Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Written Answers Nos. 100-119

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Defence Forces

Questions (100)

Shane Moynihan

Question:

100. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the reason the supplementary military service scheme, due to commence this month, has been delayed until June 2026; whether she is aware of the concern this has caused among members of the Reserve Defence Forces who had made themselves available for service under the scheme; the steps being taken to address the impact of this delay on those personnel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32093/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

One of my key goals as Minister for Defence, is the development of a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas.

The Defence Amendment Act 2021 provided for the application of voluntary Supplementary Military Service, to allow RDF members to volunteer to undertake activities, in certain circumstances. The Act provides that Supplementary Military Service can be used where there is a particular deficiency in skills or expertise in the Permanent Defence Force, or otherwise where it is in the best interests of the Defence Forces to deploy an officer on supplemental military service, subject to certain provisions (max 100 days in 365 days). 22 SMS applications for the deployment of RDF members overseas were processed and approved in 2025.

My officials and the Defence Forces are working to implement Supplemental Military Service, on island, from 1 June 2026. This has not impacted on any RDF activity undertaken, or due to be undertaken, to date.

Applications for Supplemental Military Service will be welcomed this month for specified support activities for effective members of the RDF.

Protected Disclosures

Questions (101)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

101. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to her Department or State bodies that are responsible to her Department. [32284/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I must state at the outset that I cannot comment on any individual protected disclosure submission due to the confidentiality expected by reporting persons and required by the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (as amended).

The Deputy references potentially “missing” and/or “compromised” disclosures that have been submitted to this Department. Due to the amendments made to the Protected Disclosures Act, the procedures followed by Ministers upon receipt of a protected disclosure require that the information is transmitted, without consideration, to the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner within ten days. Once the Commissioner has considered the report, he determines the suitable organisation to oversee the assessment of the report.

To examine the issue that you have raised, I have requested officials to conduct checks across relevant systems and consult the appropriate file storage locations. I have also tasked officials to work with the Commissioners office and verify transmission numbers.

Should any new information come to light, the Department will take all necessary steps to assess and address the matter promptly.

It should be noted that from 2017 until March 2025 the Department and the Defence Forces operated a joint civil-military Protected Disclosures Office. From the 1 April 2025 the Department and the Defence Forces operate separate offices in this regard.

Defence Forces

Questions (102)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

102. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of the 2025 advertisement budget for Permanent Defence Forces that was actually spent; if any unspent budget was automatically transferred onto the 2026 advertisement budget. [32827/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I am advised by the Defence Forces that for the 2025 financial year, the combined total spend across both delegated and non-delegated advertisement budgets was 90.07 per cent.

Unspent budgets are not automatically transferred to the following year. Instead, the budget for 2026 is determined as a fresh allocation based on the specific requirements and strategic priorities identified for the new financial year.

I should also point out that, in 2025, my Department spent 99.9 per cent of its overall spending allocation for the year. This level of performance requires exceptional financial management throughout the year.

Air Corps

Questions (103)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

103. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number and percentage of Air Corps aircraft that are currently fully operational, partially operational, and unavailable for service due to maintenance requirements or staffing constraints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32878/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My officials have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the military authorities, and I will arrange to have same forwarded to the Deputy subject to any operational and security related concerns.

Air Corps

Questions (104)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

104. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the annual attrition rates for Air Corps personnel in each of the categories of pilots, aircrew, and aircraft technicians for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32879/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

It has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.

Air Corps

Questions (105)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

105. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the average time required to recruit, train and bring to full operational competency a pilot, an aircrew member, and an aircraft technician within the Air Corps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32880/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

It has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Orders.

I refer to the above-referenced Parliamentary Question 105 of 6th May 2026 and my original reply stating that it was not possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I am now in a position to do so.

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians undertake full General Service Recruit training of approximately 26 weeks duration in advance of commencing a further 3.5 years of technician training. Aircrew members will similarly complete full GSR training upon induction followed by a period of further training that can last anywhere between 2 weeks and 9 months depending on the course of training undertaken.

