Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to safeguard undersea critical infrastructure given the recent €60 million investment in sonar capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49096/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSafeguarding undersea critical infrastructure requires a multifaceted approach and the recent investment in sonar capability is just one of those approaches. The Government has committed to measures to safeguard undersea critical infrastructure and the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have a significant body of work underway in that regard.
In relation to subsea domain awareness capabilities, a programme of work has been approved as part of the overall Equipment Development Plan. The recent announcement regarding investment in sonar capability is the first project within that new programme which will see the Naval Service acquire sonar capability which will be used to detect objects near cables and pipelines in Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. This new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces. This is a complex project and a new capability, so work in training personnel and establishing the procedures and structures required within the Defence Forces has commenced, and will continue in the period up to the delivery and operationalisation of the system. Details regarding the capability and associated costs are kept confidential due to the intelligence nature of the activities associated with this project.
With this initial project at contract stage, subsequent projects within that programme of work will now be considered in the context of a wider Capability Development Programme which will identify at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040 across all domains of operation including the subsea domain. 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.
In addition to the development of new capabilities, the Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial monitoring of the Irish EEZ. Two C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment were delivered to the Air Corps in 2023 to replace the CASA CN235 aircraft. These aircraft considerably upgrade our surveillance capabilities.
The Naval Service routinely carry out maritime defence and security operations within Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. These taskings are multi-faceted activity which can involve fishery protection, drug interdiction, search and rescue and importantly maritime surveillance.
An additional step being taken to strengthen maritime security and surveillance, the Department of Defence is taking the lead on the development of Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy, in cooperation with national and international stakeholders. Protecting critical maritime infrastructure and enhancing maritime domain awareness will be key elements of the strategy.
In terms of collaboration with European Union partners, in April 2025 I approved for the Defence Forces to participate in the EU’s Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). Joining CISE will support better monitoring and surveillance of growing threats at sea and will help improve the Defence Force’s maritime domain awareness. This will aid their decision-making during complex maritime operational scenarios as well as their ability to share information with other EU maritime organisations.
As you will be aware, Ireland is also actively participating in a number EU PESCO (Permanent Structure Cooperation) projects including, Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection, Maritime Autonomous and semi-Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures, Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance. These collaborations will enhance cooperation with EU participating states thus benefiting Ireland in the protections of undersea critical infrastructure by enhancing maritime surveillance, situational awareness, response effectiveness and integration of systems.
22. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the progress of recruitment campaigns for school leavers and women into careers in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49114/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to a nationwide programme for transition year and third level students, with a view to achieving the target of 11,500 personnel and better representation of women at all levels of the Defence Forces. [48990/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 48 together.
The military authorities have advised that as of 31 July 2025, the latest date for which such information is available, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,540.
Recruitment to the Defence Forces remains ongoing through a number of pathways including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes, 8 Naval Service specific direct entry competitions, a Dental Nurse competition and a bespoke competition for Grooms in the Equitation School. The 2025 Cadetship competition closed for applications in April of this year. Total inductions for the year to the end of August stood at 350 and the military authorities advise me that a significant number of further inductions are planned to take place from this month onwards.
The Permanent Defence Force (PDF) continues to strive to position the Defence Forces as an employer of choice by conducting long-term brand building, as well as direct recruitment activation. Activities centre on driving awareness of careers in the Defence Forces, building a positive perception of the Defence Forces as an organisation, and increasing application numbers. Interest in a career in the Defence Forces is very strong with applications to the Permanent Defence Force as of the 31 August showing a year on year increase of 33%, and with applications from female candidates showing a year on year increase of 46%. This builds on the significant expansion in application numbers achieved in 2024 with 12,462 applications received up to end August this year compared with 13,348 applications in 2024.
The Defence Forces continue to broadcast its message through regular engagement with schools, Education and Training Boards and third level institutions, in addition to frequent attendance at recruitment and career fairs/events. Furthermore, transition year students can avail of placements within the organisation to undertake various programmes, across a number of locations, thereby demonstrating career opportunities to both male and female candidates.
