Wednesday, 4 Mar 2026

Air Services

Questions (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

21. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total cost to the State of the procurement of the Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft, including the purchase price, all ancillary costs associated with the transaction, delivery costs, any taxes applicable, crew training costs, modification or fit-out costs, ongoing maintenance contract costs, hangarage and infrastructure costs, and any other expenditure associated with the acquisition of this aircraft; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17553/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

22. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the procurement process followed in the acquisition of the Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft; whether an open competitive tender process was conducted; if not, the legal basis under which the procurement was conducted without competitive tender; whether a value for money assessment was conducted and by whom; whether the Office of Government Procurement was involved in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17554/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

23. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the projected annual operating cost of the Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft including fuel, crew salaries, maintenance, insurance, and all ancillary costs; how this compares to the annual operating cost of the aircraft it replaces or supplements in the Air Corps fleet; the primary operational purpose for which the aircraft was procured; whether this procurement was identified in the Commission on the Defence Forces report as a priority capability requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17555/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

24. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the decision to procure the Dassault Falcon 6X was subject to approval by the Government; the date on which such approval was granted; whether any independent military assessment was conducted concluding this aircraft type best met the operational requirements of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17556/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

25. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Government considers the passenger capacity of 14 persons on the Dassault Falcon 6X to be operationally appropriate for the stated defence and security purposes for which the aircraft was procured; whether a needs assessment was conducted that identified a requirement for an aircraft of this specific passenger configuration; whether alternative aircraft with greater passenger or cargo capacity were considered during the procurement process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17561/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

26. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence to outline in full the operational requirements criteria that were established prior to the procurement of the Dassault Falcon 6X; who authored these criteria; whether the criteria were drafted by uniformed Defence Forces personnel, civilian Department staff, or external consultants; whether the criteria were reviewed and approved by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces prior to the procurement decision being made; whether the 14-person passenger capacity was specifically identified as meeting a stated military or defence operational requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17562/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

28. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence to explain to the Dáil the operational defence justification for the procurement of an aircraft with a 14-person passenger capacity at a time when the Naval Service cannot fully crew its existing fleet, reservists are reportedly purchasing their own equipment, and the Department's own National Maritime Security Strategy 2026-2030 acknowledges critical gaps in maritime surveillance capability; and whether she considers this procurement to represent the correct prioritisation of scarce defence capital. [17564/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

29. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the operational requirements criteria that led to the procurement of the Dassault Falcon 6X have been published or are available under Freedom of Information; whether any alternative aircraft types were assessed against these criteria and if so, which types were considered and the reasons they were rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17565/26]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

30. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the 14-person passenger capacity of the Dassault Falcon 6X represents a reduction, increase, or equivalence relative to the passenger capacity of the aircraft it replaces or supplements in the Air Corps fleet; whether this capacity was identified as a specific operational requirement by the Defence Forces Chief of Staff; whether any scenario planning was conducted to assess whether a 14-seat configuration would be adequate for Defence Forces evacuation, humanitarian, or operational deployment missions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17566/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30 together.

My 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. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.

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.

Ongoing planning for the acquisition of military equipment is conducted through the utilisation of the Defence Equipment Development Plan, which is a rolling plan, considered through joint civil-military co-operation, and provides a consolidated, structured basis for ongoing investment in military equipment to develop and maintain necessary capabilities. This work is progressed under the guidance of the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces, which was published in February 2026, the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) and the updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

In relation to the air domain and specifically strategic reach, the CoDF recommended the following: “Enhancement of the Air Corps’ fleet with the addition of a fixed wing aircraft with strategic reach capability”.

The Dassault Falcon 6X is a next generation strategic reach aircraft which will enhance the State’s transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities, with a range of over 5000 nautical miles meaning it can reach the west coast of the United States without the need to refuel. The aircraft replaces the Learjet 45 operated by the Air Corps for over 20 years, which seated 7 passengers, as opposed to the 14 passengers which the Falcon 6X can carry.

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

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

In 2023/ 2024 an open competition with multiple bidders was conducted under the procedures as set out in the Defence and Security Directive 81/2009/EC, and in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. Following this a contract was awarded to Dassault Aviation S.A., a French company, for the provision of the Falcon 6X strategic reach aircraft.