Personnel inducted to a pilot cadetship will undertake a period of training of approximately 30 months duration comprising 10 months in the Cadet School followed by a further 20 months in Flight Training School.

I am advised by the Defence Forces that the strength of the Air Corps as at the 31st March, the latest date for which this figure is available stood at 778 or 88% of establishment. Last year saw the induction of 78 personnel to the Air Corps and in order to further boost staffing levels, concerted efforts continue to be made regarding recruitment. General Service recruitment remains open and ongoing. In 2025, a total of 60 General Service Recruits were inducted to the Air Corps, in comparison to 46 during 2024. As of the 31 March 2026, there were 13 further inductions of General Service Recruits to the Air Corps. A new competition for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) launched recently while new competitions for Direct Entry Air Traffic Controllers and Aerospace Technicians are being progressed. The 2026 cadetship competition closed for applications in March with over 800 applications received for the pilot and Air Traffic Controller cadet streams respectively.

Air Corps

Questions (106)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

106. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department or the military authorities have assessed the impact of current staffing shortfalls on operational capacity within the Air Corps, including any effect on mission availability, response times or service delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32881/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Defence Forces operational plans and response capabilities are subject to normal operational security reporting restrictions and are not disclosed for operational security reasons. In this context, the Department of Defence receives operational and readiness reports for situational awareness purposes only. Direct command and control of assets, as well as specific tactical deployment decisions, remain the remit of the military authorities.

Air Corps

Questions (107)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

107. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps operations, missions or taskings that have been delayed, curtailed or cancelled due to staffing shortages or maintenance capacity constraints in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32882/26]

The table below sets out the number of missions cancelled, curtailed or delayed in the past 3 years.

Year	Missions	Reason
2025	5	5- Aircraft unavailability
2024	12	8- Aircraft unavailability 3- Crew unavailability 1-Technician unavailability
2023	14	11- Aircraft unavailability 3- Crew unavailability

Air Corps

Questions (108)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

108. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether a workforce gap analysis has been undertaken in respect of aircraft maintenance and technical personnel within the Air Corps; if so, to provide the findings and any identified shortfalls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32883/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Increasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. As a Government, we are committed to putting the resources in place to achieve Level of Ambition 2 and a crucial element of this is personnel expansion.

I am advised that as of the 31 March 2026, the latest date such figures are available for, the strength of the Air Corps stood at 778 personnel or 88% of the establishment figure of 886.

The Defence Forces have developed a draft Strategic Workforce Plan to provide a roadmap for the achievement of an overall strength of 11,500. This plan will identify any workforce gaps and will be submitted to me shortly for consideration.

The recommendations arising from the plan, including any recommendations pertaining to the Air Corps in respect of aircraft maintenance and technical personnel, will be evaluated in due course.

The pathways for entry to the Permanent Defence Force are those advertised on military.ie, which include an unprecedented number of recruitment competitions including a General Service Recruitment campaign for the Air Corps which commenced in November 2022, competitions for Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Communication Operators. The 2026 Air Corps cadetship campaigns including the Air Traffic Controller cadetship recently closed and attracted 830 applications. The 2026 Aircraft Maintenance Technician competition launched last week while a further competition for Aerospace Engineers is currently being progressed.

To strengthen workforce stability in key specialist roles, several measures are being implemented, which include:

• Significant progress on pay;

• The extension of the existing Service Commitment Scheme for Air Corps pilots, to Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel;

• An increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;

• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;

• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;

• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;

• The provision of excellent training and education opportunities;

• The implementation of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions.

In addition, Local Bargaining measures are being introduced to support initiatives for retention in key capability areas.

I assure the Deputy that prioritising the recruitment and retention of talented individuals across the entire Defence Forces is a priority and in an ever buoyant employment market, I want to see the Defence Forces as an employer of choice.

