Written Answers Nos. 430-452
430. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel inducted into the Permanent Defence Force; and the number remaining in service at six months, 12 months and 24 months after induction, by Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. [75306/25]
View answer431. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruits who commenced initial recruit training, the number who completed training, the number who did not complete, and the reason categories recorded for non-completion, by service in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. [75307/25]
View answer432. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who left the Permanent Defence Force within 12 months of completing initial recruit training; the median length of service at exit; and the reason categories recorded in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. [75308/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 430 to 432, inclusive, together.
The tables below provide the information and relevant data requested by the Deputy.
In Table 1, the military authorities have outlined the number of personnel inducted into the Permanent Defence Force, the median length of service at exit, and the number remaining in service at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after induction, by Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in each of the years from 2020 to 2025 (as of 30 November 2025). It should be noted that there was no separate GSR competition in place for the Air Corps until November 2022.
In Table 2, the military authorities have provided the requested information regarding the number of recruits into the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) from 2020 to 2025* (as of 30 November 25) who commenced initial recruit training, the number who completed training and the number who did not complete training, by service.
In Table 3, the military authorities have provided the requested information concerning the number of recruits to the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) from 2020 to 2025* (as of 30 November 25) who did not complete recruit training and an accompanying breakdown of the general reasons for non-completion.
The average turnover rate for General Service recruits who do not complete training has been averaged in and around 30% over the last number of years which is not out of line with other militaries internationally. Recruits fail to complete their training for a variety of reasons. The realities of military life and the training requirements are not always suitable for some recruits or in line with their expectations of the role. In any position where there is a training period prior to appointment there will always be fall off at different stages of the process.
Table 1: The number of personnel inducted into the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) from 2020 to 2025* (as of 30 November 25) and the number remaining in service at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after induction, by branch.
|
- |
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
PDF total |
|
No. of Recruits Inducted in 2020 |
314 |
60 |
N/A |
374 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 6 Months in 2020 |
196 |
47 |
N/A |
243 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 12 Months in 2020 |
189 |
44 |
N/A |
233 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 24 Months in 2020 |
170 |
36 |
N/A |
206 |
|
No. of Recruits Inducted in 2021 |
377 |
65 |
N/A |
442 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 6 Months in 2021 |
232 |
49 |
N/A |
281 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 12 Months in 2021 |
224 |
41 |
N/A |
265 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 24 Months in 2021 |
207 |
35 |
N/A |
242 |
|
No. of Recruits Inducted in 2022 |
329 |
21 |
N/A |
350 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 6 Months in 2022 |
204 |
15 |
N/A |
219 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 12 Months in 2022 |
199 |
12 |
N/A |
211 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 24 Months in 2022 |
191 |
11 |
N/A |
202 |
|
No. of Recruits Inducted in 2023 |
244 |
57 |
10 |
311 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 6 Months in 2023 |
154 |
52 |
10 |
216 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 12 Months in 2023 |
148 |
50 |
10 |
208 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 24 Months in 2023 |
142 |
45 |
7 |
194 |
|
No. of Recruits Inducted in 2024 |
451 |
80 |
46 |
577 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 6 Months in 2024 |
321 |
71 |
39 |
431 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 12 Months in 2024 |
302 |
68 |
38 |
408 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 24 Months in 2024 |
296 |
66 |
35 |
397 |
|
No. of Recruits Inducted in 2025* |
403 |
123 |
60 |
586 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 6 Months in 2025* |
275 |
121 |
54 |
450 |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 12 Months in 2025* |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
No. of Recruits Serving after 24 Months in 2025* |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Table 2: The number of recruits into the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) from 2020 to 2025* (as of 30 November 25) who commenced initial recruit training, the number who completed training and the number who did not complete training, by branch.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
Total No. of Recruits who commenced training |
374 |
442 |
350 |
311 |
577 |
586 |
|
Total No. of Recruits who did not complete training |
153 |
163 |
132 |
96 |
128 |
153 |
|
Total No. of Recruits who completed training |
221 |
279 |
218 |
215 |
449 |
433 |
Table 3: The number of recruits into the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) from 2020 to 2025* (as of 30 November 25) who did not complete recruit training as categorised by reason.
