Thursday, 7 May 2026

Written Answers Nos. 121-141

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Defence Forces

Questions (121, 123)

Michael Murphy

Question:

121. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 24 March 2026, whether the Strategic Workforce Plan currently under development includes consideration of a formal lateral transfer policy for experienced personnel from other militaries; whether any such policy is being actively progressed by her Department or the Defence Forces; whether it is intended to include such a pathway in the forthcoming Workforce Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25478/26]

Michael Murphy

Question:

123. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 24 March 2026, whether the Strategic Workforce Plan currently under development includes consideration of a formal lateral transfer policy for experienced personnel from other militaries; whether any proposals in this regard are being actively examined by her Department or the Defence Forces; and the Government’s policy position on the introduction of such a pathway. [25477/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 123 together.

Boosting recruitment to the Defence Forces is a key priority for me and I am advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,778 as at 31st March, the latest date for which this figure is available. Last year saw 790 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force (PDF)- the highest figure in twenty years- while the total number of applications for careers in the PDF 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 Permanent Defence Force for 2026.

Further to my response to the Deputy in March in relation to this matter, I am advised by the Defence Forces that a draft Strategic Workforce Plan will be submitted to me for consideration imminently. As the Deputy will be aware, work on this plan commenced late last year and I am advised that when complete it will provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2.

The recommendations arising from the plan, including any recommendations pertaining to Lateral Entry, will be evaluated fully by my officials in due course. However, as the Deputy is aware from my previous response, the Defence Forces does not currently have a formal policy governing lateral transfers from other militaries and proposals regarding this have not yet been submitted by the Defence Forces for consideration.

It therefore remains the case that the primary pathways for entry to the Permanent Defence Force are those currently advertising on military.ie. These pathways are many and varied and in fact include an unprecedented number of recruitment competitions. A range of direct entry competitions for specialist roles in the PDF are currently open for applications. Two additional competitions for Medical Officers and a Pharmacist were launched recently with proposals for competitions for Dental Officers, Instrumentalists and Armourers currently being progressed. In addition, applications for General Service recruitment as well as opportunities for re-enlistment and recommissioning remain open and ongoing. The 2026 cadetship competitions closed in March with more than 2,800 applications received.

The Deputy may wish to note that an action within the Reserve Defence Force Regeneration Plan is the enabling of multi-induction streams. Lateral mobility for the Defence Forces as a whole, will be considered under the recommendations in the Workforce Plan.

Defence Forces

Questions (122)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

122. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if she will quantify the amount of non-lethal equipment that the Defence Forces have donated to their Ukrainian counterparts since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32714/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been resolute in our response to Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and morally reprehensible war against Ukraine. The Government remains committed to working with our European and Ukrainian counterparts to maintain our solidarity with Ukraine and to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself against brutal Russian aggression.

My Department is kept informed of Ukraine’s support needs on an ongoing basis and actively explores ways in which Ireland can continue provide non-lethal support, including through the donation of equipment.

To date, the military equipment donated has included:

• 200 units of body armour delivered in March 2022

• 2 large de-mining vehicles (DOKING Mine Flails) in February 2023

• 65 vehicles delivered in June 2024 and September 2025 which included a Fire Truck, ambulances, trucks and minivans.

• 5 mobile radar defence systems (Giraffes) plus an additional 2 for spare parts delivered in June 2025

• 3 Demining Robots (Reachers) delivered in September 2025

The equipment donated to date has had no impact on the operational capacity of the Defence Forces.

My Department and the Defence Forces continually examine all potential opportunities to donate further equipment and vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as opportunities arise, as capability allows, and as requests are made.

Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 121.

Defence Forces

Questions (124)

Noel McCarthy

Question:

124. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the number of recruitment applications the Defence Forces received, approved and rejected in each respective year from 2021 to 2025 inclusive and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32978/26]

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.

A range of measures have been undertaken to tackle recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces over the last number of years and these are now yielding positive results. As of the 31 March 2026, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,778 personnel which represents a year on year increase of more than 270 personnel.

