Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:186. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence to outline the defensive drone capacity of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54267/26]
View answerDefence Forces
Questions (186)
Written answers
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.
Maritime Jurisdiction
Questions (187)
Barry Heneghan
Question:187. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Naval Service in protecting undersea telecommunications and energy cables and other critical maritime infrastructure within Ireland’s maritime area; the capabilities currently available to the Naval Service to carry out this role; whether there are plans to enhance those capabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54217/26]
View answerWritten answers
Protecting critical undersea infrastructure requires collaboration within the State as well as collaboration with other European states to provide a broader understanding of what is occurring in the greater maritime space. This means that Government Departments and agencies, infrastructure operators, the Defence Forces, the private sector and academia all have a part to play. Safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure requires a multifaceted approach with a wide variation of parties involved.
The Defence Forces routinely carry out monitoring and surveillance of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft. These patrols can vary from fishery protection duties to other non-fishery related tasks including maritime surveillance, drug interdiction, search and rescue, and maritime defence and security operations (MDSO).
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
In terms of enhancing capabilities, my Department is developing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This programme will inform future decisions on the prioritisation and development of capabilities, including those in the maritime domain, in support of the strategic Level of Ambition 2 set out in the Defence Policy Review, the Maritime Security Strategy and the objectives outlined in the Strategic Framework and the updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces. I expect this Programme to be finalised in 2026.
Once finalised, the Programme will be implemented through rolling four year Capability Development Plans, the first of which will cover the period 2028 to 2032. Capabilities will then be developed and acquired in line with available capital allocations under the National Development Plan. This structured and phased approach will guide future investment decisions, including in relation to naval vessels, equipment and enabling systems, as part of the overall development of Defence Forces capability.
One of the key ongoing projects underway that will contribute to maritime security relates to subsea domain awareness. A programme of work has been approved as part of the overall Equipment Development Plan. Investment in sonar capability is the first project within that new programme which will see the Naval Service acquire sonar capability which will be used to detect objects near cables and pipelines in Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. This new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces. This is a complex project and a new capability, so work in training personnel and establishing the procedures and structures required within the Defence Forces has commenced, and will continue in the period up to the delivery in 2027.
Work has also commenced on Sonobuoys a second project within that subsea programme. This project will result in a new Air Corps capability which can be used to detect, localise, identify, and track objects in the Irish EEZ. This capability will be used in conjunction with the new towed sonar capability planned for delivery in 2027, and also with existing Air Corps assets.
Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 167.
Defence Forces
Questions (189)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:189. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence the plans the Defence Forces now have for light tactical armoured vehicles which were offered to Ukraine but rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54227/26]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning processes.
The Defence Forces fleet of 27 Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles, the RG32M, has been in service since 2010. These vehicles are now approaching end of life, are being withdrawn from active service, and are due for replacement. No decision has yet been made regarding the manner in which these vehicles will be disposed.
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’ (LOA2).
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 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.
Defence Forces
Questions (190)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:190. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence her views on the matter of entry-level cadet pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54264/26]
View answerWritten answers
I thank the Deputy for this question.
At the outset I would like to highlight the significant progress that Government has made on pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last five years, including in the area of Cadet pay.
For context, in July 2021 the first entry-level point for a cadet joining the Defence Forces was €19,640. As of the 1st of June 2026 the first point on the scale for a cadet joining the Defence Forces is €26,510 - an increase of almost €7,000 (35%).
Different pay scales apply during the Cadetship period depending on qualification, with the current pay scale applicable to cadets ranging from €26,510 to €39,416. Cadets are also provided with accommodation and meals free of charge for the duration of their training, as part of their overall package.
Following the cadetship, on commissioning, the Officers' starting salaries range from €46,823 to €52,265, depending on whether they joined as school-leavers or graduates.
I am very pleased to note that there is a continuing very high level of interest in cadetships, with 2,878 applications for cadetships received this year for 80 places. This compares with 1,819 applications received last year and 1,791 applications received in 2024.
I know that the issue of cadet pay is a matter that the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers wish to progress. As I have previously outlined to the House, RACO raised this issue with me when we met in January. The issue is on the agenda of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Forces. However, I also outlined at that meeting that any cost-increasing claims must be addressed within the parameters of public pay policy.
I understand that there has been engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation on the issue of Cadet pay and they have highlighted the public service pay agreements.
I also understand that there has been civil/military management engagement to explore the issue of Cadet pay and that engagement is continuing.
As outlined, there has been positive progress 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.
