Written Answers Nos. 65-94
69. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on her Department’s policy regarding the deployment of the Defence Forces to intervene in peaceful protest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28428/26]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it affords me an opportunity to address much commentary made recently in relation to the nature of requests made by An Garda Síochána for assistance from the Defence Forces.
At the outset, it is important to note that An Garda Síochána request assistance from the Defence Forces on a frequent basis. This is a standing operating procedure. This assistance can cover a wide range of activities and generally relates to incidents where An Garda Síochána do not have the immediate capabilities available to them. This has been a long standing practice and its value and importance was recognised in Report on the Commission of Defence Force. It would be remiss of me to not point out that the Defence Forces also provide assistance to a wide range of State actors. This is a tradition which we should be proud of.
I also want to take this opportunity to clarify the type of assistance sought and provided by the Defence Forces during the protests. The Defence Forces possess specialised vehicles with towing capabilities and over the course of the protests, two specialised vehicles were deployed by the Defence Forces. This should not be conflated or confused with the deployment of Defence Forces personnel.
I can assure the Deputy that there is on-going and continuous close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including Aid to Civil Power deployments, particularly in relation to preparations for our forthcoming EU Presidency in the coming weeks,
An Garda Síochána can make requests for assistance directly to the Defence Forces for their consideration in the employment of Defence Forces personnel in Aid to the Civil Power for maintenance or restoration of the public peace. Such requests are submitted on a C-70 form which provides an outline of the assistance being sought. This is an administrative procedure, which is confidential to and between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, my Department does not receive nor assess such requests, as it is correctly dealt with as an operational matter.
As my colleague the Minister for Justice Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána have responsibility for the internal security of the State, it is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána to determine whether and in what context it would require assistance. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further in relation to any operational or tactical considerations they would be required to consider in pursuit of their taskings.
70. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence when the outstanding payments due under the most recent local bargaining clause and under the national pay agreement will be paid; if she will acknowledge that the timely implementation of these payments is vital to retaining highly skilled and experienced members across the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32724/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question.
I would like to highlight that significant progress has been made, in terms of pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last six years.
Under the current national pay deal, the Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026, to which members of the Permanent Defence Forces are a party, pay adjustments totalling 7.25% have been applied up to the end of 2025.
A further 1% increase in basic pay, as well as allowances in the nature of pay, came into effect on 1 February 2026, and has had a further positive financial impact for members of the Defence Forces. Another 1% increase is due on the 1st of June.
In January 2020, a newly qualified three star Private could have expected to earn €28,944 gross per annum, on completion of their initial training. Following the implementation of a number of pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present a Private 3*, on completion of recruit training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at €42,465.
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.
As the Deputy is aware, the Public Service Agreement also allows for a Local Bargaining process, up to a maximum value equivalent to 3% of basic pay, with 1% to be paid from the current Agreement and the balance to be addressed in any successor pay agreement. Proposals involving changes in structures, work practices or other conditions of service can be negotiated through this process. The 1% allocation was due for implementation in September 2025.
My commitment to retaining skills and experience within the Defence Forces is reflected in our approach to Local Bargaining negotiations. Following very positive engagement between the Department, military management and the military representative associations, I am delighted to note that agreement in principle has been reached with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation on a number of the Local Bargaining proposals, while a number of other proposals remain under consideration.
I would like to particularly acknowledge the very constructive engagement by the Representative Associations - RACO and PDFORRA - in the local bargaining process. I know from my meetings with them in January this year that the process involved very constructive engagement. I look forward to that engagement continuing.
As negotiations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details at this time. In accordance with the terms of the Local Bargaining mechanism, agreements reached under this mechanism will be published by the relevant sector. Where proposals are agreed locally and verified by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, they will be backdated to 1 September 2025.
77. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if a dedicated subsea infrastructure incident response plan is in place; the way in which such an incident would be managed across her Department and the relevant stakeholders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33169/26]
View answerI agree with the Deputy on the need for incident response plans for subsea infrastructure. That is why I launched the National Maritime Security Strategy earlier this year. It represents 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.
As part of this new, whole-of-government approach, I am pleased to confirm that the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport will shortly be establishing a Subsea Communications Cables Industry Forum, which my Department will participate in. This new industry forum will support structured coordination and collaboration between Government and key cable industry representatives.
