Written Answers Nos. 95-114
95. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence the number of external competitions held for external applications to apply for instruments posts within the Defence Forces in each of the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and the number of persons who applied for each of those competitions, in tabular form. [52713/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I am fully committed to supporting and strengthening recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force.
The Military Authorities advise that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,823 personnel on the 31 May, the latest date for which this figure is available.
Opportunities for careers in the Defence Forces remain open via a diverse range of ongoing competitions including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and multiple direct entry competitions for specialist roles. A number of new competitions have launched in recent weeks including competitions for Instrumentalists, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and Aerospace Technicians.
In the case of the instrumentalists, the Defence Forces advise me that skilled musicians are recruited through dedicated external recruitment competitions. Competitions for instrumentalists are held periodically for available positions in various Defence Forces Bands. These positions are open to all candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria as outlined in the terms and conditions of the competition concerned. Typically, instrumentalist positions are filled through external recruitment rather than by existing members of the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces have provided the table below as requested by the Deputy, there were no competitions in 2024 or 2025 and the 2026 competition has recently closed.
|
Year |
Number of Applications |
|
2024 |
No competition |
|
2025 |
No competition |
|
2026 |
137 |
I recognise the value of the Defence Force Bands as an asset to the country and I am delighted to see instrumentalist recruitment taking place in 2026.
96. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount of extra capital and current funding allocated to the Defence Forces during Ireland's Presidency of the EU. [52714/26]
View answerThe Defence Vote Group is comprised of two Votes, Vote 35 (Army Pensions) and Vote 36 (Defence). The high-level goal of both Votes is to “provide for the military defence of the State, contribute to national and international peace and security and fulfil all other roles assigned by Government.” Accordingly, Defence & Army Pension outputs are delivered under a single programme on each Vote.
The Defence Vote Group was provided with an overall funding allocation of €1.49 billion for 2026, a record allocation, and an increase of €142 million (11%) compared to 2025, comprising of €1.175 billion for the Defence Vote and €317 million for the Army Pensions Vote.
For 2026, the current funding allocation for the Defence Vote includes €598 million for pay and allowances, supporting up to 9,140 public service employees, and €277 million in non-pay current expenditure mainly for Defence Forces operational and standing costs, including utilities, fuel, catering, maintenance, information technology and training.
The 2026 capital allocation of €300 million provides for the procurement and upgrading of defence equipment and infrastructure. This is the highest capital allocation ever provided to Defence and, under the revised National Development Plan framework, is due to increase further to €340 million in 2027 and 2028, and to €360 million in 2029 and 2030.
Within the Defence Vote, an allocation of €900,000 was provided in 2026 to the Administration budget to support a series of EU Presidency-related meetings. No additional current or capital funding has been allocated to the Defence Forces specifically in respect of security-related tasks for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with all related expenditure to be met from within existing resources. While the Defence Forces provide support, where required, it should be noted that primary responsibility for security, including for major events, rests with An Garda Síochána.
97. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of creating a new rank of lance corporal as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52819/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Commission on the Defence Forces Report recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. One of the Commission’s recommendations was the creation of a new enlisted rank of Lance-Corporal in the Army and Air Corps.
This recommendation has been identified as requiring further evaluation. The outcome of current work by the Defence Forces on force design will inform the further evaluation process on the introduction of the rank of Lance Corporal. Such further evaluation will also require consultation with other key stakeholders, including the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, regarding all aspects of the resource, policy, financial and legislative implications of introducing a new rank into the Defence Forces.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces identified that further evaluation of the Lance Corporal recommendation is expected to be completed in December 2027.
Estimated costs of creating the new rank of Lance Corporal are not available at this stage.
98. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of introducing long service increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52820/26]
View answerThe Commission on Defence Forces (CoDF) Report recommended that Long Service Increments be introduced to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel. This recommendation was identified as requiring Further Evaluation by Government in July 2022.
The further evaluation of this CoDF recommendation has concluded. The outcome of the evaluation is that the introduction of long service increments for enlisted personnel can be considered through the Local Bargaining process provided for as part of the National Pay Agreements.