The table below illustrates the progress made in the last 5 years in terms of applications, and inductions to the PDF.

	Total Applications	Total Inductions
2021	9,561	576
2022	8,043	435
2023	9,479	415
2024	13,348	708
2025	16,510	790
2026	7,252*	164*

*As at 31 March 2026

I want to build on the progress achieved in 2025 and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026.

As the figures mentioned earlier indicate, overall interest in a career in the Defence Forces has grown substantially over the past number of years, culminating in a total of 16,510 applications in 2025. This trend has continued into 2026 with over 7,000 applications received to the end of March. A workforce plan to set out the pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, including civilian personnel, will be submitted to me shortly for consideration.

Key enabling measures undertaken to support and drive recruitment and retention include: increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement; the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel; the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions; increases to Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea, and extension of the Naval Service tax credit to 2029.

There continues to be significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a pay award delivered In February with a further increase due in June.

Opportunities for careers in the Defence Forces remain open via a diverse range of ongoing competitions including those for general service and for Direct Entry specialist roles while the 2026 Cadetship competition closed in March with over 2,800 applications received.

Underpinning these and other measures, I ensured that Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.

While recruitment and retention remains challenging, significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts. The allocation of record levels of expenditure is illustrative of my commitment to increase recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force and retain our valuable members.

United Nations

Questions (125, 141)

Seán Crowe

Question:

125. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on any discussions had with the UN regarding any missions that Irish peacekeepers may take part in following the cessation of the UNIFIL mission; if discussions have been had regarding Irish peacekeepers remaining in Lebanon after 2026 to support the Lebanese armed forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33212/26]

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

141. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if there will be a continued partnership between Ireland and the people of Lebanon, given our longstanding commitment to peace keeping in Lebanon. [32845/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 141 together.

Ireland is proud of its long standing commitment to Lebanon and to UNIFIL. Irish troops first began their service with UNIFIL in 1978 and they have made an essential contribution to maintaining the well-being and security of the Lebanese people since then. Both I and the Government believe that UNIFIL is making an essential contribution to the safety and security of Lebanon and the wider region. Through our UNIFIL deployment, Ireland has built strong bilateral links with the Lebanese Government and people, which we will seek to maintain and build on going forward.

I remain actively and personally engaged on these bilateral links. I am regularly in contact with my Lebanese counterparts to express Ireland’s continued support for Lebanon, most recently during a call with Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, on 10th April this year. In addition, I spoke in March with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix, to discuss the situation in southern Lebanon, the future of UNIFIL and Ireland’s firm commitment to international peace and security and to the UN through participation in peacekeeping operations. I also underlined our support for Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces, and I will continue to engage constructively with the United Nations and international partners in this regard.

In terms of future support and partnership with regard to Lebanon, we have been very clear on the critical need for all parties in the region to respect the UNIFIL mandate to the end of 2026 and during the drawdown and withdrawal phase of the Mission throughout 2027, and that the EU and international community maintain their support and commitment to the Government and people of Lebanon during this period, including through enabling the Lebanese Armed Forces to provide security for the State of Lebanon.

Ireland’s continued participation in UNIFIL reflects our commitment to multilateralism and the maintenance of international peace and security and that the Mission is essential in supporting peace and security in Lebanon and in the wider region. Following years of investment of resources and support to the Lebanese I do not wish to see those gains undone and I consider it essential that the international community maintain its support to Lebanon following the withdrawal of UNIFIL at the end of its mandate.

On the EU front, the EU’s External Action Service is currently actively considering what form European support for Lebanon could take, which could include a proposal for a military CSDP Training Mission, along with European Peace Facility supports, and I look forward to engaging on this as it develops during our forthcoming Presidency of the EU. Both I and Government fully support EU CSDP efforts as a means of contributing to peace and security in southern Lebanon, and we were very happy to prepare a non-paper at EU level, supported by Spain and Austria, in this regard.

We must ensure however that any initiatives and support are rooted in, and responsive to, Lebanese needs and closely coordinated with international partners.