Defence Forces
Questions (191)
Tom Brabazon
Question:191. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence the preparations being made by the Defence Forces to support security arrangements during Ireland's forthcoming EU Presidency. [53651/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and my Department and the Defence Forces are fully engaged in supporting its delivery. This work continues as part of a coordinated whole-of-Government approach led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Detailed cross-Departmental and multi-agency planning is ongoing, supported by structured engagement with An Garda Síochána and other key stakeholders, to ensure a safe, secure and well-managed Presidency. This includes planning for a substantial schedule of engagements, with over 270 meetings taking place in Ireland, including a number of high-level defence-related events hosted by my Department and the Defence Forces.
With regard to security preparations, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the national security of the State, and in this instance for security operations during the EU Presidency period. The Defence Forces is prepared to provide assistance to An Garda Síochána in the role of Aid of the Civil Power as may be requested by An Garda Síochána by means of a C70 request form.
It is not appropriate for me, as Minister for Defence, to comment on specific security arrangements that may be put in place, as this is a matter for An Garda Síochána. Similarly the Defence Forces cannot comment on any specific arrangements due to operational security concerns which may impact the safety of visiting dignitaries, members of the public, or deployed Defence Forces personnel. I can confirm that the Defence Forces has stood up a Joint Task Force to coordinate any Defence Forces supports to operations conducted during the EU Presidency period. They are in close contact with An Garda Síochána in order to ensure the best supports the Defence Forces can provide are available when needed.
In addition, the Defence Forces continue to conduct training in a number of roles across land, sea and air to be fully prepared to support An Garda Síochána during this period.
Defence Forces
Questions (192)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:192. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence to detail the work she has carried out to investigate and tackle misogyny in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54225/26]
View answerWritten answers
The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces made a number of recommendations aimed at improving behaviour in the workplace in the Defence Forces. This included establishment of a statutory fact-finding process to investigate whether there have been serious failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces in relation to interpersonal issues including, but not limited to sexual misbehaviour.
The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established in 2024, to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It will also investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The Tribunal commenced its public hearing phase on 3 June 2026.
One of the first actions taken following the publication of the Independent Review Group report was the establishment of the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces (EOB) in April 2023, initially on a non-statutory basis. The Body was established on a statutory basis from 1 December 2024. The Body oversees and monitors the management of human resources by the Defence Forces and is a critical element in driving and achieving the goal of culture change throughout the Defence Forces.
The report of the Independent Review Group also recommended that serving members of the Defence Forces have access to an independent, external complaints service, delivered by a professional service provider, for as long as it takes to put a trusted internal system in place.
In April 2025, a new independent and external grievance system that deals with complaints of an interpersonal nature of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace, was made available to serving members of the Defence Forces (both PDF and RDF). This new process, led by Mr. Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, is available on an initial pilot basis. A review of the process, which has been in operation for 12 months has commenced. The review will inform the primary legislation required to establish a suitable complaints process for serving members of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis.
The Defence Act 1954, has been amended to provide that the Garda Síochána have sole jurisdiction within the State to investigate alleged sexual offences committed by persons subject to military law.
With the assistance of an external legal firm, extensive work is underway to ensure that the Defence Forces are compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.
The Defence Forces have continued to implement policies and actions aimed at ensuring a diverse, inclusive and positive working environment.
The Defence Forces Inclusion Office is led by a Senior Gender, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisor at Colonel level.
Most recently the Defence Forces Inclusion Office launched the Inclusive Language guidelines. The Defence Forces Inclusion Office has also recently tendered for a Gender Diversity and Unconscious Bias Training programme to be delivered across the organisation using a remote learning platform.
Sexual Ethics and Responsible relationships (SERR) training workshops continue to be delivered across the Defence Forces. This training addresses misogyny and also consent in relationships. The workshops are mandatory and so far, more than 3,000 members of the Defence Forces have completed this training.
New entrants to the Defence Forces, as part of induction training, undergo the Culture and Behaviours table of instruction which includes the SERR workshop, The Dignity Charter, psychological safety and the Defence Force’s Zero Tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour.
There is no place for misogyny or any form of disrespect of gender in the Defence Forces. I am committed to ensuring that the transformation of culture in the Defence Forces, which is well underway, will continue to be a primary focus for delivery.
Naval Service
Questions (193)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:193. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence to report on any progress made in exploring the expansion of the State’s existing naval infrastructure, including exploring the potential for forward operating bases on the east coast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53963/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy was published in February of this year. It focuses on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence through a new whole-of-government approach. The strategy has an accompanying action plan to ensure delivery of this new whole-of-government approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain. As part of this action plan, options will be explored to expand the State’s existing naval infrastructure, including exploring the potential for a forward operating base on the East Coast.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Department has signed a licensing arrangement with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in relation to the use of Carlisle Pier by the Naval Service. The Naval authorities remain satisfied that the berth at Carlisle Pier is suitable for the purposes of berthing the two Inshore Patrol Vessels, as their primary function will be to patrol the East Coast.
