Written Answers Nos. 256-275
256. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the current status of the proposed lateral transfer policy within the Defence Forces; the progress that has been made in developing this policy between the Department and the Defence Forces; whether a timeline has been set for its completion and implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21407/26]
View answerRecruitment to the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) is currently open and ongoing via a diverse range of pathways including General Service recruitment and Direct Entry competitions. The 2026 Cadetship competitions also recently closed for applications. Last year saw the highest number of inductions to the PDF in twenty years while total number of applications exceeded 16,500.
These figures indicate that the key enabling measures introduced by Government over the past five years are yielding positive results. I want to build on the growth achieved in 2025 and have set a target of 850 inductions to the PDF for 2026.
While the Defence Forces does not currently have a formal policy governing lateral transfers from other militaries, I understand that they are currently formulating a Strategic Workforce Plan that will map out proposals for the achievement of a strength of 11,500.
Work Force Plan proposals will be submitted to me for consideration in Q2 2026.
257. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the current eligibility criteria for recommissioning into the Defence Forces for officers who were medically discharged; and whether the existing terms and conditions prevent individuals in this category from being reconsidered for recommissioning today. [21418/26]
View answerThe Re-Commissioning of Former Officers of the Permanent Defence Forces Scheme facilitates the re-entry of former officers, where vacancies exist, and where there are particular skillsets that are not available in the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) at the time of the application, to be re-commissioned.
The full Terms & Conditions governing Re-Commissioning of Former Officers of the Permanent Defence Forces, are available on the Defence Forces website at military.ie.
In accordance with said Terms and Conditions, “persons who have already retired from the public service on medical grounds…are not eligible to apply”.
There are no plans to change the eligibility criteria at this time.
258. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will address the concerns regarding illegal parking and waste disposal on the Curragh Plains, raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21539/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Curragh, as State land vested in the Minister for Defence, is recognised as a working environment for the state's Defence Forces as well as being a place of historic and cultural importance. The Curragh Plains at approximately 4,870 acres, is one of the most open and accessible areas in the country. This can present challenges for management around illegal camping and illegal dumping.
More recently, my officials have been working in tandem with the Chief State Solicitor's Office by instructing a private security firm to serve Notices to Quit on any illegal encampments and other trespassers The Department of Defence has progressed legal avenues to address such matters on an ongoing basis. A High Court Order was secured in June last year and served on the inhabitants of various illegal encampments to vacate the area. The majority left immediately and have not returned since.
In relation to the specific enquiry brought forward by the Deputy, I regret that for legal reasons I cannot comment on particular individual cases, but I can say that the Department is aware of the situation and is actively pursuing the matter through legal means with the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
259. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence the up-to-date position with the transfer of a piece of land to the Minister for Health in County Kildare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21788/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, St. Brigid's Hospice (formerly Drogheda Memorial) is located in the Curragh green lands with approximately thirty eight (38) years left on the current lease agreement between my Department, the Health Service Executive and the Hospice Trustees.
A request was received by my officials in Property Management Branch from the Health Service Executive for an additional small parcel of land (approximately half an acre) at the rear of St. Brigid’s Hospice to be used for expansion of the Hospice. This request was approved in November 2025 and my officials are currently liaising with the Health Service Executive to finalise the legal modalities of any new arrangements on foot of advices from the Chief State Solicitors Office and in line with established directives from Department Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation.
I am advised that these new arrangements will be substantially progressed in the coming months.
260. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the full breakdown of expenditure by her Department on St. Patrick’s Day related activities; the details of any travel abroad; the number of officials that travelled; the costs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21819/26]
View answerI can confirm that no costs were incurred by the Department of Defence under the Governments St. Patrick’s Day programme. Travel for St. Patrick's Day was arranged and administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
261. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of heads of government, heads of state, ministers, governors, mayors or other senior elected officials she and Ministers of State in her Department met for the St. Patrick's Day engagements overseas this year. [21898/26]
View answer262. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish diaspora groups, including but not limited to sporting and cultural organisations, as well as emigrant organisations she and Ministers of State in her Department met for the St. Patrick's Day engagements overseas this year. [21916/26]
View answer263. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of businesses and business representative organisations she and State Ministers of State in her Department met for the St. Patrick's Day engagements overseas this year. [21934/26]
View answer264. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the value of trade and tourism respectively, between Ireland and the states visited by her and by Ministers of State in her Department for the St Patrick's Day engagements overseas this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21952/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 to 264, inclusive, together.
As part of the Governments 2026 St. Patrick's Day programme, I visited Boston in the United States of America and Minister of State Thomas Byrne visited Poland, Ukraine and Moldova. As all travel for St. Patrick's Day for both myself and the Minister of State was arranged by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, that Department will provide information directly on any meetings that took place as part of the St. Patrick's Day engagements with any Heads of State, senior elected officials and/or business representatives.
The total exports and imports in goods data by trading partner are shown in tables below. The most recent month's data on External Trade in Goods figures are provisional and subject to revision.
