Written Answers Nos. 126-145
126. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the improvements to Army barracks in Cork that have occurred in the past number of years; the work that has been carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54220/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question, and I am pleased to advise that in the past number of years my Department has spent almost €28m in improvement to military installations in Cork.
Recent years have seen investment of over €6.2m in Collins Barracks, including a New Accommodation Block, Upgrade of the Ablutions in Blocks 15 and 16, Refurbishment of the Infrastructure and Utilities Buildings and Personnel Support Services Resources Centre.
Haulbowline Naval Base has seen over €20m, including the upgrade of Block 4 and Block 8 Accommodation, Upgrade of the Oil Wharf, Storage and Maintenance Facility for 76mm Guns, Refurbishment of the Barracks Foreman of Works building and Units 50 and 51 and the Remediation of Spencer Jetty.
Fort Davis has seen over €1.2m including the New Storage Building and Administration Centre and Kilworth has seen over €0.3m investment in the Military Training Facility.
In addition, this year will see the completion of the office Block 9 in Haulbowline Naval Base and Block 1 accommodation in Collins Barracks, representing a total investment of over €14 million. Haulbowline will also see the completion of Phase 1 of a major dredging project to protect operational capacity at the base.
More widely, the capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170 million. This year the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment. 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.
127. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Defence the defence and security priorities she intends to advance during Ireland’s EU Presidency; the initiatives Ireland expects to lead or support in the areas of European security, defence cooperation, resilience and military mobility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54026/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for the question. As the Member State holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (the eighth such occasion), Ireland's first responsibility will be to progress the EU agenda and to act as an honest broker in advancing the Union's priorities, building on our strong record in previous Presidencies.
My key priority in the period ahead is for Ireland to strongly influence the security and defence sphere for the duration of the Presidency during this crucial period for European security.
Active support for Ukraine will be a defining priority of the Irish Presidency. We will work with Member States, EU institutions and international partners to ensure continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's ongoing aggression, consistent with Ireland's national policy and the broader EU approach.
More broadly, the Irish Presidency will highlight the central role of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and the important contribution it makes to European and international security. We will support efforts to ensure that the CSDP remains responsive to ongoing and emerging crises and continues to evolve in line with the changing security environment, including on how EU CSDP efforts can continue to support Lebanon post the conclusion of the UNIFIL mission at the end of this year.
Maritime security will also be a particular area of focus during our Presidency. This will include supporting EU-level efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness, address hybrid maritime threats, strengthen the protection of critical maritime infrastructure and contribute to the mid-term review of the EU Maritime Security Strategy during the second half of 2026.
We will also take forward work on actions arising from the forthcoming European Security Strategy and on the implementation of measures contained in the White Paper on the Future of European Defence - Readiness 2030. This will include supporting collaboration between Member States to address critical capability gaps, strengthen defence preparedness and build resilience in the face of emerging and hybrid threats.
Ireland will also progress a number of important legislative files in the defence sphere during our Presidency, including proposals relating to Military Mobility, the Defence Procurement Directive and the AGILE Regulation. We will work closely with Member States and the EU institutions to facilitate consensus and advance these files in a practical and constructive manner.
Countering hybrid threats and strengthening resilience will be another important priority. We will support EU efforts to improve preparedness, enhance resilience against cyber and hybrid activity, and strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure. In this context, Ireland will continue to support implementation of the Critical Entities Resilience Directive and broader EU initiatives relating to critical infrastructure security.
Partnership will remain central to the Irish Presidency's approach to security and defence. We will seek to promote close cooperation with like-minded partners and with international organisations, including the United Nations, the OSCE and NATO, recognising the importance of cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.
Finally, I will also host an informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers during the Presidency. This will provide an important opportunity to advance discussions on the key security and defence challenges facing the Union.
128. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if she will release the results of the investigation into the sighting of drones over Dublin Bay during the visit of President Zelensky of Ukraine in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54182/26]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question, however my colleague the Minister for Justice Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid of the Civil Power which, in practice, means providing assistance to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so and within their capacity and capabilities.