Defence Forces

Questions (109)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

109. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the status of backdated allowances owed to members of the Army Ranger Wing (ARW); to specify the total amount of arrears currently outstanding; the timeline for the resolution of these payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33170/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department continues to engage with matters relating to the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) allowance in accordance with sanction and agreed public service pay arrangements.

An increase in the ARW allowance, with retrospection to 1 June 2006, was recommended by an Adjudication in 2010, with a further upward review recommended in 2014 and periodic reviews thereafter. However, implementation of this Adjudication was not possible at the time due to the operation of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation between 2009 and 2015, which restricted the payment of pay increases and retrospective adjustments across the public service.

Following the conclusion of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018–2020, my Department made an offer to PDFORRA to implement a number of outstanding adjudications, including the ARW allowance adjudication, on a non-retrospective basis with effect from 1 October 2018. That offer was accepted by PDFORRA in September 2019, without prejudice to the Association’s right to pursue legal action on behalf of its members. Accordingly, there is no sanction in place to pay ARW allowance arrears in respect of the period 2006 to 2018and no arrears remain outstanding in respect of that period.

More recently, in 2023, the parties, including PDFORRA, agreed to refer the matter of the ARW Allowance to the Defence sector Arbitration Board who recommended a further increase in the ARW allowance of €200 per month, together with an additional 5% increase, with effect from 1 October 2021. This recommendation was sanctioned by the Minister for Defence at the time and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in July 2023. The Department’s Finance Branch was instructed to implement both the increase and the associated back pay to 1 October 2021, and these payments have been processed for eligible serving personnel.

I would also note that the ARW allowance has been increased on a number of occasions in recent years and now stands, following the most recent increase on 1 February 2026, at €317.41 per week for post-2013 enlisted personnel, €304.36 per week for pre-2013 enlisted personnel, and €304.37 per week for officers.

These increases reflect the highly specialist and demanding nature of service in the Army Ranger Wing and the importance of retaining these highly trained personnel.

Defence Forces

Questions (110)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

110. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the reason her Department has reportedly refused to pay ARW arrears incurred between 2006 and 2018 despite the awarding of these payments; the number of current and former personnel affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33171/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I wish to thank the Deputy for the question and I want to confirm that my Department has not refused to pay Army Ranger Wing (ARW) allowance arrears.

An increase in the ARW allowance, backdated to 1 June 2006, was recommended by an Adjudication in 2010, with a further upward review recommended in 2014 and periodic reviews thereafter. However, it was not possible to implement this adjudication at the time due to the operation of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation between 2009 and 2015, which restricted the payment of pay increases and retrospection across the public service.

Following the conclusion of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018–2020, an offer was made to PDFORRA to implement a number of outstanding adjudications, including the ARW allowance adjudication, on a non-retrospective basis with effect from 1 October 2018. This offer was accepted by PDFORRA in September 2019, without prejudice to the Association’s right to pursue legal action on behalf of its members. Accordingly, there is no sanction in place to pay ARW allowance arrears in respect of the period 2006 to 2018 and no arrears remain outstanding in respect of that period.

More recently, the parties, including PDFORRA, agreed to refer the matter of the ARW Allowance to the Defence sector Arbitration Board who recommended in 2023 that the ARW allowance be increased by €200 per month, with an additional 5% increase, with effect from 1 October 2021. This recommendation was sanctioned by the Minister for Defence at the time and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in July 2023. The Department’s Finance Branch was instructed to implement the increase and the associated back pay to 1 October 2021, and these payments have been processed.

I would also note that the ARW allowance has been increased on a number of occasions in recent years and now stands, following the most recent increase on 1 February 2026, at €317.41 per week for post-2013 enlisted personnel, €304.36 per week for pre-2013 enlisted personnel, and €304.37 per week for officers.

These increases reflect the highly specialist and demanding nature of service in the Army Ranger Wing and the importance of retention of these highly skilled personnel.

