Written Answers Nos. 121-140
121. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Defence the assessments undertaken of Defence Forces protocols for securing airspace, following the recent drone incident near a Naval Service vessel during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71852/25]
View answer151. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence her views on the reported drone sightings in north Dublin during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Ireland; and the measures in place to detect, deter and disable unauthorised drone activity during high profile visits from international dignitaries. [71840/25]
View answer155. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Defence to provide details of the drone threat identified on the day of President Zelenskyy’s visit; the way in which her Department plans to combat future incursions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72031/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 151 and 155 together.
A widely reported incident occurred on Monday, 1st December, regarding drones operating in the vicinity of a Naval Service vessel in the Irish sea. Notwithstanding some suggestions, at no stage was the flight of President Zelensky compromised and the security operation, led by An Garda Síochána was successfully deployed through multiple means ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit to Ireland by President Zelensky. As previously mentioned, I would ask Deputies to reflect that ongoing speculation in respect of this incident is neither accurate nor helpful to our reputation.
I have been fully briefed in my capacity as Minister for Defence as part of the National Security Committee on the initial findings and I am reassured that both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána have and are examining this matter extensively.
One of my key priorities as Minister is to ensure that Defence Forces capabilities are maintained, developed and enhanced so that the organisation can meet all Government-assigned roles, including those that may arise as a result of drone incursions. The Defence Forces’ work in this space aligns with broader national security planning.
In this context, work is well underway on the Military Radar Programme, which is a significant capability enhancement. Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with elements of this capability being rolled out in phases, from 2026, two years ahead of the scheduled delivery for the full suite of Radar capability.
122. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence if she will outline her proposals to remove the Triple Lock neutrality protection; when she intends to bring forward a Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72048/25]
View answer137. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if she plans to introduce legislation on the triple lock; if so, when she intends to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71836/25]
View answer145. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence in the context of Government plans to introduce legislation on the triple lock; the particular deployments or type of deployments of the Defence Forces that she believes she is precluded from making under the current legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71837/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 137 and 145 together.
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 landscape over 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.
123. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the protective measures in place in the event of a drone attack being launched in Irish air space by another state or third party; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71849/25]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to ensuring that the State remains well protected against evolving security challenges, including the misuse of drones. Ireland’s arrangements in this area are grounded in a whole-of-Government approach, led by the competent authorities and supported, where appropriate, by the Defence Forces.
As the Deputy will be aware, primary responsibility for national security rests with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice. The Defence Forces, in line with long-standing Government policy, provide specialist support to An Garda Síochána under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) mechanism when specific capabilities are required. This framework allows for a coordinated and proportionate response to drone-related risks, including those posed by malicious actors or disruptive third parties.
I would emphasise that the relevant security agencies continuously assess threats and maintain established arrangements for responding to unauthorised drone activity. These matters are also considered regularly at senior level, including through the National Security Committee.
Strengthening Defence Forces capability is a key priority for this Government. Work is progressing at pace on the Military Radar Programme, which represents the most significant enhancement of our surveillance and airspace awareness capabilities in the history of the State. A dedicated civil-military team is advancing all three elements of the programme: long-range primary radar, ground-based air defence including Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), and maritime radar. Elements of this capability will begin phased roll-out from 2026, ahead of the timeline for full programme delivery.
In addition, the Office of Emergency Planning within my Department manages the National Risk Assessment on a three-year cycle. In the most recent assessment, the disruptive use of drones was formally identified for the first time as a national-level risk. The Department of Transport is the designated lead for this risk, and my Department will engage closely with them and with other stakeholders to assist in their preparedness.
124. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the specific measures taken to accelerate the delivery of C-UAS systems in order that the systems are in place and operational in advance of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union which begins in July 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72008/25]
View answerWith 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.
125. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence when it is expected that the tribunal examining the complaints process in relation to sexual abuse and discrimination in the Defence Forces will complete its work. [71604/25]
View answerFollowing the passing of resolutions in Dail Éireann and Seanad Éireann, the Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry was established by Statutory Instrument (S.I. 304 of 2024), on 20 June 2024.