A Civil Military Project Team comprising Officials from my Department and the Air Corps delivered this project, with legal support being provided by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.

The award of the contract followed a robust analysis of the options that met the identified capability requirement, as specified by the Public Spending Code. This analysis considered operational requirements, including seating. The new aircraft will provide the independent and flexible strategic reach air transport service which is an increasingly essential requirement to assist the Government in meeting its national and international obligations.

The commercial information of unsuccessful tenderers is protected both by public procurement law and the Freedom of Information Act, and I am not in a position to disclose such information.

Operational costs concerning the operation of the strategic reach aircraft is publicly available on the Department's website, where it is updated on a monthly basis: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e8132-routinely-published-information/#ministerial-air-transport-service-mats.

The total cost of the Falcon 6X aircraft procurement was just below €53 million excluding VAT. The delivery of the Dassault Falcon 6X strategic reach aircraft represents a significant enhancement of the State’s transport, airlift and medical capabilities, and is further evidence of the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

In addition to the acquisition of the Falcon 6X strategic reach aircraft, capital investment in aircraft has included in recent years; two new Airbus C-295W Maritime Patrol Aircraft delivered in 2023; one new Airbus C-295M in Military Transport configuration delivered in October 2025; and four Airbus H145M Light Utility Multi-Role Helicopters, with these aircraft in production for phased delivery in 2027 and 2028.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.

Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 21.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 21.

Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 21.

Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 21.

Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 21.

Air Services

Questions (27)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

27. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the primary operational role of the Dassault Falcon 6X is ministerial and government transport, VIP transport, Defence Forces operational transport, maritime patrol, or a combination thereof; what proportion of projected annual flight hours are allocated to each role; whether a dedicated ministerial or government transport aircraft of this specification represents an appropriate use of the Defence Forces capital budget given the acknowledged capability gaps in maritime patrol, surveillance, and personnel equipment identified in the Commission on the Defence Forces report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17563/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.

The Dassault Falcon 6X is a next generation aircraft which will enhance the State’s transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities. It provides the State with an independent and flexible air transport service, which is an increasingly essential requirement to assist the Government in meeting Ireland’s national and international obligations.

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. This aircraft was delivered in October 2025.

• Four Airbus H145M Light Utility Multi-Role Helicopters. These aircraft are in production with phased delivery planned in 2027 and 2028.

Specifically concerning the procurement of future Air Corps assets, the rolling Equipment Development Plan (EDP) encompasses a programme of sustained equipment procurement/acquisition across the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the new Strategic Framework and the recently updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

This is part of the ambitious programme of work to move to Level of Ambition 2 ( LOA2) and will ensure that the Air Corps and the wider Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment required to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.

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 or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion.

I am satisfied that the ongoing programme of prioritised sustained investment in upgrading and enhancing Air Corps capabilities will ensure that the Defence Forces continue to be suitably equipped to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.

Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 21.

Question No. 29 answered with Question No. 21.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 21.

Defence Forces

Questions (31)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

31. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence to provide a full itemised list of all aircraft, naval vessels, armoured vehicles, weapons systems, surveillance equipment, communications systems, and all other capital military equipment procured or contracted for procurement by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces since the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in February 2022; the cost of each item; the branch of the Defence Forces for which each item was procured; whether each item was identified as a priority in the commission's report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17567/26]

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Following the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, the Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’.

More generally, in July 2025 the Government approved the National Development Plan (2026-2030). As per the capital allocation under the NDP, the capital budget for Defence will rise from €1.1 billion under the previous NDP to €1.7billion, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State.

This level of capital funding will allow a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the recommendations approved by Government within the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.

I am unable to disclose an itemised list of all equipment purchased since the publication of the CODF report for security and operational reasons. However, a broad range of capital investment programmes/projects have been progressed over this timeframe, including, inter alia-

• The delivery of two new Airbus C-295W Maritime Patrol Aircraft in 2023, with another C-295 transport variant delivered in 2025;

• The delivery of a new strategic reach aircraft

• The delivery of two Inshore Patrol Vessels bought from the New Zealand Navy in 2023

• The renewal of the Defence Forces transport fleet;

• The investment in force protection measures;

• The upgrade of the Defence Forces secure communications infrastructure.

