Written Answers Nos. 156-175
156. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the work his Department has undertaken ahead of the tenth session of the UN Open-Ended Inter-Governmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49366/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tenth session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group (OEIGWG) on Transnational Corporations and Human Rights, took place from 16 to 20 December 2024 in Geneva. The OEIGWG considered articles 4-11 of the draft legally binding instrument, as planned by the Chair Rapporteur, Ecuador.
Having regard to the EU’s competences in this area, Ireland continues to encourage the European Commission to develop a negotiating mandate to ensure that the final product agreed by the open-ended working group is implementable and aligned with EU principles and objectives. The eleventh session of the working group will take place from 20 to 24th October 2025. We have participated in the intersessional thematic consultations throughout the year in preparation for the 11th session.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We continue to follow the evolving policy discussions on Business and Human Rights at national, regional and international levels. We continue to encourage the EU to engage actively with the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.
We are also working towards finalisation of Irelands second National Plan on Business and Human Rights in line with our continued commitment to implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
157. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade following the joint UK-US naval transit of the Taiwan Strait and China's subsequent condemnation, if he will outline Ireland's official position on freedom of navigation operations in contested waters; the discussions which have taken place at EU level; and the way in which Ireland intends to balance its trade and diplomatic priorities in future EU/China relations. [49512/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, together with our EU partners, is committed to maintaining the legal order for the oceans and seas based upon international law, as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This includes the maintenance of freedom of navigation.
Officials in my Department follow developments in the Taiwan Strait closely. The Government has been clear that any attempt to change the status quo by force would not be acceptable, and we continue to encourage restraint in this regard. Any escalation or confrontation in the Strait is deeply worrying, and has the potential to impact regional and global security, as well as the free flow of trade.
I am in regular contact with my EU counterparts on matters of foreign policy significance, including in relation to tensions in the Taiwan Strait. This year the 25th EU-China Summit took place in Beijing on 24 July. During this Summit the EU reaffirmed its consistent One China policy and expressed concerns about increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Ireland and China share an overall constructive relationship, marked by significant growth in economic ties and expanding people-to-people contacts over the last decade. Ireland takes a holistic approach to the relationship: trade with China: the economic relationship is not considered separately from our values and other priorities. We are interested in strengthening engagement with China where it is in our interests to do so. We are committed to working with our EU partners in support of a productive EU-China relationship, one which is balanced, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial, and where differences are managed constructively.
158. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will support and advocate for drafting of the proposed new optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (details supplied); if he will express support for the new optional protocol before the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49549/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the discussions held during the first session of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) earlier this month. The OEIWG has a mandate to explore the possibility of a new optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The meeting was attended by our Permanent Representation to the United Nations in Geneva.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a core international human rights Treaty which Ireland unconditionally supports, both in our international engagement and domestic implementation. The Convention is one of the international community’s most important and widely adhered to Conventions. Adoption of the Convention in 1989, and subsequent widespread ratification, laid the foundation for significant progress worldwide on the recognition of children as rights holders in international law.
The Convention’s obligations on States have been transformative in enabling significant progress on the right to education for children worldwide.
The meeting of the OEIGWG provided a welcome opportunity to consider this important topic and to explore the possibility of a 4th Optional Protocol, along with full consideration of other approaches which would reinforce education provision, including with respect to early years education.
It is important that, in addition to exploring the possibility of a 4th Optional Protocol, the group also gives priority to the question of how we can best implement the existing Convention and mechanisms States are committed to, given the widespread numbers of children currently out of school and receiving no education at all.
159. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he still believes that Israeli munitions are not being flown through Irish airspace (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49557/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met with Israeli officials to discuss the transportation of Israeli munitions through Irish airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49558/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.
Responsibility for the regulation of foreign aircraft landing or overflying the State is shared between Departments. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has primary responsibility for the regulation of foreign military and state aircraft, while the Department of Transport leads on regulation of civil aircraft.
Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
Since October 2023, diplomatic clearance has been granted on a small number of occasions for US military aircraft to land in Shannon for the specific purpose of transporting senior officials travelling from the United States to the Middle East. I am fully satisfied that the stringent procedures for diplomatic clearance were followed in full on each of these occasions.
