Written Answers Nos. 51-70
52. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces; the number of these personnel in full-time induction training (recruits, two-star training, cadet training or apprenticeships) and therefore non-deployable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31290/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised me that as of 30 April 2025, the latest date for which such information is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,512. I am further advised that there were a total of 419 personnel in training, comprising 145 2* Privates, 91 cadets, 28 Apprentices and 155 recruits.
Interest in a career in the Defence Forces remains robust and indeed grew significantly again in 2024 with total applications showing an increase of 33% across all competitions compared to the previous year. This trend has continued into 2025.
A Joint Induction Training Centre has been established in Gormanston, and the military authorities have advised that when fully operational, it will enable induction training to be provided to 900 recruits per annum.
Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million. In relation to specific recruitment targets, this allocation provides for the recruitment of at least a net additional 400 personnel per annum.
Whilst there are still undoubtedly challenges, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
53. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his Department's plans for the old military barracks on Summerhill in Nenagh. [30794/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe former barracks in Nenagh is no longer required for military purposes and my Department does not have any long terms plans to use this facility. Accordingly, my Department wrote to Tipperary County Council offering to transfer the property in question for a nominal sum, having regard to its central location in Nenagh and its historical ties to the town. However, the Council declined the offer.
My officials are available to discuss the matter further with Tipperary County Council as the initial offer to transfer the property to them remains open.
54. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the Office of Reserve Affairs. [31254/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of 31 May 2025 or the latest date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31117/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 58 together.
The military authorities have advised that, as of 30 April 2025, the latest date for which such figures are available, the effective strength of Second Line Reserve was 1,618 personnel and the strength of the First Line Reserve stood at 173 personnel.
The Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) was established in line with a recommendation from the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF). ORA is a fully integrated office comprised of Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and Reserve Defence Force (RDF) personnel.
The strength of the RDF is a key focus of ORA and one of their priorities was the development of the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan, which was published in July 2024. This Plan has 27 actions, to drive forward recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; as well as integration and deployment, with the ultimate goal of developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.
Recruitment measures that continue to support this objective include:
• The increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages for the RDF to match comparable increases for the Permanent Defence Force.
• The implementation of a 'Managed Induction Process' whereby a Recruitment Liaison Officer (RLO) maintains contact with applicants throughout the induction process to facilitate an expeditious and efficient recruitment process from application to attestation.
• An on-boarding process which enables candidates undergo pre-attestation recruit training.
One of the 4 operational objectives of this Plan is maintaining a robust and dynamic induction process with the aim of achieving an effective strength of 80% by 2028. To that end, the Defence Forces have prioritised RDF recruitment, and we have seen positive gains in this respect with 268 members being inducted in 2024, an increase in excess of 300% over the 65 members inducted in 2023.
57. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of missions completed by the aeromedical service since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30612/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the extent of the historical data requested by the Deputy, it has not been possible to collate the date within the time provided. I will arrange to have same forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
59. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the non-commissioned officer rank of lance corporal will be created for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, as it was a key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces and is seen as a way to enable personnel to progress earlier in their careers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30437/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe creation of a new enlisted rank of Lance-Corporal, in the Army and Air Corps, with consideration to be given as to whether there is a need for an equivalent rank in the Naval Service, was recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF recommendation #20, February 2022). As set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces report, this recommendation has been identified as requiring further evaluation. I understand that the further evaluation is expected to be completed later this year.
There are currently very strong promotion opportunities in the Defence Forces across all ranks.
An illustration of the promotional advancements in 2024 is as follows: -
• There were a total of 552 promotions in the Permanent Defence Force, across all ranks.
• The total number of Enlisted Personnel promoted in 2024 stands at 364. (19 Females and 345 Male).
• The total number of Officers promoted in 2024 stands at 234. (24 Female - 210 Male)
• 19 Internal Permanent Defence Force promotion competitions took place across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps.
The Deputy may also wish to note that personnel from the Enlisted Ranks successfully completed the 12th Potential Officer Course in March of this years (2025) resulting in the promotion of 21 Acting Lieutenants and 8 Captains.
In addition to promotion opportunities there is a wide range of development opportunities available to personnel. There are a number of Professional Development Courses available to both enlisted personnel and officers. These courses are designed to build specific competencies and, upon successful completion, may provide individuals with enhanced opportunities for promotion.
The Defence Forces actively encourages its members to pursue further education and development opportunities, offering support for academic advancement up to and including NFQ Level 10.
60. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to set out the amount of funding allocated to Defence Forces infrastructure for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and to 31 May 2025, in tabular form; the number of projects completed, the number of projects under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31221/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is as follows.
Funding Allocation
• 2021 – €37m
• 2022 – €45m
• 2023 – €55m
• 2024 – €56m
• 2025 – €62.5m
The following projects listed below are the Capital Projects that are currently being managed by the Department. The Deputy may also wish to note that 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 €12.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
Projects Completed
|
Year of Completion |
Project |
|
2021 |
DFTC: Provision of a new Electric Target Range, DFTC |
|
2021 |
Stephens Barracks: New Gym |
|
2021 |
Sarsfield Barracks: New Gym |
|
2021 |
Gormanston: NDA Range |
|
2021 |
Collins Barracks: Personnel Support Services Resources Centre |
|
2021 |
Casement Aerodrome: Replace of standby generators at Casement Aerodrome |
|
2022 |
Haulbowline: Remediation of Spencer Jetty |
|
2022 |
Haulbowline: Upgrade of Block 8 Accommodation |
|
2022 |
Kilworth: NDA Range |
|
2022 |
Casement Aerodrome: Runway Led Lights |
|
2022 |
Coolmoney Camp: Water and Waste Water Treatment Upgrade |
|
2022 |
Stephens Barracks: Underground Site Services Upgrade |
|
2022 |
McKee Barracks: Refurb of Block H |
|
2022 |
McKee Barracks: Guard Room Roof Upgrade |
|
2022 |
DFTC: Engineer Storage Facility |
|
2022 |
Casement Aerodrome: Watermains upgrade |
|
2023 |
Haulbowline: Refurbishment of FORST Building Units 50 & 51 |
|
2023 |
McKee Barracks: Refurbishment of East Wall Building |
|
2023 |
Casement Aerodrome: Hangar 3 Roof-light replacement |
|
2023 |
DFTC: Cadet School Headquarters |
|
2023 |
DFTC: Engineers Logistics Office |
|
2023 |
Collins Barracks: Infrastructure & Utility Building |
|
2023 |
Roscommon: Carnagh Gallery Range Upgrade |
|
2024 |
Casement Aerodrome: Main Technical Stores Refurbishment |
|
2024 |
Renmore Barracks: New Shower & Changing Facility |
|
2024 |
Collins Barracks: New Accommodation Block, Collins Barracks |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks: New MTF Former Chief of Staff House Upgrade |
|
2024 |
Stephens Barracks: Refurbishment of Block C |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks: Printing Press relocation |
|
2024 |
Casement Aerodrome: Hangar 3 upgrade and new door |
|
2024 |
Aikens Barracks: Heating System Upgrade |
|
2024 |
Coolmoney Camp: New Vehicle Garaging Facility |
|
2024 |
Haulbowline: Barracks Foreman Works Building Refurbishment |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks: Upgrade of Block F |
|
2024 |
McKee Barracks: New Locker Block |
|
2024 |
Renmore Barracks: Upgrade of USAC Facility |
|
2024 |
DFTC: Garaging x 2 |
|
2025 |
Custume Barracks: Replacement Hangar for EAS |
|
2025 |
Haulbowline: Upgrade of Block 4 Accommodation |
|
2025 |
Gormanston Camp: Upgrade of Block A |
|
2025 |
Casement Aerodrome: Modular Accommodation |
|
2025 |
Finner Camp: Gym Roof Replacement |
Projects Under Way
|
Barracks |
Project |
|
Custume Barracks |
Band Hall Heat Pump Installation |
|
DFTC |
New CIS Workshop |
|
Aikens Barracks |
New Dining Hall |
|
Casement Aerodrome |
Military Medical Facility (St. Bricins) relocation |
|
Haulbowline |
Block 9 Office Conversion |
|
Stephens Barracks |
New Accountant Facility |
|
Collins Barracks |
Upgrade of Blocks 15 and 16 |
|
Gormanston Camp |
New Gym and Obstacle Course |
|
Collins Barracks |
Refurb of Block 1 Accommodation |
|
Fort Davis |
New Storage Building and Administration Centre |
|
Haulbowline |
New Storage Facility for Gun systems |
|
Gormanston Camp |
New Locker Block |
61. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action he is taking to improve retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30833/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister for Defence earlier this year, in addition to a programme of cultural transformation, which is well underway, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of Defence Force personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases.