Air Corps

Questions (111)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

111. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if any confidential or secret deal regarding pay or allowances was reached with a specific group of personnel within the Air Corps / Fire Service at Casement Aerodrome; if these agreements were made outside of the standard Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) scheme to ensure the continued operation of the airfield; and if she will disclose the date, terms, and the number of personnel who benefited from this arrangement. [33172/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I am not aware of any confidential or secret deals having been struck with a specific group of personnel within the Air Corps/Fire Service at Casement Aerodrome.

The Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme for the Defence Forces is the primary mechanism for addressing industrial relations issues in the Defence sector. In line with the Irish model of industrial relations, it is a voluntary mechanism which provides structures for management and military Representative Associations to engage on collective issues that may arise. These structures have helped to maintain positive industrial relations in the sector over a number of years. Within the C&A Scheme, there are no arrangements in place whereby individuals may unilaterally threaten the cessation of aerodrome operations.

I can confirm that any matters relating to staffing, operations or industrial relations within the Air Corps Fire Service are managed in line with established governance and operational safety requirements.

Air Corps

Questions (112)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

112. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware of allegations that a 'secret deal' was reached with three individuals in the Air Corps Fire Service following threats to cease operations at the aerodrome ; if she will explain the reason such an arrangement would be implemented. [33173/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I am not aware of any confidential or secret deals having been reached with a specific group of personnel within the Air Corps/Fire Service at Casement Aerodrome.

I can confirm that any matters relating to staffing, operations or industrial relations within the Air Corps Fire Service are managed in line with established governance and operational safety requirements.

The Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme for the Defence Forces is the primary mechanism for addressing industrial relations issues in the Defence sector. In line with the Irish model of industrial relations, it is a voluntary mechanism which provides structures for management and military Representative Associations to engage on collective issues that may arise. These structures have helped to maintain positive industrial relations in the sector over a number of years.

Defence Forces

Questions (113)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

113. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the current status of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) recommendation regarding the introduction of long service increments for enlisted personnel; if she will explain the reason this measure remains under 'further evaluation' since July 2022 despite the ongoing retention crisis; and if she will commit to an immediate implementation date to stabilise personnel numbers and support recruitment.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33174/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Commission on Defence Forces (CoDF) Report recommended that Long Service Increments be introduced to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel. This recommendation was identified as requiring Further Evaluation by Government in July 2022.

The further evaluation of this CoDF recommendation has concluded. The outcome of the evaluation is that the introduction of long service increments for enlisted personnel can be considered through the local bargaining process provided for as part of the National Pay Agreements. Discussions are continuing with all the relevant stakeholders in that regard.

The retention of personnel is of great importance. I will continue to keep pay and conditions under review, to ensure that we continue to attract and retain high calibre personnel into the Defence Forces. Significant progress has been made on pay and conditions in recent years.

In October 2020, a newly qualified three-star Private could have expected to earn €29,326 gross per annum, on completion of his/her initial training.

Following the implementation of a number of other pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present a three-star Private, on completion of recruit training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at:

• €42,465 in Year 1

• €43,890 in Year 2

• €45,204 in Year 3

Equally, for the Officer cohort, a 2nd Lieutenant - entry rank for school leaver cadet on commissioning - was paid €37,664 in October 2020. As of 01 February 2026, they are now paid €46,359. After 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €51,748.

Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €51,748.

These rates all include pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of Colonel, for the unpredictable nature of work in the Defence Forces.

Other key changes introduced to broader conditions include the extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, a doubling of the Patrol Duty Allowance after 10 days at sea, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act and the extension of a service commitment scheme for pilots in the Air Corps to their Air Traffic Control colleagues.

Defence Forces

Questions (114)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

114. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence to state her Department's position on the payment of five-figure arrears owed to serving and retired members of the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) and Defence Forces Chefs arising from historical allowance agreements; the reason these payments are being withheld from retired veterans who served during the relevant periods; the impact this perceived lack of respect has on the willingness of former personnel to re-enlist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33175/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I thank the Deputy for the question and wish to outline my Department’s position in relation to a recommendations made by an Adjudicator under the Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme concerning allowances affecting members of the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) and Defence Forces Chefs.

