Written Answers Nos. 141-157
141. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken by her Department to ensure the protection of critical subsea infrastructure such as the Celtic Interconnector; if she is satisfied that the current operational strength of the Naval Service is sufficient to deter or respond to such threats; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72038/25]
View answerThe Defence Forces routinely carry out monitoring and surveillance of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft. 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.
It is clear that protecting critical undersea infrastructure requires collaboration within the State as well as collaboration with other European states to provide a broader understanding of what is occurring in the greater maritime space. This means that Government Departments and agencies, infrastructure operators, the Defence Forces, the private sector and academia all have a part to play. Safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure requires a multifaceted approach with a wide variation of parties involved.
To that end, my Department has taken the lead in the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy following identification of maritime security as a priority in last year’s Defence Policy Review. This strategy is being developed in consultation with national and international stakeholders. I anticipate that this new strategy will provide a roadmap over the next five years to safeguard Ireland’s sovereign maritime interests, ensure safe and secure seas and support international legal order in the maritime domain. I intend to bring this strategy to Government next year.
142. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Defence if she has considered altering height requirements with regard to enlistment eligibility for the Defence Forces. [72039/25]
View answerI am informed by the Defence Forces that candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These Regulations provide for a minimum height requirement for enlistment for both male and female candidates of 157.48cm.
The determination of a minimum height standard for enlistment in the Defence Forces is based on the requirement that all members can meet the physical demands of military training and operations thereafter, with service Personal Load Carrying Equipment, whether they are at home or overseas.
While there are no plans at present to alter the height requirements for enlistment, the conditions for entry to and for service in the Defence Forces, including the methodology used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation, health and safety and the development of best practices.
143. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Ireland's preparedness for a significant drone attack on airports or any other significant capital infrastructure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71463/25]
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.
144. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence her views on whether much of the Defence Forces housing stock is badly in need of repair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71651/25]
View answerThere is currently an extensive programme of investment in accommodation for serving Defence Forces personnel across all military installations. Since the launch of the Infrastructure Development Plan in January 2020, numerous accommodation projects, at a combined cost of approximately €49.7m, have been completed and provided 775 beds.
In terms of the Defence Forces residential housing stock, there are currently three (3) properties which are vacant and require a medium level of refurbishment. A further eighty (80) residential properties are uninhabitable and 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. My officials are 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. 145 answered with Question No. 122.
146. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the additional defence funding allocated under the revised National Development Plan that will be provided for Collins Barracks, Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71838/25]
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, the Personnel Support Services Resource Centre, the Infrastructure and Utilities Office and several ablution areas within Collins Barracks Cork have benefitted from recent upgrades. In addition, an accommodation upgrade is also underway in Block 1, Collins Barracks while a refurbishment of the Security Duty Centre and the development of a new Garaging Facility in Collins Barracks are currently at a design stage.
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.
147. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence the progress being made to update the Army Pensions Act 1937 following the case of a person (details supplied) who has been refused an Army pension following the death of their son in Lebanon; if interim solutions are being considered for the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71890/25]
View answerThe Army Pensions Acts 1923-1980 constitutes a military occupational injuries code which operates separately from, but in addition to, the Defence Forces retirement benefit (superannuation) provisions.
The Acts primarily provide for disability pensions, and other allowances and gratuities, and they further allow for the award of a Dependent’s Allowance to the widow, children and other dependants of any member of the Defence Forces killed in the course of duty.
The issue in the specific case you refer to relates to a request to transfer a dependant’s allowance previously awarded to a dependant (now deceased) to their spouse; it is not related to a refusal of an Army pension.
There is no scope under the existing legislation for a transfer or grant of this particular type of allowance to another person on the death of the original recipient of the allowance; it can only be granted to a specified person for their lifetime.
A comprehensive review of the legislative provisions and the relevant circumstances of this case has been carried out. Following on from recently received legal advice, a potential administrative solution has been identified and pending approval of that, my officials will make direct contact with the person in question. My officials will also update the Deputy directly at that point.
Any amendment to the legislation could have potential implications for Defence Forces’ pensions in the first instance, and for pension schemes across the wider public sector. It is important to highlight that any changes to military pension scheme terms and conditions, including for dependant’s benefits, cannot be made by my Department in isolation and would be subject to consultation with, and the approval of, the Minister for Public Expenditure National Development Plan and Reform. On this basis there are no immediate plans to amend the existing Army Pensions legislation.
148. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to ensure retention of staff in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72035/25]
View answerI would like to assure the Deputy that attracting and retaining talented individuals and encouraging them to stay and enjoy a fruitful career in the Defence Forces is a priority. Significant work has been undertaken over the past five years to transform the Defence Forces and 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.
149. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence the investment planned for enhancing Ireland’s cybers-security capabilities within the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72014/25]
View answerFollowing the establishment of the Joint Cyber Defence Command (JCDC), a Defence Forces Cyber-Defence Strategy 2024 to 2027 was published last year. This Strategy sets out a comprehensive road map to ensure that the Defence Forces achieve operational capability in this new domain.
To give effect to this Strategy, the assignment of 19 Defence Forces specialist posts has been approved for this unit. This includes the assignment of a Brigadier General to the role. My Department is engaging with the Public Appointments Service to recruit 10 civilian cyber specialists who will be embedded in this new Cyber Unit, it is intended that such posts will be filled as soon as possible. To that end, recruitment campaigns are under way to fill these roles with an initial focus on roles related to cyber threat intelligence and cyber resilience.
I am satisfied that from a Defence perspective we are developing a positive trajectory to ensure that the new Cyber Command Unit is well positioned to meet the ambitious targets set out in the Cyber Strategy.
150. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence the military equipment that has been transferred from the Irish Defence Forces to the Ukraine Armed Forces and government of Ukraine over the duration of the war since the invasion by Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71891/25]
View answerWhile Ireland may be militarily neutral, we are not politically neutral and together with our EU partners, Ireland has been resolute in our response to Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and morally reprehensible war against Ukraine.
I, and the rest of the Government are committed to working with our European and Ukrainian counterparts to maintain our solidarity with Ukraine and to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself against brutal Russian aggression.
Through our Military Representatives and Officials based in Brussels, my Department is kept informed of Ukraine’s support needs on an ongoing basis and actively explores ways in which Ireland can continue provide non-lethal support, including through the donation of equipment.
To date, the military equipment donated has included :
200 units of body armour delivered in March 2022
2 large de-mining vehicles (DOKING Mine Flails) in February 2023
65 vehicles delivered in June 2024 and September 2025 which included a Fire Truck, ambulances, trucks and minivans.
5 mobile radar defence systems (Giraffes) plus an additional 2 for spare parts delivered in June 2025
3 Demining Robots (Reachers) delivered in September 2025
All equipment donated to date has had no impact on the operational capacity of the Defence Forces and were otherwise exiting from service.
The Defence Forces are continually examining all potential opportunities to donate further equipment and vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 121.
152. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken to create additional accommodation for military personnel in Collins Barracks, Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71839/25]
View answerAt present, construction is ongoing for the refurbishment of Block 1 Officer/NCO Accommodation. This project is to provide 25 bedrooms for those personnel based in Collins Barracks in the newly refurbished Block. It is expected to be completed in mid-2026.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the new Accommodation Block for 41 personnel was completed in 2024 increasing the supply of single living-in (SLI) accommodation for enlisted personnel stationed in Collins Barracks
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.
153. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on the Defence Force's existing capabilities for detecting, assessing and responding to unauthorised drone activity within the State; and whether current resources, equipment and training are adequate given the increasing prevalence of unmanned aerial systems. [71841/25]
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.
154. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Defence the number of naval vessels that can currently be put to sea simultaneously; and the number required under Level of Ambition 2. [71895/25]
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.
Level of Ambition (LOA) 2 as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) Report, includes a recommendation for an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacements, to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 121.
156. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence her plans to meet with the Defence Forces representative associations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71655/25]
View answerI intend to meet with the Defence Force Representative associations 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, 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 and RACOs 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.
157. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on planned investment in the Defence Forces facilities in Cork, including Collins Barracks; if any upgrades, refurbishments, or expansions are scheduled to support personnel stationed in the Cork region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71887/25]
View answerThe Deputy will be pleased to hear that the following projects are currently underway in Cork:
• Haulbowline New Storage Facility for 76mm Gun System
• Haulbowline Block 9 (office) refurbishment
• Haulbowline Modular Accommodaton - (50 beds)
• Fort Davis New Storage Facility
• Collins Barracks Refurbishment of Block 1(accommodation)
• Collins Barracks Refurbishment of Security Duty Centre
The Deputy may also wish to note that the following key infrastructure development projects are in the procurement pipeline and/or design stage :
• Bere island New sewage treatment facility & water main
• Kilworth Waste Water Treatment Plant
• Haulbowline Waste Water Treatment Plant
• Collins Barracks Garaging
• Haulbowline Dredging (of harbour basin)
• Haulbowline Remediation of ISPAT site
• Haulbowline Old Comms Building Fire Repair & Upgrade
• Haulbowline Cadets Mess - internal alterations and refurb
• Haulbowline New Gym at Old Tank Building
• Haulbowline ISPAT Site Development - New Entrance / Security Access
• Haulbowline Additional berthage - West Wall, Graving Dock
• Haulbowline Main Workshops Dockyard
• Haulbowline ISPAT Site Development
• Haulbowline Additional berthage and associated works
• Haulbowline Block 6 – Accommodation.
• Haulbowline Block 10 – Office Accommodation