The Deputy will appreciate that retention levels are not influenced by a single factor, but rather that there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for retaining people in an organisation. The Defence Forces, in common with many peer organisations, both nationally and internationally faces a challenging environment at present in the context of recruitment and retention. This includes the effects of a buoyant Irish economy close to full employment.
It is important to state, at the outset, that recruitment and retention efforts are aligned. In that regard, the Military Authorities have established a Joint Recruitment Office with the appointment of an Officer who leads a specific Retention Team.
A number of specific actions in the area of retention have already been delivered, including:
• Significant progress on pay;
• An increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• The provision of excellent training and education opportunities;
• The updating and development of a number of work-life balance and family-friendly initiatives are also being pursued.
In addition, the implementation of the Working Time Directive earlier this year was long identified as an important retention measure for serving members and is a significant step in the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with my commitment to cultural change.
This week Government agreed to my proposal to extend the existing service commitment scheme for Air Corps pilots to air traffic control (ATC) personnel
I would like to ensure the Deputy that attracting and retaining talented individuals and encouraging them to stay and serve in Defence Forces Personnel is a priority for me.
63. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the development of a national strategy for the resilience of critical entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30706/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Resilience of Critical Entities Regulations transposed the EU Critical Entities Resilience Directive that is part of a European Union-wide effort to increase the resilience of essential services that provide vital societal functions in all Member states. A key element of the new regulation is the development of a strategy for the Resilience of Critical Entities.
My Department is currently developing, in partnership with the relevant Competent Authorities and other Government Departments, the Critical Entities Resilience Strategy. It is intended that a further round of consultations targeting operators of essential services will be completed by end of Q3 2025. This strategy is expected to be published early in 2026.
64. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how he is improving pay and conditions for serving personnel in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31116/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant progress has been made, in terms of the pay and conditions for Defence Force personnel, particularly over the last five (5) years. Under the current national pay deal, the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, a further 1% increase in basic pay, as well as allowances in the nature of pay on 1 August 2025, will positively affect members of the Defence Forces.
For context, in May 2019 a newly qualified three-star private could have expected to earn €27,759 gross per annum (including military service allowance but excluding duty allowances), 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 recruit pay, on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), start at:
• €41,465 in Year 1
• €42,875 in Year 2 and
• €44,176 in Year 3
Thus, the starting pay for a Private Three Star, since 2019, has risen by €13,706 which is a 49% increase.
Equally, for the Officer cohort, a school leaver Cadet, on commissioning, was paid €30,884 in 2019. As of 01 March 2025 a school leaver Cadet, again on commissioning, is now paid €45,341, which is a second lieutenant position.
As such, in the last 5 years a cadet's pay, on commissioning, has increased by €14,457 in 5 years, or by 49%. Furthermore, after 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €50,677.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €50,677. 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 the work encountered by 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 and technical pay. 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 will result in the Patrol Duty Allowance being doubled after ten days at sea. This particular measure will provide greater clarity on the overall incentive package available to members of, and potential recruits to, the Naval Service.
Key changes to broader conditions include extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, and earlier this year, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act.
This week Government agreed to my proposal to extend the existing service commitment scheme for Air Corps pilots to air traffic control (ATC) personnel
As outlined, positive progress has been made on pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. There is a significant increase in interest in joining the Defence Forces over the last two years. We will continue to ensure that Defence Forces remains an employer of choice.
65. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department will consider engaging with the Defence Forces to utilise military driving schools as a means of assisting in the reduction of civilian driving test waiting lists. [31256/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that following a tentative enquiry from the Department of Transport in this regard, the military authorities have advised that given their current operational and training requirements they would not have the capacity to assist in this regard. My officials have conveyed this position to the Department of Transport.
67. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress in securing a primary radar system for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31262/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for me 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 LOA2, as defined by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF), by 2028.
The CODF recommended the development of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’, and that this should be an immediate and top priority.
The CODF advised that the absence of a complete Recognised Air Picture needs to be addressed for various reasons; including the protection of our national sovereignty in the air, for the purposes of civil aviation safety, and maintenance of cooperative relations with neighbouring states who are also impacted by this capability gap.
On foot of this, and following approval of the CODF ‘Detailed Implementation Plan’ in November 2023, a project team comprising senior civil and military personnel was established to progress a Military Radar Programme. This programme of work is ongoing and good progress has been made.
There are three elements to the Military Radar Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.
When fully delivered, the Recognised Air Picture will incorporate this suite of military radar systems; which will have the capability to detect all aircraft traversing our airspace including any that may be operating with their transponders turned off.
Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 identified in the Detailed Implementation Plan. That being said, elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026, towards full delivery by the end of 2028.