The creation of this new industry forum will also help progress the work that that Department is leading on to develop preparedness and response structures for subsea telecoms cables incidents which could cause significant disruption to Ireland’s international connectivity. Officials from my Department are supporting this work.
Encouraging closer cooperation with the private sector is another key part of the new approach to maritime security represented by the National Maritime Security Strategy. After all, the private sector are the owners and operators of much of the critical undersea infrastructure that we rely on. They have a key role to play in supporting our maritime security.
Two weeks ago I addressed the Valentia Island Subsea Cable Security and Resilience Symposium, which included representatives from industry, government, military and academia. Bringing together key stakeholders from diverse sectors and having the opportunity to talk directly to industry about these vital issues supports our own national security and resilience as well as the security and resilience of Europe as a whole.
79. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence whether consideration has been given to re-establishing a State supported national sail training vessel following the loss of the Asgard II; the current status of any proposals, engagements or feasibility work in relation to the acquisition or development of such a vessel; the estimated capital and operational costs involved; the proposed delivery timeline should a decision be taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32416/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I am pleased to report that my Department has a continuing programme of sail training operated under a performance delivery agreement with Sail Training Ireland, a registered charity. Since 2023, my Department has paid a subvention totalling €150,000 to Sail Training Ireland, with €50,000 coming from the Dormant Account Fund. As such, there is an existing State supported sail training programme.
With regard to a national sail training vessel, in 2022 my Department engaged with Atlantic Youth Trust regarding their proposals for the purchase and development of a training vessel. The proposals submitted by them were not sufficiently developed and, in particular, did not have confirmed details of the total cost of the retrofit or an exact timeframe for the completion of the work. In view of this uncertainty, a decision was made to not provide any funding in relation to the scoping, purchase or retrofit of the vessel as the business, however my Department was willing to explore the possibility of using the vessel in principle, subject to all necessary certifications. I am advised that the vessel did not prove to be viable and Atlantic Trust not subsequently progress the project.
In 2025, Sail Training Ireland operated thirty-two voyages, with almost 500 trainees from across Ireland. A key condition of the funding is that it is directed towards making sail training accessible to those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to participate. As such, 83% of the 2025 participants received funding from the charity due to their personal circumstances, and three of the 2025 voyages were dedicated entirely to those with a disability. I am committed to this programme, which is operating very successfully, and funding will continue in 2026.
This sail training initiative was a project that was taken on by the Department of Defence under Minister Coveney’s leadership. Any decision on a broader national sail training project or vessel would be a matter for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
80. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if she will commit to a public plebiscite on the question of the removal of the triple lock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31760/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for your question. There have been a number of calls for a public plebiscite in relation to the Government's proposed changes to the triple lock. It is important to highlight, however, that there is a lot of conflation as to what is being proposed and what is actually being suggested.
The triple lock is a statutory mechanism - set out in the Defence (Amendment) Act 1960 - not a constitutional mechanism. It is not enshrined in our Constitution and it was a political commitment during the Nice and Lisbon Treaty processes, not as a constitutional or legal obligation. It is clear therefore that amending the legislation which governs how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas does not require a referendum or national plebiscite.
We are talking about a very different time when this legislation was developed, compared to the changed geopolitical environment that we exist in now. We now find ourselves in a situation where one of five countries of the UN Security Council can decide whether or not our Irish troops can travel to engage in peacekeeping missions, be it in Lebanon, the western Balkans, the Mediterranean or any other part of the world. It simply is not acceptable to have a situation in which Ireland's sovereign decision making with regard to participation in peace operations can be impacted by the geopolitical interests of other states.
I can reassure this House however that Government remains fully committed to maintaining democratically accountable arrangements that will govern the despatch of Defence Forces personnel overseas. I can also reassure this House, as I have done on a number of occasions, and as have my predecessors on this matter, that any legislative proposals will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and will do nothing to alter or undermine Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
81. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the recent meeting with the chair of the Estonian Parliamentary National Defence Committee. [32726/26]
View answerOn 17 April, Minister of State for Defence, Thomas Byrne T.D., met with the Chair of the Estonian Parliamentary National Defence Committee, Grigore Kalev Stoicescu, during his visit to Tallinn. During his visit, Minister Byrne also met with the Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, and visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, in which Ireland participates as part of Partnership for Peace.
During his meeting with Deputy Stoicescu, Minister Byrne set out Ireland’s intention to constructively take forward the security and defence agenda at EU level, during our EU Presidency.