For the record, I will reiterate again, that at no stage was the flight of President Zelenskyy compromised and the security operation, led by An Garda Síochána was successfully deployed through multiple means ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit to Ireland by President Zelenskyy in December 2025. The Deputy will also be aware of the most recent visit of President Zelenskyy, on 1st July for the commencement of Ireland's Presidency of the European Council, when another successful security operation, lead by An Garda Síochána was carried out with the assistance of the Defence Forces, as required.
The Deputy will appreciate that this investigation was under the jurisdiction of An Garda Síochána and I do not propose to comment on the matter.
129. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the GUARD, OVERSIGHT and SeaDOM projects on maritime and subsea object detection at the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS) at the University of Limerick; whether any of these projects have become operationally capable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54118/26]
View answerThe GUARD project, funded through Enterprise Ireland's Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF) for a 36-month period from 1st July 2021 to 31st June 2024, was developed to support drug interdiction by utilising smart drones.
The project was led by Tyndall National Institute and included A-TechSYN, VRAI, WAZP, University College Dublin and the University of Limerick (CRIS Lab) as project partners, with the Irish Naval Service providing operational input to the project. GUARD examined the use of smart drone technology, including medium-range vertical take-off and landing systems, to support maritime surveillance, drug interdiction and maritime situational awareness. From a Defence perspective, the project provided information relevant to potential future capability development in the maritime domain and to the possible operational use of unmanned systems in support of security tasks at sea.
Naval Service colleagues continue to engage with the GUARD consortium.
The SeaDom (Sea-Surface and Subsea Dark Object Detection and Mitigation) and Oversight (Innovation Detection System for Dark Vessels to Enhance Maritime Security in Ireland's Waters) projects were funded through the 2024 Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge under the Maritime Domain Awareness Challenge area.
SeaDom focussed on the creation of an Unmanned Sub-Surface Vessel (USSV) that can be deployed from ports or tethered from ships to provide information on dark vessels or detect contraband. Separately, the Oversight project focussed on the development of tethered drone installations around coastal perimeters that can detect dark vessels within 40km of shore.
As the Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge is a stage-gated process, pending the recommendations of an independent international review panel, these projects were not selected to progress beyond the Concept Phase of the programme. Therefore no further funding was provided to these projects beyond the €20,000 funding allocated to support teams through the Concept Phase. Consequently, these projects are not currently operationally capable.
130. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has carried out an evaluation of the extent to which accommodation issues may be a factor in recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53896/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it allows me to outline how we are prioritising the provision of accommodation and gyms as part of a range of measures to improve the attractiveness of joining the Defence Forces.
The 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. With regards to infrastructure, the Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) was launched in 2020, with a budget allocation of €18m in that year. In 2026, the provision increased to €83m to upgrade and maintain Defence Forces building stock (an increase of 361%).
The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170 million. 60 capital projects have been completed since the launch of the IDP in 2020.
In terms of upgrades to accommodation, I can advise the Deputy that since 2020, 13 accommodation projects at a combined cost of approximately €49m have been completed with 775 beds provided across the country. 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 currently under construction, and refurbishment of several accommodation buildings in Stephens Barracks, Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Curragh.
The Deputy may wish to know that since the launch of the Infrastructure Development Plan, there is continued investment in the training facilities for our Defence Forces personnel. The Joint Induction Training Centre (JITC) at Gormanston Barracks, accommodates the induction training of future recruits into the Defence Forces. As Minister for Defence, I will build on the progress achieved to date and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026 across all Defence Forces services. The Joint Induction Training Centre will facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum, when fully operational. There has been significant capital investment allocated to the JITC to provide for the modern, fit-for-purpose facilities required to carry out this function. The current ongoing capital projects in Gormanston come to a total value of over €15m. There are two significant capital projects currently under construction and due for completion this year:, a new Dining Hall, and a new Gymnasium and Obstacle Course. A new gymnasium is also underway at Finner Camp in Donegal, with further investment in gyms across our military installations at design stage in Renmore Barracks, Casement Aerodrome and McKee Barracks.
