Written Answers Nos. 304-323
304. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are solar panels in place on the rooftop or within the grounds of his Department building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30691/26]
View answer305. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30709/26]
View answer306. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by agencies under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30729/26]
View answer307. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30746/26]
View answer308. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the merits of installing solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by agencies under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30767/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 304, 305, 306, 307 and 308 together.
My Department’s head office at Tom Johnson House, Beggars Bush, is owned and managed through the Office of Public Works (OPW) and was recently retrofit to an 'A' BER rating which includes a substantial solar PV installation.
My Department is heavily engaged in supporting the installation of solar panels on homes, businesses and public buildings throughout Ireland, with a variety of supports available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
Solar energy on buildings can help to reduce fossil fuel consumption by shifting to a renewable and more sustainable source of energy. The presence of solar energy installations on public buildings allows Ireland to increase the amount of energy from renewable sources in line with our evolving national and EU energy and climate obligations.
The recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) which comes into effect on 29 May 2026 aims to achieve a zero-emission building stock across the EU by 2050 through the integration of renewable energy sources, renovations and retrofits to existing buildings, as well as ensuring that all new buildings are zero emission buildings.
Article 10 of the EPBD relates to solar energy in buildings. Ireland is required to ensure the deployment of suitable solar energy installations, if technically suitable and economically and functionally feasible, as follows:
• on all new buildings owned by public bodies with a useful floor area larger than 250 metres squared, by 31 December 2026; and
• on all existing public buildings with useful floor area larger than:
• 2,000 metres squared, by 31 December 2027;
• 750 metres squared, by 31 December 2028; and
• 250 metres squared, by 31 December 2030.
I am working with colleagues across Government to develop plans to implement this ambition.
309. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total allocation of funding to each State agency under his Department’s remit, broken down by the allocation to each agency, for each of the past 15 years, in tabular form. [30790/26]
View answerAs my Department has been reconfigured on several occasions since 2011, the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I am advised that in the period since the formation of the previous and current Government, details of the voted allocations (including deferred surrender) to the agencies under the aegis of my Department are set out in the table below:
|
Agency |
Allocation 2020 €,000 |
Allocation 2021 €,000 |
Allocation 2022 €,000 |
Allocation 2023 €,000 |
Allocation 2024 €,000 |
Allocation 2025 €,000 |
Allocation 2026 €,000 |
|
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
39,014 |
45,820 |
51,619 |
54,429 |
59,723 |
60,644 |
52,327 |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) |
31,045 |
30,392 |
30,613 |
31,715 |
33,722 |
35,224 |
37,524 |
|
Loughs Agency
|
2,801 |
2,877 |
2,936 |
3,439 |
4,165 |
4,260 |
4,754 |
|
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA)
|
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
7,880 |
10,234 |
9,550 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) |
157,810 |
341,159 |
242,800 |
467,941 |
513,597 |
669,483 |
783,677 |
310. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total spend on consultancy firms by each State agency under his Department's remit, broken down by the allocation to each named consultancy firm, for each of the past 15 years, in tabular form. [30807/26]
View answerThe information sought in the Question in relation to each agency or public body under the auspices of my Department is an operational matter for each of the State bodies concerned and, as such, it is not information held by my Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the Bodies directly in relation to this matter. Contact details for the Bodies are set out in the attached document.
|
List of Agencies under the aegis of Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment |
|
|
Bord na Mona |
Oireachtas@bnm.ie |
|
CRU |
oireachtas@cru.ie |
|
Eirgrid |
oireachtas@eirgrid.com |
|
EPA |
oireachtasqueries@epa.ie |
|
ESB |
Oireachtas@esb.ie |
|
IFI |
oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie |
|
INPC |
enquiries@nora.ie |
|
Loughs Agency |
oireachtasqueries@loughs-agency.org |
|
MARA |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
|
NORA |
enquiries@nora.ie |
|
SEAI |
oireachtas@seai.ie |
311. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any buildings operated and owned by his Department that have solar panels in place to support the energy demands of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30837/26]
View answerMy Department does not own any buildings. Offices occupied by staff in my Department are owned and leased by the OPW. My Department's headquarters building at Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, D04 K7X4 is equipped with 112 solar panels.
314. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence to report on the sale of a carriers (details supplied), the personnel carriers from the Civil Defence vehicle fleet; and the replacement vehicles that are being secured to ensure that there is not a loss of capability in Civil Defence transport needs. [29560/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to an ongoing review of the Civil Defence fleet. This includes working with Local Authorities and Civil Defence Units across the country on a programme of fleet modernisation and replacement, which is funded through both the Dormant Accounts Fund and grants directly from the Department’s annual budget.
This review examines the most effective use of existing transport assets, and informs the purchase of replacement vehicles based on the size and activities carried out by each Civil Defence Unit.
The two Bandvagn 206 vehicles are national Civil Defence assets, managed by Dublin Civil Defence. They were purchased in 2009/10, at a time when many Civil Defence Units and other emergency services did not have access to the number of four-wheel drive vehicles now available.
These vehicles were purchased second hand, they date from the 1980s, and the ongoing maintenance of these specialised and ageing vehicles is a significant factor in the context of the very low number of duties for which they are required. Therefore, and in consultation with the Dublin Civil Defence Officer, it has been decided to discontinue the use of these vehicles in Civil Defence, to explore modern replacement options, and dispose of or trade-in these vehicles as part of the ongoing fleet replacement programme.
315. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence the nature of refurbishment works that are scheduled to be carried out at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, this year; the estimated cost of each project, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29637/26]
View answerThe capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was approximately €170 million.
This year, the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment with a further €13.5 million allocation for ongoing maintenance and running costs.
Work has just been completed at Aiken Barracks on a new Dining Facility at a cost of €5.7m. This has replaced the catering infrastructure currently used by Defence Forces military and civilian staff and includes a kitchen, front of house dining facilities and co-located ration storage.
Also completed within existing IDP structures, a central heating upgrade and the installation of New Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging points have been delivered to Aiken Barracks.
The following project is in the design stage:
• A full technical refurbishment of Ablution facilities and insulation works to a three-storey accommodation block in the barracks.
In addition, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €13.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
316. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence if permission is required from her for the participation of members of the Irish Defence Forces in foreign military 'competitions'. [29787/26]
View answerThe Defence Forces participate in international military competitions in order to promote in the Defence Forces the adoption of international best practice, exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) and encourage the development of military skills. It also contributes to the development of particular military skillsets and doctrines.
Participation by members of the Permanent Defence Force in any such event, including competitions organised by foreign militaries, must be authorised by the Minister.
317. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware of Irish Defence Forces members participating in military competitions with the Israeli Defence Forces; and if confirmed, her views on such on participation. [29788/26]
View answerThe Defence Forces participate in international military competitions in order to promote in the Defence Forces the adoption of international best practice, exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) and encourage the development of military skills. It also contributes to the development of particular military skillsets and doctrines.
The decision on who to invite to these competitions lies with the hosting nation. I am informed by the military authorities that the Defence Forces have not participated in any military competitions organised by the Israeli Defence Forces. I am also informed that, to date, no Defence Forces team has reported Israeli Defence Forces participation in competitions attended by Defence Forces personnel.
318. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Defence the nature of refurbishment works that are scheduled to be carried out at Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny during 2026, in tabular form.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30015/26]
View answerThe capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170 million.
This year the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment with a further €13.5 million allocation for ongoing maintenance and running costs.
|
Year |
Projects |
Total Funding (Capital and Design team costs) |
|
2026 |
New Barrack Accountant Facility (Completed) |
€0.63 |
|
2026 |
New Military Equipment Store, Locker Block & Ablution Facility (Design Team Appointed) |
N/A - At design stage |
|
2026 |
Blocks A-F Refurbishment (Design Team Appointed) |
N/A - At design stage |
In addition, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €13.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
319. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence the criteria for a person to be inducted as a member of the Defence Forces legal services club. [30077/26]
View answer320. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the estimated amount the armoured vehicle programme will cost the Irish taxpayer over its full lifetime, including infrastructure, personnel, maintenance and training, not just the purchase price of armoured vehicles. [30233/26]
View answerThe Defence Forces currently operate a fleet of 80 MOWAG Piranha III Armoured Vehicles, providing essential force protection. In recent years there has been significant investment in the armoured fleet of vehicles with the enhancement of force protection and mobility with the mid-life refit of the MOWAG Piranha III vehicles project nearing completion in the coming weeks. This programme will ensure the viability of the fleet beyond 2030.