Minister Byrne and Deputy Stoicescu also discussed support for Ukraine in the face of continued Russian aggression, including through bilateral donations, via Ireland's membership of the Ukraine-Defence Contact Group IT Coalitions – of which Estonia is joint-chair, along with Luxembourg – and through the provision of continued non-lethal military support and engagement in the EU’s Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine.
Minister Byrne also commended the work that the Estonian-led IT Coalition, is doing in support of Ukraine. He also noted that both Ireland and Estonia are members of the current UNIFIL mission in South Lebanon, and both took to opportunity to exchange views on the challenging situation in Southern Lebanon at present.
82. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if she will ensure measures are continued to secure investment in accommodation throughout the Defence Forces; and following on from the positive progress made to date, if she recognises that modern fit-for-purpose accommodation is paramount for recruiting and retaining personal and for the overall welfare of the members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32723/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this matter with me today as it allows me to outline the significant progress made in modernising our infrastructure throughout the Defence Forces. Only recently I have officially opened the refurbished Block 4 accommodation in Haulbowline, also visited the ongoing construction works in Collins Barracks, and last week I officially opened the new Dining Hall in Aikens Barracks.
As Minister for Defence, strengthening capital investment in equipment and infrastructure is a core priority of mine. Under the revised National Development Plan, a total capital allocation of €1.7 billion was secured for the Defence Vote to 2030. This represented an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation increased by €66 million (28%) to €300 million.
Increasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. Significant strides continue to be made on a number of recruitment and retention fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure is illustrative of my commitment to the Defence sector.
The Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Barracks has been established and will facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum, when fully operational.
In terms of upgrades to the accommodation, I can advise the Deputy that since the launch of the Infrastructure Development Plan in January 2020, 13 accommodation projects at a combined cost of approximately €49m have been completed, with 775 beds provided across the country:
• Pearse Barracks
• Plunkett Barracks, Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh
• Cathal Brugha Barracks
• Casement Aerodrome
• McKee Barracks
• Haulbowline
• Collins Barracks
• Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny
• USAC, Renmore
• Gormanston
I would also like to highlight my plans for even further investment with priority being placed on accommodation projects across all of our military installations most notably the refurbishment of Block 1, Collins Barracks which is to be completed shortly, the Modular Accommodation Haulbowline and refurbishment of several accommodation buildings in Stephens Barracks, Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Curragh.
Ongoing investment in and delivery of the Defence Forces Infrastructural programme enhances capability, personnel and organisational outcomes and has delivered positive benefits to military installations throughout the country. A number of important ongoing infrastructural projects set to progress significantly in 2026 include the development of the new gymnasiums, dining halls, and the delivery of a new Medical Facility at Casement Aerodrome.
I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge the significant investment and delivery we have made in the area in recent years and I have made it clear to my Department officials and to senior military management that I am ambitious to achieve even more. I am confident we are well placed to continue to deliver for the Defence Forces in the coming months.
83. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence when her Department will be in a position to bring the Defence Amendment Bill 2025 before Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33197/26]
View answerThe purpose of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026 is to consolidate, with amendments, the existing provisions of the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015 concerning the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State. In effect, the requirement for a UN mandate will be removed. It will modify the existing requirement regarding the so-called ‘triple lock’ mechanism in relation to the despatch of the Defence Forces for service outside the State as part of an International United Nations Force.
It is important to note that the Bill also amends the Defence Act 1954 to provide for the suspension of members of the Defence Forces so as to give effect to recommendations in the 2024 'Ward report' on the management of members of the Defence Forces charged with, or convicted of, serious criminal offences.
There has been extensive engagement between my Department and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of the Bill, and I intend to bring the Bill to government for approval shortly.
Under the proposals in the Bill, the requirement for a UN Security Council mandate will be removed. I again wish to underline that the legislation that is currently in place allows members of the UN Security Council, by means of a veto or indeed threat of same, to bind this country's hands in its international peacekeeping engagement. Recent vetoes by a UN Security Council member on a proposed resolution for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza last June and September, as well as the challenges evidenced last summer with regard to the extension of the UNIFIL peacekeeping in southern Lebanon, as well as ongoing issues regarding UN mandated missions in the Western Balkans, are ample evidence of this.
