Shay Brennan
Ceist:42. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures he is taking regarding the further development of the Reserve Defence Force. [48993/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces
Ceisteanna (42, 76)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:76. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force; the efforts being made by his Department to increase recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49254/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 76 together.
The military authorities have provided the details in the following table that outlines the strength of the RDF as at 31 August 2025. The military authorities also advise that a review of the strength figures is currently underway and therefore the figures below may be subject to change.
|
Year |
Army Reserve |
Naval Service Reserve |
First Line Reserve |
|
2025 (31AUG25) |
1,497 |
125 |
207 |
The Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) Regeneration and Development Plan (RDFRDP) published in July 2024, coordinates 27 individual actions to drive forward recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; as well as integration and deployment - the 4 operational objectives of the plan. Each of the 27 actions contribute to the ultimate goal of developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.
Examples of recruitment measures that continue to support this objective include the increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages, implementation of a ‘managed Induction Process’ and the on boarding process which enables candidates to undergo pre-attestation recruit training.
The initiatives contained in the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan are generating positive change and momentum towards a regenerated, trained and capable RDF to support the Permanent Defence Forces.
Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 20.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (44, 62, 78)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:44. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the strength of the permanent Defence Forces as of 31 August 2025, or the latest date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48978/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Micheál Carrigy
Ceist:62. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if consideration is being given to holding specific recruitment campaigns for people in other sectors and in mid- and later-career stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48826/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Barry Ward
Ceist:78. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the position regarding any initiatives that seek to encourage both recruitment and retention of personnel in the armed forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49039/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 62 and 78 together.
The military authorities have advised me that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) as at 31 July, the latest date for which this figure is available, stood at 7,540 personnel.
Significant progress is being achieved on a number of fronts in addressing the recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, and last year 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 continues to grow significantly with figures provided by the Defence Forces showing a year on year increase of 33% in application numbers to the end of August of this year.
Government has introduced a number of key enabling measures to drive Defence Forces recruitment. These include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement respectively, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel and the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive 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.There has been significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a further pay award made on August 1 of this year.
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.
The entry criteria, including age limits, for personnel wishing to enter the Defence Forces are as set out in Regulations made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended. These criteria are subject to review and change. In 2024, the maximum recruitment age was increased in to 39 years of age for General Service Recruits, Cadets, and certain specialists. In addition, the maximum recruitment age for Direct Entry Officer specialists was increased to 50.
While challenges undoubtedly remain, the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector, and the policy initiatives and changes to eligibility criteria already implemented, is indicative of Government’s commitment in this regard.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (45, 52)
Edward Timmins
Ceist:45. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress at securing a primary radar system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49099/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:52. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the planned rollout beginning in 2026 of the military radar programme as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49273/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 52 together.
A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed in line with the Government’s decision to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as defined by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF).
The CODF recommended the development of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’, and that this should be an immediate and top priority.
The CODF advised that the absence of a complete Recognised Air Picture needs to be addressed for various reasons; including the protection of our national sovereignty in the air, for the purposes of civil aviation safety, and maintenance of cooperative relations with neighbouring states who are also impacted by this capability gap.
On foot of this, and following approval of the CODF ‘Detailed Implementation Plan’ in November 2023, a project team comprising senior civil and military personnel was established to progress a Military Radar Programme. This programme of work is ongoing and good progress has been made.
There are three elements to the Military Radar Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.
When fully delivered, the Recognised Air Picture will incorporate this suite of military radar systems; which will have the capability to detect all aircraft traversing our airspace including any that may be operating with their transponders turned off.
Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 identified in the Detailed Implementation Plan. That being said, elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026, towards full delivery by the end of 2028.
My Department has engaged with a number of countries, including all EU Member States, to ascertain the interest in supporting Ireland to deliver this capability.
Based on the responses received, I directed my officials to commence bi-lateral discussions with a small number of countries, with a view to assessing options for delivery and finalising this phase of the Programme before the end of this year.
Delivering the Military Radar Programme is a critical part of the implementation of the CODF Report. I believe that the aforementioned approach is the best mechanism to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the entire Programme. My priority is to ensure that delivery can commence next year with full operational capacity being delivered by the end of 2028. Given that this process is currently ongoing it is premature to make any further comment or provide any further detail at this time.
I thank the Deputy for his question and I am happy to update the House on the progress of the Programme.
Foreign Policy
Ceisteanna (46)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:46. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland's engagement with EU partners on defence innovation, including the development of radar and AI technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49098/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland engages in Defence Innovation at a European level both through the European Commission schemes including; the European Defence Fund (EDF) and European Defence Innovation scheme (EUDIS) and through the European Defence Agencies programmes including; the European Defence Innovation Network (EDIN) and the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI). The Defence Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) office within the Department of Defence and Defence Forces is responsible for managing Ireland’s engagement in these programmes.