At present, no decision has been taken by the Government, in respect of Irish Defence Forces personnel remaining in Lebanon beyond 2026 in a role supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, whether under UN auspices or otherwise. It is important to note however, that under the current ‘Triple Lock’ arrangements underpinning the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to peacekeeping missions, Defence Forces personnel will no longer be able to be deployed in this role in Southern Lebanon, in the absence of a UN mandate. This is one of the reasons why Government remains committed to amending this legislation.

Decisions regarding the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas are made on the basis of policy advice and are informed by developments in the international security environment, Ireland’s foreign policy priorities, and the operational demands, assets and capabilities of the Defence Forces, having regard to existing commitments both at home and overseas, as well as currently, the presence of a UNSC mandate. These factors are kept under continuous review, particularly in the context of an increasingly challenging security environment.

No discussions have been had with the UN regarding participation in any missions following the cessation of the UNIFIL mission, but the Government remains open to considering future contributions where they align with Ireland’s values, international obligations and the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (126)

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Question:

126. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Defence the way in which her Department is supporting defence-relevant critical entities in meeting the enhanced cyber-resilience obligations set out in the National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities 2026-2029, particularly in light of the requirements arising from the CER Directive and NIS2; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33218/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The European Union (Resilience of Critical Entities) Regulations 2024 were signed into law on 15 October 2024 and implement the European Directive on Critical Entities Resilience, known as the CER Directive. Part 2 of these Regulations exempt entities in the public administration sector in the areas of national security, public security, defence or law enforcement from the provisions of the regulations. In addition, entities operating in other sectors that conduct activities in the areas of national security, public security, defence or law enforcement, including the investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences are also exempted from certain provisions of the Regulations. These exemptions mirror similar exemptions provisions of the CER Directive.

At the EU level, the forthcoming negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework will consider a range of instruments that may support research, innovation and industrial development in dual-use technologies.

Ireland will engage constructively in negotiations to ensure that opportunities arising from the Multiannual Financial Framework align with our national interests.

Ireland has a strong, internationally recognised ecosystem across digital technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and space. We will seek to ensure that Irish enterprises, research institutions, and SMEs are well-positioned to benefit from such funding opportunities.

Additionally, my Department supports the Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge, which is a national initiative aimed at developing innovative solutions to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces and deliver benefits to wider society.

Defence Forces

Questions (127)

Matt Carthy

Question:

127. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Defence the functions formerly performed by the Defence Forces that the Government has outsourced since 2020. [33100/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The functions formerly performed by the Defence Forces that have been outsourced since 2020 is set out below.

The functions listed distinguish between instances where a function has been outsourced on a long-term basis and instances where external resources have been engaged to undertake a function on a short-term basis due to staffing or skills shortages.

In most cases, the duties and services have not been outsourced on a long-term basis. Rather the Defence Forces have engaged external service providers to enhance capacity or to perform the duty or service due to temporary personnel or skills shortages. The intention is revert to these functions being performed in-house when feasible.

Army

Long-term

• A number of Communications & Information Systems functions have been outsourced, with technical support being provided in various areas.

• Some of the maintenance and upkeep of certain Defence Force Installations has been contracted out to private companies.

Short-term

• The current Transport Vehicle Body Repair and Recovery contract provides for the engagement of external service providers to deliver vehicle crash repairs and painting services.

• Specialised ordnance instructors have been brought in to temporarily support the delivery of instruction to students of the Ordnance School.

• A private company has been contracted to undertake PDF and RDF occupational and induction Part 2 medicals.

• Medical Services, including primary care, pharmacy and dental services as well as agency services to address a current shortage of medical personnel to undertake specialist roles e.g. nurses, lab technicians etc.

• Army Training – certain courses e.g. Mortar Platoon Commanders, 2I/C and NCO have been undertaken externally.

Naval Service

Long-term

• The maintenance of certain ships’ main engines and propulsion systems has been enhanced and outsourced, through an Optimised Maintenance contract.

• The maintenance of various other Naval Service equipment, including diving equipment and RHIB (small boat) maintenance has been outsourced.