A number of initiatives have been implemented specifically targeted to increase the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force. These include, attendance by male and female representatives is at all recruitment events and a gender perspective is incorporated in all advertising. In addition fitness test requirements are tailored for females such as the number of push ups and sit-ups that must be achieved to pass the fitness test with a video available on the military website to assist. The Joint Recruitment Office are also actively reaching out to female applicants in the recruitment pipeline in order to support them throughout the application process should they need additional support, as appropriate. A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation. The Defence Forces has also recently completed a tender for the creative design of a female-focused recruitment campaign. It is anticipated that this will be completed this year and launched in early 2026.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
23. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress his Department has made regarding the establishment of a joint cyber-security command and other actions related to cyber-security contained in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [49303/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs recognised in the Report on the Commission on Defence Forces and accepted by Government, the Defence Forces needs to be capable of delivering military effects across the cyber domain. To this end, my Department published a high-level action plan for the Report on the Commission on the Defence Forces, which included recommendations relating to Defence Forces Cyber Defence functions
As a result the Defence Forces have established a Joint Cyber Defence Command (JCDC). This Command will be able to conduct full-spectrum cyberspace operations to robustly defend against cyber threats, support Defence Forces operations at home and overseas, and enhance national cyber defence resilience and contingent capabilities.
Following the establishment of the JCDC, a Defence Forces Cyber-Defence Strategy 2024 to 2027 was published last year. This Strategy sets out a comprehensive road map to ensure that the Defence Forces achieve operational capability in this new domain.
To give effect to this Strategy, my Department has approved the assignment of 19 Defence Forces specialists to kick start the operation of this Unit which is headed up by an officer of General rank. In addition, my Department engaged with the Public Appointments Service to recruit 10 civilian cyber specialists who will be embedded in the JCDC, it is intended that such posts will be filled as soon as possible.
I am satisfied that from a Defence perspective we are developing a positive trajectory to ensure that the new Cyber Defence Command Unit is well positioned to meet the ambitious targets set out in the Cyber Strategy.
24. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Defence Forces; the total number of personnel in 2019; and the current total number of personnel. [48882/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised that as of 31 July 2025, the latest date such figures are available for, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,540 personnel. The current agreed establishment strength of the PDF is 9,739. The strength of the PDF as of the 31 December 2019 was 8,659.
As the Deputy is aware, in July 2022, Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2) as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. Achieving LOA2 requires an increase in Permanent Defence Force establishment figure to 11,500, to include a civilian component.
This framework also provides for an increase in the Defence budget to €1.5 billion by 2028, index linked to inflation, as part of the annual estimates processes. This level of funding increase will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment identified by the Commission
Working towards these targets, Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million. This allocation includes funding for the recruitment of a net additional 400 personnel per annum.
Significant progress has been made on a number of fronts in addressing recruitment and retention challenges, and 2024 saw a stabilisation of the downward trend in numbers. There were 708 personnel inducted in 2024, the highest in over five years while discharges were at their lowest in four years.
Interest in a career in the Defence Forces is very strong and grew significantly in 2024. This trend has continued into 2025 with figures provided by the Defence Forces to the end of August showing a year on year increase of 33%.
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 personnel and the provisions of the Working Time Directive have been applied across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years. Significant progress has been made on pay for the Defence Forces with the most recent pay increase awarded on August 1st under the Public Service Pay Agreement 2024-2026.
While challenges undoubtedly remain, the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector, and the array of policy initiatives currently in train, is indicative of Government’s commitment in this regard.
25. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will consider introducing legislation to ensure that military uniforms can only be worn by members of the permanent and reserve Defence Forces, and that for all other uses, such as filmmaking and re-enactment, a licence would have to be obtained from his Department; if he will extend such legislation to include a prohibition on the wearing of military-style uniforms by paramilitaries and political organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48942/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Act 1954, as amended, prohibits the unlawful wearing of any Defence Force uniform or dress.
Section 264 of the Defence Act 1954 provides that it shall be an offence for any person (not being a member of the Defence Forces) to wear, without permission granted by or on behalf of the Minister for Defence, any uniform of the Defence Forces or any colourable imitation thereof. This prohibition does not apply in respect of the wearing of any uniform of the Defence Forces or any colourable imitation thereof in the course of a stage play or other dramatic representation or performance. The section also provides that a person found guilty by the Courts of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €1,270 or to a term of imprisonment, or both.