The retention of personnel is of great importance. I will continue to keep pay and conditions under review, to ensure that we continue to attract and retain high calibre personnel into the Defence Forces. Significant progress has been made on pay and conditions in recent years.
In October 2020, a newly qualified three-star Private could have expected to earn €29,326 gross per annum, on completion of his/her initial training.
Following the implementation of a number of other pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present a three-star Private, on completion of recruit training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at:
• €42,890 in Year 1
• €44,329 in Year 2
• €45,655 in Year 3
Equally, for the Officer cohort, a 2nd Lieutenant - entry rank for school leaver cadet on commissioning - was paid €37,664 in October 2020. As of 01 June 2026, they are now paid €46,823. After 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €52,265.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €52,265.
These rates all include pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of Colonel, for the unpredictable nature of work in the Defence Forces.
Other key changes introduced to broader conditions include the extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, a doubling of the Patrol Duty Allowance after 10 days at sea, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act and the extension of a service commitment scheme for pilots in the Air Corps to their Air Traffic Control colleagues.
99. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of replacing the existing APCs with a larger and enhanced fleet equipped with sufficient firepower for future overseas missions, and with 'level 4' armour across armour platforms where required as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52821/26]
View answerThe Defence Forces currently operate a fleet of 80 MOWAG Piranha III Armoured Vehicles, providing essential force protection to Defence Forces personnel at home and overseas. In recent years there has been significant investment in the armoured fleet of vehicles with the enhancement of force protection and mobility with the mid-life refit of the MOWAG Piranha III fleet of vehicles. This programme has recently completed and will ensure the viability of the fleet beyond 2030.
Following the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, the Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’.
More generally, in July 2025 the Government approved the National Development Plan (2026-2030). As per the capital allocation under the NDP, the capital budget for Defence will rise from €1.1 billion under the previous NDP to €1.7 billion, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State.
This level of capital funding will allow a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the recommendations approved by Government within the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
A key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces which has been accepted in principle is the “replacement of the existing APCs with a larger and enhanced fleet equipped with sufficient firepower for future overseas missions, and with ‘level 4’ armour across armour platforms where required”.
A joint civil / military programme team are continuing their work on this programme in line with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines. The Programme is being progressed in line with the recently published updated Detailed Implementation Plan.
Earlier this year I announced that the Strategic Assessment Case for the Armoured Fleet Programme has been approved, and that following the assessment of potential options for delivery of the Armoured Fleet Programme, in line with the recommendation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, that a Government-level approach with France is the preferred option.
Officials from my Department have now commenced detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of capability requirements under the French SCORPION Programme of vehicles. A whole-of-capability approach will be adopted, to ensure that vehicle procurement is fully integrated with doctrine, training, infrastructure, personnel, and interoperability requirements. The programme is in the initial assessment phase. As such, the fleet size, role, timelines and costs are to be determined and are dependent on the ongoing negotiations and the completion of the necessary approval and sanction steps.
The Armoured Fleet Programme represents a significant step in addressing critical capability gaps and will ensure that the Defence Forces are equipped with a modern, integrated armoured fleet capable of meeting current and future operational requirements, both at home and on overseas missions.
100. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of ensuring that all modern vessels be double crewed to ensure each vessel spends an absolute minimum of 220 days at sea per year, with this being phased in over the course of the vessel replacement programme as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52822/26]
View answerThe Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) recommends the implementation of an accelerated programme of Naval vessel replacement to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships by early in the next decade.
The Updated Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) for the Report of the CoDF provides that the acquisition planning phase for naval fleet management and replacement will be completed by the end of 2027, with the accelerated programme of naval vessel replacement in place post-2028.
The CoDF also recommended that all modern vessels be double crewed to ensure each vessel spends an absolute minimum of 220 days at sea per year, with this being phased in over the course of the vessel replacement programme. This recommendation was accepted in principle and, according to the DIP, the planned completion date for this recommendation is December 2028.
The strength of the Naval Service, as at 31 March 2026, was 833 personnel out of an establishment of 1,094 personnel. The Military Authorities have advised that the total number of personnel currently required to crew all vessels is 294. It should be noted that this figure is currently under review in the context of the overall Force Design process currently in progress, with a view to enhanced capabilities under Level of Ambition 2.
