistance from across the Defence Forces — the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps — in response to requirements identified by An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána maintain a strong working relationship, and engagement has already taken place in respect of preliminary security planning. Further engagement with colleagues in the Department of Justice and AGS will ensure early visibility of any formal requests for Defence Forces assistance.
116. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have powers that would permit them to take down unidentified drones operating in Irish air space and/or in international waters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71587/25]
View answerThe Deputy should be reassured that mechanisms already exist which allow for a Defence Forces response where required, acting in support of An Garda Síochána or in defence of Defence Forces personnel and assets.
The operational judgement of the Defence Forces acting under Government direction applies. As such it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
117. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Ireland's preparedness for a significant cyber-attack on Department of Defence offices and institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71464/25]
View answerIn terms of cyber security at national level, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has the lead role with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), an operational arm of that Department, is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in the State.
The main roles of the NCSC are to lead in the management of major cyber security incidents across government, provide guidance and advice to citizens and businesses on major cyber security incidents, and develop strong international relationships in the global cyber security community for the purposes of information sharing.
The NCSC encompasses the State's National/Governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE). CSIRT-IE is an internationally accredited response team with its main function being the enhancement of situational awareness for constituents and for the provision of incident response for national cyber security incidents. CSIRT-IE has initially focused on the State sector and acts as a national point of contact for all cyber security matters concerning Ireland.
I can inform the deputy that my Department places a high priority on cyber security and fully cooperates and takes guidance from the NCSC. My Department actively participates in the Government Cyber Security Coordination & Response (GovCORE) network, facilitating information sharing and best practice exchange with other public sector bodies.
My Department’s core IT infrastructure is provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the 'Build to Share Managed Desktop' shared service.
My Department, working with the OGCIO, implements a multi layered defence-in-depth security strategy which is achieved through the effective combination of People, Processes, and Technology to support the implementation of appropriate security measures and provisions. This defence-in-depth security strategy includes the implementation of an extensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) comprising of many security policies and controls, which is aligned and certified to the industry security standard ISO 27001:2022 to address risks from cyber security attacks. These security controls ensure that a consistent and effective approach is adhered to in the management of cyber security threats and incidents.
In the context of the Defence Forces, the Report on the Commission on Defence Forces recommended, and the Government accepted, that the Defence Forces need to be capable of delivering military operations in the cyber domain. To develop this capability, the Defence Forces have established a Joint Cyber Defence Command. This new Command will be capable of conducting the full-spectrum of cyber defence operations at home and overseas, to enhance national cyber defence resilience and contingent capabilities.
From an operational and security perspective, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific details of measures taken in relation to cyber security.
118. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Defence the number of new students enrolled in the Army college in 2025; and the course they enrolled in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72044/25]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces has conducted a total of 89 training courses, which were delivered to 1813 personnel, across the various schools within the Military College during 2025. This is broken down as follows:
|
School |
Student No. |
|
Artillery School |
76 |
|
Command & Staff School |
71 |
|
Cadet School |
312 |
|
Cavalry School |
98 |
|
Defence Forces Physical Education School (DFPES) |
135 |
|
Infantry School |
473 |
|
Military Administration School |
449 |
|
United Nations Training School Ireland (UNTSI) |
199 |
The primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable the Defence Forces to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. It is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications, which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I am committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
119. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence the current operational naval capacity available to monitor and secure Ireland’s maritime area, including patrol days, vessel availability and staffing levels, in order to protect critical national infrastructure at sea; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71898/25]
View answerThe Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). These four vessels consist of three P60 class vessels as well as the L.É. Aoibhinn (P71) with all four vessels conducting patrols on a rotation basis. The Naval Service have completed 521 patrol days this year up to the end of November 2025, which exceeds the total patrol days completed in 2024. In addition to at sea monitoring, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
The strength of the Naval Service as of 31 October 2025, the latest date for which data is available, is 784 WTE.
120. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on the development of an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Curragh; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71623/25]
View answerI am informed that, as part of the implementation of the White Paper on Defence, a formal feasibility study was carried out to establish the viability, or otherwise, of developing an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training. The study was concluded in February 2021. It found that the concept of an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training could be viable and made recommendations on potential future development.
The Commission on the Defence Forces Report recommended the development of a National Defence Academy and an Apprentice School to support a future tech-enabled force. That recommendation is currently the subject of Further Evaluation. This indicates that further evaluation with key stakeholders is required in terms of the resource, policy, financial and legislative implications before a decision on implementation can be considered. The feasibility study previously carried out will inform this process with regard to the proposed Institute. I am informed that this further evaluation is progressing and is expected to be completed in the near future.