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.
A key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces which has been accepted in principle is the “replacement of the existing APCs with a larger and enhanced fleet equipped with sufficient firepower for future overseas missions, and with ‘level 4’ armour across armour platforms where required”.
A joint civil / military programme team are continuing their work on this programme in line with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines. The Programme is being progressed in line with the recently published updated Detailed Implementation Plan.
Earlier this year I announced that the Strategic Assessment Case for the Armoured Fleet Programme has been approved, and that following the assessment of potential options for delivery of the Armoured Fleet Programme, in line with the recommendation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, that a Government-level approach with France is the preferred option.
Officials from my Department have now commenced detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of capability requirements under the French SCORPION Programme of vehicles. A whole-of-capability approach will be adopted, to ensure that vehicle procurement is fully integrated with doctrine, training, infrastructure, personnel, and interoperability requirements.
The programme is in the initial assessment phase. It should be noted that no contract has been awarded, and the fleet size, role , timelines and costs remain to be determined.
321. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount the Air Corps operating budget grew by from 2020 to 2026. [30234/26]
View answerAt a strategic level and within unique civil-military structures, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces work closely to “defend Irish sovereignty, protect Irish citizens and secure Irish interests in support of Irish Society, the Irish economy, our collective well-being and our territorial integrity”. Sectoral funding to support the delivery of these strategic objectives, is provided through the Defence Vote Group, comprising of two Votes, Vote 35 (Army Pensions) and Vote 36 (Defence).
As part of annual Estimates processes, the Defence budget is considered and agreed across pay, non-pay, current and capital expenditure parameters within the overarching national budgetary framework. Annual budgets are approved by Government and subsequently subjected to varying levels of Oireachtas and Comptroller & Auditor-General oversight and scrutiny.
Expenditure under the Defence Vote is managed through a single programme with all operational outputs delivered from a single set of forces encompassing Army, Air Corps and Naval Service domains. Accordingly, Air Corps pay, allowances and supporting operational costs are included within the overall programme costs across the appropriate subheads of the Vote and are not identified separately.
As part of these structures, specific annual funding is provided under Subhead A.9 (Air Corps: Equipment & Support) of the Defence Vote, towards aircraft equipment, maintenance and fuel costs, specialised training and other related costs. The allocation provided to Subhead A.9 has risen from €17.7 million in 2020 to €50 million in 2026, an increase of €32.3 million.
This growth in funding reflects the increased operational and training demands placed on the Air Corps while also supporting the need for continued investment in equipment capability and improved operational readiness and safety.
All expenditure under subhead A.9 is managed within established Defence financial governance and oversight arrangements, This ensures that all Air Corps operational funding is directed in a targeted and proportionate manner that ultimately supports the safe and effective delivery of Air Corps outputs while also contributing to the wider, integrated Defence Forces capability, readiness and resilience objectives.
322. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence to provide details on all open EU infringement proceedings where the subject of the infringement relates to the functions of her Department; the reason the infringement proceedings were initiated; the procedural stage of the infringement proceedings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30264/26]
View answerThere are no open EU infringement proceedings where the subject of the infringement relates to the functions of the Department of Defence.
323. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Defence the main policy achievements of her Department since 22 January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30474/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government published in 2025 contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modem fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. Across Europe, all countries are experiencing an increasingly contested, dynamic and volatile international security environment. In the context of our geopolitical position in Europe, it is essential that we as a country take our security responsibilities seriously.
We as a government are ambitious in enhancing our defence and this is reflected in the significant increases in our defence spending in the past few years. This has allowed us to procure much needed capabilities. We have set out a future pathway to continue these expenditure increases.
Defence Forces Strength
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) as at 28 February 2026, the latest date for which this figure is available for, stood at 7,835 personnel or 80% of an agreed establishment strength of 9,739. The strength of the PDF was 7,557 at the 31 December 2024.