The European Defence Fund (EDF) is a key initiative by the European Union aimed at enhancing defence capabilities through collaborative research and development, with a budget of approximately €8 billion for 2021-2027. The RTI office and the EU Industry engagement unit supports Irish Academia and Industry to participate in innovative EDF projects.
The EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) is an instrument enabled by the European Defence Fund (EDF) to strengthen defence innovation in the European Union. EUDIS offers a set of instruments for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including start-ups, and other non-traditional players in defence industrial ecosystem to ensure more opportunities to access the European Defence Fund. It aims to lower entry barriers into the defence domain for smaller players and innovators, focusing on technological readiness and market maturity. EUDIS supports innovators throughout the development cycle to mature, scale-up, demonstrate their use-case, grow and successfully enter the market. The RTI office advertises the EUDIS scheme to Irish SME’s and Academics to participate in the Business Accelerator programme and the Defence Hackathons.
Through the European Defence Agency (EDA), the RTI office actively contributes to Defence Innovation activities and attends quarterly meetings in Brussels with the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI). HEDI serves as a platform to stimulate and facilitate cooperation on defence innovation among Member States while ensuring synergies with related European Commission activities, notably the EU defence innovation scheme, coherence with NATO innovation initiatives, and other EU defence innovation organisations. The hub strengthens the Agency’s existing innovation activities while also initiating new ones. The RTI office has supported its initiatives through displaying the Irish Defence Forces Innovative projects at the European Defence Innovation Days in Krakow Poland in May 2025. Furthermore, Ireland has contributed national experts to the Operational Experimentation (OPEX) campaign in Italy in June 2025, which assessed new unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned ground systems (UGS) platforms from start-up industries. These activities help to ensure Ireland is prepared to adapt and integrate with innovative defence technologies.
The RTI Directorate within the EDA also ensures the promotion of innovation in defence and the exploitation of synergies at EU level with civil research in dual-use technology fields. Within the RTI directorate, Ireland has supported the working group for Trustworthiness of AI in Defence (TAID) to assess the potential pros and cons of AI in defence.
Ireland has not currently engaged in innovation activities in relation to the development of radar with EU member states. However, a key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed in line with the Government’s decision to move to level of ambition LOA2, as defined by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF), by 2028.
Following approval of the CODF ‘Detailed Implementation Plan’ in November 2023, a project team comprising senior civil and military personnel was established to progress a Military Radar Programme; comprising Land based Long Range Primary Radar, Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability, and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar. This programme of work is ongoing and good progress has been made.
My Department has engaged with a number of countries, including all EU Member States, to ascertain the interest in supporting Ireland to deliver this capability. Based on the responses received, I directed my officials to commence bi-lateral discussions with a small number of countries, with a view to assessing options for delivery and finalising this phase of the Programme before the end of this year.
I am happy to update the House on the progress of the Programme.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (47)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:47. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department owns property at Knockalisheen, Meelick, County Clare; the purpose for which this land is currently used; and his future intentions for this land bank. [48941/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The property and land owned by my Department at Knockalisheen, Meelick, County Clare amounts to some 51 hectares. The Deputy may be aware that my Department has given permission to the Office of Public Works for the use of part of this holding as a Direct Provision centre, which has been in operation for a number of years.. In addition, tentage has been erected by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration formerly Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, following a request for assistance for the provision of accommodation for International Protection applicants.
It is not intended to dispose of these lands in the immediate future. I can assure the Deputy that any long-term usage will be informed first and foremost by the requirements of the military authorities.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 22.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (49)
Sinéad Gibney
Ceist:49. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces or his Department is keeping data on the number of people leaving the Defence Forces, by service, rank, and when they are leaving; if so, how far back this data goes; if it has been analysed to better understand the reason members are leaving the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence Forces inform me that they have discharge records going back to 1989, which include the details raised by the Deputy in his question.
Within the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), the term 'discharge' encompasses personnel who leave for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract, voluntary discharges and also includes the number of trainees who exited. Last year saw a stabilisation in the strength with the number of discharges recorded the lowest in four years. This trend has continued to date in 2025.
An analysis of discharge reasons is conducted by the PDF via Exit Surveys and Exit Interviews. Participation with these surveys is entirely voluntary. Therefore, not all reasons for leaving are captured. The level of turnover in the Defence Forces in 2024 was circa 9% which includes those in training. For the years 2020 -2024 the exit rate during recruit training averaged some 32%. Recruits do not complete their training for a variety of reasons. The realities of military life and the training requirements are not always suitable for some recruits or in line with their expectations of the role. Additionally, there will inevitably be a fall off in personnel in any position where there is a training period prior to appointment.. Notwithstanding this, the Commission on the Defence Forces stated in their report that they were satisfied that, in broad terms, levels of average turnover are not out of line with other military organisations internationally.