• Contracts have been awarded for 4 new light utility helicopters.

• The investment in next generation software defined radio systems.

• The mid life refit of the Armoured Personnel Carrier Fleet.

• Contract awarded for Towed Sonar capability for the Naval Service.

• Progress on the Military Radar Programme which is being rolled out on a phased basis, starting this year with the counter-drone technology.

I have recently published a new Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces and an Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces. Since the launch of the Detailed Implementation Plan in November 2023, considerable progress has been made, with 54 of the Commission’s recommendations completed as of 31 December 2025.

I attach for your information summaries of expenditure on major equipment projects as published in the Appropriation accounts for 2022, 2023 & 2024. The 2025 Appropriation Account is expected to be published later this year.

In addition, my Department routinely publishes details of Purchase Orders for goods and services valued at more than €20,000, on foot of a previous Programme for Government commitment and in accordance with the FOI Model Publication Scheme & Guidance published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This Scheme requires the Department to publish as much information as possible in an open and accessible manner on a routine basis, and financial information, procurement information and the FOI Disclosure Log is published on the Department's website in this regard.

Purchase Order reports up to and including Quarter 1 2026 are published on the Department of Defence website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-defence/collections/purchase-orders-over-20000/. I am advised that a small number of Purchase Orders are excluded from the published list for security and operational reasons.

If the Deputy would like further information on any of the items mentioned above my Department’s Procurement and Acquisitions Branch will be happy to assist.

Defence Forces

Questions (32)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

32. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence to provide a breakdown of the total capital equipment budget of the Defence Forces in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025; the proportion spent on naval vessels, aircraft, land systems, cyber and communications, and other categories respectively; the number of procurement projects currently at each stage of the project lifecycle as referenced in the National Maritime Security Strategy 2026-2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17568/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

Defence Vote spending is managed through a single programme with all operational outputs delivered from a single set of forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. All related capability development spending decisions are facilitated by robust internal planning frameworks on an iterative, priority basis.

Within these organisational structures, Defence Forces’ expenditure on capital equipment across Capability Development (Major Equipment Acquisitions) and Other (including IT) categories over the period from 2022 to 2025 inclusive is as outlined in the table below.

Capital Expenditure Category	2022 €m	2023 €m	2024 €m	2025 €m
Capability Development	93.9	134.8	114.1	152.4
Other	28.8	37.2	29.8	28.4
Overall	122.7	172.0	143.9	180.8

The Action Plan for the National Maritime Security Strategy 2026–2030, identified 41 actions to be completed over the lifetime of the strategy. These included some specific capability development actions relating to the initial roll out of the Military Radar Programme beginning in Q2, 2026, achieving operational capability of the towed sonar capability in 2027, and commencing on planning for the sonobuoy capability for the Air Corps by end of Q1, 2026.

Further capability projects supporting increased maritime security will be developed over the course of the strategy.

Naval Service

Questions (33)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

33. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the current status of the Naval Service fleet, specifying each vessel by name, class, age, current operational status, and whether it is currently seaworthy and crewed to full complement; the number of sea days recorded by the Naval Service in each of the years 2019 to 2025 inclusive; how this compares to any target sea days figure recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces or set by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17569/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight commissioned vessels. These eight vessels consist of two P50 class large patrol vessels, four P60 class offshore patrol vessels, and two P70 inshore patrol vessels. There are four vessels available for operations on a rotation basis. This rotation takes account of maintenance, crew training and rest periods.

The table below details the current status of the eight commissioned Naval Service vessels:

Name	Class	Age	Current status
LÉ Roisin (P51)	Large Patrol Vessel	27	In Operational Reserve
LÉ Niamh (P52)	Large Patrol Vessel	25	In Operational Reserve
LÉ Samuel Beckett (P 61)	Offshore Patrol Vessel	12	Operational
LÉ James Joyce (P 62)	Offshore Patrol Vessel	11	Operational
LÉ William Butler Yeats (P 63)	Offshore Patrol Vessel	10	Operational
LÉ George Bernard Shaw (P64)	Offshore Patrol Vessel	7	Operational
LÉ Aoibhinn (P 71)	Inshore Patrol Vessel	17	Operational
LÉ Gobnait (P 72)	Inshore Patrol Vessel	17	Undergoing National fitout prior to entering service during 2026.

