Written Answers Nos. 167-184
167. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the defunct, unused or surplus military equipment that has been offered to the Ukrainian authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53649/26]
View answer177. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence if an assessment was carried out as to the operational readiness of light tactical armoured vehicles before they were offered to Ukraine; if so, the results of this assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54226/26]
View answer188. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the way in which light tactical armoured vehicles typically equipped with remote weapons stations for machine guns or grenade launchers can be classified as non-lethal military aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54181/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 177 and 188 together.
Ireland’s programme of military assistance to Ukraine has focused on the provision of non-lethal military equipment and support.
In identifying equipment for potential donation, the Defence Forces assess whether items are surplus to operational requirements, can be released without impacting Defence Forces capabilities, and would be of practical benefit to the Ukrainian authorities. Any equipment identified for donation is subject to a detailed assessment by the Defence Forces and my Department to ensure that its transfer does not adversely affect operational capability and complies with all relevant legal obligations and Government decisions and policy.
More broadly, since the full-scale invasion, equipment offered or provided by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces has also included non-lethal military equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces such as mine clearance flails, vehicles, body armour, medical kids, ready-to-eat meals, explosive ordnance disposal robots and surplus Giraffe radar systems.
In accordance with Government policy, Ireland has not provided lethal military equipment, weapons or ammunition to Ukraine. The Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine through a combination of humanitarian, financial and non-lethal military assistance while ensuring that the operational readiness of the Defence Forces is maintained.
In terms of the recent offer to donate Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle (LTAV)s to Ukraine, the fleet was withdrawn from service after reaching the end of its planned service life. Following a detailed technical assessment, the Defence Forces concluded that the LTAV fleet could be made available for donation for potential restoration and operational use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The purpose of the offer was to provide protected mobility and transport capability, should the Ukrainian Government accept the donation, rather than offensive military capability. The vehicles were offered without weapons, ammunition or weapon systems.
The classification of military assistance as lethal or non-lethal is determined by the nature of the equipment being supplied. In the case of LTAVs, their classification as non-lethal military assistance relates to the vehicles themselves and the capability being provided. Vehicles supplied under non-lethal assistance programmes are not equipped with weapon systems, ammunition or other lethal-effect capabilities. Their primary purpose is to provide protected mobility, force protection, casualty evacuation, logistical support, and the safe transportation of personnel and equipment.
Accordingly, light tactical armoured vehicles supplied without mounted weapons, ammunition or integrated lethal capabilities are regarded as non-lethal military assistance. Furthermore, no decision to transfer equipment is implemented unless the Government is satisfied that the transfer is consistent with Ireland’s policy on the provision of non-lethal military assistance and does not impact the operational capabilities of the Defence Forces.
I am satisfied that the classification of such vehicles as non-lethal military assistance is consistent with the nature of the equipment supplied and with the Government’s longstanding approach to the provision of non-lethal military 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.
168. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Defence for a report on the proposed new military equipment store, locker block and ablution facility at Stephens Barracks. [53703/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his interest in the development of Stephens Barracks and for the opportunity to discuss the progress that has been made there. The Deputy may wish to note that the project to which he refers has progressed to a detailed design which is required before proceeding to a tender competition and is currently being progressed by an external Design Team.
In addition, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the following capital works have been completed to date in the barracks since the launch of the Infrastructure Development Plan, bringing the total investment in Stephen Barracks to over €5m:
* New Barrack Accountant Store
* Refurbishment Block C
* Underground Services and watermain replacement
* New Gymnasium
169. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence if all Defence Forces personnel placed on-call for duty during the EU Presidency will be paid promptly. [54134/26]
View answerIn the context of the forthcoming EU Presidency, security rests primarily with the Department of Justice Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána.
No Defence Forces personnel have been “placed on-call for duty” thus far in the Defence Forces support to An Garda Síochána during the EU Presidency. All tasked personnel will, as normal, have their pay and allowances administered by their Brigade/Formation. Accordingly, they can expect pay associated with the EU Presidency to be processed and received within the normal timelines.
In the Defence Forces, Enlisted Personnel are paid weekly and Officers are paid monthly. Allowances are processed in next pay-run after the duties have been approved and notified to Payroll Administration. Payment for duties in relation the EU Presidency will follow the standard payment process.
170. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence the measures currently being considered to improve pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces, with particular regard to recruitment, retention and the overall attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces. [53652/26]
View answerAt the outset I would like to highlight the significant progress that the government has made on pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last number of years.
For context, 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 pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present a Private 3*, on completion of recruit training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at:
• €42,890 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.