It is also the case that a high percentage of personnel who leave the Defence Forces do so with some form of pension. This can make taking up a position in the private sector very attractive, where a full-time position, could lead to an increase in an individual’s earnings. Furthermore, the current buoyancy of the Irish economy presents inevitable challenges in retaining highly skilled specialist personnel.
A number of key measures aimed at bolstering retention and making the Defence Forces an employer of choice have been introduced. These include the implementation of the Working Time Directive, the introduction of family friendly policies, the extension of private secondary health care to all members, increased capital expenditure for accommodation and training facilities, investment in new capabilities. There has also been significant progress on pay with the most recent increase coming on 1 August 2025.
Whilst there are still undoubtedly challenges, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (50)
Noel McCarthy
Ceist:50. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the level of specialist technician recruitment to the Naval Service over the past three years; the positions filled in that period; if he satisfied that there is currently an adequate number of technicians to ensure the proper functioning of the naval fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49092/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Naval Service, as at 31 July 2025, the latest date such figures are available, stood at 745 personnel or 68% of an agreed establishment strength of 1,094.
The ongoing staffing challenges in the Naval Service are well- documented and to address these a wide range of recruitment and retention initiatives have been introduced. These include an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 for Direct Entry Officer specialists; an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62; a doubling of the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance after 10 days; the extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit for a further 5 years; the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January of this year, subject to certain exemptions; and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force. There has also been significant progress on pay with the most recent increase paid on 1 August 2025.
Recruitment is presently ongoing via a wide range of pathways including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and eight Naval Service specific direct entry competitions. Applications for the Naval Service have been very strong in 2025 with the total number of applications received as of the 31 August exceeding the total number received for all of 2024. A total of 2141 applications have been received in 2025 up to end August, while 1909 applications were received in 2024. Recruitment to date for 2025 has also been strong with 84 inductions to the Naval Service as of 31 August compared to 97 for all of 2024.
The Defence Forces are also presently collaborating with recruitment specialists, CPL, as part of the Naval Service Recruitment Process Outsourcing to develop and support the recruitment function in the Naval Service and to develop a content and marketing plan. Signs in this regard for the year to date are positive with a significant growth in specialist recruitment noted. As of the 31 August there have been 11 Direct Entry inductions into specialist roles in the Naval Service- the highest in five years. These comprise of 2 Marine Engineering Officers, 2 Operations Officers, 4 Engine Room Artificers, 1 Electrical Artificer, 1 Radio/Radar Technician and 1 Hull Artificer.
Notwithstanding the challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to conduct maritime surveillance and fisheries patrols in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, and the Naval Operations Command Centre located at Naval Base Haulbowline continue to remotely monitor vessels in the Irish EEZ on a 24/7 basis.
The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations. These four vessels consist of three P60 class vessels as well as the L.É. Aoibhinn with all four vessels conducting patrols on a rotation basis.
Whilst some challenges undoubtedly remain, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector coupled with the ongoing initiatives I have outlined here, is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 16.
Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 45.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (53)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:53. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has examined the extent to which pension entitlements are hindering retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48985/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Retention, as the Deputy will be aware, is not influenced by a single factor, but rather that there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for retaining people in any organisation. In common with other international militaries and while in a buoyant economy, the Defence Forces is facing a challenging environment at present.
Pension entitlements cannot be viewed solely as a retention measure; they are in place primarily to support the Defence Forces manpower policy and operational requirements.
Defence Forces pension arrangements differ in a number of key respects to the wider public service. These distinctions include earlier ages with entitlement to immediate pension benefit, and atypical faster rates of benefit accrual, similar to other uniformed services.
Pension entitlements for members of the Defence Forces are split over 3 main pension schemes, depending on when a member joined the Defence Forces. In the round, Defence Forces pension schemes compare very favourably to the generality of pension arrangements applicable across our public service
As Minister for Defence, in addition to a programme of cultural transformation, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases.
A number of specific actions in the area of retention have already been delivered: -
• Significant progress on pay in recent years;
• Increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62 years of age for all personnel
• Increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39;
• Increases to Patrol Duty Allowance to incentivise sea-going in the Naval Service;
• The extension of a Naval Service personnel tax credit for a further five years;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Access to free medical, physiotherapy and dental care;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Provision of fully funded opportunities to continue education to gain professional and academic qualifications;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• A revised policy on maternity and associated protected leave which is fully aligned with national legislation;
• A new policy on personal appearance standards;
• Removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of Working Time Act.