Over the last few years, the Government has introduced several robust incentives and other measures aimed at addressing the challenge of recruitment and retention in the Naval Service and I’m pleased to see that there are clear indications that those measures are bearing fruit, with very positive progress made in the Naval Service over the last two years.
Recruitment for 2025 was 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.
Three Force Design teams, one each for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, were established by the Defence Forces and an overarching Strategic Force Design office was also established. The Force Design teams are working collaboratively to develop a Force Design for the entire Defence Forces and such work is both complicated and challenging. Once completed, the Chief of Staff will submit a report on Force Design to me for consideration.
A draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has been submitted to me for consideration. The draft plan, recommendations, and modelling tool will be considered over the coming weeks. As the Deputy will be aware, the aim of this process is to provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2.
I would like to reassure the Deputy that the regeneration of the Naval Service is one of my key priorities as Minister for Defence. So too is it a priority for the Defence Forces. This reflects the commitment made in the Programme for Government, and is reinforced in the actions required under the Strategic Framework 2026, which I published on 10 February 2026.
To that end, I have had detailed discussions with the Chief of Staff on the need to have a Regeneration Report submitted on the Naval Service. The Defence Forces, in conjunction with senior officials from my Department, are now working to have the report and an action plan against which progress will be measured, which I expect to receive shortly. Regeneration of the Naval Service will also be informed and influenced by other relevant plans from across my Department including the new National Maritime Security Strategy.
Until such time as I and my Department have had the opportunity to consider in detail the significant amount of work being done in relation to workforce planning, force redesign and regeneration of the Naval Service, I am not in a position to estimate with any degree of accuracy the cost associated with giving effect to the recommendation of the CoDF relating to double crewing.
101. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of completing the latest steps in full primary radar picture as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52823/26]
View answerOne 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 Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities; 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 is currently engaged in detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of all 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 published in February 2026, for delivery of a complete Recognised Air Picture.
The process of finalising the costs associated with all elements of the Programme, including Long Range Primary Radar, is well advanced and is the subject of ongoing consultation with French authorities, but has not yet concluded. As such, I am not in a position to provide an estimated cost but I anticipate that this element of the Programme should be concluded shortly and I will then be bringing proposals to Government.
102. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the cost of enhancement of the Air Corps' fleet with the addition of two additional medium lift rotary wing aircraft for enhanced Defence Forces support and priority ATCA taskings as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52824/26]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) Report recommended that, within the scope of LOA2, two additional medium lift rotary wing aircraft (AW-139) should be acquired, increasing the current medium lift fleet to eight helicopters. However, the Commission also stated that:
“in making these recommendations the Commission acknowledges that future defence planners may, in their detailed analysis, assess that the same effect can be delivered by different methods and as such the specific equipment recommendations outlined are intended to be indicative rather than prescriptive once the recommended capability requirement is met.”
In this instance, the Department and the Defence Forces examined, in accordance with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines, whether the capability identified in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces could best be delivered through the acquisition of additional medium-lift helicopters or through the procurement of a greater number of modern military light-utility helicopters. In this context, analysis was undertaken on whether resources that might otherwise have been allocated to the acquisition of two additional AW-139 aircraft could more effectively be invested in procuring four H145M light-utility helicopters. The H145M aircraft was assessed as providing enhanced flexibility across training, utility transport, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime support and general operational taskings. In light of the planned replacement of the AW139 fleet, it was determined that investment in successor capabilities would represent the most effective and sustainable approach to meeting future Defence Forces aviation requirements, rather than expanding an AW139 medium lift rotary wing aircraft fleet that is scheduled for replacement.
In December 2024, a contract with a total capital value of €91.7 million (ex VAT) was placed for the delivery of four aircraft to provide a modern training and light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps. The procurement was conducted in accordance with EU Defence and Security procurement legislation, the Public Spending Code and the Infrastructure Guidelines, and was underpinned by legal advice from the Attorney General. The four Airbus H145M helicopters will replace the ageing EC-135 fleet, which has reached the end of its useful service life.