A range of key enabling measures undertaken by Government over the last number of years to support and drive recruitment to the Defence Forces appear to be yielding positive results. Last year saw an increase of just under 200 personnel in the overall strength of the PDF. This builds on the stabilisation of the strength achieved in 2024. There were 790 inductions to the PDF in 2025 which exceeds by more than 10% the total of 708 achieved for all of 2024 and is the highest number in 20 years. Conversely, the number of personnel discharged from the Defence Forces fell by 91 from 674 in 2024 to 583 last year.
Interest in a career in the Defence Forces was notably high in 2025 with a total of 16,510 applications received - an increase of more than 20% on the total for 2024.
NDP
In December of last year, I published the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan 2026-2030. The revised NDP Capital allocation provided capital funding of € 1.7 billion for the Defence Vote Group for the period 2026-2030, an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. For 2026, a record capital investment allocation of €300 million has been provided.
The revised allocations will assist ongoing efforts at modernising and upgrading Defence equipment and built infrastructure platforms and will enable targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments towards Level of Ambition 2 (LOA 2) (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report.
Commission on Defence Forces
The Commission on the Defence Forces report was published on the 9 February 2022. The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission report was published in November 2023. Much progress has been achieved since the publication of this report which includes:
- Changes to the existing Naval Service allowances into one enhanced allowance
- Extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks
- Increase of the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 62 and increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles.
- increase of the maximum recruitment age for Direct Entry Officer specialists to 50.
- The increased use of Direct Entry Recruitment into Specialist Posts in the Permanent Defence Forces
- Removal of the blanket exclusion from the Working Time Directive.
- Revised ATCP priorities, structures and resources have been implemented.
- The establishment of the Office of Veteran Affairs.
- The Extension and enhancement of existing family friendly policies to the greatest practicable extent, including for overseas postings.
- Recognition of the challenges faced by single parents and parents of children with disabilities, amongst others.
An Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published on 10 February 2026.
As of 23 April 2026, 54 of 113 Accept/Accept in Principle recommendations were completed, including one Further Evaluation (FE).
The 16 remaining recommendations which are for Further Evaluation (10) and Revert to Government (6) will also be progressed as per the timelines in the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan.
Strategic Framework
A new Strategic Framework was published on 10 February 2026 in tandem with an Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The Strategic Framework sets out the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit-for-purpose organisation, ready to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
IRG Report
Following the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces in March 2023 (the 'IRG Report'), the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces was developed with the purpose to bring together into one overarching document, from the multiplicity of plans developed, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The IRG report recommended that members of the Defence Forces have 'access to an independent, external complaints service delivered by a professional service provider for as long as it takes to put a trusted internal system in place'. A new Interim Grievance Manager Process, which launched in April 2025, provides serving members of the Defence Forces (both permanent and reserve) with an external and independent process through which complaints of an interpersonal nature such as complaints of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and victimisation can be examined. Mr. Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, was appointed as the Interim Grievance Manager (IGM) of the Defence Forces. The new IGM process is in place for an initial 12 months' trial period. A review of the process at that stage will inform the primary legislation required to establish a suitable complaints process for serving members of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis.
I recently approved the Defence Forces’ detailed review of the Redress of Wrong procedures and the process of designing a new statutory based complaints/grievance management system is underway.
All these processes form part of a wider review and redesign of the grievance management framework within the Defence Forces, which is aimed at building trust and confidence in the complaints processes.
In January 2025, the Tribunal of Inquiry issued Discovery Orders against the Minister for Defence and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. Following an extensive submission of records to the Tribunal, Discovery was completed in November 2025.
I am committed to fully assisting the Tribunal in completing this important work. The Department is continuing to correspond with the Tribunal on requests received to assist the Tribunal in its investigations.
During 2025, one Statutory Instrument (S.I. 338 of 2025), was made under section 60(6) of the Data Protection Act 2018, to support the work of the Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry.
The National Suicide Research Foundation were engaged to undertake a study of deaths by suicide by current and former members of the Defence Forces. The Study commenced in April 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Capability Development
The Capability Development Unit is continuing its work to develop a Capability Development Programme that will identify, at a high level, the Capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This work will inform shorter term Capability Development Plans. The Capability Development Programme is scheduled for completion and approval in the first half of 2026, with the initiation of the first plan scheduled for 2028.