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.
131. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence the number of times she has met with the Women of Honour group in 2026; the details of the issues discussed; her plans to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54222/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for your question. I met with representatives of the Women of Honour CLG Group and their legal advisors on the 26th of January this year, where among the items discussed was counselling for witnesses who engage with the Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry and funding for the Group.
Immediately following the meeting, I contacted my colleague, Ms Jennifer Carroll McNeill, T.D., Minister for Health, to seek her assistance in providing counselling services to members of the Group who have or will be attending the Tribunal.
I subsequently wrote to the Group on 25th February, where I sought information from the Women of Honour CLG, in relation to the number of people requiring support, the types of professional supports being sought and the geographical spread of each type of support. This information is required to allow the HSE Counselling Service to formulate a package of measures specific to the Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry.
There are a number of supports which are currently available to serving and former members of the Defence Forces:
Lena by Inspire, is a 24/7 external confidential helpline and confidential counselling service. It is independent of the Defence Forces and my Department. The service is available to all serving personnel of the Defence Forces and to their partners or spouses and adult children living at home. As an additional avenue of independent professional counselling, the service has been extended to include all individuals who have engaged with the Tribunal in any capacity.
The Confidential Contact Person, within Raiseaconcern, remains available providing a safe place to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing for both serving and former members of the Defence Forces.
The Personnel Support Service in the Defence Forces assists members and their immediate family with the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.
The HSE National Counselling Service is available for anyone who feels they may need professional counselling support, post engaging with the above services.
In relation to the issue of funding which was raised by the Group with me, in order to progress this matter, I requested details of their governance arrangements, which are standard requirements for the oversight and management of public financial expenditure. An element of this required information was received in May this year, and once the clarifications are received from the Group, their funding ask will be considered and I will respond to the Group.
132. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence to report on the work of the Irish Military Intelligence Service; and what it currently views as the potentially most serious threats to the security of the State. [53710/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I regard the Irish Military Intelligence Service as a critical component within Ireland’s national intelligence architecture. It is currently resourced to provide regular security assessments and critical cross-domain situational awareness at strategic, national and military levels to me and my Department and to the Chief of Staff.
In this context, the Defence Forces work closely with An Garda Síochána, the National Cyber Security Centre and other relevant State bodies in respect of any threats identified that may have adverse implications for the security of the State.
In response to the persistent and emerging threats and challenges highlighted in the Security Environment Assessment, carried out as part of the 2024 Defence Policy Review, the Irish Military Intelligence Service will continue to develop, grow and enhance its capabilities, including counter-intelligence.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan, identified the strengthening of Military Intelligence capabilities and the establishment of a Joint Military Intelligence Service amongst the priority next steps.
In that regard, I am pleased to say that work is well advanced on the preparation of legislation to underpin the role and functions of Military Intelligence and progress has been made on the establishment of a Military Intelligence School, with initial staffing resources in place and ongoing work to design, validate and deliver specialist training curriculum.
For reasons of national security, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on what might be regarded as the most serious potential threats to the security of the State, although I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Security Environment Assessment of the 2024 Defence Policy Review and, for broader context, Chapters 1 and 2 of the EU White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.
133. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence the plans in place to develop Aiken Barracks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53741/26]
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 to date over €6m has been invested in the Barracks. Most recently, this investment has seen the opening of a new Dining Facility at the barracks, which I was delighted to officially open on the 29th April.
The Deputy may also wish to know that the following capital projects have also been completed in the Barracks:
Aikens Barracks Heating Certification
Aikens Barracks, New EV Charging points/Enabling works
While the following project is in the design stage:
A full technical refurbishment of Ablution facilities and insulation works to a three-storey accommodation block in the barracks.