In the conversation surrounding the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces, it is important to point out that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist, technical pay and service commitment schemes. Additionally there is scope for further income from duty allowances for specific duties carried, out on an ongoing basis, as well as the possibility of earning a tax-free duty allowance, starting at €15,000 for a 6 month overseas deployment.
The Deputy may also be aware of the changes to Patrol Duty Allowance for Naval Service personnel which came into effect on 1 January 2024. This measure resulted in the Patrol Duty Allowance being doubled after ten days at sea.
Key changes introduced to broader conditions include extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, and in 2025, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act, the extension of a service commitment scheme for pilots in the Air Corps to their Air Traffic Control colleagues.
In addition, with the enactment of the Defence Amendment Act 2024, the Defence Forces Representative Associations have been granted associate membership of ICTU, which enables ICTU to represent them at the national pay talks
As outlined, positive progress has been made on pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. I will continue to keep pay and conditions under review, to ensure that we continue to attract high calibre personnel into the Defence Forces.
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 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 is significantly less than the turnover rate of 9% recorded for 2024 and is a very positive turnover rate when compared with militaries internationally where annual attrition rates of 8 to 12 per cent are typical.
An annual outflow of personnel in the Defence Forces occurs due to statutory retirement ages, completion of contracted service, medical discharges, and other natural retirements. The objective is not to eliminate turnover, but to keep attrition as low as reasonably practicable while maintaining operational capability.
I want to reassure the Deputy that prioritising the attraction and retention of talented individuals across the entire Defence Forces is a priority and in an ever buoyant employment market, I want to see the Defence Forces as an employer of choice.
173. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the progress on the development of Ireland’s anti-drone defence capabilities. [53709/26]
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).
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. That being said, with Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union earlier this month, I had prioritised the accelerated 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. Further roll-out of C-UAS capabilities will continue this year.
174. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence when the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be brought before Dail Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53647/26]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for his question. This legislation is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence and for the Government.
The primary purpose of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026 is to consolidate, with amendments, the existing provisions of the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015 concerning the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State.
These amendments will include the modification of the existing requirement regarding the so-called ‘triple lock’ mechanism in relation to the despatch of the Defence Forces for service outside the State as part of an International United Nations Force. In effect, the requirement for a UN mandate will be removed.
The Bill also amends the Defence Act 1954 to provide for the suspension of members of the Defence Forces so as to give effect to recommendations in the report on the management of members of the Defence Forces charged with, or convicted of, serious criminal offences, prepared by Mr Peter Ward SC which was published in December 2024.
Following approval by Government on 9 June 2026, the Bill has been published on the Oireachtas website and it will be progressed in the new Dáil term.
175. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have the capacity needed to maintain continuous surveillance of vessels operating near critical subsea infrastructure during the EU Presidency period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54034/26]
View answerThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. It also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks including maritime surveillance, drug interdiction, search and rescue, and maritime defence and security operations (MDSO).
In addition to Naval Service patrols, aerial monitoring and surveillance of the Irish EEZ is carried out by the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron using C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
The Naval Operations Command Centre, located at Naval Base Haulbowline, is staffed twenty four hours a day seven days a week by qualified Naval Service personnel who carry out remote monitoring and surveillance of the Irish EEZ. This monitoring provides the Naval Service with a recognised maritime picture which assists in determining how each Defence Forces maritime asset should be tasked.
We are again this year seeing a gradual increase in the number of Naval Service and Air Corps patrols at sea. This continues the trend whereby there was a significant increase in maritime patrols from 2024 to 2025.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have sufficient capacity to continue to carry out the roles assigned to them by Government.
176. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the development and implementation of the Baldonnel Masterplan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53960/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the masterplan for the Airside in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, was completed in early 2025 and sets out a number of recommendations in relation to the development of the aerodrome in response to the level of ambition this Government has set for the Air Corps.
The findings/key recommendations as well as proposals for implementation were presented to my predecessor. In total, the masterplan for Casement Airbase airside provides development options equivalent to over €200 million in investment. The first priority project identified in the Airside Masterplan was the development of the Aircraft Hangars. On the 6th May of this year, my Department signed contracts with an Integrated Design Team to undertake the design and construction oversight for the construction works on three (3) Aircraft Hangars, one of which will be a new, dedicated maintenance hangar.
In addition, and to compliment the completed Airside master development plan, the consultancy for the development of a masterplan for the Landside at Casement Aerodrome began in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by end of Q3 2026.
178. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence for a report on the establishment of a defence attaché network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53698/26]
View answerIn March 2026, Government approval was secured for the establishment of a Defence Attaché Network on a pilot basis. The network will initially be established in Ireland's Embassies in Paris, London and Washington D.C., reflecting the strategic importance of those locations and Ireland's defence and security relationships with key partners.
The establishment of a Defence Attaché Network represents an important milestone in the implementation of the recommendations arising from the Commission on the Defence Forces and forms part of the Government's broader programme to strengthen Ireland's defence capabilities and international defence engagement.
The Defence Attachés will have a range of responsibilities, including diplomatic representation on defence matters, supporting bilateral defence and security cooperation, facilitating military-to-military engagement, and acting as the Defence Forces' representative in their assigned regions. They will also support information exchange and cooperation with partner nations and relevant international organisations, as appropriate.
Work on the implementation of the network is progressing. The Department of Defence, in conjunction with the Defence Forces and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is advancing the necessary arrangements, personnel to fill these roles, and I can advise that a selection process is currently underway.
The decision to establish a Defence Attaché Network reflects the increasingly complex and challenging international security environment and Ireland's commitment to developing deeper defence and security relationships with like-minded partners. The network will enhance Ireland's ability to engage on defence and security issues internationally, strengthen strategic partnerships, support military cooperation with key partners and ensure that Ireland's defence perspectives are appropriately represented in important international forums.
I am satisfied that the establishment of the Defence Attaché Network will make a significant contribution to Ireland's defence diplomacy, international engagement and overall security interests.
179. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently deployed on overseas peacekeeping and peace support missions, broken down by mission; the scheduled end date of each deployment or mandate; the number of personnel she expects will be deployed overseas by 31 December 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54045/26]
View answerAs of 30th June 2026, Ireland is contributing 394 Defence Forces personnel to overseas peacekeeping missions and commitments. This reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security. The main mission in which personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 320 personnel.
Ireland also contributes personnel to two other UN missions located in the Middle East, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) - where Military Observers remain in the Middle East to monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating and assist other United Nations peacekeeping operations in the region - with 12 personnel currently deployed, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan in Syria, with 3 personnel deployed. Observers and staff are also deployed to various United Nations and OSCE missions, and in addition, Defence Forces personnel hold staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO (as part of Ireland's membership of Partnership for Peace) and OSCE headquarters.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of peacekeeping and contributions to peacekeeping operations and this is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN and UN-mandated peacekeeping operations, as well as by Ireland's engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Our peacekeepers are recognised internationally for their expertise and experience.
As the Deputy will know, on 28th August last year, the UN Security Council renewed the UNIFIL mandate up to 31st December 2026, to be followed by a period of drawdown and withdrawal, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027. This will have the most significant impact on the numbers of the Defence Forces serving overseas over the next 18 months.
At this present time, the Government has no current plans to participate in any new peacekeeping missions. Where future requests are received to participate in international missions, as is the normal practice, any such requests will be examined on a case-by-case basis, informed by policy and military advice and subject to full political consideration. Decisions on deployment take account of a range of factors, including the evolving nature of international peace and security challenges, the likely profile of the mission, and the capabilities and resources available within the Defence Forces, having regard also to existing operational commitments both at home and overseas. Government’s focus has also been on ensuring that any participation by Ireland in overseas operations is appropriate, responsible and aligned with our broader commitment to international peace and security.
The following table sets out the number and location of personnel deployed to overseas peacekeeping missions and commitments as of 30 June last (the latest figures available). The table also includes mandate end dates for the relevant peacekeeping and peace support missions
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ Operational Mandate Ends: 31 December 2026. Drawdown and Withdrawal: 31 December 2027. |
320 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria Mandate End: Ongoing - UNTSO was established in 1948 and continues under its original mandate; it is not subject to regular Security Council mandate renewals. |
12 |
|
UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) Mandate End: 31 December 2026. UNDOF is typically renewed every six months |
3 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) Mandate End: 01 November 2026. |
5 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) Mandate End: KFOR operates under UNSCR 1244 (1999) and remains in place until NATO decides otherwise. |
13 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN/UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
353 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF (EUMS) |
|
|
Brussels |
8 |
|
EU MILITARY COMMITTEE (EUMC) |
|
|
Brussels |
14 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
EU Mil Presidency Staff |
2 |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, SHAPE, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Military C-IED Expert, UN Mine Action Service, Entebbe, Uganda |
1 |
|
EU Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine (OHQ & Multinational Training Command) (Belgium & Germany) |
4 |
|
EUMS (IL) |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
394 |
180. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on any co-operation between the Defence Forces at Aiken Barracks and Dundalk Institute of Technology with regard to upskilling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53742/26]
View answerThe primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The scheduling of training is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.