Table 1. Goods Exports by trading partner
|
Exports |
Jan - Dec 2025 |
Jan - Dec 2025 |
Jan 2026 |
Jan 2026 |
|
Country |
Values €000 |
Tonnes |
Values €000 |
Tonnes |
|
Moldova, Republic of |
1,367.89 |
208.83 |
125.37 |
2.95 |
|
Poland |
1,935,654.98 |
141,315.49 |
140,604.52 |
9,107.22 |
|
Ukraine |
51,792.27 |
4,982.07 |
3,570.90 |
249.22 |
|
United States |
111,736,839.12 |
621,292.63 |
3,497,141.20 |
46,367.95 |
|
Grand Total |
113,725,654.26 |
767,799.02 |
3,641,441.99 |
55,727.34 |
Table 2. Goods Imports by trading partner
|
Imports |
Jan - Dec 2025 |
Jan - Dec 2025 |
Jan 2026 |
Jan 2026 |
|
Country |
Values €000 |
Tonnes |
Values €000 |
Tonnes |
|
Moldova, Republic of |
3,062.17 |
371.07 |
232.09 |
4.20 |
|
Poland |
1,867,459.68 |
460,245.74 |
180,464.72 |
38,883.31 |
|
Ukraine |
22,284.33 |
10,353.17 |
969.88 |
351.24 |
|
United States |
22,844,256.22 |
3,890,977.07 |
1,593,482.55 |
353,346.13 |
|
Grand Total |
24,737,062.40 |
4,361,947.05 |
1,775,149.24 |
392,584.88 |
265. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of WTE dentists, physiotherapists, doctors and nurses posts filled at Defence Forces Medical Corps; and if she will provide same figures as of 30 June 2023, in tabular form. [22143/26]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that the number of WTE for each of the requested positions for the relevant periods are as follows:
|
Post |
WTE 30 June 2023 |
WTE March 2026 |
|
Dental Officer (Dentist) |
4 |
3 |
|
Physiotherapist |
1 |
1 |
|
Medical Officer (Doctor) |
20.5 |
24 |
|
Nurse |
1 |
1 |
Medical personnel are key enablers to ensure a layered level of medical cover for all operations undertaken both on land and overseas.
266. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence following the publication of the National Maritime Security Strategy, if she can outline when we can expect to see publication of the first National Aviation Security Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22224/26]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces stated as one of their recommendations "a whole-of-government National Maritime Security Strategy and a National Aviation Security Strategy should be developed".
The Defence Policy Review 2024 highlighted Maritime Security as a priority area for Government given the growing threats faced in the maritime domain. On foot of this, my Department established a Maritime Security Unit to prepare the Maritime Security Strategy which I published on the 25th February last.
The National Security and Defence Policy Branch have undertaken initial scoping work on a National Aviation Security Strategy with external consultant support which recommended that this work should be carried out following the publication of a National Security Strategy. It is also identified that the Department of Defence would not necessarily be the lead Department undertaking this work as the responsibility for aviation security runs across a number of Departments including the Department of Transport.
267. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if and when she intends to advance plans to join the European Air Transport Command; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22225/26]
View answerAs things currently stand, I have not received any proposals from military management regarding the potential for Ireland to seek future membership of the European Air Transport Command (EATC).
The EATC is a multinational command centre that plans, tasks and controls much of its member nations’ military air transport, air-to-air refuelling and aeromedical evacuation from a single command in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It was established in 2013, and there are currently seven contributing members states, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and Italy.
Strategic airlift capability is one potential benefit provided to participating countries and this capability has been prioritised for investment by the Irish Government as part of Level Of Ambition (LOA) 2.
A contract was awarded in December 2022 to Airbus at a cost of €59 million, excluding VAT, for the provision of a new Airbus C-295M military transport variant aircraft for the Defence Forces. The aircraft was delivered in September 2025 and has entered operational service. The Airbus C-295M military transport variant aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support Defence Forces' military airlift transport requirements as well as provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable 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.
Any possible commitment to the EATC initiative would have to take into consideration the domestic maritime security operational requirement for the C-295 aircraft.
268. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if she could provide details of the last five class intakes detailing the number of Air Corps pilot cadetships offered and commenced and the number of Air Corps apprentice places offered and commenced, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22226/26]
View answer269. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps pilot retirements in the past five years; the number of young officer pilot graduations in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22227/26]
View answer270. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps aircraft technician retirements over the past five years; the number of apprentice aircraft technician graduations in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22228/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 268 to 270, inclusive, together.
Considerable progress has been made to address potential barriers to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. A number of initiatives have been implemented across the Defence Forces, including an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62, increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39, the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF and significant progress on pay. It is very positive to see that interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025, and a further 4,560 applications received to the end of February. It demonstrates that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment are yielding results.