The acquisition of the H145M helicopters forms part of a wider programme of rotary-wing fleet modernisation. Work is also underway, in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines and the recommendation within the CoDF Report and the updated Detailed Implementation Plan to assess the future Super Medium Lift helicopter capability and progress the project to replace the current AW-139 fleet medium lift capability.
I am satisfied that the procurement of the Airbus H145M helicopters forms part of a broader programme of fleet renewal and capability enhancement that will provide the Air Corps with a modern and resilient aviation capability to meet current and future Defence Forces requirements.
103. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of a further 100 additional specialist personnel as part of a Joint Cyber Defence Command managing cyber defence, defence IT services, and CIS services, as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52825/26]
View answerThe Joint Cyber Defence Command is designed to conduct full-spectrum cyber operations, enabling the Defence Forces to defend robustly against cyber threats, support their operations both at home and overseas, and enhance resilience in the cyber domain.
Following the establishment of the Joint Cyber Defence Command the Defence Forces Cyber-Defence Strategy 2024 to 2027 was published. This Strategy sets out a comprehensive road map to ensure that the Defence Forces achieve operational capability in this domain.
It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the full costs associated with final completion at this stage. The ultimate cost will be dependent on a range of factors, including the specific role profiles required, the rank or grade at which posts are established, the level of technical expertise necessary, and the balance between military and civilian specialist capability.
Cyber Defence is a highly specialised and continuously evolving domain. As threats, technologies and operational requirements continue to develop, the precise capability requirements of the Joint Cyber Defence Command will need to remain flexible and responsive. In that context, any attempt to estimate final costs at this point would be premature and may not provide a reliable basis for planning or decision-making.
My officials continue to brief and update me on the development of the Joint Cyber Defence Command.
104. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of establishing an intelligence school, as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52826/26]
View answerThe report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a number of military intelligence-related recommendations, including the development of an Intelligence School.
The establishment of the Defence Forces Intelligence School, which will form part of a Defence Academy, is being progressed, with current activity focussed on the development of the school’s organisation and resourcing including staffing requirements and instructional capabilities. In addition, the design, validation and delivery of specialist training curriculum for the Defence Forces is ongoing to support the professionalisation of Defence Forces intelligence capabilities.
The estimated infrastructural cost of the development of the Defence Academy, which it is planned will also include a number of additional elements, will be identified during the development of a masterplan for the Defence Forces Training Centre. It will not be possible to disaggregate the cost of the construction of the Intelligence School from that overall cost.
For security reasons, it would not be appropriate to provide further details of the costs associated with the development on the Intelligence School, including in relation to staffing costs etc.
The Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces foresees that the Intelligence School will be operational by the beginning of 2028.
105. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if there is a specific policy within her Department that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from any boards that she may appoint; the rationale behind any such policy; the way in which it aligns with encouraging participation in local government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52851/26]
View answer106. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence to commit to preparing legislation to not automatically exclude members of local authorities from consideration for appointment to State boards; and to set out the reasons such persons would be excluded. [52869/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.
My Department does not have a specific policy in place that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from serving on State Boards. Any restrictions on eligibility or disqualification from appointment to a State Board is set out in the relevant legislation governing the board.
There are three bodies under the aegis of my Department; the Army Pensions Board, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces and the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces (EOB), which was placed on a Statutory basis on 1 December 2024.
The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
The External Oversight Body (EOB) was established under the Defence (Amendment) Act 2024. Under the Act, the EOB shall consist of no fewer than 7 members and no greater than 9 members consisting of a chairperson, between 5 and 7 ordinary members, and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence who is an ex officio member.
The role of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004.
Under the Defence (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act, members of both Houses of the Oireachtas, the European Parliament, and local authorities are expressly disqualified from appointment to these State bodies.
There are no plans to prepare or amend existing legislation to not automatically exclude members of local authorities from consideration for appointment. This statutory prohibition is primarily designed to ensure the complete independence of the bodies.
107. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence to provide details of the armoured vehicles that were offered to Ukraine according to a media report; if the vehicles were to come equipped with weapons; and if so, to detail the types of weapons (details supplied). [53367/26]
View answer108. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence whether she considers the offer of armoured vehicles to Ukraine constitutes non-lethal military aid; and to outline the method by which she came to that conclusion. [53368/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.
The vehicles the Deputy is referring to are the Defence Forces' fleet of 27 Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAVs). The vehicles were offered to Ukraine as part of Ireland’s ongoing support for the Ukrainian people and armed forces and consistent with the policy of providing non-lethal military assistance.
No weapons formed any part of the proposal made to Ukraine. The purpose of the offer was to provide protected mobility and transport capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and not any offensive military capability.
The vehicles were offered without weapons, ammunition or weapon systems.
The LTAVs offer was fully in line with the Government's approach to supporting Ukraine to date, which has focused on the provision of non-lethal military assistance and humanitarian support.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine expressed its sincere gratitude for the offer and for Ireland's continued support, but ultimately decided not to accept the vehicles. That was an operational decision for the Ukrainian authorities, who are best placed themselves to determine what equipment can be integrated effectively into their existing logistics, maintenance and training systems.
Ireland respects Ukraine's assessment of its own requirements, based on its own defined needs and will continue to engage closely with Ukrainian counterparts regarding areas where Ireland can make a practical and meaningful contribution, in line with Government’s policy in this regard.
109. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence to provide details of all grant schemes currently available through her Department for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply; the purpose of each grant scheme; the eligibility criteria; the application process; the opening and closing dates for applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53413/26]
View answerThe Defence Vote Group was provided with an overall funding allocation of €1.49 billion for 2026, comprising of €1.175 billion for Vote 36 (Defence) and €317 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions).
The Army Pensions Vote provides for the payment of statutory pension entitlements to 13,500 former members of the Defence Forces and their dependants. The relevant terms and time limits for application for these entitlements are set out and payable in accordance with the relevant legislation under the various pension schemes and arrangements.
The Defence Vote allocation provides, inter alia, for the pay and allowances of up to 9,140 public service employees (including 8,100 members of the Permanent Defence Force), ongoing Defence Forces standing and operational costs and essential capital investment in equipment and infrastructure. It also provides operational grants to each local authority in relation to running costs for Civil Defence along with a grant to the Irish Red Cross towards its administration costs. The Department provides grant funding to Sail Training Ireland for youth development through participation on voyages organised by Sail Training Ireland.
My Department does not administer any grant schemes or other financial supports that require the submission of applications. As a consequence, no eligibility criteria or launch or closing dates for any grant schemes currently operate within my Department or its agencies.
110. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence if she intends to take steps in order that a vote of the UN General Assembly would allow for the deployment of Irish troops on overseas peacekeeping missions, particularly in a situation where the UN Security Council is deadlocked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53578/26]
View answerThe United Nations Charter is very clear in establishing the primacy of the United Nations Security Council in matters relating to international peace and security (Articles 24 & 25 particularly). Under the Charter, it is the Security Council that has responsibility for taking decisions in this area. In practice, peacekeeping missions are only ever deployed on the basis of mandates from the UN Security Council.
While the General Assembly can, and does, make recommendations to Member States, resolutions of the General Assembly cannot compel action and do not have the same legal authority as resolutions of the Security Council.
The Deputy may be aware that only once in history has the General Assembly invoked a Resolution (the Uniting for Peace Resolution) to recommend a peacekeeping operation. This occurred 70 years ago, in 1956, when it established the first UN Emergency Force in the Middle East. Even then, it was a peacekeeping rather than peace enforcement operation as envisaged in Article 42 of the UN Charter and was carried out with the consent and cooperation of the parties involved.
Ultimately, while the UN General Assembly can make recommendations to Member States, under the UN Charter, the Security Council alone has the power to take decisions which Member States are obliged to implement.
In practice therefore, UN peacekeeping operations are only ever deployed on the basis of mandates from the United Nations Security Council, and overseas deployments to peace keeping operations involving the Defence Forces has only ever taken place on the basis of a Security Council mandate.