The LE Roisin and LE Niamh are currently in operational reserve as a result of previously acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, in particular for specialist positions. As these vessels are not currently operational they are not crewed to full complement.

The LÉ Gobnait (P72) is nearing completion of necessary works prior to being brought into operational service during 2026.

Challenges with ships to sea has been well documented in recent years. During 2025 we have seen the benefit of a number of initiatives which have been introduced in recent years, such as the doubling of patrol duty allowance payable. As a result of these initiatives we have seen the number of patrol days completed by the Naval Service in 2025 increase by over 35% on the outputs from 2024.

The table below outlines the number of patrol days completed by the Naval Service in each of the years from 2019 - 2025:

Year	Completed Patrol Days
2019	1061
2020	1007
2021	832
2022	790
2023	520
2024	428
2025	580

The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces recommended that smart metrics for patrol days should be developed and agreed between the Naval Service and the SFPA focused on quality and effectiveness of enforcement activities rather than quantity. I can confirm that these Smart Metrics have been introduced and Naval Service outputs are reported to the SFPA on a regular basis.

Air Corps

Questions (34)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

34. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the current status of the Air Corps fleet, specifying each aircraft by type, age, current operational status, and primary assigned role; the total flying hours recorded by the Air Corps in each of the years 2019 to 2025 inclusive; whether any aircraft type currently operated by the Air Corps has been identified for replacement and if so the timeline and estimated cost of that replacement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17578/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

I wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.

I refer to your recent Parliamentary Question on Tuesday, 04 March 2026 requestingthe current status of the Air Corps fleet, specifying each aircraft by type, age, current operational status, and primary assigned role; the total flying hours recorded by the Air Corps in each of the years 2019 to 2025 inclusive; whether any aircraft type currently operated by the Air Corps has been identified for replacement and if so the timeline and estimated cost of that replacement.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service is maintained and further enhanced. Equipment priorities for the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes. There has been significant investment in recent years in the air domain.

Currently the Air Corps have twenty eight (28) aircraft in service comprised of eighteen (18) fixed wing and ten (10) rotary wing aircraft. Further information regarding their type, age, current operational status, primary assigned role and any proposed replacement is detailed below;

Fixed Wing (18)

• Two (2) Airbus C-295 (MPA) Maritime Patrol Aircraft which entered service in 2024. These aircraft are equipped for Maritime Surveillance, Search and Rescue, Logistics (Cargo/Personnel/VIP), Special Operations Forces Operations, MEDEVAC/CASEVAC/Air Ambulance roles and Utility roles.

• One (1) Airbus C-295 (MTA) Military Transport Aircraft which was delivered in October 2025. and provides a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft enables the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role.

• One (1) Learjet 45, which entered service in 2004. The aircraft is no longer in operational use.

• Four (4) Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which entered service in 2020. Their primary function is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), they also function in air ambulance and transport roles as required.

• One (1) De Havilland Twin Otter which entered service in 2025. This aircraft is operated in conjunction with An Garda Síochána as a Garda Air Support Unit aircraft.

• One (1) Dassault Falcon 6 X a mid-sized jet aircraft, which entered into operational service in March 2026. It provides State transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities

• Eight (8) Pilatus PC-9M aircraft which entered service in 2004. Their primary function is pilot training.

The replacement of the Pilatus PC-9M fleet is included in the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan 2026 - 2030, in which capital funding of €1.7 billion was allocated to Defence for the period 2026-2030.

Rotary Wing (10)

• Six (6) Augusta Westland AW139 aircraft. The AW 139s entered service in 2006 and their primary functions are as army/naval support and air ambulance including the Emergency Aeromedical Service. These aircraft can also function in the roles of aerial fire-fighting, cargo-slinging and transport.

The replacement of the AW139 fleet with a fleet of eight (8) Super-Medium Helicopters was recommended by the Commission on Defence Forces and is included in recently updated Detailed Implementation Plan and work on this project is ongoing with planned completion post 2028.

• Two (2) Eurocopter EC135P2 aircraft which entered service in 2005. Their primary functions are helicopter pilot training and army support, they may also function in the roles of air ambulance and transport as required.