In view of the existing provisions in the Defence Act relating to the unlawful wearing of any Defence Forces uniform or dress, I have no plans to introduce new policy or legislation in this regard.
26. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the development of Ireland’s first national maritime security strategy. [48427/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has taken the lead in the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy following identification of maritime security as a priority in last year’s Defence Policy Review. This strategy is being developed in consultation with national and international stakeholders and I look forward to its delivery to me before the end of this year.
In support of the development of the strategy, my Department held a public consultation during the summer to gauge people’s views and to build consensus on the diverse threats, risks, challenges and opportunities being faced by the country in the maritime domain. The public consultation received significant engagement and approximately 300 submissions were received from a wide range of interested parties, including responses from government departments, academia, industry and members of the public.
Initial analysis of the submissions indicates that there is strong support for the strategy and a clear understanding from the public of Ireland’s most urgent maritime security challenges, particularly the growing threats to critical undersea infrastructure. The public also supports international cooperation to improve maritime security. Analysis of these submissions is ongoing and the input gathered will serve as a critical foundation for shaping a robust and forward-looking National Maritime Security Strategy, ensuring Ireland is well prepared to meet current and future challenges in its maritime domain.
27. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the commitment the Government have given to increase defence spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37866/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government approved a move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces in July, 2022. As part of that decision, the Government committed to increasing the funding allocated to defence to €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028, to be agreed through the annual Estimates process. To date, this has delivered a funding increase of €243 million (22%) to the Defence Vote Group since the Government approved the Commission Report, with Budget 2025 providing an overall funding allocation of €1.35 billion to the Defence Vote Group – the largest allocation received to date.
Capital Investment in Defence primarily provides for the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and infrastructural platforms, expenditure which enhances and supports military capabilities and therefore contributes to a more secure and resilient society.
The revised NDP Capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group 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. The revised capital allocations will assist ongoing efforts at modernising and upgrading Defence equipment and built infrastructure platforms, and will enable targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments within LOA 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report.
The move to LOA2 will require significant organisational changes to include, inter alia, an additional 2,000 personnel (civil and military) over and above the then PDF establishment figure. Work is ongoing on this and the current allocation includes a significant pay provision of €569 million, to inter alia, support ongoing recruitment and retention challenges and provide for the recruitment and training of an additional net 400 recruits. It is enabling key changes to broader conditions that have had a positive impact to include the 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.
Estimates discussions are now underway, with updated Defence Vote Group allocations set to be published in line with Budget 2026 timelines next October.
28. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the strength of the Naval Service fleet; if there is an adequate number of personnel in the service to keep all ships operational when needed; the number of ships that have been docked at Haulbowline for more than six-months in the past three years; the exact duration that they have been docked; and the reason they have been docked. [49101/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of significant initiatives have been introduced in recent years in relation to pay and other non-pay conditions, most notably the introduction of a significantly enhanced Patrol Duty allowance. Together with the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Naval Service, these initiatives have resulted in the stabilisation of Naval Service strength, with indications of growth in recruit numbers at entry level, and through re-entry schemes.
The personnel strength of the Naval Service, as at 31 July 2025, was 745 personnel out of the establishment of 1,094 personnel. In 2024 a total of 97 personnel were inducted into the Naval Service with a further 84 personnel inducted up to 31 August 2025.
The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). These four vessels consist of three P60 class vessels as well as the L.É. Aoibhinn (P71) with all four vessels conducting patrols on a rotation basis.
The fourth P60 vessel is currently undergoing a period of pre-planned maintenance, while the LE Gobnait (P72) is nearing completion of necessary works prior to being brought into operational service as decided by the Military authorities. The two P50 class vessels namely LÉ Roisin (P51) and LÉ Niamh (P52) are currently in Operational Reserve following completion of a Mid-Life Extension Programme for both ships. The Deputy will appreciate that, for operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to disclose further details of the operational deployment of individual vessels in the Naval Service.
Extensive work is ongoing to oversee a turnaround in the level of operational activity by our Naval Service and to this end I instructed a team consisting senior military officers, led by our Chief of Staff, and my senior officials to conduct a detailed workshop with the Naval Service. I am advised that on foot of same, a Naval Service Regeneration Plan will be submitted to me shortly by the military authorities for my consideration.
30. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will consider the introduction of service commitment schemes to retain key specialist functions within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49302/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department now has two service commitment schemes in place in respect of the Air Corps pilots and Air Traffic Service personnel, the latter having been approved in June last, in response to an issue which had arisen in relation to potential loss of Air Traffic Control personnel.
The existing Service Commitment Scheme for pilots, which has proven to be a successful retention measure, was extended for three years, also in June of this year by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation.
Recruitment and retention of Defence Forces personnel remains a key Government priority. There are challenges with recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, with particular challenges in relation to specialist personnel. Military management regularly reviews their existing recruitment frameworks to ensure they are fully optimised and responsive to the needs of the Defence Forces. My Department works closely with the Defence Forces in developing and delivering enablers to support both recruitment and retention.
A number of additional policy measures have been implemented over the last three years. A civilian Head of Strategic HR has been appointed in the Defence Forces, with the aim of achieving a modernised HR function. Improvements to the overall benefits package have been introduced, such as:-
• the extension of private secondary health care to enlisted ranks;
• the restructuring of the Patrol Duty Allowance (PDA) paid to the Naval Service to encourage sea-going activities;
• Techncal pay 2 - 6 review, resulting in increased technical pay for certain cohorts;
• Significant improvements in pay across the Defence Forces;
• Removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of Working Time Act.
• increase in the mandatory retirement age 62.
• Increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 and the recruitment process streamlined.
• Further pay increases from the implementation of the Public Service Pay Agreement 2024 - 2026.
The current Public Service Pay Agreement also includes a Local Bargaining mechanism. Negotiations are currently underway in relation to the payment of the first one percent, provided for in the 2024 to 2026 Pay Agreement, through this process. The availability of Local Bargaining provides an opportunity to address pay and terms and conditions challenges for specific cohorts of personnel.
I am open to continuing to explore options to drive recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. All initiatives are carefully assessed against operational requirements and broader public pay policy.
31. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on payments and remuneration for members of the Reserve Defence Forces; and to explain the changes that have taken place in recent years. [49214/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe remuneration of members of the RDF is considered a key enabler of the regeneration and development of the RDF in line with the strategic objective, which is to create a reserve force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy with the Permanent Defence Force both nationally and overseas.
All spending of taxpayers funds must be supported by appropriate legislation/sanction. In the case of pay for members of the RDF, the relevant legislation is DFR R5. Paragraphs 64 and 67 set out the duties for which pay for members of the RDF apply.
The increased interest in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was reflected in the number of Reserve Training and Support Days (RTSDs) undertaken in 2024 which totalled 28,762 days, or an excess of 2,762 days over the original allocation of 26,000 days. The original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was proactively increased in Q4 2024 to meet evolving levels of RDF activity, with a further increase requested and sanctioned in the latter part of the year. A request to increase the budget further this year is currently being progressed.
One of my key priorities is the modernisation of our Defence Forces, and revitalising our Reserve Defence Forces is a vital part of that transformation process. The Regeneration and Development Plan contains concrete actions to drive forward recruitment and retention, resourcing, training and education, integration and deployment.
32. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the planned new training centre for the Army Ranger Wing of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48911/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may know, on April 15th I announced the provision of over €46 million in funding for the construction of a State-of-the-Art new Headquarters and Training Centre for the Army Ranger Wing (ARW). The delivery of this project is in line with the recommendations from the Commission on Defence Forces.
The first phase of the project will involve development of a new HQ building. My Department has recently concluded a procurement competition for this key phase of the project under the Infrastructure Development Plan and I am advised that it will enter into a contract shortly with construction to commence in the coming weeks, subject to formal contract signature.
Further phases of the overall project will see the delivery of accommodation facilities, a gymnasium and office space.
33. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the operational functionality of Baldonnell Aerodrome given the recent issues with air traffic control personnel. [48979/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing an operational decision taken by the military authorities earlier this year to restrict operational flight activity at Casement Aerodrome to a 5 day week (12 hours a day) service, I am advised that Air Traffic Control is now operational on a 7 day a week basis 12 hours per day (0800 – 2000).
