Wednesday, 25 Jun 2025

Written Answers Nos. 1-20

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

European Union

Ceisteanna (1, 2)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

1. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Irish Government was consulted, through the Foreign Affairs Council or otherwise, in advance of the High Representative of the European Union on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issuing a joint statement with the so-called "E3" group of Foreign Ministers from France, Germany and the United Kingdom on 18 June 2025; and if the statement made by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union represents the view of the Irish Government. [34568/25]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

2. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Irish Government is satisfied for the High Commissioner to consult only with the largest EU member states of Germany and France, and with a non-EU state like the United Kingdom, and not with the Irish Government, when articulating foreign policy positions on behalf of the European Union; or if it is of the view that the treaty on European Union requires that all member states agree foreign policy positions on behalf of the European Union. [34569/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

Ireland remains engaged with EU and International partners on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. I have participated in two meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in the last week at which Member States and the High Representative discussed these issues. At those meetings, I outlined Ireland’s position on the need for urgent de-escalation by both sides and the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve this crisis. These points are reflected in the statement referred to. I also highlighted our concern about the disproportionate impact on civilians, that targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure by either side is a violation of International Humanitarian Law, and the potential risks of radiation leakage from the Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. Ireland, among other EU partners, called for coherent and consistent messaging from the EU including on breaches of International Humanitarian Law.

The EU has consistently stated for many years that Iran should not be able to develop a nuclear device, but that this should be pursued through diplomacy and negotiation. The EU has for almost twenty years engaged on this uniquely sensitive and high stakes issue through the format of the E3 countries, later led by the High Representative on behalf of the Union as a whole. This formation was central to the achievement of the JCPOA with Iran in 2015, and has since then sustained continued dialogue with Iran to try and support and return to that agreement, right up to the present day.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 23 June Ministers were briefed by the EU High Representative on the meeting of the HRVP and E3 with Iran in Geneva on Friday, and discussed both the further escalation of the conflict since then and the prospects for a return to negotiations.

Question No. 2 answered with Question No. 1.

European Union

Ceisteanna (3)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

3. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to the statement of European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, of June 18 2025 (details supplied), whether he has appraised the High Representative that Iran was involved in negotiations regarding its civilian nuclear programme at the time it was attacked by Israel; if he is concerned that the High Representative’s lack of familiarity with factual events central to her role represents gross incompetence and undermines her ability to fulfil the duties of her office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34591/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am deeply concerned about the hostile relationship between Israel and Iran and I have had an opportunity to discuss this at two meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in a week, on Tuesday 17 June and Monday 23 June. I welcome President Trump's announcement of a ceasefire and I hope both sides adhere to it.

At those meetings, I outlined Ireland’s position on the need for urgent de-escalation by both sides and the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve this crisis. I highlighted our concern about the disproportionate impact on civilians, that targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure by either side is a violation of International Humanitarian Law, and the potential risks of radiation leakage from attacks on nuclear facilities. Ireland, among other EU partners, called for coherent and consistent messaging from the EU including on breaches of International Humanitarian Law.

The hostilities between Israel and Iran is very concerning. Ireland had welcomed the previous US-Iran talks on the nuclear issue as the way to address Iran’s nuclear programme and concerns about nuclear proliferation. Ireland has a long-standing position in support of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. This can best be ensured in a framework consistent with the IAEA and the NPT Treaty. We hope a durable ceasefire will allow the resumption of negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and will lead to a more general peace in the region..

EU partners are in agreement that there is an urgent need for this return to negotiations to happen. It has long been agreed that Iran should not be able to develop a nuclear device, but this should be pursued through diplomacy and negotiation. It was encouraging that EU High Representative Kallas, together with the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom met with the Foreign Minister of Iran in Geneva for talks on 20 June.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (4)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

4. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of defence attachés accredited to Ireland, both resident and non-resident; when defence attachés were first accredited to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34690/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The functions, privileges and immunities of foreign defence attachés and their legal status in Ireland derives from the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, as given effect in Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act, 1967.

The appointment of a defence attaché on behalf of foreign nominating states is governed by Article 7 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, which states:

“Subject to the provisions of articles 5, 8, 9 and 11, the sending State may freely appoint the members of the staff of the mission. In the case of military, naval or air attachés, the receiving State may require their names to be submitted beforehand, for its approval.”

There are currently 60 foreign defence attachés accredited to Ireland, including 2 who are based in Dublin on a resident basis, while the remaining 58 operate on a non-resident basis from London. Defence attachés accredited to Ireland are listed by country on the Diplomatic List as maintained by my Department and which is available to view via the www.ireland.ie website.