In order to further progress development of Defence Forces infrastructure more quickly and to increase economies of scale, it is planned to develop a series of masterplans for each installation to future-proof for the next 20-30 years. This approach will identify from the outset the infrastructure requirements in line with capability development for each installation with an associated prioritisation of projects and a phased timeline for delivery. The future development of Aiken Bks will be subject to the final outcome of the Masterplan for 2 Brigade installations. The masterplan tender is in planning at present and will be launched in the near future.
The commitment to Aiken Barracks is indicative of the increased investment in defence infrastructure under this Government. The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170 million. This year the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment. I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge that taken together this shows clearly the importance I place in ensuring that our facilities are modernised and fit for purposes for our Defence Forces.
134. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the specific drone detection, tracking and mitigation capabilities are in place to support security during the EU Presidency events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54033/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for your question. The Government is committed to delivering a successful, safe, and secure Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and clearly counter drone capability is a particularly important element of overall security arrangements for events being hosted in the State.
While An Garda Síochána is primarily responsible for these security arrangements, the Defence Forces also have an important role to play both in the defence of the State and as an Aid to the Civil Power.
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).
The Military Radar Programme is central to this and I am pleased to say that very good progress is being made in this regard. This Programme provides for the delivery of a suite of military radar systems and also takes account of the need to enhance our Ground Based Air Defence capabilities, which includes Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).
While full delivery of the overall Programme will be complex, it has been prioritised with a target date of the end of 2028 identified in the updated CODF Detailed Implementation Plan, which I published recently, for the development of a complete "Recognised Air Picture". In light of Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of this year, I had prioritised the delivery of C-UAS capabilities for the Defence Forces and, following Dáil approval last December of a Supplementary Estimate, contractual arrangements were put in place which enabled delivery of these capabilities during the first half of this year.
In line with the ongoing roll-out of these capabilities, a wide range of equipment and tactical level training of military personnel has been ongoing since earlier this year and the further roll-out of C-UAS capabilities will continue this year.
For operational and national security reasons, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment regarding the capabilities that are now in place.
135. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence the full cost of using agency nurses to cover nursing duties in the Defence Forces in 2025; the number of hours this payment covered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53646/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for the question.
The Army Nursing Service (ANS) performs a vital role within the Defence Forces. It forms part of a wide range of medical services that are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). These include an annual medical examination, sick parades, attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out of hours GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, mental health services including in-house access to psychiatry and psychology services, public hospital charges and routine dental treatment.
A range of measures are employed to ensure the provision of these important services, including outsourcing, contracted professionals, and agency workers. The ANS forms a key component within primary health care and occupational health, which encompasses a broad range of disciplines. Nurses play an educational role informing members of the PDF of measures that can prevent disease and injury, as well as the more traditional roles performed by nurses, e.g. phlebotomy, patient care, administering vaccinations, and so on.
I am informed by the military authorities that the cost of agency nursing services in 2025 was €870,800, covering a total of 15,518 hours. My officials are currently working with the military authorities in considering options to ensure the long-term continuing delivery of this vital service. In the meantime, the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces continues to be a high priority for my Department.
136. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications to join the Defence Forces that have been received in 2026 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53696/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I am fully committed to increasing and strengthening recruitment in the Permanent Defence Force.
I am pleased that there continues to be very strong interest in a career in the Defence Forces with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025 and 10,252 applications received to end May 2026. The challenge now for the Defence Forces is to convert the high level of applications to inductions. A draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has recently been submitted to me for consideration. 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.
Increases in application numbers and in the overall strength of the PDF, over the last three years, demonstrate that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention are yielding results. There also continues to be significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a further pay award last month.
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.
Last year saw a modest, though significant, growth in the overall strength with a total of 790 inductions achieved- the highest in twenty years - and the number of personnel who discharged was at its lowest level in more than five years. I am determined to build on the expansion in personnel numbers achieved and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026. 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.
A new recruitment platform 'Resumo' has been implemented by the Defence Forces, with inbuilt data analysis. I am informed that attrition rates within the recruitment process includes a number of applicants who submit applications but do not engage with the process thereafter, or do not present for the psychometric/ fitness/ medical testing stages or vetting. Additionally some applicants do not meet the eligibility criteria set out in the competition terms and conditions, do not achieve security clearance, or do not pass the various stages of the recruitment process.