In parallel with a number of HR initiatives I have approved since that decision, notably the introduction of a new Service Commitment scheme aimed at ATC personnel, my Department has entered into a contract with an external service provider to provide Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) services at the Aerodrome. The contract put in place, with the agreement of the military authorities, will assist them in restoring their capacity to return to full operational flight activities on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis.
34. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the current work ongoing with the British government regarding a memorandum of understanding for Ireland's defence, which is to be updated in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48094/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the discussions he and his Department have had with the UK Government on defence co-operation; what is likely to be included in an upcoming MOU (Memorandum of Understanding); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49094/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 77 together.
A Memorandum of Understanding on aspects of defence cooperation between Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was signed by the then Minister for Defence Simon Coveney and UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon in 2015. This MoU provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence.
The MoU takes into account matters such as training, education, staff exchanges, procurement and sharing of information among other topics. It envisages cooperation and exchanges involving both civil and military personnel. The signing of the MoU placed already existing co-operation arrangements in the Defence area between Ireland and the UK on a more formal and transparent footing, while fully respecting the differing policy positions and security arrangements of both States.
This MoU further underpins the longstanding engagement that exists between the Defence Forces and the UK Armed Forces, particularly in the area of training and staff to staff meetings. Members of the Defence Forces attend a wide range of courses in the UK and members of the UK Forces have attended courses in Ireland, including in the UN School and on the Command and Staff Courses. The most recent military staff to staff talks were held in the UK Ministry of Defence in London in October 2024.
2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding, and in a joint statement following the UK-Ireland Summit in March of this year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to “review and update the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence by our next Summit in this series” to “reflect the rebuilding and strengthening of our partnership”.
Discussions have taken place at official level between the two ministries in London recently, and work will progress over the coming months to update this agreement.
36. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the Army nursing service; the decision to outsource to private contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49294/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that there has been no recruitment into the Army Nursing Service (ANS) since the early 1990s. This is in line with the cessation of in-house hospital care in the Defence Forces in favour of external hospitalisation and specialist referral. There has also been an increase in the number of other medical professionals such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Combat Medical Technicians, Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics who can be deployed more readily both at home and overseas. ANS nurses are currently supplemented by agency nurses where there is a need to provide additional support.
The review of the medical services completed in December 2024 makes specific recommendations with respect to the future of nursing in the Defence Forces. These are currently under consideration and an implementation plan is being prepared.
37. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the process for the awarding of historical IRA medals to families of volunteers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49282/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government decided in January 1941 that two Medals should be struck in respect of service during the 1916-1921 period, one for service during Easter Week 1916 and the second for subsequent service up to the Truce of the 11th July 1921. In May 1942 the Government further decided that the second Medal, the Service (1917-1921) Medal, should be issued as follows:
• Medal with Bar to persons who are in possession of a military service certificate entitling them to a pension under the Military Service Pensions Acts in respect of the period subsequent to 1916 and prior to 11 July 1921 and to those persons not in possession of a certificate who satisfy the Minister for Defence that had they applied for a pension, their service was such as would have merited the award of a pension;
• Medal without Bar to persons who were enrolled in the Irish Republican Army, Fianna Éireann, Cumann na mBan and the Irish Citizen Army not less than three months prior to 11 July 1921, but who did not qualify for a pension.
In certain exceptional situations a medal can be posthumously awarded if no medal was previously issued. However, in order not to diminish the intrinsic value of such medals, this is only done in exceptional cases and only where there is incontrovertible verified evidence available that the criteria for the award of a medal have been met. The process by which applications and petitions or appeals under the Military Service Pensions Acts were investigated and verified was wound up in 1958 and as you can appreciate there are now no surviving members of the old IRA or related organisations alive who could verify membership.
Given the time that has elapsed there is now no mechanism available by which service and activities, in the absence of existing departmental records, can be investigated or verified. It is therefore very difficult to satisfy the requirements and therefore the award of such posthumous medals is rare.
All applications for a posthumous medal made to my Department are carefully considered. However, there are no plans to put in place wider arrangements or lower the criteria in relation to the award of posthumous medals.