The Tribunal of Inquiry will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Tribunal will also investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
The Terms of Reference provide that the Tribunal shall endeavour to complete its work within a three-year timeframe.
The Tribunal is entirely independent in its functions and information in relation to the work of the Tribunal can be found on its website at www.toidf.ie.
126. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Defence the way in which coordination between the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the Irish Aviation Authority is being strengthened to manage drone activity in Irish airspace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71851/25]
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.
127. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence her views on the issue of pension entitlements for personnel who joined the Defence Forces after 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72047/25]
View answerDefence Forces superannuation arrangements differ in a number of key respects to the wider public service. Distinct features include lower mandatory retirement ages or upper service limits, earlier ages with entitlement to immediate pension benefit, and atypical faster rates of benefit accrual. These all serve to support military manpower policy and operational requirements
The specific occupational pension scheme terms of members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) depend on various factors but primarily on the date a person first joins the public service. They fall mainly into the following three distinct categories:
• those who joined the PDF before April 2004;
• those who joined on or after 1st April 2004 and before 1st January 2013; and
• those who join on or after 1st January 2013 as members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
The Single Public Service Pension Scheme (single scheme) is a statutory public service career-average defined benefit pension scheme, established on 1 January 2013 under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The single scheme was established to place publicly funded retirement benefits on a more sustainable footing in the context of longer life expectancies.
All new entrants to the public service, including members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), who are hired after 1 January 2013 are members of this single scheme.
Members of the PDF, firefighters, members of An Garda Síochána and prison officers are categorised as members of the uniformed accrual cohort of single scheme members. These uniformed grades have certain enhanced benefits that other members of the single scheme do not have, in recognition of their earlier retirement age, such as early payment of scheme benefits. This enables them to accrue more single scheme benefits over expected shorter public service careers in these roles.
Once members of the uniformed accrual cohort reach their normal retirement age as provided for in section 26 of the 2012 Act, they can retire at that age and receive their occupational retirement benefits accrued at a higher rate, including their retirement lump-sum and pension benefit payments.
These benefit payments are separate from, and in addition to, any future entitlement that they may have to the State contributory pension, which is administered by the Department of Social Protection.
While members of the Defence Forces and other uniformed accrual members have mandatory retirement ages lower than the State pension contributory retirement age, they are able to work in other employment in the intervening period while fully accessing their single-scheme pension benefits, subject to abatement, where applicable, if within the public service.
In 2024, in recognition of changing demographics and a desire for each member of the fast-accrual category to continue working for longer, the Government enacted Part 11 of the Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) 2024. The legislation allows for an increase in the mandatory retirement age for uniformed staff to 62 years for those who choose to avail of it.
The legislative change also allows uniformed members of the single scheme to continue accruing referrable amounts towards their occupational pensions for the additional years now worked. These members will continue accruing pension benefits on a fast-accrual basis up to the age of 60.
An issue that is occasionally raised by the single scheme uniformed members is access to a supplementary pension, which exists in pre-existing public service pension schemes. However, supplementary pensions have never been a feature of the single scheme, nor is it envisaged that they will be. The wider context, which the Deputy can appreciate, is to try to have some sustainability in the overall pension system, which has been well flagged by many external and independent experts.
Military occupational pension (superannuation) schemes operate within the broader context and framework of public service pension policy, as determined by Government. The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform has responsibility for public service pension policy. Amendments or improvements to Defence Forces pensions schemes or pension levels, in particular any changes in relation to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (fast accrual for the uniformed branches) can only be made by consultation with, and subject to the approval of, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform.
128. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on the work of the new office of veteran affairs. [71601/25]
View answerAt the outset, I wish to recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel. As a reflection of the deep respect the Government has for our Veterans, the Office of Veterans Affairs was formally established on 10th November 2025.