Short-term

• Civilian technician support has been utilised across the Naval Service due to shortages of Defence Forces qualified personnel.

• Due to a shortage of qualified technicians, certain training courses/modules in the Naval College have been delivered externally.

• CPL support recruitment services in the Naval Service. Recruitment is not outsourced, but CPL work alongside and augment NS and DF personnel in supporting NS recruitment.

Air Corps

Long-term

• Second line maintenance for certain aircraft types has been outsourced, including instances where additional maintenance support is required.

• Civilian technician support has been used to provide technical support to the Air Corps.

Short-term

• Due to a shortage of air traffic control personnel, ATC operational capability has reduced since June 2025. Contractual agreement set up with an external service provider (ASG Ltd) to provide Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) services at the Aerodrome.

• Flight Operations – some Ministerial Air Transport Service Charter flights and PC9M Flight Line Support (Ramp Operations) have been delivered by external service providers.

• Flight Training – certain ab initio pilot training has been undertaken externally.

• Certain technician training has been delivered externally.

As the Deputy is aware, a broad range of progressive measures has been successfully implemented in recent years to support the objective of recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces.

In 2024, Defence Forces strength levels stabilised and recorded a modest increase in 2025. This indicates that the key enabling measures are taking effect and delivering positive outcomes.

The Defence Forces are currently formulating a Strategic Workforce Plan to set out current personnel and skill sets and to map out proposals for the achievement of a strength of 11,500. I want to build on the progress achieved in 2025 and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026.

Underpinning these and other measures, is a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector in Budget 2026, and while recruitment and retention issues remain challenging, this record Defence allocation illustrates my ongoing commitment to increasing recruitment and improving retention throughout the Defence Forces.

Moreover, I launched the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan (NDP) 2026-2030 late last year, which sets out the government’s record €1.7 billion capital investment in Defence over the next five years, an increase of €600 million, or 55 per cent, on the previous baseline.

In an era defined by a rapidly evolving geopolitical tensions, the investment will modernise Defence Forces capability across all domains and ensure that Ireland continues to meet its national and international defence responsibilities.

Defence Forces

Questions (128)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

128. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Defence the additional defence and security costs that will arise from protecting the Celtic Interconnector; whether the Defence Forces currently have the capacity to meet the demands associated with protecting this critical subsea infrastructure; if she will outline any planned increases in maritime surveillance and resourcing in response to heightened risks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33414/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

As Minister for Defence, I launched Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy on 25 February. 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.

This first strategy focuses on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence, including the protection of our critical maritime infrastructure, particularly critical undersea infrastructure. My reason for this focus on critical infrastructure in our maritime domain is because many major undersea cables land on our shores or transit through our EEZ carrying significant amounts of global internet traffic and financial data. In addition, our energy sector is heavily supported by subsea gas pipelines and electricity interconnectors. There are also plans advancing to develop significant offshore renewable facilities in our waters.

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is working with Eirgrid to deliver the Celtic Interconnector. This is a high-voltage subsea power cable that will link the electricity grids of Ireland and France and will play an important role in Ireland’s energy security. This, and other such infrastructure in our maritime domain, is vulnerable to hybrid threats resulting from the evolving geo-political situation.

My focus is now on implementation of the National Maritime Security Strategy and the operationalisation of its accompanying action plan so that I can deliver this new, whole-of-government approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain, in cooperation with international partners and the private sector, and in accordance with our international legal rights and obligations.

The implementation of the strategy is taking place against the backdrop of significant increases in our own national defence spending in the past few years, including government’s record €1.7 billion capital investment in Defence over the next five years, an increase of €600 million, or 55%, on the previous baseline. This will facilitate significant progress on important defence projects, including military radar and subsea awareness.

In the meantime, I do want to assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces routinely monitor all foreign vessels in our maritime domain with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline.

Question No. 129 answered with Question No. 90.

National Security

Questions (130, 139)

Shay Brennan

Question:

130. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Defence her key priorities under the new National Maritime Security Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33115/26]

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

139. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence when the implementation of the National Maritime Security Strategy, as it relates to our subsea communications infrastructure, will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33168/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 139 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that I launched Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy on 25 February. 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.