As part of an active project for the €13.5m enhancement of Subsea Domain Awareness capabilities, a contract was awarded in the first half of 2025 for subsea awareness capability. The new sonar acquisition will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security. Work is continuing on the design of the solution, the development of an advanced training programme and establishment of the procedures and structures required within the Defence Forces to operate the new capability.
The updated Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP), which sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027, estimates infrastructure requirements to be in the region of some €370m for the coming years.
The capital allocation for 2025 stood at €50m for capital investment with a further €12.5m allocation for ongoing maintenance and running costs.
This year the allocation has risen to €69.5m, including an amount of €2m provided in delegated sanction to the Defence Forces for smaller scale projects. A further €13.5m is also provided for the Defence Forces delegated maintenance budget.
In order to further accelerate the development of Defence Forces infrastructure, a series of masterplans will be developed to identify immediate and long-term infrastructural requirements. The first such masterplan for the Airside in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel was completed in February 2025 and the masterplan process for the Naval Base, Haulbowline is near completion. Work has also recently begun on the Landside Masterplan in Casement.
Significant progress has been made in relation to delivery of the Military Radar Programme, with approval of the Preliminary Business Case in Q4 2025. Following this, the Department is now engaging in detailed negotiations with France on a potential Government-level agreement for the delivery of the various capability requirements under the Programme. Furthermore, contractual arrangements have also been put in place which will see the delivery of Counter-UAS capabilities during the first half of this year.
Aircraft Capabilities
Strategic airlift capability has been prioritised as a capability for investment following Government approval of the Commission on the Defence Forces Report as part of the move to LOA 2 capability. In September 2025, a new Airbus C-295 Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces was delivered to the Air Corps. This aircraft provides a utility transport function and is now in operational use.
A new multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft, Dassault Aviation Falcon 6X, was delivered to the Air Corps in December 2025 and is now in operational use.
The Department of Defence recently signed contracts for delivery of four new Airbus H145M helicopters. These helicopters which will be delivered on a phased basis in 2027 and 2028 will assist with pilot training, deployment of Special Forces, ISTAR, medical evacuation, and light attack roles, to complement the existing fleet.
Land Capabilities
With the focus on essential force protection by armoured vehicles, a significant investment has been made in recent years in the Army's fleet of 80 MOWAG armoured personnel carriers. A mid-life upgrade maintenance and upgrade programme for the fleet of vehicles is nearing completion at a cost of €77m plus VAT which will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower and which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet beyond 2030. Over ninety percent of the fleet have now been upgraded. The programme is due to complete in 2026.
Progression of the Armoured Fleet Programme is continuing, with the Department now commencing detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of all capability requirements under the Programme.
A tender competition concluded in 2023 with a contract put in place with a French company Thales for the supply of Software Defined Radio systems to the Defence Forces. The scope of the project consists of two main requirements: Personal Soldier Radios and Multi-Band Handheld, Manpack, Vehicular and Airborne radios. Delivery of equipment in accordance with this contract commenced in early 2024 and will continue over a 5-year period.
Naval Service Capabilities
A number of equipment projects were progressed for the Naval Service during 2025, including the Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme with the ongoing replacement of the four Naval Service Reserve launches and the upgrading of secondary armament across the fleet, along with the conclusion of the Mid-Life Extension Programme for the P50 class of vessel and work on the second Inshore Patrol Vessel.
Integrated Modular Body Armour System
Investment in force protection equipment was progressed under the Department's Equipment Development Plan. A tender competition to procure new general service body armour, known as Integrated Modular Body Armour System (IMBAS), was completed in 2025 and deliveries are expected to commence in 2026.
Joint Procurement
SAFE (Security Action for Europe)
On 27 June 2025, the then Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Mr. Simon Harris T.D. agreed that the Department should leverage a new European Union instrument, the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation, to accelerate the delivery of Ireland's defence capability. SAFE is intended to help EU Member States jointly procure equipment and provides an efficient mechanism to acquire equipment identified as a need for the Defence Forces.
In line with this approach, the Department of Defence opened up the contract for the supply of Integrated Modular Body Armour Systems (IMBAS) to other EU Member States under SAFE. This illustrates Ireland's support for SAFE and visibly demonstrates how the instrument can be used to the mutual benefit of Member States who choose to use it.