Furthermore, under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport.
In 2023, 2024, and to date in 2025, no applications have been received or exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft to a point in Israel.
The Department of Transport is aware of the media reports alleging that several air operators carried munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory without the appropriate permission to do so, and its examination of this issue is on-going.
I have not met with Israeli officials on this matter.
161. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of businesses that have been supported through energy efficiency grants in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32938/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), provides various supports to enterprises which can assist these sectors in increasing their energy efficiency and lowering their carbon emissions. There has been a high uptake, in particular, of the community energy grants and the support scheme for energy audits by SMEs.
The following table outlines the number of businesses that have been supported through energy efficiency grants.
Number of businesses (includes all non domestic applicants) paid under SEAI programmes
|
Programme |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 (to end August) |
|
EXEED |
54 |
68 |
58 |
61 |
49 |
36 |
|
SSRH |
9 |
10 |
12 |
16 |
22 |
8 |
|
SSEA |
N/A |
N/A |
879 |
1095 |
1608 |
1,261 |
|
Non-Domestic Microgen |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
73 |
931 |
740 |
|
Business Energy Upgrade Scheme |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
0 |
|
Community Energy Grant |
240 |
447 |
53 |
300 |
194 |
117 |
|
TOTAL |
303 |
525 |
1002 |
1545 |
2804 |
2162 |
The Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) scheme provides capital grants to support organisations (business and public sector) for projects which are following the EXEED Certified Standard for Excellence in Energy Efficient Design.
The Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) provides support up to a maximum of €2,000 per business site (maximum of 3 sites) to cover the costs of a typical energy audit. The scheme provides support for SMEs to carry out energy audits, encouraging them to implement the energy saving measures identified. It is open to all public and private sector organisations that have an annual energy expenditure of €10,000 or more, and are not already required to carry out an energy audit under the Energy Efficiency Directive.
The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS) has been designed for greater accessibility to support small and medium enterprises in Ireland. This scheme is open to all businesses, public sectors bodies, societies and charities.
The Community Energy Grant is a grant support for cross-sectoral projects including homes, businesses and other non-domestic applicants. Typically around 60% of total scheme funding is for non-domestic.
The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) is a grant support investment in renewable heating systems using heat pumps. An operational support tariff over 15 years for new installations or installations that currently use a fossil fuel heating system and convert to using biomass or anaerobic digestion heating systems
The Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. Grants are available for systems up to a maximum of €162,600 for installations of up to 1000kWp
The SEAI support schemes are kept under regular review to ensure their effectiveness.
There are a broader range of enterprise supports available that assist businesses with energy and climate initiatives, with funding from a variety of sources (not just the SEAI). Further information on the broader supports can be found on the “Climate Toolkit for Business” website: www.climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie/next-steps-and-further-information/.
162. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is developing plans to streamline the co-location of islanded data centres with large, multi-use urban developments that incorporate district heating into their design; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33183/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has attracted the best data centre and tech companies in the world. This is a really important relationship, and the Government continues to work with the sector towards a secure and decarbonised energy future. However, data centres, like all large energy users, have to exist within the boundaries of our climate legislation and targets.
This is why the Programme for Government contains key commitments such as enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions, such as waste heat capture for district heating to reduce their carbon footprint. However, as articulated in the July 2022 Government Statement on the role of data centres, ‘islanded’ data centres, that are not connected to the electricity grid and are powered mainly by on-site fossil fuel generation, would not be in line with national policy.
Nonetheless, Government policy recognises the contribution that district heating can make to Ireland’s energy and climate goals. District heating is a proven technology that can play a key role in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the heat sector. In that regard, my Department is in the process of transposing Articles 26 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). Article 26 of the EED requires data centres with a total rated energy input exceeding 1 MW utilise the waste heat or other waste heat recovery applications unless they can show that it is not technically or economically feasible. My Department and the District Heating Centre of Excellence in the SEAI are working with project sponsors to progress the expansion of district heating based on the use of waste heat from data centres.