In addition, a wide range key infrastructure development projects are ongoing at the existing Naval Base at Haulbowline as part of current Infrastructure Development plan. My Department in conjunction with the Naval Service is now finalising a Master Plan for Haulbowline and I expect to briefed on same by my officials in the coming weeks.
Defence Forces
Questions (194)
Tony McCormack
Question:194. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the way in which her Department is preparing the Defence Forces for the increasing role of drones, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in modern defence and security; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54053/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Defence Research, Technology and Innovation Unit (RTI), has continued to work in close coordination with the Capability Development Unit, since its establishment in 2023, to best prepare the Defence Forces for emerging technological challenges including the increasing role of drones, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in modern defence and security.
My Department is in the final stages of creating a 12 year Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This programme will inform future decisions on the prioritisation and development of capabilities. Once finalised, the Programme will be implemented through rolling four-year Capability Development Plans, the first of which will cover the period 2028 to 2031. Capabilities will then be developed and acquired in line with available capital allocations under the National Development Plan. This structured and phased approach will guide future investment decisions, including in relation to naval vessels, equipment and enabling systems, as part of the overall development of Defence Forces capability.
As part of the Capability Development Planning Process, the increasing role of drones is been assessed and carefully considered. Furthermore, Ireland has recently expressed an interest in the Drone and Counter-Drone European Resolve (DECODER) European Defence Project of Common Interest (EDPCI).
The DECODER initiative is considered relevant due to the rapidly increasing operational significance of drone and counter-drone capabilities across the contemporary security environment. The proposal seeks to strengthen European capability development, procurement coordination and interoperability in the autonomous systems domain while simultaneously reinforcing the wider industrial and technological ecosystem supporting these capabilities.
Work Strand A of the proposal, which focuses on operational capability development and joint procurement coordination, is considered to align most directly with operational capability considerations currently under examination at EU level and with wider European efforts to strengthen interoperability and resilience in the drone and counter-drone domain.
In parallel, recent engagement with the Department's Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) and EU Industry Engagement Units has identified potential strategic value in exploratory engagement with Work Strand B, particularly in relation to drone technology hubs, testing and evaluation infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and cooperation with Irish academic and technological partners. RTI assessment has highlighted the potential longer-term value of developing national expertise and governance structures in the autonomous systems domain, including possible linkages with the proposed National Aerospace Academy and wider European drone technology hub networks.
While further clarification remains necessary regarding governance arrangements, participation models and longer-term resource implications, the proposal represents a potentially proportionate opportunity for Ireland to engage in an emerging capability area of increasing strategic importance.
In September 2024, the RTI office commenced a Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship with Dr Ashish Vashishtha, South East Technological University (SETU) in order to conduct a research project on developing a Horizon Scanning Framework for Future Technology Capability Development needs of the Defence Forces. A number of key thematic areas have been identified, however the project has a particular focus on the areas of sensors, AI and machine learning and quantum technologies.
The objective of the project is to develop a coherent and properly justified vision of long-term technological developments for the Irish Defence Forces with scientific, strategic, and technological foresight and to rationalise their consequences for future defence capability development needs. The project is expected to report later in Q3 2026.
Naval Service
Questions (195)
James O'Connor
Question:195. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the new Maritime Strategy will address current maritime defence and surveillance deficiencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53900/26]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Defence, I launched Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy on 25 February. My vision for this strategy is that it will support the protection of a secure and sovereign Ireland, where our people and interests are protected, and where our European and international partners can rely on us to uphold the rule of law in the maritime domain. This first strategy focuses on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence, including the protection of our critical maritime infrastructure, particularly critical undersea infrastructure. To support this focus on national security and defence, the strategy includes a number of strategic objectives such as to defend the State's maritime domain and to enhance Ireland's maritime domain awareness.
My focus is now on implementation of the strategy and the operationalisation of its accompanying action plan which includes key actions to improve our maritime defence and surveillance. For example, the EU’s Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) will be a key enabler for increasing maritime awareness through intelligence gathering and information sharing to counter threats in the maritime domain, including with respect to the Shadow Fleet. Our Defence Forces are currently developing a node to access CISE, which is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026. The Defence Forces already have access to the MARSUR network which provides for information exchange between participating navies.
These new information streams are in addition to new capability development plans acquiring new sonar and radar technology for the Defence Forces that will increase our ability to monitor the waters around us.