The intention of the Office is to engage within Government on matters pertaining to veterans. This will have a particular focus on the development of supports for veterans as a group and involve consulting other Government Departments who may be able to contribute to enhancing veterans’ access to benefits. The OVA will play a key role going forward in coordinating matters relating to veterans and understanding the veteran community.
The primary areas of responsibility for the office will be on partnership with the Veterans Associations, advocacy on behalf of veterans as a group, research into the issues affecting veterans and consideration of the issues involved in drafting a Veterans Policy.
The Office will continue to facilitate financial support by way of annual subvention provided by the Department of Defence through ongoing engagement with two recognised Veterans Associations, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Associations (IUNVA). Under the Service Level Agreements, the subvention currently stands at €173,000 to ONE and €40,000 to IUNVA per annum.
Dormant Accounts funding is also made available to assist both ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects. To date, €1,100,000 in funding has been allotted to the Veterans Associations and further funding will continue to be made available in 2026. I recently had the pleasure of opening a new Veteran Training Centre for IUNVA which was funded in part by Dormant Account Funding and will ensure that Veterans can continue to train and connect after they leave active service.
129. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if her Department is committed to the aims and objectives of the new European Union instrument-the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71602/25]
View answerSAFE (Security Action for Europe) is an EU instrument designed to provide Member States with up to €150 billion of loans backed by the EU budget to provide financial assistance to Member States to support their urgent public investments in defence industrial production, aiming to increase production capacity, improve the availability of defence products and address capability gaps.
In terms of the funding mechanism a decision was taken in conjunction with the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation not to draw down funding via the loan mechanism at this time, but we will continue to engage constructively on the SAFE instrument.
I see significant value in the SAFE Regulation as an instrument to enhance the capabilities of Member States. Where appropriate, the Department of Defence will leverage the joint procurement opportunities offered under the SAFE Regulation to progress delivery of our capability requirements. By procuring jointly, we can achieve lower prices than we could alone. In addition, we won’t be competing against other Member States for limited resources.
130. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Defence Ireland’s current naval capabilities to police and protect the State’s territorial waters; the way in which the State would respond to any incursion into Irish airspace; and the specific measures the Government has in place to counteract hybrid warfare. [66630/25]
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 vessels routinely carry out monitoring and surveillance of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron also carry out aerial surveillance of the Irish EEZ using C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
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.
In relation to air defence capability, the current Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) radar and missile systems are approaching obsolescence and, as a result, the development of a new ground based air defence system, including Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) elements, is a key objective of the overall Military Radar Programme. In line with the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations, this will be compatible with and integrated into the Recognised Air Picture (RAP). The required GBAD capability will need to be deployable, scalable and fully interoperable to protect against any potential air threats.
Good progress is being made across all elements. 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.
It is anticipated that delivery of the C-UAS capability will be available for use by the Defence Forces, if needed, as part of the comprehensive security arrangements to be put in place during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
131. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence the investment, which is planned in Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71620/25]
View answerWork is ongoing on a new Dining Facility which will be completed in 2026 at a cost of €5.6M. This will replace the catering infrastructure currently used by Defence Forces military and civilian staff and includes a kitchen, front of house dining facilities and co-located ration storage.
The Deputy may wish to know that, to date, the following capital projects have been also completed in Aiken Barracks:
• Aikens Barracks Heating Certification
• Aikens Barracks, New EV Charging points/Enabling works
In general, infrastructure priorities are determined at Brigade-level and agreed between the Defence Forces and my Department on the basis of locally identified need with consideration also given to requirements established at a national level. In order to further progress development of Defence Forces infrastructure more quickly and to increase economies of scale, it is planned to develop a series of masterplans for each installation to future-proof for 20-30 years. This approach will identify from the outset the infrastructure requirements in line with capability development for each installation with an associated prioritisation of projects and a phased timeline for delivery. These plans will dovetail with developments identified under the current IDP, and will also layout requirements for the years from 2027 onwards.
132. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence when she expects to sign the Defence regulation in order to allow the Director of Military Prosecutions to once again be a member of a representative association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71656/25]
View answerThe Director of Military Prosecutions (DMP) is statutory position, provided for in the Defence Acts, and clearly distinguishable from other posts, at the rank of Colonel. Defence Force Regulation (DFR) 02/2020, provides that the holder of the post of Director of Military Prosecutions (DMP) cannot be a member of a Representative Association.
The Department is progressing the amendment to the Regulations to remove the prohibition of membership of RACO for the Director of Military Prosecutions with a view to having this matter resolved as soon as practicable.
133. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Defence the progression of the plans to re-enforce Ireland's defence mechanisms, particularly with reference to our preparations for the EU Council Presidency in 2026. [70593/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, 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.
134. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Defence the person that indemnifies Defence Forces chaplains when they deploy overseas, if they are not considered members of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71649/25]
View answerI want to start by acknowledging the excellent work undertaken by our Chaplains. I am in no doubt about the importance of their work in providing pastoral care and maintaining the morale of members of the Permanent Defence Force, especially under difficult and testing conditions when serving abroad.
While Irish Defence Forces Military Chaplains are not armed and they do not perform any operational duties of any kind whether based in the state or overseas, when deployed on active service, including overseas, they are considered persons accompanying the Defence Forces in an official capacity and are subject to military law under the provisions of Section 119d of the Defence Act.
The State Claims Agency is responsible for the State Indemnity Scheme and accordingly I have sought clarification from that Agency on the matter of Military Chaplains and will duly advise the Deputy on the response when received.
I wish to advise the Deputy that officials from my Department are currently considering policy matters around the future status and appointment of Chaplains, on foot of a 2023 WRC Ruling which determined that the current appointment process of Military Chaplains is discriminatory on religious grounds. Policy options on the future status of Chaplains will also consider the request from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers' (RACO) to represent Chaplains in the future.
The contributions and sacrifices made by Military Chaplains over the years is widely recognised and appreciated by myself and my colleagues in Government, as well as within the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence and I look forward, in due course, to examining policy proposals from officials on the status and appointment of Chaplains, in light of the 2023 ruling from the WRC.
135. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Naval Service personnel at year end in 2023 and 2024, and the current position; and her plans to step up recruitment in the coming period, specifically referring to recruitment targets. [71893/25]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Naval Service, as at 31 October 2025, the latest date such figures are available, stood at 784 personnel. This represents a nine percent increase on the total of 719 personnel recorded at the end of 2024 and an eight percent increase on the total of 725 personnel recorded at the end of 2023.
The recruitment and retention challenges in the Naval Service are well- documented and to address these a wide range of recruitment and retention initiatives have been introduced. These include an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 for Direct Entry Officer specialists; an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62; a doubling of the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance after 10 days; the extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit for a further 5 years; the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January of this year, subject to certain exemptions; and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force. There has also been significant progress on pay with the most recent increase awarded in August of this year.
Recruitment is presently ongoing via a wide range of pathways including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and eight Naval Service specific direct entry competitions. Interest in a career in the Naval Service Applications has grown significantly with the total number of applications received in 2025 as of the 31 October (2591) exceeding by more than 600 the total received for all of 2024 (1917) and by 948 of the total received in 2023 (1643).
Recruitment to date for 2025 has been correspondingly robust with 156 inductions to the Naval Service achieved as of 31 October.
In addition, significant growth in specialist recruitment has been achieved. As of the 31 October there have been 19 Direct Entry inductions into vital specialist roles in the Naval Service- the highest since the commencement of Direct entry competitions.
Whilst some challenges undoubtedly remain, significant progress has been made with regard to the Naval Service and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector coupled with the ongoing initiatives I have outlined here, is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
136. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the plans in place for the residential units in the Curragh Camp; if she is aware that some of them are semi-derelict; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71622/25]
View answerIn terms of the existing Defence Forces residential housing stock in the Curragh Camp of one hundred and four (104) residential units, sixty-three (63) residential properties are uninhabitable. None of these properties can be brought up to a habitable standard without significant work, and many were built prior to the introduction of building regulations. As such, considerable work is needed to bring them up to modern standards.