|
REASON |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025* |
|
As a Result of a Sentence of Discharge from the DF |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
|
AT HIS/HER OWN REQUEST |
- |
1 |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
|
DETERMINATION OF SERVICE BY THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
DISCHARGE BY PURCHASE |
150 |
160 |
131 |
90 |
123 |
145 |
|
NOT HAVING BEEN FINALLY APPROVED |
3 |
1 |
|
4 |
3 |
3 |
|
HAVING BEEN IMPROPERLY ENLISTED/ATTESTED/REENLISTED |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
|
NOT BEING LIKELY TO BECOME EFFICIENT |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2 |
5 |
|
TOTAL |
153 |
163 |
132 |
96 |
128 |
153 |
433. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the authorised establishment strength and the actual strength of the Permanent Defence Forces at year-end for each year from 2020 to 2025 inclusive; and the total number of inductions and total exits in each year. [75309/25]
View answerThe military authorities advise that as of the 30 November 2025, the latest date for which the requested figures are available for, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,715 personnel. The table below provides figures for the establishment, whole time equivalent (WTE) strength, inductions and discharges by year from 2020 to 30 November 2025.
|
Year |
Establishment Strength |
Strength (WTE) |
Inductions |
Discharges |
|
2020 |
9,500 |
8,568 |
538 |
641 |
|
2021 |
9,500 |
8,456 |
576 |
686 |
|
2022 |
9,500 |
7,966 |
435 |
891 |
|
2023 |
9,589 |
7,550 |
415 |
755 |
|
2024 |
9,600 |
7,557 |
708 |
674 |
|
2025* |
9,739 |
7,715 |
734 |
552 |
* as at 30 November 2025
The Defence Forces advise that the current data system for tracking personnel in the Defence Forces is not intended for data analytics and the system is reliant on manual input. This can lead to timing issues as the manual input of inductions and discharges can roll over from month to month.
434. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the current retention strategy for the Permanent Defence Forces; the specific retention targets set by her Department; the key performance indicators used to measure retention; and the most recent results available against those indicators. [75310/25]
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.
One of the key indicators of progress is a reduction in attrition rates. In this regard, significant work has been undertaken over the past five years to transform the Defence Forces and I am pleased to say is having a tangible impact with the stabilisation of overall staffing levels in the Defence Forces.
An encouraging indicator of this stabilisation, has been a reduction in the turnover rate from 10 percent per annum in recent years and up to end 2024, to just under 8 percent for last year.
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.
435. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if uniforms or equipment have not been issued to some new recruits to the Army due to the fact that their commanders do not have funds available to purchase them; if, for a ceremony for recruits to get their second bar/stripe they had to return uniforms as their own were not available; and if it is the case, that some recruits were sent home for four weeks as the funds were not available. [75315/25]
View answerThere is no funding issue that prevents the provision of uniforms to Defence Forces recruits, who are prioritised for the provision of clothing in the Defence Forces.
While it may be the case, in some instances, that a particular size is not available, the item of clothing is provided as soon as possible or an alternate size is provided in the interim.
For some ceremonies, particular items of uniform are pooled, e.g. Service Dress Greatcoats. These are issued temporarily and returned after the ceremonial event.
The Vote for Defence Forces Pay is sufficient to ensure that all new recruits are fully paid. There are no circumstances in which recruits are ever sent home for four-week periods for reasons of a funding shortfall. On attestation, Defence Forces recruits are processed for the payroll and, once processed, by Payroll Shared Services Centre (PSSC) they receive pay on the designated pay dates for enlisted personnel.
436. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence if a matter (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1010/26]
View answerThe promotion system for RDF Officers has been amended to enable the convening of a national authority for RDF promotion competitions, a practice that mirrors PDF officer promotion competitions.
The military authorities have advised that delays in the Captain to Commandant promotion competition occurred due to the nature of Reserve service and candidate availability, allied with the substantial number of candidates presenting, which resulted in the board proceedings being of a longer duration than that which would routinely apply in a PDF context.
However, on 18 December 2025, all candidates of the most recent promotion competition were notified of the outcome and a total of 30 officers (2 Naval Service Reserve officers and 28 Army Reserve officers), were promoted with effect from 17 December 2025.
The filling of these and other positions continues to be recognised as an essential enabler in the continuing RDF revitalisation process.
437. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Defence her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1184/26]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that a review of the matter referred to by the Deputy has been undertaken.
This record shows that individual was awarded a service medal, complete with a 21 year service bar, on the 15th May 2007.
The military authorities have further advised that it is not possible to confirm if this medal was physically presented at that time but, should the individual wish to receive a replacement medal, they may apply for a replacement medal using the form at the following link.
438. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of 16 December 2025, the mean wait time for security clearance to be granted to reservists in the Defence Forces for each of the years 2021 to 2025, inclusive; and the number of applications for security clearances for reservists in each of those years. [1210/26]
View answerIt has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.
|
|
|
Naval Service Reserve – Security Vetting Processing Times |
|
Year |
Total Vetting Applications submitted to N2 |
Average weight time for a decision security decision |
|
2023 |
22 |
5 weeks |
|
2024 |
32 |
7 weeks |
|
2025 |
28 |
6 weeks |
|
|
RDF Vetting Applications |
Average time |
|
2021 |
Not available |
Not recorded |
|
2022 |
27 |
Not recorded |
|
2023 |
34 |
Not recorded |
|
2024 |
200 |
12 weeks |
|
2025 |
165 |
10 weeks |
439. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Defence the coordinates of the LÉ William Butler Yeats which was reported to have been off the coast of Dublin Bay on 1 December 2025, when President Zelenskyy arrived in Ireland for his first official State visit to Ireland (details supplied). [1251/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that it is not appropriate for me to comment on operational decisions and security matters.
440. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Defence the reason the LÉ William Butler Yeats was unable to pick up an unidentified vessel on its radar (details supplied). [1252/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that it is not appropriate for me to comment on operational decisions and security matters.
441. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Defence the time at which the authorities in Dublin were informed of the presence of the presence of the unidentified vessel on 1 December 2025 [1253/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that it is not appropriate for me to comment on operational decisions and security matters.
442. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Defence the position of the Air Corps with regard to operational capability; if they can operate 24/7; if not, if they are operating a restricted service; and if there are sufficient air traffic controllers. [1254/26]
View answerFollowing an operational decision taken by the military authorities earlier this year to restrict operational flight activity at Casement Aerodrome, a number of immediate steps were taken by the Government to allow for the restoration of full operational activities.
In parallel with a number of HR initiatives, notably the introduction of a new Service Commitment scheme aimed at ATC personnel, my Department has entered into a contract with an external service provider to provide Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) services at the Aerodrome. The contract put in place, with the agreement of the military authorities, is aimed at ensuring a level of operational capacity on an 24 hour basis and assisting the Air Corps in restoring their own internal capacity to return to full Air Traffic Control service as soon as possible. I am advised that the military authorities are in active discussions with the regulatory authorities in relation to aspects of operational activities affecting some of the fixed wing platforms under FISO conditions. At this juncture, for operational and security reasons it would be appropriate for me to comment further.
As Minister for Defence, I will continue to address target recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces and the allocation by this government of an unprecedented level of expenditure to the Defence sector coupled with the suite of measures currently in train is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
443. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Defence the plans in place for an increase in Air Corps capacity (details supplied). [1255/26]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence under the National Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million (announced 23rd July in the National Development Plan) or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion. This significant increase reflects the Government’s commitment to continue to increase investment in our Defence Forces. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are actively reviewing all strategic equipment and infrastructural priorities to align with the revised 2026-2030 multi-annual capital allocations. The revised allocation will enable targeted progression on key elements of government commitments within Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
In that respect, the civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the CoDF to implement a top down Capability Development Planning Process, is preparing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify at a high level, the Capability requirements for the Defence Forces in terms of equipment out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review. This will be in line with the capital allocation under the National Development Plan.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended that under LOA 3 "As part of a national Air Defence Plan, the Air Corps would develop an air combat and intercept capability through the acquisition of a squadron of jet combat aircraft, allied to the development of associated operational, infrastructure and support arrangements. In response to that recommendation, Government agreed that this recommendation would revert to Government at a later stage. This was in recognition that any proposed move to Level of Ambition 3 could only be considered in the context of a step up, in the first instance, to Level of Ambition 2. As such the current focus is the delivery of Level of Ambition 2 capabilities and detailed planning for the development of jet capability has not commenced.
In terms of LOA 2 capabilities for the Air Corps, a number of projects are currently being progressed under the Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programmes. The Air Corps took delivery of a third Airbus C-295 aircraft (in Military Transport specification) in October 2025; and a contract was also awarded in 2024 for the provision of four Airbus H145M light-utility multi-role helicopters, which are in production for phased delivery in 2027 and 2028. In addition to these procurements, further rotary wing capability will be the subject of a future procurement process beginning in the near term.
Also related to LOA 2 for the Air Corps is the Military Radar Programme which was established in response to the recommendation for the establishment of a Recognised Air Picture for Ireland. This Programme, which is made up of Long Range Primary Radar, Ground Based Air Defence Systems and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar is of significant importance and has been prioritised. Work is ongoing and good progress is being made.
444. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Defence if Air Corps helicopters are capable of night-time operation and surveillance; and if PC12s are capable of night-time reconnaissance. [1256/26]
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 in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements, as assigned by Government.
Air Corps rotary and fixed-wing aircraft ara capable of night-time operations, including surveillance missions, should the operational need arise.
446. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Defence if the possibility of recruiting marine engineers from fishing boats or commissioning some of the larger fishing vessels for defence will be considered as an interim measure. [1259/26]
View answerMarine Engineering Officers are recruited for the Permanent Defence Force by means of either a Naval Service Cadetships and/or the Direct Entry Marine Engineering Officer competition. All candidates are entitled to apply for any of these competitions so long as they meet the entry requirements as set down in the terms and conditions. It is anticipated that the 2026 Cadetship competitions will launch during Q1 of this year.
At present recruitment to the Naval Service remains ongoing through a range of pathways including General Service Recruitment and Direct Entry competitions. Last year saw significant increases in the numbers of applications for careers in and inductions to the Naval Service. In the case of the latter, 162 inductions were achieved to the end of November which represents an increase of 65 or 67% on the total achieved for all of 2024.
In relation to the matter of using fishing vessels, the Naval Service is not presently considering the use of fishing vessels for defence as an interim measure. The focus of the Naval Service is returning the current fleet to full operational capability as soon as possible. These efforts will ensure that the current and future fleet are fitted with the required capabilities and equipment to deliver Maritime Defence and Security of the State.
447. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence in relation to the drones that were reportedly sighted on the evening of 1 December (details supplied) if there is any footage of these drones; and if so, if the footage will be publicly released. [1579/26]
View answerThere is currently on ongoing An Garda Siochana (AGS) investigation into this incident. The Defence Forces are cooperating fully with this investigation and all matters of an evidentiary nature will be provided to the AGS. It would not be appropriate to release any such evidentiary matters into the public domain.
448. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence in relation to the drones that were reportedly sighted on the evening of 1 December, when the Minister became aware of these drones; and the reason an organisation (details supplied), was not informed about the presence of these drones. [1582/26]
View answerI was informed by the Chief of Staff of the incident on the 02 December. The matter was reported by the Defence Forces to An Garda Siochana in the early hours of 02 December. The Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana remained in contact throughout the VIP visit. As this is an ongoing matter with An Garda Siochana, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
449. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Defence the date on which a supplementary estimate or supplementary estimates was sought in respect of her Department’s Vote for each of the past ten years, and to the date in 2026; the gross and net amount involved in each case; and the Vote subheads to which each supplementary estimate related. [1789/26]
View answerThe table below sets out the type, date, gross/net amount and applicable Vote subheads to all supplementary estimates sought in respect of Vote 35 (Army Pensions) & Vote 36 (Defence) over the 2016-2025 timeframe.
|
Vote 35 – Army Pensions |
Date sought |
Gross Amount (€,000) |
Net Amount (€,000) |
Subhead(s) |
|
Supplementary Estimate |
November, 2016 |
11,195 |
11,000 |
A.2 & A.3 |
|
Supplementary Estimate |
November, 2017 |
11,260 |
10,700 |
A.2 & A.3 |
|
Supplementary Estimate |
October, 2018 |
4,697 |
3,500 |
A.2 |
|
Supplementary Estimate |
October, 2019 |
2,650 |
1,900 |
A.2 |
|
Supplementary Estimate |
November, 2022 |
9,495 |
9,324* |
A.2 & A.3 |
*€7,224m of the net additional requirement of €9,324m sought in the Supplementary Estimate requirement of 2022 related to costs arising from Building Momentum Agreement as extended for which funding had not been included. Excluding the impact of Building Momentum extension, an additional net amount of €2.1m was required for payment of statutory pension entitlements where the amount provided in the original Estimate was insufficient for what transpired during the course of the year.
Expenditure under Vote 35 predominantly relates to payment of statutory Defence Forces pension entitlements, and is therefore essentially demand-driven and non-discretionary.
|
Vote 36-Defence |
Date |
Gross Amount € |
Net Amount € |
Subhead(s) |
|
Supplementary Estimate |
November, 2016 |
- |
1,000* |
A.3 , A.7 & A.11 |
|
Supplementary Estimate |
November, 2025 |
24,100,000 |
19,000,000 |
A.3, A.8, A.21 & A.26. |
* this technical supplementary estimate represented by reference to a token figure of €1,000 was required to facilitate payments under the Naval Vessels Replacement Programme and involved the transfer of pay savings of €28 million towards the capital costs applicable to the acquisition of a fourth naval vessel under the Naval Vessel Replacement Programme.
450. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Defence the value of expenditure originally allocated in the Estimates to specific programmes or staffing measures that could not be spent as planned within the year for each of the past five years; and whether such underspends were surrendered, carried forward or reallocated to other areas within the Vote. [1810/26]
View answerThe Defence Vote Group comprises of two Votes, Vote 35 (Army Pensions) & Vote 36 (Defence). Both Votes shared one common programme over this period, i.e., “To provide for the military defence of the State, contribute to national and international peace and security and fulfil all other roles assigned by Government”.
The tables below set out the gross expenditure originally allocated to both Vote 35 and Vote 36, the spend over the relevant years, the unspent allocation, surplus Appropriations-in-Aid (A-in-A) and the net amount surrendered to the Exchequer.
The ‘Net Exchequer Surrender’ figure represents the final amount left unspent at year-end, after adhering to various Public Financial Procedures rules and directions from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. It includes any surplus A-in-A receipts (which, under Government accounting rules, must be surrendered to the Exchequer).
|
Year |
V35 Gross Allocation €m |
V35 Gross Outturn €m |
Unspent Allocation €m |
Surplus A-in-A’s €m |
Net Exchequer Surrender €m |
|
2021 |
262.7 |
259.9 |
2.8 |
- |
2.8 |
|
2022 |
279.9 |
278.4 |
1.5 |
- |
1.5 |
|
2023 |
294.4 |
291.0 |
3.4 |
- |
3.4 |
|
2024 |
317.0 |
304.3 |
12.7 |
- |
12.7 |
|
2025* |
329.3 |
308.3 |
21.0 |
- |
21.0 |
*provisional.
|
Year |
V36 Gross Allocation €m |
V36 Gross Outturn €m |
Unspent Allocation €m |
Surplus A-in-A’s* €m |
Net Exchequer Surrender €m |
|
2021 |
809.8 |
786.4 |
23.4 NOTE |
6.1 |
29.5 |
|
2022 |
836.4 |
835.9 |
0.5 |
9.4 |
9.9 |
|
2023 |
915.4 |
906.4 |
9.0 |
9.1 |
18.1 |
|
2024 |
932.7 |
931.9 |
0.8 |
8.2 |
9.0 |
|
2025** |
1,039.4 |
1,038.8 |
0.6 |
2.8 |
3.4 |
NOTE : In 2021, €23.4 million of the unspent allocation on the Defence Vote related to exceptional circumstances in 2021, arising from the impact of Covid.
* Surplus A-in-A’s arise from receipts in excess of what was provided for in the Vote Allocation in any given year (e.g. on the Defence Vote, the UN makes payments on the basis of available resources, which are dependent on the payment of contributions by Member States. Associated reimbursements are received in arrears as A-in-A's). Under Public Accounting Procedures surplus A-in-A's, encompassing receipts such as these, cannot be used as additional expenditure and must be surrendered to the Exchequer. UN Receipts along with receipts from additional superannuation contributions on Public Service Remuneration typically account for the bulk of A-in-A's on the Defence Vote. Details of surplus A-in-A's are also published in the Appropriation Account.
** Provisional.
In 2025, my Department had a record provisional spend of almost €1.039 billion on the Defence Vote returning 0.6m only before the addition of A-in-A’s. This represents final expenditure of over 99.9% of the budget allocation and is the first time spending on the Defence Vote has exceeded one billion euro.
This level of spending was €107 million (12%) higher than in 2024 and included capital expenditure of €234 million, a €46 million (25%) increase on 2024.
These figures clearly show that my department has prudently managed growing levels of Voted spending within overarching financial and government accounting frameworks and, in line with Defence organisational ambitions, will continue to do so over the coming years.
451. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding any product or service purchased from Israel or the occupied territories by her Department in 2025, broken down by description and amount paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1977/26]
View answerThe ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 has made it clear that all States must abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the occupied Palestinian territory that may entrench its unlawful presence there. Since the ICJ advisory opinion, my Department has included provisions in its tender documentation regarding the right to reject offers from third countries, which includes Israel, on defence and security grounds, in line with the Commission guidance on the procurement of defensive equipment under Directive 2009/18/EU. There have been no new contracts awarded to Israeli companies since before that date.
I am advised that there were no payments made in 2025 by the Defence Forces to Israeli companies in respect of existing contracts.