This first strategy focuses on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence, including the protection of our critical maritime infrastructure, particularly critical undersea infrastructure.

My reason for this focus on critical infrastructure in our maritime domain is because many major undersea cables land on our shores or transit through our EEZ carrying significant amounts of global internet traffic and financial data. In addition, our energy sector is heavily supported by subsea gas pipelines and electricity interconnectors. There are also plans advancing to develop significant offshore renewable facilities in our waters.

This infrastructure is vulnerable to hybrid threats resulting from the evolving geo-political situation. Vessels from the Russian Shadow Fleet also present a significant challenge from the environmental risk they pose and their ability to potentially damage our undersea infrastructure.

My focus is now on implementing the strategy and operationalising its accompanying action plan so that I can deliver a new, whole-of-government approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain, in cooperation with international partners and the private sector, and in accordance with our international legal rights and obligations.

Defence Forces

Questions (131)

Sinéad Gibney

Question:

131. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware of four meetings held between the Defence Forces and public representatives regarding support for homeless and struggling Defence Force veterans; and if she can clarify the action she has taken to support these individuals. [33326/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

At the outset, as Minister for Defence, I wish to recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel. As a reflection of the deep respect the Government has for our Veterans, the Office of Veterans Affairs was formally established on 10th November 2025.

Recently, I met with representatives of the recognised veterans’ Associations. During these engagements, funding arrangements and ongoing issues affecting veterans and their organisations were discussed and I reaffirmed my commitment to their valuable work. The Office of Veteran Affairs will continue to liaise closely with these Associations.

My Department facilitates ongoing financial support for veterans by way of annual subvention provided through the Department of Defence, to the two recognised veterans’ Associations, Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). Both ONE and IUNVA are registered charities, distinct from the Defence Forces. They engage with various bodies, including public representatives, when appropriate, to further the interests of their members.

Under current Service Level Agreements, the annual subvention stands at €173,000 to ONE and €40,000 to IUNVA. In addition, Dormant Accounts funding is made available to assist both organisations for specific project-based initiatives. To date, a total of €1.3 million has been allocated to Veterans’ Associations under this funding stream.

ONE is the primary charity in Ireland dedicated to providing accommodation, support, and services to homeless and disadvantaged veterans of the Irish Defence Forces. Currently, ONE provides single-room accommodation (board and lodgings) for 51 retired Defence Forces personnel across four residential homes. This capacity is expected to increase to 81 beds as further development phases are completed. My Department and the Office of Veteran Affairs will continue to support ONE in these vital developments.

In addition, this Government also assist ONE with funding through the HSE and DRHE, with the result that overall Government funding amounts to approximately €880,000 per annum (excluding Dormant Account funding).

This Government values the contribution of all veterans to the state and will continue to work with the veteran organisations, through the Office of Veteran Affairs, to address their needs.

Defence Forces

Questions (132)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

132. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence her views on the revised defence plan deadlines in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the transformation of the Defence Forces, which have been pushed out again by Government, which will result in major defence projects such as the anti-drone CUAS system being delayed again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33408/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is a multi-annual plan setting out wide-ranging reform across every facet of the Defence Forces. Transformation efforts of this magnitude take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations.

I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place and progress to date will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.

I am determined that through the Strategic Framework, and Detailed Implementation Plan, we will realise our shared ambition for the Defence Forces, accompanied by clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground for serving members.

The Defence capital investment allocation has increased by €159million (113%) since 2022 from €141 million in 2022 to an all-time high of €300m in 2026. The investment into our Defence Forces has never been more important and it is crucial that we recognise and prioritise the need to invest in defence equipment and infrastructure. This expenditure enhances and supports our military capabilities and contributes to a more secure and resilient society.

The funding provided for in 2026, and under the National Development Plan 2025-2030 will ensure that significant progress can also be made on key Defence Equipment projects, including the priority Military Radar Programme, accelerated procurement of Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities, towed sonar capability, among others.