These aircraft have been identified for replacement. In December 2024 a €91.7 million contract for four H145Ms was awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK with phased delivery expected to begin in Q1 2027. The H145Ms will be equipped to satisfy a wide range of missions including maritime security missions, utility missions, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and light attack missions. As well as enhancing the Defence Forces current ISTAR capabilities the aircraft will provide broader support across the Defence Forces training and operations.

• Two (2) Eurocopter EC135T2. These aircraft entered service in 2003 and are operated in conjunction with An Garda Síochána as a Garda Air Support Unit aircraft.

An Garda Síochána have contracted to replace these aircraft with (2) Airbus H145 aircraft which are scheduled to go in to service in 2026.

The total flying hours recorded by the Air Corps in each of the years 2019 to 2025 inclusive is set out in the table below

YEAR	Total Flying Hours
2019	4082Hrs 31mins
2020	6561Hrs 47mins
2021	6213Hrs 14mins
2022	5412Hrs 34mins
2023	4980Hrs 52mins
2024	4507Hrs 13mins
2025	6104Hrs 17mins

Departmental Contracts

Questions (35)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

35. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total value of defence equipment procurement contracts awarded since February 2022 broken down by country of origin of the supplier; whether any preference was given to Irish suppliers or EU suppliers in the procurement process; the value of defence contracts awarded to Irish-based companies in each year since 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17579/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

The detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available within the time frame sought. The information is being compiled by my officials and I will arrange to have it forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (36)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

36. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the current status of the primary radar programme and subsea domain awareness programme referenced in the National Maritime Security Strategy 2026-2030; the total projected cost of each programme; the timeline for delivery of initial operational capability in each case; whether these programmes were subject to competitive tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17580/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

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

Amongst its recommendations on capability development, the CODF recommended the development of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’, and that this should be an immediate and top priority. This is being progressed under the Military Radar Programme. There are three elements to this Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.

This programme of work is ongoing and very good progress has been made. Towards the end of last year, the Preliminary Business Case for the Military Radar Programme was approved. This concluded that a Government-level approach with one country was the preferred option and, in line with this approach, my Department has commenced detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of all capability requirements under the Programme.

Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 identified in the updated CODF Detailed Implementation Plan which I recently published. That being said, elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting this year with a particular focus on Counter-UAS capabilities, with a view to full delivery being achieved by the end of 2028.

With regards to the Subsea domain awareness programme, monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain requires a multifaceted approach with different capabilities working in coordination to firstly detect an undersea threat, localise it, classify it and even track it as it moves through the water.

Consequently, a multi-phase programme has been approved with projects at different stages of delivery. These projects will deliver new capabilities to be used with our existing assets. Additionally, there is a long-term Capability Development programme of work currently underway which will plan required capabilities, in line with defence policy to 2040. This overall capability development planning approach will see new capabilities becoming available in the short, medium, and long term.

A major contract with Thales DMS France for the provision of towed sonar capability was announced in 2025. This towed sonar capability project is phase one of the multi-phase programme. The sonar, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security.

Phase two will result in a new Air Corps capability which can be used to detect, localise, identify, and track objects in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This capability will be used in conjunction with the new towed sonar capability planned for delivery in 2027, and also with existing Air Corps assets. Planning for phase two is ongoing and therefore delivery of initial operational capability is not yet defined.

These significant investments in sonar capability will provide state-of-the-art systems, which will enable them to build a picture of our subsea, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service, Air Corps and the wider Defence Forces.

As development of these capabilities, as outlined above, are intelligence gathering capabilities, further details related to their acquisition must remain confidential. However, I can confirm that all procurement activities are conducted in accordance with EU Directives on Defence Procurement.

Defence Forces

Questions (37)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

37. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence to provide a full breakdown of the Defence Vote for the most recent available financial year, specifying the total amount spent by the Department of Defence as a civilian administrative body including staff costs, consultancy, accommodation, travel, information technology systems, and all other administrative expenditure; the total amount spent directly on the Defence Forces including pay, equipment, training, fuel, ammunition, and all operational expenditure; the ratio this represents between administrative and operational spending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17581/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

Overall provisional expenditure on Vote 36 (Defence) for 2025 was 1.039 billion. Of this, €995 million (96%) related to Programme costs, with €44 million (4%) attributable to the Administrative Costs of the Vote.