More broadly, the Programme for Government seeks to address the challenges of balancing energy needs by committing to scale up investment in critical infrastructure and our electricity grid which will be advantageous for customers and enhance the data centre and digital economy footprint to support continued FDI investment.
163. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the breakdown of the €27 million funding announced for the acceleration of the circular economy transition, by county; and the timeline for when these funds will issue. [49370/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Circular Economy Fund operates on an annual basis, with the €27million allocated for 2025 activities only. The Fund utilises revenues from environmental levies to provide financial support to the initiatives as prescribed for under Section 8 (9) of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2022.
Since the funding announcement earlier this year, successful recipients of 2025 funds have already availed of funding and will continue to drawdown funds until year end.
While the allocation of funding is currently only available in aggregate form, funds have been provided to support a range of important circular national initiatives this year including the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme, EPA Circular Economy Programme, Anti-Dumping Initiative, Irish Environmental Network and Food Circle project. In addition, funds have been allocated to support the introduction of designated waste collection systems for textiles and hazardous waste.
More information on the initiatives supported by the Fund can be found in the annual www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/circular-economy-fund-accounts/, audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG). It should be noted the audit of the 2024 accounts has yet to be finalised as the audit of accounts are typically carried out by the C&AG in the final quarter of the subsequent year.
164. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the steps he intends to take to protect consumers from excessive energy costs, particularly given the profit figures from major providers (details supplied); his views on whether the CRU is adequately fulfilling its role as a regulator, given that Ireland continues to have some of the highest energy prices in Europe; and if he is considering the re-nationalisation of electricity and gas supply to ensure affordability and security for households, given many people can no longer cope with rising cost-of-living and energy bills. [49378/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial and liberalised. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including the matters raised by the Deputy, is solely a matter for the independent regulator, Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014.
Price setting by electricity suppliers, including standing charges, is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base. Within a competitive environment, providers also have costs such as staffing, tax, infrastructure, and cost of network tariffs which, in turn, affects end users’ bills.
The Government is committed to addressing high energy costs experienced by Irish consumers. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward measures to help contain these costs. Government recently approved an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity by a further six months to October 2025 at an estimated cost of €85 million.
Further measures to support Irish consumers, including targeted schemes, will be considered as part of the work programme of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce.
165. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the up-to-date position on advancing the development of planning guidelines for biogas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the agreed sectoral emissions ceilings, Government has committed to supporting the ambitious production of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. A first step to realising this ambition was the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy which sets out 25 key strategic actions and outlines the necessary supports needed to drive growth across the biomethane sector. Chaired by my Department, the Biomethane Implementation Group will oversee delivery of the strategy.
While Anaerobic Digestors (AD), used to produce biomethane, can bring significant benefits to the communities and local environment in which they are located, they are also significant infrastructure with impacts on the environment, biospheres, and local communities. Priority deliverables under the strategy include actions 5f and 5g which will see the development of planning guidelines to support Local Authorities when assessing AD plants with planning applications, and a review of resourcing requirements of key Government Agencies to support development of the industry. These actions will be delivered through collaboration among key Departments and Agencies.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility for the overall development of national planning policy and legislation which includes the appropriate setback rules for AD facilities. AD and other integrated assets are required to undergo a planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology. Guidelines and requirements for these are currently set out through several acts, policy documents, spatial strategies, and development plans. Projects above a certain threshold are also required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment.
166. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has met with the Minister for Finance to discuss the tax free exemption of earnings up to €400 by households participating on the microgeneration scheme; if he is aware this might be eliminated; his views on the impact this will have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49404/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has made a number of important commitments in respect of addressing the continued high cost of energy. The Programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses and commits to bringing forward taxation measures to help contain energy costs.
Since January 2022, a tax exemption applies to income up to €400 per year received by domestic micro-generators from their suppliers by way of the CEG. This means that for the vast majority of domestic renewables self-consumers, who will typically have an installation of below 6kW, there is no need to declare their income from the CEG.
Household uptake of micro-generation has been further supported by the Government decision to apply a zero percent VAT rate for the ‘Supply and installation of solar panels' since May 2023. It is also worth noting that maximising the consumption of self-generated renewable electricity will provide the most benefit to offset rising electricity costs, as well as shorten the payback period for the micro-generation investment.