With regard to the UNIFIL mission particularly, in the event that the UNIFIL mandate was not extended, Ireland would have been in the position of having to plan to withdraw its Defence Forces personnel from UNIFIL immediately following the expiration of the mandate. The extension of the UNIFIL mandate until the end of this year permits the continued deployment of Defence Forces personnel to the Mission, however, under the current legislative requirements, they must be withdrawn from then. We are also keeping a close eye on the forthcoming rollover of the UN mandate for the EU Mission Operation IRINI in the Mediterranean, at the end of May. Should that mandate not be renewed, we will have also to withdraw our personnel from that Mission.
Both I, my predecessors, and Government, have been very clear therefore that it is untenable to continue with the current policy. Any considerations on engagement in international peacekeeping should be within Ireland's exclusive sovereign control and decision-making on this should be purely within the remit of the Government and Oireachtas, which have been democratically elected by the people of this country.
I do recognise, however, that in removing the UN Security Council mandate requirement, there will be a need to strengthen the democratic oversight governing the ongoing deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. Therefore, in parallel to removing the UN mandate requirement, text is included in this Bill which will require that the mandate of future operations be consistent with, and adhere to, the principles of the UN Charter and international law. These principles have been refined to ensure appropriate legal effect.
Once again, I wish to make it absolutely clear that the Government has no desire to alter our policy of military neutrality. The amendments proposed will do nothing to change Ireland's traditional position of military neutrality, which has always been characterised by Ireland's non-participation in military alliances. Our engagement overseas will continue to be firmly grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law and will, of course, require the consent of the democratically elected representatives of the people of Ireland.
86. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Defence for a report on the recent meeting with the French Minister Delegate to the Armed Forces, Alice Rufo. [33111/26]
View answerMinister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, met with French Minister Delegate to the Armed Forces, Alice Rufo, on 29 April, for discussions focused on Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, UN peacekeeping and the role of UNIFIL, and Franco-Irish cooperation.
Minister Byrne express his, and the Government of Ireland’s condolences, to Minister Rufo, on the recent deaths of two French peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL, and expressed dismay, at the recent casualties among Indonesian peacekeepers, while reiterating Ireland’s strong commitment to UNIFIL and to Lebanon.
Minister Byrne and Minister Delegate Rufo exchanged views on the deteriorating international security situation, in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Lebanon. Their discussion on UNIFIL focused on the safety and security of peacekeepers, serving in Southern Lebanon, and on supporting peace and stability in the region more generally.
On EU Presidency priorities, Minister Byrne confirmed that security will be one of the three central pillars of Ireland’s EU Presidency, taking place in the second half of 2026, and reaffirmed Ireland’s strong support for EU initiatives to strengthen defence resilience.
The Irish and French Ministers welcomed the progress being made in bilateral discussions regarding military procurement and the strong and deepening defence relationship between Ireland and France. Both Ministers agreed to continue close coordination at EU and international level.
Finally, both Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhanced EU security and defence cooperation, including maritime security, support for Ukraine, cyber and disinformation, and collaboration ahead of Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.
87. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence if she can confirm the Defence Forces are in possession of and can operate under-sea radar equipment and air radar equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33198/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for your question. One of my key priorities as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed in line with the Government’s decision to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as defined by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF).
Amongst its recommendations on capability development, the CODF recommended the development of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’, and that this should be an immediate and top priority. This is being progressed under the Military Radar Programme. There are three elements to this Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.
This programme of work is ongoing and very good progress has been made. Towards the end of last year, the Preliminary Business Case for the Military Radar Programme was approved. This concluded that a Government-level approach with one country was the preferred option and, in line with this approach, my Department has commenced detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of all capability requirements under the Programme.
Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 identified in the updated CODF Detailed Implementation Plan which I recently published. That being said, elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting in Q2 of this year with a particular focus on Counter-UAS capabilities, with a view to full delivery being achieved by the end of 2028.
With regards to subsea domain awareness, monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain requires a multifaceted approach with different capabilities working in coordination to firstly detect an undersea threat, localise it, classify it and track it as it moves through the water.
Consequently, a multi-phase programme has been approved with projects at different stages of delivery. These projects will deliver new capabilities to be used with our existing assets. Additionally, there is a long-term Capability Development programme of work currently underway which will plan required capabilities, in line with defence policy to 2040. This overall capability development planning approach will see new capabilities becoming available in the short, medium, and long term.
A major contract with Thales DMS France for the provision of towed sonar capability was announced in 2025. This towed sonar capability project is phase one of the multi-phase programme. The sonar, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security.