Overall current expenditure pay costs of €551 million in 2025 comprised of €519 million in Programme Pay costs and €32 million in Administrative Pay costs.

Non-pay programme expenditure of €254 million, included €242 million in programme costs for essential and ongoing Defence Forces standing and operational costs, along with administrative non-pay costs of €12 million.

Record capital investment of €234 million in 2025, comprised almost entirely of Programme expenditure and provided for the necessary procurement and upgrading of defensive equipment and infrastructure.

Programme funding also provided funding towards Civil Defence and a grant towards the Irish Red Cross Society in 2025.

All aspects of 2025 spending will be subject to scrutiny and audit by the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor-General, in line with the relevant statutory guidelines and timelines.

Defence Forces

Questions (38)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

38. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total number of civil servants currently employed in her Defence; the total payroll cost of these civil servants in the most recent financial year; how this compares to the total payroll cost of uniformed Defence Forces personnel at equivalent grades; the current ratio of civil servants to uniformed personnel; how this ratio has changed in each year since 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17582/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

The current number of civil servants employed by my Department, as of 23rd February 2026 is 499. This number includes 16 civil servants employed to work directly for the Defence Forces at a number of military installations. Among those are 2 at Assistant Secretary grade; the Head of Strategic HR and the Head of Transformation, both of whom are members of the Defence Forces Board.

The current ratio of civil servants to military personnel is approximately 1:16, including those who work exclusively for the Defence Forces. This has changed from a ratio of 1:25 in 2015. The Deputy may wish to note that while civil service grades and military ranks are not equivalent, the salary for the entry positions such as Clerical Officer is just over €31, 000 while for a Three Star Private is over €42,000.

The growth in my Department's staffing in recent years has been necessitated by a number of new responsibilities which have been assigned to the Department and a growth in existing roles. For example, my Department led the transposition of the Critical Entities Resilience Directive known as CER Directive which is part of a European Union-wide effort to increase the resilience of essential services that provide vital societal functions in all Member States. My Department, through its Office of Emergency Planning, is currently developing, with the competent authorities and relevant Government Departments for each sector, a Strategy for the Resilience of Critical Entities. My Department has also recently developed and published the State's first National Maritime Security Strategy to deliver an improved maritime security environment where citizens and Irish interests are protected.

The Department also has engaged in the development of a wide range of new HR policy initiatives for the Defence Forces in response to the recommendations of the Independent Review Group, such as the introduction of an Interim Grievance Manager. A major programme of legislation is also underway to both underpin the culture change in the Defence Forces, as well as the most significant structural changes since the establishment of the Defence Forces.

The Procurement and Acquisitions function has also been expanded to deliver on a major increase in capital provision over the period with provision in 2026 of €300 million, and the record €1.7 billion which has been secured for capital investment in Defence over the next five years, an increase of €600 million, or 55%, on the previous baseline. This has also involved the establishment of a joint civil -military Capability Development Unit to forward plan for the needs of the State in the defence sector in the coming years.

I expect to receive a Civilianisation Strategy from the Defence Forces later this year and I would expect that it will identify a range of functions which will be civilianised, such as HR and finance as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will facilitate the release of military personnel to more appropriate duties while providing an injection of expertise in the relevant functions. This is already underway with the recruitment of civil servants for Cyber Command. This approach will see the Defence Forces of the future being a greater mix of civil and military personnel as is common among other militaries across the world.

The table below provides a breakdown of the information requested by the Deputy and includes details of expenditure by my Department in respect of payroll for civil servants and Defence Forces in each of the years 2015 to 2025. The table also provides details of the number of civil servants employed by my Department and strength figures of the Defence Forces in each of the years covered by the Deputy's question.

Please note that total payroll costs include Employers PRSI as reported on the Appropriation Accounts 2015 to 2024 and in progress for 2025. The total payroll costs provided for the Defence Forces relates to Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) personnel including Army Nursing Service and Chaplaincy.