Ultimately, decisions regarding income tax, including that applied to the Clean Export Guarantee, are made by the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners. This has been raised by the Minister.
167. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in light of recent volatility in European energy markets, the steps been taken as of September 2025 to diversify Ireland's natural gas supply; the progress made on liquified natural gas import options or alternative infrastructure; and the contingency measures in place for winter 2025 2026 to guarantee security of supply. [49456/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s total gas demand remains relatively stable, with a 2% increase between 2023 and 2024. In 2024, figures from Gas Network Ireland show that gas supplied around 30% of Ireland’s total energy demand and 41% of Ireland’s electricity generation. Around 20% of this was sourced from Corrib and 80% from the UK through two interconnectors. Corrib is expected to cease production around 2035, leaving Ireland solely dependent on gas imports from the UK.
To diversify Ireland’s natural gas supply, my Department is working to implement the National Biomethane Strategy. The substantial contribution that domestically produced biomethane could make to gas supply in Ireland (i.e., 5.7 TWh by 2030, which is 10% of Ireland’s current overall gas demand) will improve our energy security and help shield against possible price instability or volatility in international energy markets.
On 4 March 2025 the Government approved the development of a strategic gas emergency reserve for use in the event of an interruption to gas supplies. The strategic gas emergency reserve is a transitional measure that supports a secure transition of our energy system and will protect Ireland's energy systems for the consequences of a disruption to gas supplies. My Department is progressing the delivery of this project as a matter of priority.
Gas Networks Ireland's most recent 10 year Network Development Plan, approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, addresses market risks to gas supply by assessing capacity for projected demand, ensuring the security and resilience of the gas network through infrastructure development, and incorporating supply and demand scenarios to identify potential future strains. Gas Networks Ireland is currently progressing a series of incremental capacity upgrade works at both compressor stations in Scotland in order to meet the forecasted peak day gas demands.
168. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the type of ancillary benefits available to members of the Defence Forces, such as healthcare; if there are any plans to expand these benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49368/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to healthcare, a wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force. These include an annual medical examination, sick parades, attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out-of-hours GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges, routine dental treatment and the provision of overseas medical services, including global comprehensive medical insurance in the case of Defence Forces personnel (including dependents) assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts.
Additionally, private medical care (i.e. private consultant appointments, diagnostic tests and semi-private hospital treatment) has been made available to all ranks since September 2023, following on from a Programme for Government commitment and a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Medical mental health services available to personnel include access to clinical psychology and psychiatry services. The psychology service assesses, diagnoses, treats and advises on strategies to prevent mental health disorders, and there are currently two Clinical Psychologists employed by the Defence Forces. Psychiatry services specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. There is currently one dedicated civilian consultant psychiatrist engaged by the Defence Forces.
In addition to these clinical supports, non-medical mental health services are provided by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS) and my Department funds a confidential counselling, referral and support service, available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence volunteers.
In addition to the above, members of the Permanent Defence Force may avail of a range of allowances and pension entitlements, as well as extensive opportunities for lifelong learning which are provided to all personnel throughout their careers and include access to specialist and third-level education. In this regard, the organisation has a number of collaborative partners across the Further and Higher Education sector, including the South East Technological University, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University and SOLAS.
It is also notable that the provisions of the Working Time Directive have been applied across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions, since January of this year and that there have been increases to the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively. In addition, there has been significant progress on pay and allowances, including a doubling of the patrol duty allowance and an extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit for a further five years.
I am satisfied that the range of benefits outlined above offer comprehensive supports to members of the Defence Forces. I can assure the Deputy that we continue to keep such supports under review.
169. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if steps have been taken to address the shortage of people and facilities for the training of pilots in the Air Corps. [49369/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment and retention of specialist personnel in the Defence Forces personnel is a challenge, which I have acknowledged on a number of occasions. However, considerable progress has been made to address potential barriers to recruitment and retention. A number of financial and non-financial retention initiatives are being implemented including an increase in the mandatory retirement a to 62, increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39, and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF. These measures have been taken in addition to significant progress on pay.