Further work to increase induction capacity is being undertaken as part of the Strategic Workforce Planning process. The Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Barracks is being expanded and will eventually facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum. An allowance for Officer Instructors was introduced last summer targeted at increasing training capacity and upskilling these Officers.
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.
Significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure, coupled with the initiatives I have outlined here, is illustrative of my commitment to build on the growth in recruitment achieved in recent years.
137. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken to maximise opportunities for Irish companies and manufacturers to participate in future Defence procurement projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54052/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for the question. Ensuring that the Defence Forces have access to reliable, sustainable and strategically important capabilities remains a core priority for both myself as Minister for Defence and for this Government. In an increasingly complex security environment, considerations such as security of supply, supply-chain resilience and the long-term maintainability of critical equipment are central to defence capability planning. Defence procurement is therefore not solely focused on the acquisition of platforms or systems, but equally on ensuring that those capabilities remain serviceable and mission-ready throughout their full lifecycle.
My Department continues to keep all aspects of defence procurement policy under ongoing review, including how best to facilitate appropriate engagement with Irish SMEs where this can support capability delivery. This includes exploring opportunities in areas such as maintenance, training, support and specialist technical services, where domestic expertise can complement major procurement programmes. Any future developments in this space will be guided by operational requirements, value for money considerations, and the need to ensure the continued timely provision and sustainment of Defence Forces capabilities.
In addition, legislative changes being advanced by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will help ensure that Irish companies are not placed at a competitive disadvantage in the growing defence and dual-use sectors. By enabling enterprise agencies to provide investment and market access supports to these firms, Irish companies will be better positioned to scale and develop competitive technologies, strengthening their ability to compete successfully for domestic and international contract opportunities.
All procurement undertaken by the Department of Defence is conducted in accordance with national and EU procurement rules. Competitive tendering is used in line with national guidelines, the EU Defence and Security Procurement Directive, and the Office of Government Procurement procedures where relevant. In accordance with Circular 05/2023 from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, all contracts above €50,000 (ex VAT) are advertised on the eTenders platform. Contracts exceeding EU thresholds, currently €140,000 for goods and services, and €432,000 for defence and security are published in the Official Journal of the European Union. These processes ensure transparency, open competition and opportunities for Irish SMEs to participate fully in the Department’s ongoing procurement activities.
My Department continues to place a strong emphasis on supporting SMEs by promoting their participation in, and access to, EU funding programmes and major European defence initiatives, including the European Defence Fund (EDF). Through close collaboration with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Enterprise Ireland; industry stakeholders; and EU partners, I am committed to ensuring that Irish SMEs are well positioned to access EU funding opportunities and participate in cross-border research, innovation and industrial partnerships. To strengthen this engagement, the Department established the EU Industry Engagement Unit in 2024. The Unit works in close partnership with colleagues in the Research, Technology and Innovation, Capability Development, and Procurement and Acquisition branches. Together, these interconnected functions form an integrated capability ecosystem, providing a coherent end-to-end approach that supports defence capability development, innovation, procurement and industry engagement for both the Department and the Defence Forces.
138. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the Defence Forces are expanding their capacity for delivering military operations in the cyber domain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54044/26]
View answerDeputy thank you for the question. The Defence Forces Cyber-Defence Strategy 2024 to 2027 was published, in 2024. This Strategy sets out a comprehensive road map to ensure that the Defence Forces achieve operational capability in this domain.
There are 16 strategic priorities contained in the Defence Forces Cyber Defence Strategy. The top 4 of which are:
To prevent and defend against cyber-attacks on Defence Forces’ networks.
To develop a comprehensive programme of training, in cyber related subjects.
To identify and protect critical defence infrastructure and increase resilience to cyber-attacks.
To conduct ongoing risk assessments to evaluate the potential impact and likelihood of cyber-attacks on Defence Forces’ networks.
The 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.