Phase two will result in a new Air Corps capability which can be used to detect, localise, identify, and track objects in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This capability will be used in conjunction with the new towed sonar capability planned for delivery in 2027, and also with existing Air Corps assets. Planning for phase two is ongoing and therefore delivery of initial operational capability is not yet defined.
These significant investments in sonar capability will provide state-of-the-art systems, which will enable them to build a picture of our subsea, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service, Air Corps and the wider Defence Forces.
88. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on her visit to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn. [32725/26]
View answerOn 17 April, Minister of State for Defence, Thomas Byrne T.D., visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, during his visit to Estonia.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to see first-hand how Ireland’s membership of this centre of excellence has benefitted Ireland, and in particular the Defence Forces, since Ireland joined in 2023.
The Estonia-based centre is a multinational cyber defence hub with a total membership of 38 nations from across the world, with member states ranging geographically from Iceland to Australia, including both NATO members and non-NATO members. It allows members to work together and to pool knowledge to combat the threat of cyber-crime and enhance cyber defence.
Membership of the Centre allows Ireland and the Defence Forces to avail of training opportunities, best practice examples, and sharing of expertise in the cyber domain. At present, the Defence Forces has one member seconded to the centre.
The insights gained through access to the latest cyber research, training and exercises continue to support our national cyber resilience, and contribute to the ongoing development of Ireland’s cyber defence posture.
As an illustration of these benefits and insights, it may be useful to highlight two valuable Cyber Exercises that Ireland has participated in as result of our membership of the Centre of Excellence, Exercise Locked Shields and Exercise Cyber Coalition in 2025.
From an Irish perspective, our engagement on Locked Shields 25 was led by the National Cyber Security Centre, with support from the Defence Forces and the Reserve Defence Forces, and with engagement from the private sector.
The overall objective of this exercise was to test the ability of member states to protect physical systems in a real-time environment, where they were under cyber attack, while at the same time undertaking strategic exercises in both the legal and communication spheres. This is an example of how Ireland’s membership of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence contributes to the national cyber defence capabilities of Ireland, across government, and with the private sector involvement too.
On Exercise Cyber Coalition, this exercise provided the opportunity to conduct cyberspace operations for military and civilian entities by exercising the development of situational awareness, sharing of cyberspace intelligence, and the conduct of cyber incident management. The Defence Forces led the Irish element of this exercise with participation from the Reserve Defence Forces, the National Cyber Security Centre, ESB, Iarnród Éireann and the private sector.
These exercises enhance both Defence Forces and wider national cyber preparedness, by strengthening interagency cooperation and operational response capabilities, and sharing of public-private expertise.
To conclude and to reiterate, Ireland’s membership of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence ensures that we remain connected to the most current international thinking on cyber defence.
Cyber threats, and the defence of our networks, is an ever-changing and evolving situation. Membership of this centre enhances our ability to protect our critical national communications infrastructure and defence networks.
89. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on investment in Aiken Barracks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32716/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her interest in the development of Aikens Barracks and for the opportunity to discuss the progress that has been made there.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I had the pleasure of officially opening the new Dining Facility at Aikens Barracks on the 29th April. 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.
We have also completed as part of the programme, 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.
The 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.
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.
90. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Defence her plans for forward operating base for the Naval Service on the east coast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33114/26]
View answer114. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence for an update on plans for a full-time naval base in Dún Laoghaire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33113/26]
View answer129. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence if the new east coast naval base will be located in Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32715/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 114 and 129 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that I recently published Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy.
It focuses on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence through a new whole-of-government approach.
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.
As part of this action plan, options will be explored to expand the State’s existing naval infrastructure, including exploring the potential for a forward operating base on the East Coast.
While the action plan sets out a timeline of 2030 for a decision regarding the East Coast forward operating base concept, work will commence on developing options in the near future.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Department has signed a licensing arrangement with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in relation to the use of Carlisle Pier by the Naval Service. The Naval authorities remain satisfied that the berth at Carlisle Pier is suitable for the purposes of berthing the two Inshore Patrol Vessels, as their primary function will be to patrol the East Coast.
91. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the process for the Army to be deployed to aid the Gardaí in operations should take place; her views on whether this process was adequately followed in terms of the recent request in relation to fuel protests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33418/26]
View answerThe Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and An Garda Síochána, has primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces, in the White Paper on Defence, is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means providing assistance to An Garda Síochána, when requested, to do so. Any such assistance is provided by the Defence Forces, following a request for assistance from An Garda Síochána to the military authorities.