My Department has engaged with a number of countries, including all EU Member States, to ascertain the interest in supporting Ireland to deliver this capability.
Based on the responses received, I have recently directed my officials to commence bi-lateral discussions with a small number of countries, with a view to assessing options for delivery and finalising this phase of the Programme before the end of this year.
Delivering the Military Radar Programme is a critical part of the implementation of the CODF Report. I believe that the aforementioned approach is the best mechanism to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the entire Programme. My priority is to ensure that delivery can commence next year with full operational capacity being delivered by the end of 2028. Given that this process is currently ongoing it is premature to make any further comment or provide any further detail at this time.
I thank the Deputy for his question and I am happy to update the House on the progress of the Programme after the bilateral discussions have concluded.
68. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to increase the numbers of personnel serving in the Air Corps to ensure an appropriate level of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30987/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe strength of the Air Corps, as at 30 April 2025, stood at 724 personnel of an agreed establishment strength of 886 personnel.
A General Service recruitment competition for Air Corps recruits specifically, was launched in November 2022 and remains open all year long for applications. In 2024 46 General Service Recruits were inducted into the Air Corp, which compares favourably to the 10 General Service Recruits that were inducted in 2023. As of the 30 April 2025, there have been 10 General Service Recruits inducted.
Overall pilot strength is healthy with a further cadet class due to be inducted in October 2025. The 2025 Air Craft Maintenance Technician competition is in the final stages of preparation and will be launched shortly. 2 new competitions were launched in 2024 for the Air Corps. An Aeronautical Engineer Officer Direct Entry competition which resulted in 5 inductions and a cadetship competition for Air Traffic Controllers which resulted in 3 cadets being inducted. The Air Traffic Controller cadetship for 2025 has closed for applications and they are being processed. A new Direct Entry Air Traffic Controller competition has been approved.
The schemes, to re-commission former personnel has resulted in 14 personnel being re-commissioned since October 2019 and re-enlist ‘other ranks’ has resulted in 17 personnel re-enlisting since 2020. Both schemes remain open for applications.
Government has introduced a number of key enabling measures to drive Defence Forces recruitment. These include an increase in recruitment age to 39 years for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 years for Direct Entry Specialists. The mandatory retirement age has been increased to 62. Private secondary healthcare has been rolled out to all PDF members in addition to the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions.
There has been significant progress on pay in recent years while, with specific reference to the Air Corps, 37 personnel have availed of the Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme since its launch in 2019. I have obtained Government approval this week to extend the Service Commitment Scheme to Air Traffic Control personnel with a view to addressing the specific challenges in the Air Traffic Control service.
Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million. In relation to specific recruitment targets, this allocation provides for the recruitment of at least a net additional 400 personnel per annum which would be inclusive of Air Corps personnel.
Whilst there are still undoubtedly challenges, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
70. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 206 of 8 May 2025, to provide details of the 2025 work programme of the Institute for Security Governance to be progressed throughout the year, which is costing the State €716,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31259/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on the Defence Forces report was published on the 9th of February 2022. The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended "The Chief of Defence to initiate an immediate force design process assisted by external experts with access to international military expertise, and to include a detailed force design process." The reasoning for the requirement for international support is the lack of such experience and expertise in the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces have established Force Design teams within the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps and an overarching strategic force design office. The Defence Forces also carried out market research to identify support options for the Force Design process. The Defence Forces found the Institute for Security Governance (ISG), an institute which is part of the US Department of Defense, to be the most suitable and appropriate external support option in the context of a joint approach to force design.
ISG specialise in institutional capacity building and have significant expertise and experience in force design and development, and have worked with over 80 nations, including smaller militaries (e.g. Estonia, Bulgaria, Georgia). Solutions are underpinned by best international practice and driven by partner nations.
The ISG subject matter experts have been working with the Force Design teams since the start of the year in designing a structure for a modern force of Ireland’s size taking into account the Defence Forces roles and the capabilities required to deliver these roles. It should also be noted that the geopolitical environment, which has changed substantially since the Commission on the Defence Forces reported, will also have to be factored into a future force design. This is complicated and challenging work which we need to get right to ensure that we design a modern force which is fit for purpose for future generations.
A 2025 work programme has been agreed which will be progressed throughout the year with a final report to be produced. The work programme involves an initial planning phase for the work to be undertaken, an analysis of capability requirements followed by a gap analysis based on these requirements, a solutions analysis and finally a report. The report will then be subject to Ministerial review.