My department is working with the Public Appointments Service to recruit civilian cyber specialists who will be integrated into the Joint Cyber Defence Command. It is intended that these positions will be filled as soon as possible. To date, the Public Appointments Service has launched a campaign for the role of Principal Officer and Cyber Lead. Competitions have also been initiated for roles on cyber threat intelligence and cyber resilience.
In addition, officials from my Department and the Defence Forces continue to engage closely with relevant Government Departments and agencies, including the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the National Cyber Security Centre, which has lead responsibility for cyber security in Ireland. This engagement supports ongoing work to assess risks and address challenges in the cyber domain.
The development of the Joint Cyber Defence Command, together with the implementation of the Defence Forces Cyber Defence Strategy 2024–2027 and the recruitment of specialist civilian expertise, represents an important step in strengthening the State’s defence cyber capability and resilience.
To support this new Command Unit, my Department approved the development of a dedicated IT Operations and Cyber Security Block in McKee Barracks to provide the necessary high-end infrastructure requirements for operations in the cyber domain. The works contract for this project was awarded on 15th May of this year and construction is now underway at a cost of €2.6m, with completion expected March 2027.
This facility will provide for the increasing requirements of the new Joint Cyber Defence Command as well as existing CIS requirements.
139. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Defence the specific capital investment projects planned for the Defence Forces over the next five years; the way in which these investments will address current capability gaps identified by the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54047/26]
View answerThank you Deputy for the question. A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government. In the context of an evolving geopolitical and security environment, it is essential that Ireland continues to enhance the capabilities of its Defence Forces.
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. 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. The Unit is now well established and in the final stages of the upstream phase, the key output of which is a long term Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review, and the objectives as set out in the recently published Strategic Framework and Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces. The Capability Development Programme will be finalised and published in 2026, however as the Deputy will appreciate, the assessment of capabilities and summarised capability gaps are highly sensitive and are not releasable in the interests of national security.
My Department also manages an Equipment Development plan which manages requirements for the immediate term and recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. There is a significant body of work currently underway to ensure that the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service have the required capabilities with equipment projects such as body armour, H145m helicopter, towed sonar and counter drone capability in various stages of the project lifecycle.
In terms of capital infrastructure planning, the Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) currently sets out a programme of infrastructural project delivery to 2027. It reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide for the accommodation and training of personnel, as well as the maintenance and storage of equipment.
In order to progress Defence Forces infrastructural projects more efficiently and deliver economies of scale, my Department is currently developing a series of infrastructural masterplans. These masterplans will identify the infrastructure requirements for each installation along with an associated prioritisation schedule and a phased timeline for delivery. These plans will dovetail with developments identified under the current IDP and will also lay out requirements for the years from 2027 onwards.
Over the 2026-2030 timeframe of the Defence NDP, I have committed €400 million in funding for infrastructural investment, a level of funding which will deliver enhanced accommodation, offices, gyms etc to military installations nationwide, together with more targeted investment on the development of specific requirements such as aircraft hangars and naval berthage capacity.
141. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence for an update on her Department’s securing of a medium lift helicopter, in terms of being able to monitor our seas at speed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54266/26]
View answerThe rolling Equipment Development Plan (EDP) encompasses a programme of sustained equipment procurement/acquisition across the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Strategic Framework and the recently updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
This is part of the ambitious programme of work to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2) and will ensure that the Air Corps and the wider Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment required to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence under the National Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion.
Future Air Corps projects identified within these planning processes include:
The procurement of a fleet of super-medium helicopters to replace the current fleet of AW-139 medium helicopters;
The replacement of the Pilatus PC-9M fleet of fixed-wing training aircraft.
Both of these projects are underway and are in the assessment phase in accordance with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
142. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the steps she is taking to improve retention in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54218/26]
View answerStabilising the numbers of Defence Force personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence.
As the Deputy will be aware, there are multiple factors that influence retention levels and this is broadly experienced across all militaries internationally. That said, I am pleased to say that actions taken to date are having a measurable impact on stabilisation efforts.