It was in this context that consultants were commissioned to assess the condition of the Defence Forces vacant housing stock and its suitability for conversion/refurbishment to provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Forces personnel. The consultant's final report on recommendations for which properties are suitable for refurbishment as accommodation was presented and accepted by my predecessor. My officials have engaged with the Defence Forces to have these projects included into the existing infrastructure development plan. It is intended to begin the procurement phase for this refurbishment programme in 2026.
Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 122.
138. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence the procurement plans for new naval and air assets; the timelines envisaged for their delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72015/25]
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 Level of Ambition 2 objectives.
In relation to the maritime domain, 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.
My Department is preparing a long-term Capability Development Programme which will identify and cost, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040 across all domains of operation.
I expect to receive in the coming weeks a Regeneration Plan for the Naval Service to address the challenges they faced in recent years from the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
On receipt of the Regeneration Plan and the Capability Development Programme 2028 to 2040, which I intend to bring to Government in the first half of 2026. In finalising these plans I intend to ensure that the Government can 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 that is expected shortly.
Other projects being progressed include the replacement of secondary armament across the fleet, the provision of 4 motor launches for the Naval Service Reserve, provision for the mid-life upgrade of the four P60 class Offshore Patrol Vessels along with enhanced sub-sea awareness and radar capabilities.
Earlier this year Government announced a new major contract with Thales DMS France for the provision of towed sonar capability. The sonar will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security. Another project has commenced that aims to provide the Air Corps with the capability to detect, localise, identify, and track sub-surface objects. 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.
Radar capabilities for the Naval Service are being progressed as part of a wider programme of work regarding military radar. A project team comprising senior civil and military personnel has been established to progress three elements to the Military Radar Programme, namely 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.
In the air domain, capital investment in aircraft continues with the placing of the following contracts in recent years: two new Airbus C-295 in Maritime Patrol Aircraft delivered in 2023; one new Airbus C-295 in a Military Transport configuration delivered in October 2025; one new Dassault Falcon 6X Strategic Reach Aircraft due for delivery today and four Airbus H145M Light Utility Multi-Role Helicopters, with these aircraft in production for phased delivery in 2027 and 2028.
The Air Corps fleet includes eight Pilatus PC-9M aircraft which entered service in 2004. The replacement of these aircraft is being considered as part of the capability development planning process along with the Super-Medium Helicopter Fleet Replacement Project.
139. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on Ireland’s air defence capability; if it remains the policy of her Department to pursue the establishment of an Irish Air Force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72037/25]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, 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.
In relation to air defence capability, the development of a new ground based air defence system, including Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) elements, is a key objective of the overall Military Radar Programme. In line with the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations, this will be compatible with and integrated into the Recognised Air Picture (RAP). The required air defence capability will need to be deployable, scalable and fully interoperable to protect against any potential air threats.
Good progress is being made across all elements. 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..
It is anticipated that delivery of the C-UAS capability will be available for use by the Defence Forces, if needed, as part of the comprehensive security arrangements to be put in place during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
In terms of the policy of my Department to pursue the establishment of an Irish Air Force, the Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
In relation to the Air Corps and the Naval Service, the Commission on the Defence Forces stated "Given the importance of service parity, the names of both should change to the Air Force and the Navy respectively." As part of the legislation on Command and Control (C2), it is proposed to change the name of the Air Corps to the Air Force.
The Commission on the Defence Forces also recommended "The Chief of Defence to initiate an immediate force design process assisted by external experts with access to international military expertise, and to include a detailed force design process."
The Defence Forces have established three Force Design teams within the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps and an overarching strategic force design office has also been established to look at the design of a Strategic HQ.
On completion of the force design work by the Defence Forces, the Chief of Staff will submit a report on Force Design to me for review. This is complicated and challenging work which we need to get right to ensure that we design a modern force which is fit for purpose for future generations.
140. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on her preparations for the security dimensions of the EU presidency. [72049/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, 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.