EDA
Ireland sees joint procurement with other EU Member States as an effective strategy to acquire equipment, leveraging economies of scale and the knowledge and experience of many Member States.
In line with this strategy, Ireland is a participant in a number of European Defence Agency (EDA) joint procurement projects, including for various types of ammunition and Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) protection suits. Framework contracts for ammunition and suits were placed by EDA in 2025, allowing Ireland to place orders for phased deliveries over the next six years.
Working Time Directive
Following the removal of the exemption for Members of the Defence Forces from the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (OWTA) in January 2025, the provisions in the OWTA including daily and weekly rest and maximum weekly working time over a 17-week period now apply to Defence Forces members apart from when they are engaged on exempted activities. Military Authorities have developed a composite framework document to underpin the implementation of the Directive at all levels of the Organisation. Work is progressing on the final strand in the implementation of the Working Time Directive towards the completion of the terms and conditions of service for members of the Defence Forces.
Pay (SCS and PIP Allowance)
The Pilot Service Commitment Scheme (SCS) has been extended to include members of the Air Corps engaged in the provision of Air Traffic Control services. The Scheme is an incentive for newly qualified pilots to remain in service after they have completed their 12-year Wings Course commitment and for recommissioned pilots who have completed their short service commission. This development will assist with retention of key personnel and stabilisation of the Air Traffic Service provided at Casement Aerodrome which requires a broad range of specialised personnel. The Air Traffic Service SCS operates in the same way as the Pilot SCS and is a high value incentivising initiative for these specialised staff to remain in service.
The Professional Instructors Payment (PIP) has been introduced to recognise the unique and critical role of instructors in delivering consistent, effective training. This new payment reflects the enhanced professional level of officer instructor training now being undertaken.
Legislation
The General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill was approved by Government in March 2025. The purpose of this Bill is to:
• revise and consolidate the current legislation, including the provisions concerning the operation of the so-called 'Triple Lock' mechanism, relating to the dispatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State; and,
• give effect to recommendations pertaining to suspension and associated provisions contained within the report prepared by Mr. Peter Ward, Senior Counsel, concerning the management of members of the Defence Forces charged with, or convicted of, serious criminal offences.
The pre-legislative scrutiny (PLS) of the Bill was completed at the end of July 2025 with the publication of the Joint Oireachtas Committee's Report.
My Department has engaged extensively with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) to finalise the drafting of the Bill. The draft legislation will be brought to Government for approval within the current parliamentary session and it will subsequently begin its progress through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026
This Bill will amend the Defence Act 1954 to provide for the exercise of certain powers at sea by the Defence Forces and to make provision for the role of the Defence Forces in aid to the civil power.
The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by Government on the 9th March 2026. The drafting of the Bill is underway. Consideration is being given to the most expeditious manner in which these legislative amendments can be progressed and enacted.
Civil Defence
As part of the Department's review of activities under the "Towards 2030" policy document for Civil Defence, the policy and standard operating guidelines for Boat Operations, Welfare (including Catering and Rest Centres) and Pump operations (Flood response) were updated in 2025. The Department is also progressing a review of training delivery and the volunteer recruitment and retention strategy.
International
The Department's focus in 2025 was on Ireland's engagement with the EU's White Paper for European Defence - Readiness 2030 which was published on 19 March 2025 and on the Preserving Peace - Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, published on 16 October 2025, which sets out objectives and milestones to achieve defence readiness by 2030, as outlined in the White Paper. The White Paper seeks to mitigate some of the threats and challenges Europe collectively faces, by focusing on projects to achieve enhanced surveillance and situational awareness.
Since the publication, my Department is engaged on analysing the various proposals in respect of strengthening the European defence industrial base and reducing dependencies outside of the Union, on capability development - to procure together more regularly and to procure from the European defence industry and to encourage greater cooperation between the EU and Ukraine defence industries to allow Ukraine to participate in joint procurement and support Ukrainian defence industry in its industrial ramp-up.
Through the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) to date, the Defence Forces have delivered training modules in tactical combat casualty care/combat lifesaver, demining/mine clearance, drill instruction training, basic training, and junior leadership training to approximately 1200 Ukrainian personnel across separate modules. Since its launch in 2022, EUMAM Ukraine has trained over 85,000 Ukrainian soldiers and conducts training only on EU soil.