Training for Aircraft Technicians has evolved over a number of years from a traditional apprenticeship to an Air Craft Maintenance Technician (TMAST) programme in 2023. The main change was a shift away from a level 6 SOLAS accreditation to a Level 7 Course (B Eng Tech in Military Aviation Technology). Since 2023 the Air Corps has also aligned technician training with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards - industry leading safety and training standards. The other change was a move from apprenticeship terms and conditions to Private 3* conditions of service, including payment of Military Service Allowance (MSA). The payment of MSA means that personnel are also available for military duties, as required. The TMAST was renamed to the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Course in 2025, but the provisions remain the same.
The table below outlines the number of technicians who were inducted, successfully graduated and retired, in the years 2021 - 2025. The Defence Forces do not retain records of offers made, but not taken, due to GDPR constraints.
Aircraft Technician
|
Year |
Inductions |
Graduates |
Retirements |
|
2025 |
8 |
12 |
11 |
|
2024 |
12 |
14 |
20 |
|
2023 |
12 |
8 |
16 |
|
2022 |
20 |
19 |
23 |
|
2021 |
25 |
15 |
10 |
The table below outlines the number of pilots who were inducted, successfully graduated and retired, in the years 2021 - 2025. In addition to the cohort of experienced pilots, the Air Corps has a very strong pipeline of trainee pilots. The Defence Forces do not retain records of offers made, but not taken, due to GDPR constraints.
Pilots
|
Year |
Inductions via cadetship |
Graduates |
Retirements |
|
2025 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
|
2024 |
10 |
7 |
2 |
|
2023 |
11 |
0 |
7 |
|
2022 |
8 |
16 |
9 |
|
2021 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
271. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Defence the list of specialist military courses that Irish naval personnel travelled to the US to take part in; the location of these courses in the United States in the years 2025 and to date in 2026; the duration of each of these courses, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22260/26]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that Irish naval personnel have attended one (1) specialist military course in the US during the period outlined. The requested details are as follows:
|
YEAR |
COURSE |
LOCATION |
DURATION |
|
2025 |
International Shipyard Management Course |
Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility |
9 Weeks |
The primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government, and is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I am committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
272. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence the number and percentage of applications from females to join the Permanent Defence Forces at the most recent army cadetship recruitment campaign. [22285/26]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that 181 applications were received from female candidates for the 2026 Army Cadetship competition, which represented 16% of total applicants.
A total of 2,198 applications were received from female candidates across all recruitment competitions for the Permanent Defence Force in 2025, which represents an increase of 468 or 27% on the total of 1,730 received in 2024. Last year also saw a a total of 70 females inducted to the Permanent Defence Force, an increase on the total of 40 recorded for 2024.
A range of initiatives aimed at increasing the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force are currently in train. These include:
• The launch of a significant female-focused recruitment campaign, which includes a comprehensive advertising campaign coordinated across all media modes including television and radio adverts. This campaign is designed to raise the public’s awareness of the female opportunities available in the DF.
• The appointment of a senior Gender Advisor, GENAD, at Colonel level.
• The Defence Forces' Joint Recruitment Office is actively supporting female candidates in the recruitment pipeline
• Male and female representation is present at all recruitment events and a gender perspective is incorporated in all advertising.
• Fitness test requirements, including the number of push-ups and sit-ups that must be achieved to pass, have been tailored for female candidates. A fitness test preparation video is available on the military website to demonstrate the modified push up for females.
• Gender, Diversity and Unconscious Bias training has taken place across all Formations and Services.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
273. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the work of the Energy Sector Group; to provide details on the priority areas they have identified for resilience in the energy sector; to detail the measures that have been examined to address the challenges identified in recent stress tests of the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22405/26]
View answerPrior to the introduction of the National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities, the Office of Emergency Planning, within my Department, established an Energy Sector Group as a pilot platform for operators in the energy sector to exchange information regarding the development of the national strategy and sector stress testing. Arising from same, several challenges were identified as a result of the stress test, including the need for improved cooperation between authorities and operators, enhanced security vetting, upgraded security measures and procedures, and the need for better regulatory frameworks.
These issues are also addressed in the National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities, which has recently been published.
274. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence if any sector groups have been established as part of the operationalisation of the EU CER regulations since the establishment of the Energy Sector Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22406/26]
View answerAs provided for in the National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities, which has recently been published, my Department will collaborate with Competent Authorities and Lead Government Departments to establish information-sharing forums within their respective sectors and sub-sectors, where such forums do not already exist. We will promote the sharing of effective practices in the organisation and management of these forums.
275. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the development of the National Critical Entities Resilience Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22407/26]
View answerOn 19 March 2026 my Department published the National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities. This strategy outlines Ireland's commitment to ensuring that operators of essential services across the 11 key sectors are better prepared to resist, respond to, and recover from disruptive events. .
This Strategy, developed by my Department in consultation with various stakeholders, provides guidance to the operators of our essential services on how to develop a resilience pathway and shows what good resilience practice should look like. This will be an iterative process, and future work will build upon the goals and results achieved from this strategy.
The strategy is available on:
www.gov.ie/en/office-of-emergency-planning/organisation-information/critical-entities-resilience-cer-regulations/#the-national-strategy-for-the-resilience-of-critical-entities