I am also advised that no goods or services have been purchased from companies registered in the State of Palestine in 2025, and there are no companies registered on my Department's financial systems as being based in the occupied Palestinian territory.
452. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department, or any body under its aegis, has funded, or is funding, other than where legal costs were awarded against the employer by a court or tribunal, the legal costs of any current or concluded litigation taken by an employee or former employee against that Department or body, in each of the past five years; if so, to provide details of the number of such cases, the bodies involved, and the total costs incurred in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2017/26]
View answer453. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence the basis on which her Department, or a body under its aegis, may fund the legal costs of an employee or former employee in litigation where that employee is in dispute with, or taking proceedings against, the same body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2035/26]
View answer454. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence whether the funding of employee legal costs in disputes against her Department, or a body under its aegis, is standard practice; if not, the circumstances in which such funding may be permitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2053/26]
View answer455. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence to outline the guidance, codes, circulars or directions that govern the payment of legal costs by her Department, and bodies under its aegis, in employment-related disputes, including any requirements under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies or Departmental sanction arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2071/26]
View answer456. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence whether the funding of employee legal costs in litigation against the employing body could give rise to governance, accountability, or value for money concerns; whether her Department has issued any guidance in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2089/26]
View answer457. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department has reviewed, or intends to review, the practice of Departments, and bodies under their aegis, funding legal costs in employment disputes involving those same bodies; and if so, the outcome or timeline for such a review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2107/26]
View answer458. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence whether arrangements to fund legal costs in employment disputes involving her Department, or bodies under its aegis, require the prior approval of her Department or the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2125/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 452 to 458, inclusive, together.
Given the closely related nature of these questions, it is appropriate to address them in a single, comprehensive response.
My Department's Litigation Branch manages and coordinates litigation claims and, in doing so, works closely with both the State Claims Agency (SCA) and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO).
The Deputy will be aware that all claims for personal injuries taken by current and former members of the Defence Forces have been delegated to the SCA. The SCA manages and provides legal representation in relation to personal injury cases taken against the Minister for Defence. External legal costs incurred by the SCA arising from the defence of any claims managed by the Agency for my Department are refunded to the Agency by the Department.
Employment Law matters taken against the Minister for Defence are managed on my behalf by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. The CSSO is responsible for the costs of the State's legal teams in the litigation cases that it manages on behalf of the Department.
The Department of Defence does not fund ab initio the taking of any legal action by a plaintiff.
However, in terms of plaintiff's costs, the Department of Defence will pay such legal costs if ordered by the Court or if costs are agreed between the parties in pre-trial settlement negotiations. In the absence of any agreement on costs between the parties, the issue can be sent for determination by the Court Service's Office of the Legal Costs Adjudicators.
The Department of Defence has a delegated sanction to approve settlement amounts to a certain threshold in employment law cases, above which specific written authorisation from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is required in advance.
The Department of Defence is required to ensure that Value for Money is obtained from available resources as outlined in the Public Spending Code, and to comply fully with the provisions set out in the Code. The Public Spending Code is the comprehensive set of expenditure appraisal, Value for Money requirements and related guidance covering all public expenditure.
In terms of any possible settlement in a litigation case, the Department seeks to engage with litigants on a case by case basis, where appropriate and subject to the receipt of appropriate professional legal advice, to determine if proceedings can be brought to conclusion without the need to proceed to a full and costly contested trial in every instance, with the attendant implications for public funds.
The table below sets out plaintiff legal costs paid by the Department for cases managed by the CSSO for the period 2021 to 2025 inclusive.
|
Year |
Plaintiff Legal Costs |
|
2021 |
€453,169.54 |
|
2022 |
€191,489.55 |
|
2023 |
€84,483.60 |
|
2024 |
€621,846.20 |
|
2025 |
€1,045,536.23 |
In respect of the costs arising from the settlement of cases, my Department is in daily contact with both the SCA and CSSO regarding the active management of litigation cases, with a focus on achieving the most equitable outcomes and the minimisation of costs wherever possible.
Any costs incurred within the litigation process are closely monitored and are subject to review, oversight, internal auditing and regular reporting within the Department and additionally to oversight by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The table below sets out the number of cases managed by the CSSO that were settled for the period 2021 to 2025 inclusive.
|
Year |
No. of cases settled |
|
2021 |
6 |
|
2022 |
2 |
|
2023 |
17 |
|
2024 |
14 |
|
2025 |
11 |