An Garda Síochána can make requests for assistance directly to the Defence Forces for their consideration in the employment of Defence Forces personnel in Aid to the Civil Power for. Such requests are submitted on a C-70 form which provides an outline of the assistance being sought. This is an administrative procedure, which is confidential to and between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, my Department does not receive nor assess such requests, as it is an operational matter.
I can assure the Deputy that there is on-going and continuous close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including Aid to Civil Power deployments.
92. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence if she has met with a group (details supplied); and to detail the work she has carried out to investigate and tackle misogyny in the Armed Forces. [33327/26]
View answerThe Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces made a number of recommendations in their final report which included the establishment of a statutory fact-finding process to investigate whether there have been serious failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces in relation to interpersonal issues including, but not limited to sexual misbehaviour.
The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established in 2024, to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It will also investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The Terms of Reference for the Tribunal were prepared in consultation with the Attorney General and shared with a wide variety of interested parties, including the Women of Honour Group.
I met with the Women of Honour Group and their legal advisors on the 26th January 2026, where we discussed matters relating to the Tribunal.
One of the first actions taken following the publication of the Independent Review Group report was the establishment of The External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces in April 2023, initially on a non-statutory basis. The Body was established on a statutory basis from 1 December 2024. The Body oversees and monitors the management of human resources by the Defence Forces and is a critical element in driving and achieving the goal of culture change throughout the Defence Forces.
The report of the Independent Review Group also recommended that serving 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.
In April 2025, a new independent and external grievance system that deals with complaints of an interpersonal nature of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace, was made available to serving members of the Defence Forces (both PDF and RDF). This new process, led by Mr. Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, is available on an initial interim basis. A review of the process, which has been in operation for 12 months has commenced. The review will inform the primary legislation required to establish a suitable complaints process for serving members of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis.
This process is an addition to the existing suite of statutory complaint and grievance options, available to serving members of the Defence Forces, which includes the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces recently completed its review of the current Redress of Wrongs procedure, and the design of a new complaints process is under consideration. 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 complaints processes.
The Defence Forces, with the support of an external legal firm, and input from the Department of Defence, have developed a 2-day extensive training programme for all Military Investigating Officers and Decision Makers in the complaints process, on the proper handling and processing of complaints pertaining to harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and other forms of inappropriate behaviour.
In addition, the Defence Forces has developed mandatory Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships workshops in cooperation with University College Cork. These workshops are mandatory, and more than 3,000 members of the Defence Forces have completed this training so far.
There is no place for misogyny or any form of disrespect of gender in the Defence Forces. I am committed to ensuring that the transformation of culture in the Defence Forces, which is well underway, will continue to be a primary focus for delivery.
94. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Defence her policy on the provision of a national sail training programme; the level of funding currently provided to an organisation (details supplied) and any other providers; the number of participants supported by her Department in each of the past five years, broken down by age profile and region where available; the measures in place to ensure access for disadvantaged or underrepresented groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32415/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I am pleased to say that my Department has a continuing programme of sail training in Ireland, operated under a performance delivery agreement with Sail Training Ireland, who are a registered charity.
Funding was approved by my Department in December 2018 for the two year period 2019-2020 Training voyages, and funding, resumed in 2022 post Co-Vid, and have continued to date under successive performance delivery agreements. In total, this organisation has placed 4,336 young people (between the age of 14 and 30 years of age) on voyages.
Since 2023, the Department has paid a subvention totalling €150,000 each year. A key condition of the funding is that it is directed towards making sail training accessible to those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to participate. From a baseline number of 341 trainees when the Department approved funding in 2018, the number of participants has grown to 479 in 2025. 83% of the 2025 participants received funding from the charity due to their personal circumstances, and 30% of the participants had a disability or additional need. All 26 counties had participants on the programme in 2025.
Access for disadvantaged or underrepresented groups is assured because the organisation works with a network of over 100 other nominating organisations, who are working with young people on a daily basis and can identify those that need or could benefit from the opportunity. The nominating organisations include community groups, social workers, schools, Foroige, Tusla, medical professionals, Garda Diversion Groups, charities, youth groups, unemployment organisations, recovery services, traveller groups, migrant organisations, homeless groups and others. I am committed to this programme, which is operating very successfully, and funding will continue in 2026.