Turnover levels in the Permanent Defence Force are carefully monitored and data provided by the Defence Forces indicates that turnover rates have reduced over the last two years with a turnover rate of approximately 7.6% in 2025. This compares favourably with militaries internationally where annual attrition rates of 8 to 12 per cent are typical.
The objective is to keep attrition as low as reasonably practicable while maintaining operational capability.
Some of the steps taken to mitigate attrition and strengthen workforce stability, 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.
A draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has been submitted to me for consideration. The draft plan sets out a roadmap for building and sustaining the future workforce. 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.
In addition, Local Bargaining measures are being introduced to support initiatives to improve retention in key capability areas.
I want to reassure the Deputy that continuing improvement of the retention of talented individuals across the Defence Forces is a priority, and in an ever-buoyant employment market, I want to see the Defence Forces as an employer of choice.
143. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Ireland is using European Defence Agency joint procurement projects to achieve greater value-for-money in defence expenditure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53700/26]
View answerThe European Defence Agency (EDA) was established by a joint action of the Council of the European Union in 2004 (revised on 12th July 2011 by Council Decision 2011/411/CFSP), "to support the Member States and the Council in their effort to improve the Union’s defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the European Security and Defence Policy”.
Ireland has been a participating Member State of the Agency since it was established in 2004. The Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 underpins Ireland’s participation in European Defence Agency projects. Any such participation requires the approval of the Government and of Dáil Éireann.
Ireland is currently participating in four EDA procurement projects, with the EDA as the central purchasing body.
Collaborative Procurement of CBRN Equipment
Collaborative Procurement of Soldier Equipment
Collaborative Procurement of Ammunition
EU SatCom Market
Each of these projects contributes to the enhancement of Defence Forces capabilities in support of its assigned roles, including in support of its engagement in international peacekeeping operations.
The benefits of participating in these projects include:
Access to the combined knowledge of participating Member States in the development of technical requirements
Access to an EDA-managed procurement process conducted in accordance with applicable EU rules
More competitive procurement costs than Ireland could achieve on its own due to amalgamation of orders from Members States
Access to a combined production run, allowing expedited delivery timelines
More efficient use of defence procurement resources
Value for money in government expenditure.
This mode of procurement is also expected to improve the security of supply chains and facilitate better and more efficient management of stocks.
There is no requirement to procure through these projects; the decision to order is solely a matter for each Member State.
To date, Ireland has placed orders for the supply of ammunition and CBRN equipment through contracts established under these projects.
144. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Naval Service; and the status of the P60 fleet extension programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53892/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I am fully committed to supporting the Naval Service to increase numbers and strengthen the Defence Forces.
It was positive to see the growth in Naval Service numbers last year, with 169 inductions, a 67% increase on inductions in 2024, with a further 75 inductions achieved to the end of May. I understand from the military authorities that the strength of the Naval Service, as at 31 May 2026, stood at 855 personnel out of an establishment of 1,094.
Indeed, applications for the Naval Service have grown substantially this year with 2,172 applications received as of the 31 May, 64% more than the 1325 received by the end of May 2025. Application numbers for Direct Entry specialist competitions are positive, and has resulted in growth in specialist recruitment. In 2025 there were 24 Direct Entry inductions into specialist roles in the Naval Service- the highest annual total recorded since the commencement of Direct Entry recruitment. The 397 specialists applications up to May far exceeds the 224 for the same period in 2025.
Departures have been steadily decreasing each year with over 100 in 2021 and 2022, down to 47 in 2025 and just 21 to end May this year.
Recruitment to the Naval Service is presently ongoing via a wide range of pathways including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and eight Naval Service specific direct entry competitions. Figures provided to me by the Defence Forces for the year to date are encouraging.
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;
the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force; and;
progress on pay with the most recent increase awarded last month.
I recently visited the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Barracks, an impressive facility which is under expansion and will eventually facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum, for all three services.
Following investment of over €8.8 million, I officially opened the refurbished Block 4 accommodation building in the Naval Service Base, Haulbowline, which will accommodate an additional 74 personnel.