The general purpose of defence attachés is to facilitate necessary and appropriate bilateral contacts and exchanges between countries’ respective military authorities. In Ireland, requests to approve the appointment of both resident and non-resident foreign defence attachés are submitted in advance of the officer’s arrival and are considered on a case-by-case basis by my Department in conjunction with other relevant Irish authorities.

In the time available, it has not proved possible to confirm the precise dates on which foreign defence attachés were first accredited to Ireland. However, they are a standard and long-established feature of bilateral diplomatic practice that have operated in Ireland and other states over several decades.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (5)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

5. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contents of the official acknowledgement by the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations in response to the concerns he raised relating to Israel shooting at Irish soldiers in Lebanon; if Israel has accepted responsibility or apologised for this attack; and if not, the steps he will take to ensure Israel does accept responsibility and apologise or faces sanctions for this action. [34694/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I condemn any endangerment of the safety of our peacekeepers in the execution of their mandated duties. The incident in Yaroun in May this year was unconscionable.

As I have said previously, upon my instruction, on 30 May, immediately after the incident in Yaroun, our Permanent Representation to the United Nations in New York expressed our grave concerns directly to the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations and, through them, to the Israeli Government.

I can confirm that our concerns have been officially acknowledged by the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations, through the appropriate diplomatic channels.

Furthermore, our Permanent Mission to the UN has requested that UNIFIL formally raise these concerns as a matter of urgency with the appropriate Israeli authorities. Should any further incident of this nature occur, we will continue to do so without hesitation.

The Government has been clear to the Israeli authorities the deep and well-founded concerns regarding this incident and the safety and protection of our peacekeepers. These concerns are fully understood within the United Nations system more broadly.

I am also very conscious of the impact the escalation in relation to Iran and Israel may have, including any impact on Irish peacekeeping troops in Southern Lebanon. Their safety is of paramount importance. I continue to receive regular updates from the Chief of Staff on measures being taken to keep them safe at this volatile time. I am also regularly kept apprised of all developments in those areas where Defence Forces personnel are deployed. There are robust force protection measures in place to support the security and safety of all personnel, and these measures are continually reviewed and enhanced as necessary to address any emerging threat.

At the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers on 23 June in Brussels I again made clear the critical importance of the UNIFIL mission continuing.

European Union

Ceisteanna (6)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

6. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is the view of the Government that representations by the President of the European Commission regarding the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy in her engagement with war crimes suspect Benjamin Netanyahu and at the most recent meeting of the G7 are consistent with positions agreed by the Government at the Foreign Affairs Council, or that these representations undermine the institutional balance enshrined in the EU Treaties, as set out in Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 19 June 2025. [34695/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware that the President of the European Commission spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 15 June by telephone following escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. While the institutional balance enshrined in the EU Treaties envisages that representations by the Commission President regarding the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy are consistent with positions agreed by the Foreign Affairs Council, the President does not require the approval of the Council, or of the Member States, in order to engage with foreign leaders.

European Union

Ceisteanna (7)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

7. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is the view of the Government that the engagement by the President of the European Commission in speaking with Benjamin Netanyahu on 15 June 2025 is consistent with the long-standing commitment he reiterated in response to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 19 June 2025 by the EU and its Member States to avoid non-essential contact with individuals who are subject to an arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC); and if he has sought or received any explanation from the President of the European Commission on her decision to engage with the subject of an ICC arrest warrant. [34696/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The European Union Action Plan on the International Criminal Court, which is a follow-up to Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP, provides that the EU and its Member States should avoid non-essential contact with individuals subject to an arrest warrant issued by the ICC. No definition is provided of what constitutes non-essential contact, which is a judgement to be made on a case-by-case basis in light of the particular prevailing circumstances, including the nature and purpose of the contact. In speaking with Prime Minister Netanyahu by telephone on 15 June, the President of the European Commission was responding to the outbreak of military conflict with Iran two days earlier, and the rapidly escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The Israel-Iran conflict is the subject of ongoing political engagement at EU level and will be addressed by EU Leaders at the European Council on 26-27 June.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (8)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

8. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will give consideration to opening a new Irish Consulate General office in the Bahamas. [34721/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In June 2018, the Government launched Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025. The strategy aims to see Ireland’s global footprint and influence double in the period to 2025, including through an expanded and strengthened diplomatic presence. Under the Global Ireland strategy, 27 diplomatic missions have been opened or have been approved and will open shortly.

The Embassy of Ireland in Canada is accredited to the Bahamas and provides the platform from which we are strengthening and deepening our relationship with the Bahamas. Ireland’s bilateral relations with the Bahamas have been further strengthened through increased regional engagement and the ongoing implementation of the Global Ireland strategies for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and for Partnership with Small Island Developing States (SIDS). A key commitment of these strategies was the opening of Ireland’s new Office for the Caribbean in February 2024 to support enhanced and sustained engagement with the Caribbean region.