I am informed that the Defence Forces at Aiken Barracks cooperate with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) under the Springboard+ upskilling initiative, specifically as regards the Culinary Skills Course (Level 6) offered by DkIT.
181. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Defence the measures her Department is taking to improve access to mental health and wellbeing supports for current and former Defence Forces personnel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53693/26]
View answerA wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force. 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,
• in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges,
• routine dental treatment, and
• the provision of overseas medical services, including global comprehensive medical insurance in the case of Defence Forces personnel (including dependents) assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts.
Additionally, private medical care, i.e. private consultant appointments, diagnostic tests and semi-private hospital treatment, has been made available to all ranks since September 2023, following on from a Programme for Government commitment and a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Medical mental health services available to personnel include access to clinical psychology and psychiatry services. The psychology service assesses, diagnoses, treats and advises on strategies to prevent mental health disorders, while psychiatry services specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
In addition to these clinical supports, non-medical mental health services are provided by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS). The PSS provides a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families. The service is also available to civilian employees, and in a limited role to retired personnel. This service sustains and enhances the individual well-being of personnel, and promotes a safe and positive work culture, in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
The service is delivered through a network of military Barrack PSS Officers and civilian Occupational Social Workers. This network of professionals is prepared to provide immediate help to service personnel and their families in a routine environment or at a time of crisis. This assistance can range from the simple provision of information to counselling or, if required, signposting and referral to specialist help and assistance. A current Programme for Government commitment is to enhance the PSS, in recognition of the importance of its contribution, and this work is ongoing.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the Defence Forces recognises the unique nature of the experience of military life in Ireland. The aim of the strategy is to provide a coordinated and effective mental health and support system for serving personnel. The Defence Forces Mental Health and Wellbeing Standing Committee has responsibility for the implementation of mental health and wellbeing measures within the Defence Forces. The Committee is chaired by the Officer in Charge of the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service and includes subject matter experts in all areas of mental health and wellbeing within the Defence Forces, including psychiatry, clinical psychology, Health and Safety, the PSS, the military chaplaincy, and physical and nutritional information.
The Chaplaincy Service also provides confidential, comprehensive pastoral support and spiritual care to personnel at home and overseas.
In addition, my Department funds a confidential counselling, referral and support service for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence volunteers. The service provides confidential counselling on a wide range of personal and work related issues, including but not limited to health, relationships, addictions, financial, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year. The helpline provides for referral to appointment-based telephone or face-to-face counselling.
The Department also provides financial support to two Veterans Associations, ONE and IUNVA, who support former members of the Permanent Defence Force. In addition, former members also have access to the wide range of supports available to all citizens of the State.
While I am satisfied that the measures taken to ensure the health and well-being of Defence Forces personnel are comprehensive, I can assure the Deputy that they are kept under constant review.
182. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on the Commission on Defence Forces recommendation to clarify the roles of the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and the Defence Forces’ ARW to ensure that there is a clear understanding of how they would interact in an operational situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53958/26]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate, for operational and security reasons, it is not appropriate for me to comment further on any particular elements of the working relationship between the ERU and the Defence Forces, given the sensitive nature of their respective operational domains. Suffice to say, the Military Authorities advise that ongoing dialogue between them and their colleagues in AGS continues thus ensuring the excellent working relationship between the Garda Emergency Response Unit and Army Ranger Wing in order to ensure the best supports can be provided as and when required.
183. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department is taking the use of battle testing of military technology in Gaza into account in defence procurement processes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54104/26]
View answerDirective 2009/81/EC sets out European rules for public procurement in the fields of defence and security and applies in principle to all contracts for the procurement of military equipment, works and services as well as procurement of sensitive supplies, works and services for security purposes. This Directive allows for certain exclusions or restrictions to access to tender competitions by third country bidders.
The Department of Defence follows the principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts in accordance with national & EU regulations, including specific EU regulations for procurement of defensive equipment, and in line with Office of Government Procurement guidelines where relevant. Departmental procurement procedures are kept under constant review to ensure Office of Government Procurement advice is followed and to ensure best value for money procurements are achieved. Adherence to EU regulations and OGP guidelines ensures compliance with human rights and international law obligations.
Since the ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, the Department has included provisions in its tender documentation regarding the right to reject offers from third countries, which includes Israel, on defence and security grounds, in line with the Commission guidance on the procurement of defensive equipment under Directive 2009/18/EU. There is no intention to purchase military equipment from Israel.
I can confirm that, in the course of procuring defence equipment, my Department has not sought or relied on the service history of military technology used in the Gaza conflict.