In respect of the ARW allowance, increases were recommended following adjudications, including an increase backdated to 1 June 2006 recommended in 2010, with a further upward review in 2014 and periodic reviews thereafter. However, implementation of retrospection was not possible at the time due to the operation of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation between 2009 and 2015, which restricted the payment of pay increases and retrospection across the public service.

Following the conclusion of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018–2020, an offer was made to PDFORRA to implement a number of outstanding adjudications, including the ARW allowance, on a non-retrospective basis with effect from 1 October 2018. This offer was accepted in September 2019, without prejudice to the Association’s right to pursue legal proceedings on behalf of its members. Consequently, there is no sanction in place to pay arrears in respect of the period from 2006 to 2018, and no arrears remain outstanding for that period.

More recently, the ARW allowance was referred to the Defence Sector Arbitration Board, which recommended in 2023 that the allowance be increased by €200 per month, together with an additional 5% increase, with effect from 1 October 2021. This recommendation was sanctioned by the then Minister for Defence and by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in July 2023. The increase and the associated back pay to 1 October 2021 have been implemented.

Pay and allowance matters affecting Defence Forces Chefs were also addressed through the Conciliation and Arbitration, adjudication and sanction processes that apply across the Defence Forces. As with the ARW allowance, the payment of any arrears arising from historical agreements is subject to formal sanction and the terms under which such agreements were implemented. In line with longstanding practice across the public service, allowances and associated arrears apply to serving personnel only, unless specific sanction or agreement provides otherwise.

I fully recognise the contribution made by both current and former members of the Defence Forces, including those in highly specialised roles. While issues of morale and retention are multifaceted, my Department remains focused on improving pay, conditions and career structures for serving personnel. In this context, the ARW allowance has increased on a number of occasions in recent years and, following the most recent increase on 1 February 2026, now stands at €317.41 per week for post-2013 enlisted personnel, €304.36 per week for pre-2013 enlisted personnel, and €304.37 per week for officers. These measures are intended to support retention and reflect the demanding and specialist nature of these roles.

Wage-setting Mechanisms

Questions (115)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

115. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has sought legal advice on its compliance with the Payment of Wages Act 1991 regarding the non-payment of agreed allowances; if she acknowledges that allowances are defined as 'wages' under Section 1 of the Act and cannot be deducted or withheld without statutory basis; and if she will address the inconsistency of these debts remaining unpaid while other 'critical' groups received immediate facilitation. [33176/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The allowance referenced arises from a recommendation made by an Adjudicator under the Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme on 27 September 2010 concerning the Army Ranger Wing allowance and proposed increases backdated to June 2006. The Deputy will be aware that the C&A Scheme operates, in line with the Irish model of industrial relations, as a voluntary industrial relations mechanism. Recommendations or findings arising under the Scheme do not constitute enforceable pay entitlements unless and until they are accepted and sanctioned by the appropriate Ministers in accordance with public-service pay legislation and budgetary processes.

Implementation of the 2010 recommendation was not possible at the time due to the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation, which restricted the payment of pay increases and retrospective adjustments across the public service. Following the conclusion of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018–2020, an offer was made through the established industrial relations framework to implement a number of outstanding adjudications, including the Army Ranger Wing allowance adjudication, on a non-retrospective basis with effect from 1 October 2018. This offer was accepted by PDFORRA in September 2019.

In those circumstances, there is no sanctioned entitlement to the payment of Army Ranger Wing allowance arrears for the period 2006 to 2018. In the absence of such sanction, no entitlement to “wages” within the meaning of the Payment of Wages Act 1991 arises, and there is therefore no unlawful withholding or deduction of pay.

More recently, the parties including PDFORRA agreed to refer the matter of the ARW Allowance to the Defence sector Arbitration Board who recommended in 2023 that the ARW allowance be increased by €200 per month, with an additional 5% increase, with effect from 1 October 2021. This recommendation was sanctioned by the Minister for Defence at the time and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in July 2023. The Department’s Finance Branch was instructed to implement the increase and the associated back pay to 1 October 2021, and these payments have been processed.