The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight commissioned vessels. These eight vessels consist of two P50 class large patrol vessels, four P60 class offshore patrol vessels, and two P70 inshore patrol vessels. I am advised by the military authorities that there are four vessels available for operations on a rotation basis. Operational availability is managed through a strategic rotation which takes account of maintenance, crew training and rest periods. This approach ensures a continuous and sustainable naval presence in Irish waters. In addition to at sea monitoring, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Capital investment in the Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of the two P50 class vessels has been completed and planning has recently commenced on a similar programme for the four P60 class vessels. The two P70 class Inshore Patrol Vessels, purchased from the New Zealand Government, were commissioned into State service as LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait in 2024.
The Commission on the Defence Forces specifically recommended a programme of naval vessel replacement under Level of Ambition 2. This recommendation was accepted in principle by Government. As set out in the Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces, decisions on the shape and timing of the Naval vessel replacement to ensure a balanced fleet by early in the next decade will be made and subsequently progressed from 2026 and beyond.
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, I believe a holistic plan for the future of the Naval Service is required. I am shortly 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.
145. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Defence the extent of her Department's engagement with the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS) at the University of Limerick; the details of all projects at CRIS for which funding is currently being provided by her Department; the plans to expand strategic funding for field robotics innovation; her plans to visit the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54117/26]
View answerMy Department, through the Defence Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Unit has been engaged with the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS Lab) since 2021, through initiatives such as Enterprise Ireland's Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund and the Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge.
As of 2026, the Department of Defence is not currently funding any active projects through the CRIS Lab however, it has, in recent years provided co-funding to two projects under the 2024 Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge. The SeaDom and Oversight projects each received a total of €20,000 to support them through the Concept Phase of the programme, co-funded by both the Department of Defence and Research Ireland.
The SeaDom (Sea-Surface and Subsea Dark Object Detection and Mitigation) and Oversight (Innovation Detection System for Dark Vessels to Enhance Maritime Security in Ireland's Waters) projects were funded through the 2024 Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge under the Maritime Domain Awareness Challenge area.
SeaDom focussed on the creation of an Unmanned Sub-Surface Vessel (USSV) that can be deployed from ports or tethered from ships to provide information on dark vessels or detect contraband. Separately, the Oversight project focussed on the development of tethered drone installations around coastal perimeters that can detect dark vessels within 40km of shore.
As the Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge is a stage-gated process, pending the recommendations of an independent international review panel, these projects were not selected to progress beyond the Concept Phase of the programme. Therefore, no further funding was provided to these projects beyond the €20,000 funding allocated to support teams through the Concept Phase.
Separately, my Department has supported the GUARD project, funded through Enterprise Ireland's Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF) for a 36-month period from 1st July 2021 to 31st June 2024. The GUARD project was developed to support drug interdiction by utilising smart drones.
On 6th November 2025, my Department was represented at a Stakeholders Workshop on The Future of Marine and Aerial Robotics in Ireland, hosted by the CRIS Lab at the University of Limerick. The event brought together more than twenty senior representatives from government, national agencies, industry, and academia to assess Ireland’s current and future needs in field robotics. The workshop highlighted the critical role of robotic marine and aerial systems in addressing national priorities including offshore renewable energy, maritime security, environmental monitoring, climate resilience, and emergency response.
My Department is reviewing a proposal drafted by the CRIS Lab for the establishment of a National Lab for Marine and Aerial Field Robotics. This proposal invites national policy makers, in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, along with the Department of Defence, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Department of Transport, Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, and the Department of Culture, Communication and Sports to recognise the strategic opportunity presented by CRIS and support its transformation into Ireland’s National Lab for Marine and Aerial Field Robotics. This proposal is welcome, however careful consideration and collaboration with other key departments and stakeholders will be required.
My most recent correspondence with representatives of the CRIS Lab, highlighted their continued engagement and collaboration with the Defence Forces and furthermore I have expressed an interest in visiting the CRIS Lab this year subject to availability.