As the Deputy mentioned, some timelines have been adjusted due to the complexity of some of the steps that are necessary for meaningful transformation to take place, and to reflect the available capital funding now available under the National Development Plan.

The Military Radar Programme is a key priority and good progress is being made. When fully delivered, the Recognised Air Picture will incorporate this suite of military radar systems which will have the capability to detect all aircraft traversing our airspace. Full delivery of the programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with elements to be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026, towards full delivery by the end of 2028.

I am confident that my Department, and the Defence Forces are ensuring that every recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces is being progressed as expeditiously as possible.

With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from July this year, I have prioritised the delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces.

Contractual arrangements were put in place to enable delivery of these capabilities during the first half of this year and this is on schedule. In line with these arrangements, training of military personnel is well underway and the further roll-out of capabilities will continue to be accelerated this year.

Naval Service

Questions (133)

John Connolly

Question:

133. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Defence her plans for an expanded Naval Reserve presence in Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33297/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

My key priority is the modernisation of our Defence Forces, and revitalising our Reserve Defence Forces is a vital part of that transformation process.

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Regeneration Plan, published in July 2024, coordinates 27 actions across four objectives [(i) Recruitment & Retention, (ii) Resourcing, (iii) Training & Education, and (iv) Integration & Deployment], to modernise the RDF and ensure it can seamlessly train, operate, and deploy with the Permanent Defence Force.

Furthermore other areas of work underway in the Reserve Defence Force sphere include:

• A new RDF Recruitment system, which will result in a more streamlined and user-friendly process for applicants;

• A significant RDF advertising awareness campaign is in the final stages of development. This will be coordinated across all media modes including television and radio adverts, to raise the public’s awareness of the opportunities available in the RDF;

• A substantial expansion of the RDF budget which continues to increase in pace with the enhanced role of the RDF. To illustrate this, the budget allocation in 2025 was €3.542m and I have further increased it to €4.535m for 2026.

As the Deputy is aware, one of the key recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report is to increase the future RDF establishment strength to include at a minimum, a Navy Reserve of 400.

The military authorities have advised that, under this expansion, additional Naval Service Reserve units may be considered in suitable coastal centres with port access. Options are being examined in the context of the wider transformation of the Defence Forces by the Defence Force's force design teams.

National Security

Questions (134)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

134. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence her plans for capability development in support of increased maritime security; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33112/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the current operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained and further developed. In the context of an evolving geopolitical and security environment, it is essential that Ireland continues to enhance the capabilities of its Defence Forces, including those required to safeguard our maritime domain. This objective is being supported through the implementation of a Capability Development Planning Process.

As Minister I published Ireland's first National Maritime Security Strategy in February this year setting out a 5 year roadmap (2026 -2030) to protect the State's maritime domain, safeguard critical infrastructure and strengthen national security.

The new strategy supports 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. It also affirms that maritime security is a whole of government responsibility and requires support from industry, academia, the public and international partners.

The strategy has an accompanying action plan to ensure delivery of this new whole-of-government approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain, in cooperation with international partners and the private sector, and in accordance with our international legal rights and obligations. Defence of our maritime domain is a strategic objective in the National Maritime Security Strategy action plan, with capability development central to this.

One of the key recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces was to implement a top down capability development planning process (CDPP) to bring planning for Defence Forces capabilities in line with best practice. In early 2023, a Capability Development Unit was established in the Department within the Strategic Change and Capability Development Division. It is civil/military in terms of staffing, with military staff from across the three services of the Defence Forces, providing an overarching joint perspective to capability planning, including maritime capabilities.

The Unit is now well established and in the final stages of the upstream phase, the key output of which is a 12 year Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This programme will inform future decisions on the prioritisation and development of capabilities, including those in the maritime domain, in support of the strategic Level of Ambition 2 set out in the Defence Policy Review, the Maritime Security Strategy and the objectives outlined in the Strategic Framework and the updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces. I expect this Programme to be finalised later in 2026.