Additional measures are being taken to streamline the recruitment process and further work is being progressed to provide the capacity within the organisation to accept greater numbers at induction. Initial indications, are positive, particularly in the context of the number of expressions of interest received to join the Defence Forces.
The provision of professional training and instruction in the Defence Forces is essential in the context of recruitment and retention. Defence Forces instructors provide the necessary ongoing professional training of Defence Forces personnel and are instrumental in delivering a future focused modern Defence Forces organisation. Instructors must possess advanced education, specialist expertise and substantial experience. The introduction of an appropriate payment, to incentivise qualified officers, who upskill to meet modern training standards, recognises both the important role undertaken by instructing Officers and rewards the higher level of professionalisation that is now expected. Commissioned Officer Instructors who successfully achieve the newly formulated Professionalised Instructor Programme qualification and undertake full-time instructor posts at specific Defence Forces institutions may be eligible for a weekly inducement while serving in such instructor posts.
Additional external support has been put in place which has resulted in an increased level of serviceability for the fleet and increased pilot training capacity, resulting in much faster progression to operational units.
I have approved the introduction of a new Service Commitment scheme aimed at ATC personnel and extended the Service Commitment Scheme available for pilots. A contract with an external service provider to provide Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) services at the Aerodrome has recently been put in place. The contract will assist the Air Traffic Control Service in returning to full operational flight activities on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis.
In addition to the cohort of experienced pilots, the Air Corps has a very strong pipeline of trainee pilots. I am satisfied that the measures taken enables the Air Corps to provide trainee pilots with the required training.
170. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost increasing Vote 35 to allow for occupational supplementary pension to be provided to members of the Defence Forces on reaching normal retirement age. [49560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe specific pension scheme terms that apply to the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) personnel depend primarily on the date a person joins the PDF and on whether that person is joining the Public Service for the first time.
In line with most public service pension schemes, the PDF pension schemes applicable to those who joined prior to January 2013 made provision for the award of an occupational supplementary pension, subject to meeting certain eligibility criteria.
I take it, therefore, that the Deputy is referring to the absence of the concept of supplementary pensions from the provisions of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (Single Scheme).
The occupational pension scheme terms of post-1 January 2013 new entrants to the public service, including the PDF, are governed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. All first-time new entrants to pensionable public service employment on, or after, that date are members of the Single Scheme.
The Single Scheme was a key structural fiscal reform introduced to help significantly reduce the cost of public service pensions in the long term, while at the same time continuing to provide valuable pension benefits for employees.
The terms and rules of the Single Scheme, which are fundamentally different to previous public service superannuation arrangements, make no provision for the concept or award of supplementary pensions for any new entrants joining any public service group from 1st January 2013 onwards.
As there is no provision for supplementary pensions in the Single Scheme, for example, in terms of its scope, qualifying criteria, methodology etc., there is no basis upon which to calculate the estimated cost of increasing Vote 35 to allow for such pensions.
Under the 2012 Act, overall statutory responsibility for the Single Scheme pension terms and rules rests with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
171. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of increasing capital spending in line with 2022-2027 Defence Forces Capital Infrastructure Development Plan to enhance capabilities in cyber-security and cyber-defence unit, including radar and robotics, and to support research and development in military technology. [49561/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan outlines Ireland’s long-term strategic investment plan for the country’s infrastructure and development. A review was undertaken recently and updated capital spending allocations were published in July.
As part of this review, the revised NDP Capital allocation for the Defence Vote for the period 2026-2030 is €1,700 million. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1,100 million.
For 2026, the Defence capital allocation will increase by €85 million to €300 million and the prioritisation and development of sectoral capital investment plans encompassing infrastructural, equipment and cyber spending is now progressing within my Department and will be finalised as part of forthcoming 2026 REV processes.
172. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of ensuring that sufficient funding is provided to resource the Joint Induction Training Centre, Gormanston, Baldonnel, Haulbowline and DFTC infrastructure master plans to include SOF and a cyber-command HQ.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49562/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is planned to develop a series of masterplans for each installation to future-proof for 20-30 years. This approach will identify from the outset the infrastructure requirements in line with capability development for each installation with an associated prioritisation of projects and a phased timeline for delivery.