Ireland participated with a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force in the 2025 German-led EU Battlegroup (EUBG), with the two year commitment ending on 31 December 2025. In early 2025, the EU conducted a Military Live Exercise in Hungary in which the Defence Forces participated as part of the German-led EU Battlegroup. This was the third EU military live exercise, following on from previous exercises in Spain and Germany and the second in support of preparations for EUBG 25.
In March 2026, Government approval was secured for the establishment of a Defence Attaché network on a pilot basis, with Ireland’s bilateral Embassies in Paris, London and Washington DC chosen as the programme’s locations in light of their strategic importance. The establishment of a Defence Attaché Network will enhance Ireland’s strategic partnerships, improve military cooperation with key partners and ensure Ireland’s defence expertise and perspectives are represented within important strategic forums. These new postings will enable us to exchange information, support shared security objectives and continue to contribute to global peace and stability and advance Ireland’s interests abroad.
In addition, in March 2026, I, along with the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP, signed an update of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ireland and the UK on the enhancement of bilateral engagement on certain aspects of Defence and Security. This refreshed MoU updates the version signed in 2015 and provides for a particular focus in such areas as Maritime, Cyber Defence and Security, Air (Information Sharing) and Joint Procurement initiatives among other topics.
Emergency Planning
The Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning have worked with the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE) to deliver a cross-government seminar on the laws of sea, protection of undersea infrastructure and hybrid threats. Ireland’s first ever national-level hybrid threats exercise was conducted.
A new national-alerting platform for convening the National Emergency Coordination Group was implemented.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by senior officials in the Department of Defence and the UK Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms Directorate to take effect on 6 November 2025. The MoU establishes bilateral cooperation between Ireland and the UK in respect of risk management and emergency preparedness.
The 4th All-Island Disaster Risk Reduction Conference due to take place in Q2 2026.will be held on 29 and 30 April in Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk. The theme of this year's conference is "Strategic cross-border linkages in emergency management".
The All-Island Disaster Risk Reduction Conference series was commenced in light of the significant crises and emergency situations that have, or could have, an impact on a cross-border basis on the island of Ireland. The growing complexity of risks highlights the value in increasing cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation for emergency preparedness, management, recovery, and resilience.
Resilience
OEP progressed the development of a National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities which was published in March 2026.
The process to review the National Risk Assessment for Ireland for 2026 has begun.
OEP commenced dialogue with counterparts in the administration of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine to establish and define areas of cooperation between the two countries in the field of critical infrastructure protection.
OEP, together with the Northern Ireland Executive Office contributed to the successful application of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Monaghan County Council for €2.3 million in funding under the PEACE programme to conduct research and develop a set of actions around improvising information sharing, risk management and developed of cross border resilience.
Maritime Security
I launched Ireland's first-ever National Maritime Security Strategy on 25 February 2026.
My vision for this strategy is that it will support the protection of a secure and sovereign Ireland, where our people and interests are protected, and where our European and international partners can rely on us to uphold the rule of law in the maritime domain. My focus is now on its implementation.
I am progressing the development of urgent legislation to provide the Defence Forces with new powers when operating at sea. This is in order to safeguard Ireland’s maritime domain and protect the State’s sovereign rights in its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.
I am also providing funding to a new pilot programme focused on maritime security research in the National Maritime College of Ireland.
In support of the strategy’s development, my officials led a Public Consultation in summer 2025 to gather views on this work and to build consensus on the diverse threats, risks, challenges and opportunities being faced by the country.
Another initiative taken to support this focus on maritime security is the approval for the Defence Forces in April 2025 to participate in the EU's Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE).
This EU initiative enables structured and secure information-sharing among EU maritime authorities, both civil and military, allowing for more effective operations at sea amid new and evolving maritime threats.
Office of Veterans Affairs
The Office of Veterans Affairs was formally established on 10th November 2025. The Office, which was a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces and a commitment in the current Programme for Government, plays a key role in coordinating matters relating to Defence Forces' veterans.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government's ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to the ongoing delivery of key commitments.