Once finalised, the Programme will be implemented through rolling four-year Capability Development Plans, the first of which will cover the period 2028 to 2032. Capabilities will then be developed and acquired in line with available capital allocations under the National Development Plan. This structured and phased approach will guide future investment decisions, including in relation to naval vessels, equipment and enabling systems, as part of the overall development of Defence Forces capability.

One of the key ongoing projects underway that will contribute to maritime security relates to subsea domain awareness. A programme of work has been approved as part of the overall Equipment Development Plan. Investment in sonar capability is the first project within that new programme which will see the Naval Service acquire sonar capability which will be used to detect objects near cables and pipelines in Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. This new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces. This is a complex project and a new capability, so work in training personnel and establishing the procedures and structures required within the Defence Forces has commenced, and will continue in the period up to the delivery in 2027.

Work has also commenced on Sonobuoys a second project within that subsea programme. This project will result in a new Air Corps capability which can be used to detect, localise, identify, and track objects in the Irish EEZ. This capability will be used in conjunction with the new towed sonar capability planned for delivery in 2027, and also with existing Air Corps assets.

In addition to the development of new capabilities, the Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline.

The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial monitoring of the Irish EEZ. Two C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment were delivered to the Air Corps in 2023 to replace the CASA CN235 aircraft. These aircraft considerably upgrade our surveillance capabilities.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (135)

Naoise Ó Cearúil

Question:

135. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Defence the way in which her Department is contributing to the national risk assessment of critical entities required under the National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities 2026–2029, particularly in relation to cyber and hybrid threats affecting maritime, energy and communications infrastructure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33219/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The European Union (Resilience of Critical Entities) Regulations 2024 were signed on 15 October 2024, implementing the European Directive on Critical Entities Resilience, commonly known as the CER Directive. Part Six of these regulations requires the Minister of Defence to conduct a national risk assessment. Building on the ongoing National Risk Assessment for Ireland, which is conducted every three years as mandated by a separate EU Directive, 1313/2013/EU, the Office of Emergency Planning and the National Risk Assessment Working Group reviewed the latest risk assessment. I subsequently published a technical amendment to the National Risk Assessment to align with the requirements of the 2024 CER Regulations.

The National Risk Assessment identifies 22 key risks. Among those assessed are Maritime Incidents, Damage to Undersea Infrastructure, Cyber Attacks, Disruptions to Critical Supply Chains, Disruptions to Gas and Electricity Supplies, and Terror Attacks. The complete National Risk Assessment is available on the Office of Emergency Planning's website.

Since 2022, the National Emergency Coordination Group has conducted exercises focusing on disruptions to electricity, gas, and oil supply, as well as transport, cyber, and radiological emergency scenarios. Notably, Exercise PÚCA took place in February 2025; it was Ireland's first exercise specifically addressing an intentional hybrid attack on the state. In November 2026, Ireland will participate with other EU Member States in Exercise Integrated Resolve 2026. This exercise will assess the EU's capacity to manage a complex crisis focusing on hybrid incidents affecting multiple Member States.

Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 107.

Departmental Records

Questions (137)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

137. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has any records pertaining to a 19th century British Army rifle and musket firing range at Woodcock Hill, Meelick, County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32713/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I wish to inform the Deputy that following a review of Departmental files, no records relating to this site can be found.

Naval Service

Questions (138)

James O'Connor

Question:

138. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on the staffing shortages in the Naval Service; the progress made with the on-going recruitment campaign within the Naval Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32727/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

At the outset I want to acknowledge the on-going staffing challenges in the Naval Service. We have, however, made positive progress over the last two years.

Recruitment, assisted by the ongoing advertising campaign, is presently ongoing via a wide range of pathways including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and eight Naval Service specific direct entry competitions. The 2026 cadetship competitions closed in March with a total of 2,800 applications received, 913 of which were for Naval Service specific cadetships.

Indeed overall applications for the Naval Service grew strongly in 2025 with the total number of applications received (2837) exceeding by more than 900 the total received for 2024 (1917). This trend has continued into 2026 with more than 1,600 applications received by the Naval Service to the end of March.