Table 2015-2025

Defence Forces

Questions (39)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

39. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total amount spent on external consultancy, advisory services, and contracted professional services by the Department of Defence in each of the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive; the names of the firms engaged; the purpose of each engagement; whether each engagement was subject to competitive tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17583/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

The table below details the total amount spent on external consultancy, advisory services, and contracted professional services by the Department of Defence in each of the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive; the names of the firms engaged and the purpose of each engagement. All engagements were carried out in accordance with public procurement guidelines in relation to the purchase of goods and services.

Year	Company	Purpose	Total for year
2018-2021	Circa Group	Feasibility Study on an Institute of Peace and Leadership
2020	Vedette Consultants	Engaged to deliver a feasibility study on the establishment of a Research, Technology, and Innovation Office
2020	Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS	IT Consultancy
2020	Marman & Associates Ltd	Civil Defence Ireland Boat Licensing services
2020	John O'Hehir Consultancy Ltd	To provide a Strategic Workforce Plan for the PDF from 2022-35
2020	Padraig Love	Report reviewing recruitment practices and process in the PDF
TOTAL 2020			€250,100.23
2021	Quadra Consultancy	Carry out online Video Ergonomic assessments for all new staff when the join the Department. Carry out Health and Safety Risk assessments on all our buildings.
2021	Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS	IT Consultancy
2021	Marman & Associates Ltd	Civil Defence Ireland Boat Licensing services
2021	Survey Instruments Services Ltd	Civil Defence, Prepare and implement structures to work under EU/EASA Regulations
2021	Padraig Love	Report reviewing recruitment practices and process in the PDF
2021	John O'Hehir Consultancy Ltd	To provide a Strategic Workforce Plan for the PDF from 2022-35
TOTAL 2021			€277,207.91
25/03/2022 - 17/06/2022	PwC	Preparation of a Preliminary Business Case to assist the MATS Review Group in its deliberations
2022	Marman & Associates Ltd	Civil Defence Ireland Boat Licensing services
2022	Workwear Solutions International Ltd	Independent Garment/Textile Consultancy Services to assist Civil Defence in the Procurement of Civil Defence Workwear.
2022	ARUP	Consultancy fees for Cathal Brugha Barrack Feasibility Project
2022	Greenville Procurement Providers	Professional Training Consultancy Services
2022	Malone O’Regan	Environmental monitoring, services and reports
2022	Quadra Consultancy	Carry out online Video Ergonomic assessments for all new staff when the join the Department. Carry out Health and Safety Risk assessments on all our buildings.
2022	Info Security Assurance Services Ltd t/a ISAS	IT Consultancy
2022	Deloitte Ireland LLP	Consulting Services to develop a Technology Strategy & Road map for the Department of Defence
2022	Magnum Opus	Specialist IT Consultant
2022	Carr Communications	Communications Training
2022	Reidy Brophy	Conference Facilitators
2022	Furthr	Contracted to develop and deliver the first Defence Sparx programme
2022	Byrne Wallace	Legal Services
2022	Castlebridge	Consultancy services for the IRG
2022	TIO Consultancy	Consultancy services for the IRG
2022	Voltedge	Consultancy services for the IRG
2022	John O'Hehir Consultancy Ltd	To provide a Strategic Workforce Plan for the PDF from 2022-35
TOTAL 2022			€786,971.03
2023	Tobin	Planning Advice Consultancy
2023	Marman & Associates Ltd	Civil Defence Ireland Boat Licensing services
2023	Sea Training International Ltd	Review of Civil Defence Ireland Boat Operations and updating of Boat Operations manuals.
2023	Workwear Solutions International Ltd	Independent Garment/Textile Consultancy Services to assist Civil Defence in the Procurement of Civil Defence Workwear.
2023	Deloitte Ireland LLP	Consulting Services to develop a Technology Strategy & Road map for the Department of Defence
2023	Magnum Opus	Specialist IT Consultant
2023	Carr Communications	Media Training
2023	Sinead Gaynor Training	Information Management Training
2023	Reidy Brophy	Crisis Management Training
2023	Furthr	Contracted to develop and deliver the first Defence Sparx programme
2023	Byrne Wallace	Legal Services
2023	Castlebridge	Consultancy services for the IRG