In addition, Ireland also has an Honorary Consul in the Bahamas, who provides assistance and advice to Irish citizens.

The Government reviews the network of diplomatic missions on an ongoing basis, and will do so in the context of the successor to the Global Ireland Strategy agreed in the Programme for Government. In considering locations for new Missions, a range of factors are taken into account including the needs of Irish citizens overseas, our national, political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (9)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

9. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the names of companies his Department has contracts with for transferring of furniture, artwork and so on, from embassies of Ireland and consulate general building worldwide, in tabular form. [34722/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department does not have contracts in place for transferring furniture or artwork from embassies and consulates general premises. Any such occasional moves use suppliers appointed following a process involving quotes being sought from the market in line with procurement guidelines.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (10)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

10. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he will implement to ensure adequate safety measures are in place in relation to the development of battery energy storage systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34560/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

In line with the Climate Action Plan (action EL/24/16), the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland was published by my Department in July 2024.

Chapter four of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid scale electricity storage systems, including battery electricity storage systems in the European and Irish contexts. Given the wide-ranging nature of grid-scale electricity storage safety and regulation and its spread across the remits of various Government Departments, the chapter also provides the roles and remits of various regulatory authorities and organisations in relation to standards, planning, construction, licensing, and safety of grid scale electricity storage systems in Ireland.

EU Directive (2023/1542) – ‘Concerning Batteries & Waste Batteries’, sets out the homogenisation of electricity storage standards and classification as well as safety testing and certification requirements relevant to grid-scale electrical storage systems, including Battery Electricity Storage System. Ireland conforms to EU legislation.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (11)

Albert Dolan

Ceist:

11. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of what stage the tendering process is at for an installation company to carry out installation works on behalf of a supplier (details supplied) under the SEAI Medically Vulnerable Solar PV System; the duration expected for the tendering process; when customers of said company can expect installations to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34644/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable scheme was designed in 2022 and is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with Energy Suppliers. It is a matter for each Energy Supplier whether to participate in the scheme or not and enter into a contract with the SEAI to provide the scheme to their customers. Each Energy Supplier is responsible for contacting their own eligible customers directly, in line with the specific work plans for their Solar PV Installers.

I am advised that the supplier (detailed supplied) has not presently entered into a contact with the SEAI for the delivery of services under the Medically Vulnerable PV scheme. The supplier, along with all suppliers, has been contacted regularly and encouraged to participate, in this scheme, for the benefit of their most vulnerable customers. My Department continues to raise this issue with suppliers and I intend to do so, also, when I meet with them in the near future.

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (12)

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

12. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether Inland Fisheries Ireland has set a cap on the number of recreational salmon angling licences on the River Blackwater; and if not, whether consideration will be given to introducing one. [34838/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

There is no cap in place on the number of recreational salmon angling licences which may be issued in Ireland.

That said, and more importantly in the context of the sustainability of the species, there are restrictions on the number of salmon that anglers can catch and keep, and which rivers are permitted to open for salmon angling. These measures are set annually based on scientific advice.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis as each of Ireland’s 147 salmon rivers (including river sections and estuaries) has its own genetically unique stock of salmon. IFI is supported in its management role by the Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS) comprising of scientists from a range of organisations. Scientific and management assessments of each of the distinct stocks, including in the Blackwater river system are carried out every year with IFI engaged in extensive stock monitoring which feeds into the scientific committee's annual reviews. Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations are made each year and are based on my consideration of these individual annual scientific assessments of Ireland's salmon rivers.

Grant Payments

Ceisteanna (13)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

13. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will urgently address the long delays, currently over two years, in SEAI grant processing times in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34882/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.

Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. As reported by the SEAI, this resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households. This year’s budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme.

These budgets have allowed the scheme to deliver a greater number of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which the SEAI indicates has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to just under €29,000 in Q1 of 2025. These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes. So far in 2025, 2,954 homes have been upgraded under the scheme.

For homes completed in 2024 the average waiting time was 18 months for the worst performing homes (those with a BER of E, F or G) and 19 months for better performing homes.

The average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works to date in 2025 was 21 months for the worst performing homes and 22 months for better performing homes.

It is important to note that these averages represent a significant reduction since 2022 when the average waiting time was 26 months. The reduction in waiting times follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. These include the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme; a significantly increased budget allocation; active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; as well as actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.

Given the very high number of applications (approximately 12,000 in 2024 compared to approximately 2,800 in 2021) and greater volume of deeper retrofits being provided under the scheme, the SEAI is projecting that new applications may face longer waiting times.

My Department and the SEAI continue to keep waiting times under review, and to work to deliver energy upgrades to low-income households and reduce the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme as a priority.

Applicants can contact the SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email or by telephone – details are on the SEAI website. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address [e-mail].