I also want to highlight that there will be legislation enacted shortly which will ensure that the Defence Forces have certain enforcement powers when operating at sea in light of growing maritime threats, in particular to our critical maritime infrastructure.
Currently the Defence Forces do routinely monitor all foreign vessels in our maritime domain with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline.
There are further actions in the Strategy which will be implemented over the coming months and years.
Defence Forces
Questions (196)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:196. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Defence the measures she is taking to address long-standing issues with internal workplace culture in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53937/26]
View answerWritten answers
The 2023 Independent Review Group (IRG) report signalled the need for fundamental culture change in the Defence Forces and the priority within the transformation effort continues to be culture change above all else. Significant progress has since been made in this journey of transformation which includes:
• An External Oversight Body was established to oversee and monitor the management of human resources by the Defence Forces. The Body is a critical element in driving and achieving the goal of culture change throughout the Defence Forces.
• A judge-led Tribunal of Inquiry has been established to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Tribunal commenced its public hearing phase on 3 June 2026.
• The Tribunal also has the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
• A new civilian Defence Forces Head of Strategic HR was appointed reporting to the Chief of Staff directly. The Head of Strategic HR has, with oversight by the External Oversight Body, led the development of the Defence Forces HR Strategy and an expertly designed and implemented culture change programme.
• The Defence Forces Organisational Culture Standing Committee (OCSC), was established to drive and coordinate the process of cultural change within the Defence Forces.
• A programme of annual surveys to assess morale, command, climate, and underlying culture has been implemented.
• The bullying and harassment prevention campaign, “It Stops Now”, was launched and rolled out by senior leadership across the Defence Forces.
• An information campaign aimed at tackling unacceptable behaviour, fostering psychological safety and encouraging a speak-up culture will be launched by the Defence Forces in 2026 under the slogan “See Something, Say Something”.
• The Defence Forces Inclusion Office which is led by a new Gender Advisor at the rank of Colonel continues to progress the Blended Working Arrangements framework and policies on domestic violence and abuse, dual military families, support frameworks and family friendly overseas appointments.
• A bespoke Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships (SERR) training syllabus was developed and this training is mandatory for all Defence Forces personnel, as is Gender, Diversity and Unconscious Bias Training
• New entrants to the Defence Forces, as part of induction training, undergo the Culture and Behaviours table of instruction which includes the Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships training, the Defence Forces Dignity Charter, psychological safety and the Defence Forces Zero Tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour.
• Defence Forces Employee support networks including Defend with Pride and the Defence Forces Women’s Network are actively supported.
• The Defence Act 1954, has been amended to provide that the Garda Síochána have sole jurisdiction within the State to investigate alleged sexual offences committed by persons subject to military law.
• With the assistance of an external legal firm, extensive work is underway to ensure that the Defence Forces are compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.
• Work has been completed to ensure that the Defence Forces regulations are compatible with the provisions of the relevant maternity legislation, and the Defence Forces have adopted the most up-to-date definitions of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
• In April 2025, a new independent Grievance Manager Process was made available to serving members of the Defence Forces (both permanent and reserve), through which complaints of an interpersonal nature such as complaints of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and victimisation can be examined.
• This new independent grievance manager process is being implemented initially on an interim non-statutory basis for a pilot of 12 months, with a view to implementing a more permanent statutory based complaints scheme. A 12-month review of the process is currently underway.
• Following the Defence Forces analysis of the Redress of Wrong procedures, the Defence Forces are designing a new complaints/grievance management process which will be submitted to me for approval in 2026.
• The proposal of the Working Group established to develop a complaints process for civilian employees and civil servants who work with the Defence Forces has been accepted and is being progressed.
• Work is underway to develop a Retaliation Prevention Policy.
• Legislative amendments will be progressed to provide for the suspension in certain circumstances, of a member of the Defence Forces.
• The Defence Forces continue the process of examining and amending existing policies and developing new policies, where appropriate, on gender, inclusion and diversity.
The transformation of culture in the Defence Forces, is progressing and will continue to be a primary focus for delivery.
Foreign Policy
Questions (197)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:197. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the specific matters discussed between representatives of the Government and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, or representatives of the Government of Ukraine, concerning the proposed drone deal during the President's recent visit to Ireland; the proposals made to Ireland; the technologies, capabilities or programmes discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53274/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, I attended a meeting between the Taoiseach and the Ukrainian President in Dublin Castle during the opening ceremony of the EU Presidency on 1st July 2026. The meeting covered a broad range of topics of mutual interest to both countries, including a brief high-level discussion on potential opportunities for cooperation in the area of drone technology. Specific details of the Ukrainian proposal were not discussed during this meeting.