Matters relating to pay and allowances in the Defence Forces are progressed through the voluntary industrial relations machinery of the C&A Scheme, and any outcomes are subject to Government approval, affordability and compliance with public-service pay policy.

Defence Forces

Questions (116)

Catherine Callaghan

Question:

116. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Carlow in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33342/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My Department does not own or operate any military installations in County Carlow and, as a result, has not undertaken any projects in the county within the period referenced.

Departmental Data

Questions (117)

John Brady

Question:

117. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence to provide a detailed breakdown of all gifts received in her capacity as Minister; the nature of these gifts and potential monetary value; the procedures followed in accepting gifts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33377/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Since being appointed as Minister for Defence, I have received one gift. In my attendance at the Valentia Island Subsea Cable Security and Resilience Symposium, I was presented with a small piece of the original section of the underwater cable. To my knowledge, this currently does not attract a monetary value.

In line with the Standards of Public Office, I am not permitted, in my role as Minister, to accept gifts with a value exceeding €650. If offered gifts of value less than €650 I will, as required, follow the Standards of Public Office procedures.

Defence Forces

Questions (118)

Joe Neville

Question:

118. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces that are currently on active peace keeping missions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33428/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

As of 30th April 2026, Ireland is contributing 430 Defence Forces personnel to overseas peacekeeping missions and commitments. This reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security. The main mission in which personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 353 personnel.

Ireland also contributes personnel to two other UN missions located in the Middle East, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) - where Military Observers remain in the Middle East to monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating and assist other United Nations peacekeeping operations in the region - with 11 personnel currently deployed, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan in Syria, with 3 personnel deployed. Observers and staff are also deployed to various United Nations and OSCE missions, and in addition, Defence Forces personnel hold staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO (as part of Ireland's membership of Partnership for Peace) and OSCE headquarters.

Ireland has always been a strong supporter of peacekeeping and contributions to peacekeeping operations and this is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN and UN-mandated peacekeeping operations, as well as by Ireland's engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Our peacekeepers are recognised internationally for their expertise and experience.

As the Deputy will know, on 28th August last year, the UN Security Council renewed the UNIFIL mandate up to 31st December 2026, to be followed by a period of drawdown and withdrawal, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027. This will have the most significant impact on the numbers of the Defence Forces serving overseas over the next 18 months.

The following table sets out the number and location of personnel deployed to overseas peacekeeping missions and commitments as of 30th April last (the latest figures available):

UN MISSIONS
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ	353
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria	11
UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force)	3
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)	5
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo)	13
Naval Service EU Naval Mission (Op Irini)	4
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS	389
EU MILITARY STAFF (EUMS)
Brussels	8
EU MILITARY COMMITTEE (EUMC)
Brussels	15
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York	1
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1
Military Representative to EU (Brussels)	6
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels)	3
EU OHQ Operation Althea, SHAPE, Mons, Belgium	1
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium	1
Military C-IED Expert, UN Mine Action Service, Entebbe, Uganda	1
EU Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine (OHQ & Multinational Training Command) (Belgium & Germany)	4
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS	430

Defence Forces

Questions (119)

Catherine Callaghan

Question:

119. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Kilkenny in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33459/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I wish to thank the Deputy for her interest in this matter. One of my key priorities as Minister for Defence is to ensure that there is continued investment in infrastructure. The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was approximately €170 million. In particular, the development of accommodation for new recruits has been a priority for my Department.

Year	Project	Project Cost Inc VAT
2026	New Barrack Accountant Store	€0.63m
2024	Refurbishment Block C	€0.78m
2022	Underground Services and watermain replacement	€0.65m
2021	New Gymnasium	€3.3m

This year the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment. 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.

• Written Answers Nos. 88-99
• Written Answers Nos. 120-140