Recruitment for 2025 was correspondingly robust with 162 inductions to the Naval Service - 65 more than the total achieved in 2024. There have been a further 39 inductions recorded to the end of March of this year.

In addition, significant growth in specialist recruitment has been achieved. Last year saw 24 Direct Entry inductions into specialist roles in the Naval Service- the highest in more than six years.

Underpinning the growth in recruitment achieved are the key enabling measures introduced by Government. Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of 1.49 billion to the Defence Sector which provides, among other things, for the recruitment of a net 400 additional personnel to the Defence Forces.

I am advised by the Defence Forces that the strength of the Naval Service as at 31 March 2026, the latest date this for which this figure is available, stood at 833 personnel or 76% of an agreed establishment strength of 1,094.

The key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment are yielding results. These measures include: -

• an increase in the maximum recruitment ages to 39 and to 50 for Direct Entry Officer specialists;

• an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;

• a doubling of the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance after 10 days;

• the extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit until 2029;

• the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January 2025, subject to certain exemptions, and;

• the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force.

• progress on pay with the most recent increase awarded earlier this month and a further increase due on the 1st of June.

Significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector coupled with the ongoing initiatives I have outlined here, is illustrative of my intent in this regard.

While recruitment and retention of personnel has been positive, a wholistic plan for the future of the Naval Service is required. I am due to receive a Naval Service Regeneration Plan from the Chief of Staff, which will set out a pathway for the future direction of the service.

Defence Forces

Questions (140)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

140. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence to report on any progress made in the investigations into the death of a Defence Forces member who was killed on duty in Lebanon (details supplied); when the independent post-incident inquiry will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32717/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I thank the Deputy for his continued engagement and longstanding interest in this deeply serious matter, and I again want to acknowledge Private Seán Rooney and the ultimate sacrifice he paid in his duty and service in Lebanon. The loss suffered by Private Rooney’s family, and the enduring impact of his death, cannot be overstated. I remain absolutely committed to following on from the commitment of my predecessors, in ensuring that we uncover the truth and get justice for Private Rooney, and in particular for his family.

As previously outlined, following the judgment delivered in Beirut on 28th July last year, the Tánaiste, then Minister for Defence, engaged directly with the Lebanese authorities to urge that an appeal be lodged on the grounds of the perceived leniency of sentencing. He was subsequently informed that an appeal had been initiated and sought further detail on the appeal process from the Lebanese Ministers for Defence and Justice.

I can confirm that there has been no change in the status of the appeal since this matter was last addressed. I think given the current circumstances in Lebanon we can appreciate the impact on the delay in the progression of the issue arising from the conflict. Nevertheless, my Department’s Lebanese legal representative continues to engage with the President of the Military Cassation Tribunal to seek updates on its progress. We remain advised that the Tribunal has not yet reached a determination and that it must first allow the statutory period for responses from the convicted individuals to conclude before the appeal can be considered. My officials remain in close and ongoing contact with our legal representative as we await further developments.

I remain fully engaged on this issue and am committed to ensuring that Private Rooney’s family continues to be kept informed on developments. Notwithstanding the recent escalation in the security situation in the region, it is still my hope to travel to Lebanon later this year, and I will raise Private Rooney’s case directly with the Lebanese Government.

Separately, the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Private Rooney remains ongoing. It continues to progress through the procedural phase, with the next hearing scheduled for the 7th May next.

Finally, the independent inquiry carried out by Mr Michael Delaney S.C. has been completed. I again wish to acknowledge and thank Mr Delaney for his work on the Report. As mentioned previously the Report examined the internal tactics, techniques, processes and procedures of the Defence Forces, with a view to identifying lessons arising from the circumstances surrounding Private Rooney’s death. I have reviewed the Report and have referred it to the Office of the Attorney General for advice regarding its publication, which remains awaited. I will give further consideration to the matter once the Attorney General’s advice issues.

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 125.

• Written Answers Nos. 95-120
• Written Answers Nos. 142-161