Fishing Industry

Ceisteanna (14)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

14. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether the board and or senior management team of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has given notice to Departmental officials that the Cong Salmon Hatchery in County Galway will cease operations imminently, considering that IFI operates under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34944/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

The operation of the Cong Hatchery is a day to day operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) as the independent State Agency with statutory responsibility for the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource.

I am advised that no decision has been taken by IFI to cease operations of Cong Salmon Hatchery in County Galway so the question of notice does not arise.

Departmental Projects

Ceisteanna (15, 16, 17)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

15. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 19 March 2025, he will set out the steps that have been taken to date to implement the Programme for Government to introduce a new management system for the Curragh Plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34604/25]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

16. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, having regard to the expeditious manner in which he and his Department dispersed earlier encampments this year on the Curragh Plains, his Department will move with equal alacrity to seek the removal of the current very large illegal encampment now relocated to the Rathbride Road, including a number of vehicles, caravans, and campervans with French registrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34605/25]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Ceist:

17. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total cost incurred by his Department from 2020 in clean-ups of the Curagh Plains following illegal encampments; any legal costs incurred; for an indication of the man hours required to deal with the situation on the part of employees of the Department of Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34606/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 16 and 17 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Curragh, as State land vested in the Minister for Defence, is recognised as a working environment for the state's Defence Forces as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance. At approximately 4,870 acres, the Plains represent one of the most open and accessible areas in the country. This has presented a number of challenges for management around illegal camping and illegal dumping particularly in recent years.

Since last October, through the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, we have instructed a private security firm to serve Notices to Quit on the trespassers and this has been implemented on several occasions since the first instance of trespass in March 2025. Officials from my Department have progressed legal avenues to address these illegal encampments. As a result, a High Court Order was secured ordering the inhabitants of the encampment to leave the location by 1pm on 27 June, and this notice was served to the relevant people on the evening of 25 June.

In terms of addressing these challenges in the longer term, as the Deputy will be aware, the project undertaken by my Department in co-operation with Kildare County Council on the Curragh Conservation Management Plan was completed at the end of 2024.

The Conservation Management Plan report identified a number of measures for consideration, including a recommendation for a review of the Curragh Bye-Laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act, with a view to identifying possible amendments that could potentially provide more effective solutions to the issues of illegal encampments and other anti-social behaviour. The Plan also recommends considering transferring responsibility for the Curragh from the Department of Defence to a new or existing agency that has more expertise in the field of nature conservation and heritage management, so that the full potential of the Curragh as a social amenity can be realised.

I am fully committed to pursuing a modern and sustainable regulatory model in managing the historically important landscape that is the Curragh and this is reflected by the inclusion in the Programme for Government to progress the transfer of responsibility for the Curragh to an appropriate agency with relevant expertise. Work on this matter is ongoing.

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 15.

Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 15.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (18, 19, 20)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

18. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in light of the recognised importance of An Garda Síochána's police liaison officer network in embassies abroad, particularly in recent high-profile extradition operations, he is convinced that a similar network of military attachés in embassies of Ireland abroad would be beneficial for the State's security and defence partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34687/25]

Ged Nash

Ceist:

19. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the 2015 White Paper on Defence proposal to explore the creation of a military attaché network, a proposal which was recommended for urgent introduction by the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34688/25]

Ged Nash

Ceist:

20. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason it has taken his Department ten years to explore the creation of the military attaché network, while other Departments and agencies have significantly increased their global presence in embassies of Ireland abroad in the same timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34689/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 19 and 20 together.

Attachés for Ireland's diplomatic missions are appointed through structured interdepartmental processes, varying by role type, based on specific departmental mandates and objectives in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  The nature of a Defence Attaché role is very different to that of An Garda Síochána's liaison officer.

The 2015 White Paper on Defence, which set out a long-term approach to defence provision in Ireland, recognised the need for the Department of Defence to continue to engage in developing and deepening bilateral relations with potential like-minded partners to secure Ireland’s position in current and future international crisis management operations. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022 further supported this view.

In response, a joint civilian/military project team was subsequently formed in late 2022 to examine options in this respect and a project was formally initiated in May 2023.

This project aimed to explore the benefits to Ireland of establishing a Defence Attaché network, to look at the potential appropriate composition (civilian / military) and duties of the role of a Defence Attaché, and to consider how such a network could build on existing bilateral relations. The project also explored the potential for the deployment, as a pilot, of a Defence Attaché in one of the Irish embassies of strategic value and importance to Defence and Foreign Policy goals, where strong engagement exists on defence matters.

Consultations took place with a range of stakeholders in this regard and the model is under active development with the report undergoing review currently via ongoing consultations with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 18.

Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 18.

• Written Answers Nos. 21-40