The primacy of the UN Security Council underlines the rationale for the intention to reassess the current triple lock arrangement, therefore. In effect, the provision currently allows members of the UNSC to bind Ireland’s hands in its international engagement when these are decisions that should be made by our Government and Dáil.
The Government's view is that decisions regarding the deployment of Irish personnel overseas should ultimately be taken by the Irish Government and approved by Dáil Éireann, rather than being dependent on factors outside the control of the State. The proposed reforms are intended to ensure that Ireland can continue to contribute to international peace and security while maintaining full democratic oversight of such deployments.
111. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the defence infrastructure projects that have been completed since 2020; and the funding provided for each project, by county, in tabular form. [53724/26]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Year |
Project Name |
€M Cost (incl. VAT) |
County |
|
2026 |
Fort Davis, New Storage Building & Administration Centre |
1.26 |
Cork |
|
2026 |
Haulbowline, Storage and Maintenance Facility for 76mm Guns |
0.48 |
Cork |
|
2026 |
Casement Aerodrome, MMF |
16.53 |
Dublin |
|
2026 |
Aikens Barracks, New Dining Hall |
5.7 |
Louth |
|
2026 |
Gormanston Camp, Construction of Centralised Locker Block |
1.52 |
Meath |
|
2025 |
Collins Barracks - Upgrade of Ablutions Block 15 and 16 |
0.477 |
Cork |
|
2025 |
Haulbowline, Upgrade and Refurbishment of Block 4 |
8.1 |
Cork |
|
2025 |
Finner Gym Roof Replacement |
0.95 |
Donegal |
|
2025 |
Casement Aerodrome Modular Accommodation |
2 |
Dublin |
|
2025 |
Renmore Barracks, Urgent Safety Electrical Works |
0.441 |
Galway |
|
2025 |
DFTC, Transport Body Workshop and Ancillary Offices Electrical Upgrade |
0.745 |
Kildare |
|
2025 |
DFTC, ARW Training Centre Roofing (Old Cinema) |
0.44 |
Kildare |
|
2025 |
DFTC, New CIS Workshop Facility |
8.78 |
Kildare |
|
2025 |
Stephens Barracks New Accountant Building |
0.64 |
Kilkenny |
|
2025 |
Gormanston Camp, Upgrade of Block A |
0.36 |
Meath |
|
2025 |
Custume Barracks, Replacement Hangar for EAS |
1.45 |
Westmeath |
|
2024 |
Haulbowline - BFW Building Refurbishment |
0.565 |
Cork |
|
2024 |
Collins Barracks, New Accommodation Block |
4.49 |
Cork |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks, Block F |
17.6 |
Dublin |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks, Pontoon Building New Locker Block |
1.8 |
Dublin |
|
2024 |
Casement Aerodrome, Hangar 3 upgrade and new doors |
1.35 |
Dublin |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks Printing Press |
2.3 |
Dublin |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks, Former Chief of Staff House |
1.45 |
Dublin |
|
2024 |
Casement - Main Technical Stores |
0.945 |
Dublin |
|
2024 |
Renmore Barracks, USAC Building |
11.4 |
Galway |
|
2024 |
New Shower & Changing Facility (Renmore) |
0.564 |
Galway |
|
2024 |
DFTC Garaging X 2 |
4.13 |
Kildare |
|
2024 |
Stephens Barracks, Refurbishment of Block C, Kilkenny |
0.782 |
Kilkenny |
|
2024 |
Aikens Barracks, Central Heating Boiler Upgrade (including Certification of Heating System) |
0.615 |
Louth |
|
2024 |
Custume Barracks - Band Hall Heat Pump Installation |
0.41 |
Westmeath |
|
2024 |
Coolmoney - New Vehicle Garaging Facility |
0.696 |
Wicklow |
|
2023 |
Collins Barracks, I&U Collins Buildings, Cork |
0.913 |
Cork |
|
2023 |
Haulbowline, Refurbishment of FORST building - Units 50 & 51 |
0.607 |
Cork |
|
2023 |
Casement Aerodrome Hangar 3 Roof-light replacement |
0.299 |
Dublin |
|
2023 |
McKee Barracks, Refurbishment of East Wall Building |
0.754 |
Dublin |
|
2023 |
DFTC Engineers Logistics Office |
0.583 |
Kildare |
|
2023 |
DFTC Cadet School Headquarters |
4.74 |
Kildare |
|
2023 |
Roscommon, Carnagh Gallery Upgrade |
0.554 |
Roscommon |
|
2022 |
Kilworth NDA Range |
0.372 |
Cork |
|
2022 |
Haulbowline, Remediation of Spencer Jetty |
2.9 |
Cork |
|
2022 |
Haubowline, Upgrade of Block 8 Accommodation |
4.23 |
Cork |
|
2022 |
Casement Aerodrome, Water-mains upgrade |
1.16 |
Dublin |
|
2022 |