These plans will dovetail with developments identified under the current IDP, and will also layout requirements for the years from 2027 onwards. The first masterplan for the airside in Casement Airbase, Baldonnel was recently completed, and is under consideration. The process for developing a landside masterplan will begin before the end of the year. In addition, the masterplan process for the Naval Base, Haulbowline is also underway and is expected to be completed in January 2026.
Given that the masterplanning process is at an early stage, it is not possible to estimate total costs in the manner sought by the Deputy.
173. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of resourcing the capability development 14-year land, maritime, air, cyber and joint enabler programmes to ensure the Defence Forces realise Level of Ambition 2, in line with the Government-approved Detailed Implementation Plan. [49563/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding is an increase of €600 million (announced 23rd July in the National Development Plan) or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion. This significant increase reflects the government’s commitment to continue to increase investment in our Defence Forces. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will, over the coming months, review all strategic equipment and infrastructural priorities to align with the revised 2026-2030 multi-annual capital allocations. It will enable targeted progression on key elements of government commitments within Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report.
The civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces to implement a top down Capability Development Planning Process, are preparing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the Capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review. This will be in line with the capital allocation under the National Development Plan. To this end, the priority continues to be progressing to LOA 2 thereby providing the foundations for future developments in capability.
174. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of the provision of funds to resource the development of Defence Forces capabilities to meet the tasking to emerge from the National Maritime Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49564/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces including in National Maritime Security. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
The Maritime Security Unit has taken the lead in the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy following its identification as a priority in last year’s Defence Policy Review. This strategy is being developed in consultation with national and international stakeholders. It will include a focus on enhancing our maritime domain awareness and the protection of our critical maritime infrastructure. The strategy will include identifying and prioritising the most urgent risks and threats in our maritime domain and a plan to address them
In terms of funding of any capabilities, capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to the Defence Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million (announced 23rd July in the National Development Plan) or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion. This significant increase reflects the Government’s commitment to continue to increase investment in our Defence Forces. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are actively reviewing all strategic equipment and infrastructural priorities to align with the revised 2026-2030 multi-annual capital allocations. The revised allocation will enable targeted progression on key elements of government commitments within Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
In addition, the civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces to implement a top down Capability Development Planning Process, are preparing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the Capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review. This will be in line with the capital allocation under the capital allocation under the National Development Plan. To this end, the priority continues to be progressing to LOA 2 thereby providing the foundations for future developments in capability.
175. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of the planned targeted and tiered recruitment of 800 new Permanent Defence Force members in 2026. [49565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of the 31 July 2025, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,540 personnel.
As one of the recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Permanent Defence Force capability equivalent to Level of Ambition 2. This will require an additional 2,000 personnel, including a civilian component, beyond the 9,500-establishment figure that was in place at the time of the Commission’s report.
The establishment figure for the Permanent Defence Force has increased incrementally since 2022 to 9,739 to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Working towards the achievement of Level of Ambition 2, Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million on 2024. The 2025 Vote 36 (Defence) allocation includes an overall pay allocation of €569 million, of which €469 million provides for the pay of an expected year-end PDF strength of 7,600 and the induction of a net additional 400 recruits in 2025 at an estimated cost of €13 million.
In order to meet government targets, the Defence Forces are making concerted efforts to ramp up recruitment beyond this net figure. Last year saw a stabilisation in numbers with 708 inductions to the PDF and the military authorities have advised that they are targeting up to 800 inductions for 2025, the bulk of which are expected to take place from this month onwards. The inclusion of an increased advertising allocation of €3.2 million in 2025 has provided further impetus to ongoing Defence Forces recruitment efforts.
Whereas the funding projections for an establishment of 9,739 are based on the current structures and establishment of the Defence Forces, the costing of the additional numbers to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the CODF report will require a detailed workforce planning exercise.
I expect to be provided with a recruitment plan for 2026 by the Chief of Staff in the coming weeks, the detail of which will inform the 2026 recruitment costs involved.
Estimates discussions, to include consideration of current expenditure funding priorities for 2026, are now well underway, with updated allocations set to be published in line with Budget 2026 timelines.