2023	TIO Consultancy	Consultancy services for the IRG
2023	Voltedge	Consultancy services for the IRG
2023	Ernst & Young	Consultancy support for development of Detailed Implementation Plan for the CoDF
TOTAL 2023			€790,714.65
2023-2024	Carbon Care Ltd	Solar PV Feasibility Study
2023 - 2024	Quadra Consultancy	Carry out online Video Ergonomic assessments for all new staff when the join the Department. Carry out Health and Safety Risk assessments on all our buildings.
2024	Q4PR	To provide external communications support to the Chair and Members of the External Oversight Body, to include support in engaging with media queries, media relations, and general communications management as well as media training.
2024	Molling Ryan	To provide external communications support to the Chair and Members of the External Oversight Body, to include support in engaging with media queries, media relations, and general communications management as well as media training.
2024	Crowe Advisory Ireland Ltd	Review of Civil Defence Ireland Training Framework; updating of Pump Operations manual
2024	Sea Training International Ltd	Review of Civil Defence Ireland Boat Operations and updating of Boat Operations manuals.
2024	Workwear Solutions International Ltd	Independent Garment/Textile Consultancy Services to assist Civil Defence in the Procurement of Civil Defence Workwear.
2024	Senior Counsel	Senior Counsel for Independent Inquiry into the incident of the 14 December 2022 in Lebanon involving members of the Irish Defence Forces.
2024	Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Limited	To carry out a review of all medical services provided to Defence Forces personnel
2024	EGIS	Consultancy for Airside Master Plan
2024	FINN Partners	Delivery of a comprehensive Communications Strategy
2024	Derilinx	Development of a Data Governance Strategy for the Department of Defence.
2024	Magnum Opus	Specialist IT Consultant
2024	Sinead Gaynor Training	Information Management Training
2024	Reidy Brophy	Crisis Management Training
2024	Byrne Wallace	Legal Services
2024	Morgane Conaty BL	Legal Services
2024	Peter Ward SC	Legal Services
2024	The Institute of Work - a CPL Company	Promulgation of the benefits of membership of the Defence Forces
2024	Furthr	Contracted to develop and deliver the first Defence Sparx programme
TOTAL 2024			€1,057,622.05
2025	Raise a Concern	Service Provider
2025	Crowe Advisory Ireland Ltd	Review of Civil Defence Ireland Training Framework; updating of Pump Operations manual.
2025	Sea Training International Ltd	Review of Civil Defence Ireland Boat Operations and updating of Boat Operations manuals.
2025	Workwear Solutions International Ltd	Independent Garment/Textile Consultancy Services to assist Civil Defence in the Procurement of Civil Defence Workwear.
2025	Mariteq Solutions Ltd	Creation of Sonar Equipment checklist & operating procedures for Civil Defence Standard Operating Procedures Manual
2025	Hogarth	Consultancy for Curragh Plains Conservation Management Plan (plus ‘Interpretation , Branding and Wayfinding Strategy’) which included printing and translating final report into Irish)
2025	Scott Tallon Walker	This consultancy is to examine the future requirements/development of land based and marine/port infrastructure at the Irish Naval Service Headquarters at Haulbowline, Co. Cork, in line with Level of Ambition 2 identified by the Commission on the Defence Forces Report.
2025	Quadra Consultancy	Carry out online Video Ergonomic assessments for all new staff when the join the Department. Carry out Health and Safety Risk assessments on all our buildings.
2025	Derilinx	Development of a Data Governance Strategy for the Department of Defence.
2025	Magnum Opus	Specialist IT Consultant
2025	Fuzion	Information Management Training
2025	Reidy Brophy	Crisis Management Training
2025	Byrne Wallace	Legal Services
2025	The Institute of Work - a CPL Company	Promulgation of the benefits of membership of the Defence Forces
2025	Morgane Conaty BL	Legal Services
2025	Accenture	Contracted to design Defence Sparx programme for 3 years
2025 to date	Senior Counsel	Senior Counsel for Independent Inquiry into the incident of the 14 December 2022 in Lebanon involving members of the Irish Defence Forces.
2025 to date	Junior Counsel	Junior Counsel for Independent Inquiry into the incident of the 14 December 2022 in Lebanon involving members of the Irish Defence Forces.
12/03/2025 to 12/03/2027	Grant Thornton Corporate Finance Limited	To carry out a review of all medical services provided to Defence Forces personnel
TOTAL 2025			€1,534,443.76