Enquiries and requests for application forms should be addressed to Pensions Administration Section, Finance Branch, Department of Defence, Áras an tSáile, Renmore, Galway. H91 AN2E or by email to disability.pensions@defence.ie.
38. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the means by which he is examining incentives and structural changes to make a military career accessible to a wider range of candidates, and to encourage existing personnel to extend their military careers, including rewarding long service and broadening eligibility criteria. [48991/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecruitment and retention of Defence Forces personnel is a key priority for Government. Figures provided for 2024 indicate a stabilisation in numbers. There were 708 personnel inducted in 2024, the highest in over five years.
The government has introduced a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving recruitment and retention and making the Defence Forces a career of choice. These include an increase to the maximum recruitment age to 39, and to 50 for Direct Entry Officer specialists; an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62; the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January of this year, (subject to certain exemptions); the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force, in addition to unrivalled access to opportunities for education and training. Reforms and improvements have been also been made to family friendly policies, and proposed changes planned for better career progression and professional development opportunities. Other measures include a doubling of the patrol duty allowance and an extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit for a further five years. There has also been significant progress on pay, with the most recent increase implemented on 1 August 2025.
Recruitment to the Defence Forces remains ongoing through a diverse range of competitions for General Service and for specialised Direct Entry positions. Additional bespoke and once off competitions such as those currently advertising on the Defence Forces website for Grooms in the Equitation School and for a Dental Nurse provide further opportunities for perspective candidates who meet the entry criteria.
Challenges exist in recruiting and retaining certain specialists due to competing demands for such specialists in other sectors. In addition to traditional recruitment, a number of measures have been introduced aimed at restoring and retaining capacity and boosting specialist numbers. These include an ongoing scheme which permits former personnel with specialist skills to re-enter the Permanent Defence Force, Direct Entry is utilised in the recruitment of specialists, and the terms and conditions and scope of Direct Entry competitions remain under consideration pending the outcome of a review by external experts. The conditions for entry into and service in the Permanent Defence Force are subject to continuous review, having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practice.
The Commission on Defence Forces (CoDF) Report recommended that Long Service Increments be introduced to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel. Discussions are ongoing with all the relevant stakeholders. The CoDF report also recommended the recruitment of a civilian Head of Strategic HR. He has been appointed to the Defence Forces, with the aim of achieving a modernised HR function within the Defence Forces.
I am open to exploring options to continue to drive recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces and, while any proposed initiatives must be carefully assessed against operational requirements and broader public pay policy, the allocation of record levels of spending to the Defence sector is illustrative of my ambitions in this regard.
40. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the proposals there are to upgrade and-or provide new accommodation and facilities, including living accommodation, for the permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49234/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the provision of accommodation for Defence Force members is being pursued to improve recruitment and retention of members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49115/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.
I can advise the Deputy that since the launch of the Infrastructure Development Plan in January 2020, the following accommodation projects at a combined cost of approximately €49.7m have been completed and 775 beds provided:
• Casement Aerodrome Modular Accommodation
• Gormanston Camp – Upgrade Block A
• Haulbowline Refurbishment of Block 4
• Upgrade of Former USAC Building, Renmore
• New Accommodation Block Collins Barracks
• Gormanston Camp- Upgrade Block B
• Refurbishment of Block C, Stephen’s Barracks
• Refurbishment of Block H, McKee Barracks
• Refurbishment of Block 8, Haulbowline
• Refurbishment of Blocks B and D of Pearse Barracks
• Refurbishment of Plunkett Block 7, DFTC
• Refurbishment of Blocks 1 & 2 Cathal Brugha
• Refurbishment of Apprentice Hostel, Casement Aerodrome
The Deputy may also wish to note that the following accommodation projects are being progressed and are expected to significantly increase accommodation capacity in the coming years:
• Refurbishment of Block 1, Collins Barracks
• Refurbishment of Old Communications Building, Haulbowline
• Refurbishment of Cadet Mess Building Haulbowline
• Haulbowline – Refurbishment of Block 6
• Haulbowline – New Modular Accommodation Block
• Refurbishment of Blocks A, B, D, E & F, Stephens Barracks
• DFTC, Refurbishment of Ceannt Block 1
• Casement Aerodrome – Refurbishment of Old Married Quarters to Single Living-In Accommodation.