McKee Barracks, Guard Room Roof Upgrade |
1.12 |
Dublin |
|
2022 |
McKee Barracks, Refurbishment of Block H |
6.58 |
Dublin |
|
2022 |
Casement Aerodrome, Runway Led Lights |
0.47 |
Dublin |
|
2022 |
DFTC, Engineer Storage Facility |
0.791 |
Kildare |
|
2022 |
Stephens Barracks, Underground site services |
0.649 |
Kilkenny |
|
2022 |
Coolmoney Water and Waste Water Treatment |
0.422 |
Wicklow |
|
2021 |
Collins Barracks Personnel Support Services Resources Centre, Camp Field |
0.368 |
Cork |
|
2021 |
Casement Aerodrome, Replacement of standby generators |
0.217 |
Dublin |
|
2021 |
DFTC, Provision of a new Electric Target Range |
1.22 |
Kildare |
|
2021 |
Stephens Barracks, New Gym |
3.34 |
Kilkenny |
|
2021 |
Sarsfield Barracks, New Gym |
3.19 |
Limerick |
|
2021 |
Gormanston Camp, NDA Range |
0.4 |
Meath |
|
2020 |
Haulbowline, Upgrade of the Oil Wharf and installation of Fire Detection and Firefighting system |
3.14 |
Cork |
|
2020 |
Cathal Brugha Barracks, Upgrade of Blocks 1 and 2 Accommodation |
2.96 |
Dublin |
|
2020 |
Casement Aerodrome, Apprentice Hostel |
3.63 |
Dublin |
|
2020 |
DFTC, Upgrade of Block 7 Plunkett Barracks Accommodation |
2.02 |
Kildare |
|
2020 |
Ammunition Storage Facility in DFTC |
10.3 |
Kildare |
112. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport the number of learner permit and driving licence applications affected by the recent NDLS printing disruption; the average delay experienced by applicants; and the measures being introduced to ensure timely communication with applicants during future service disruptions. [52625/26]
View answer117. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport to report on the printer failure in the NDLS; to detail the services affected; the date by which the fault will be remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52763/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 117 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service.
I have therefore referred the Deputies' questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputies to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
113. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand late-night transport services across the State. [52633/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
Night-time bus services offers clear benefits, including providing reliable travel options for late-night workers, supporting the night-time economy, and promoting environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on private cars.
In terms of extending the service operating hours, BusConnect's Network Redesign, as I have no doubt you are aware, is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, aimed at improving public transport services across the city, by strengthening the existing TFI system through enhanced services with high frequency spines and new local, orbital and radial routes. As part of the Redesign, the NTA has introduced fifteen 24-hour bus services such as E1, E2, F1, and F2, across the city in recent years, significantly enhancing both late night and early morning travel options.
This has allowed more people, particularly night-time and shift workers to use and avail of public transport services. In addition, there are 12 Nitelink services which run from the city centre to suburbs on Friday and Saturday nights, providing extra capacity during peak late-night demand periods.
I do consider that there may be merit in extending operating hours to additional routes, however it is essential that any planning considerations for the NTA are both operationally justified and financially sustainable within resource allocations.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
114. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA will install Leap vending machines in both the arrivals hall of Dublin Airport and arrivals hall of Dublin Port; and if so, when this these machines will be fully operational. [52637/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the provision of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, including the installation of Leap Card vending machines.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