• DPER Sanction to re-new existing Service Commitment Schemes and extended the existing service commitment scheme for Air Flying Officers (Pilots) to Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel.
• The implementation of a range of work-life balance and 'harmony’ initiatives.
While it may take some time to see the full fruits of these ongoing efforts., I would like to assure the Deputy that both the recruitment and retention of Defence Forces Personnel continues to be a key priority for me.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (54)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:54. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on his announcement to support the procurement of Jet capability for the State, what developments have occurred in providing the State with its own Air Policing Capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49036/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the Defence Forces’ operational capability is maintained and developed to enable it to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
Equipment priorities for the Defence Forces are considered in the context of the established Capability Development and Equipment Development Planning processes. This is underpinned by significant increases in funding with capital funding of €1.7 billion allocated to 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 is 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 CoDF Report.
The civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the CoDF 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 in terms of equipment 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 foundation for future developments in capability.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended a further level of ambition - LOA 3 which provides for the development of full spectrum defence capabilities to protect Ireland and its people to an extent comparable to similar sixed countries in Europe. This includes a recommendation that "As part of a national Air Defence Plan, the Air Corps would develop an air combat and intercept capability through the acquisition of a squadron of jet combat aircraft, allied to the development of associated operational, infrastructure and support arrangements".
That being said, the immediate focus for the NDP period 2026-2030 is the targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments towards LOA 2 objectives.
In terms of LOA 2 capabilities for the Air Corps, a number of projects are currently being progressed under the Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programmes. The delivery of a third Airbus C-295 aircraft (in Military Transport specification) is scheduled for September 2025; and a contract was also awarded in 2024 for the provision of four Airbus H145M light-utility multi-role helicopters, with deliveries due to begin in 2027. Also of relevance to the Air Corps is the Military Radar Programme which was established in response to the recommendation for the establishment of a Recognised Air Picture for Ireland. This Programme which is made up of Long Range Primary Radar, Ground Based Air Defence Systems and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar is of significant importance and has been prioritised. Work is ongoing and good progress is being made.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 7.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (56)
Tom Brabazon
Ceist:56. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the way in which the Defence Forces are developing their drone capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48980/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones are deployed across the Defence Forces. These are small and medium sized systems which provide situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities for deployed personnel in training and on operations both at home and overseas. These assets have no lethal offensive capabilities.
UAS are currently used by a number of branches within the Army such as by Ordnance Corps personnel to assist in the safe conduct of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) duties, as well as by Army Engineer personnel for activities such as Specialist Search and Clearance operations and training. The use of UAS serves to reduce risk exposure to personnel thereby increasing force protection and safety.
The Naval Service utilise UAS daily in the maritime domain for operations such as search and rescue, surveillance, fishery inspections, damage assessments, port and offshore installation security, and maritime pollution monitoring. The Naval Service have also used UAS to support overseas operations including during Operation Pontus in the Mediterranean.
The Air Corps utilise UAS for operator training, photography and videography, communications, infrastructure inspections, and support to air crash investigations.
Looking forward, as the Army’s existing UAS capability is reaching its end of life, market research is being conducted to assist in the procurement of replacement and enhanced capabilities. To that end, and in compliance with EU public procurement procedures, a Prior Information Notice was published in March 2025 to alert the market of the planned procurement and for market research purposes. This planned procurement remains at market research stage and no decisions have been taken on the final capability requirements for the replacement systems.
Furthermore, a specific recommendation in relation to the further development of the Defence Forces’ RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) capabilities was made by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The timeframe for implementation of this recommendation will be outlined in the updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which is due to be published shortly.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (57)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:57. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number in the Reserve Defence Forces at present; the way in which that compares with five years ago and ten years ago; the measures in place to encourage recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49037/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The military authorities have provided the following table that outlines the strengths requested. The military authorities have also advised that a review of the strength figures is currently underway and therefore the figures provided below may be subject to change.
|
Year |
Army Reserve |
Naval Service Reserve |
First Line Reserve |
|
2015 |
2,159 |
143 |
243 |
|
2020 |
1,583 |
129 |
290 |
|
2025 (31AUG25) |
1,497 |
125 |
207 |
The military authorities further advise that the strength of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was at it's lowest in 2022. The strength of the RDF is a key focus of the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established in line with a recommendation from the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF).
One of the priorities of the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) was the development of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) Regeneration and Development Plan (RDFRDP), published in July 2024, which coordinates 27 individual actions to drive forward recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; as well as integration and deployment - the 4 operational objectives of the plan. Each of the 27 actions contribute to the ultimate goal of developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.
Examples of recruitment measures that continue to support this objective include the increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages, implementation of a ‘managed Induction Process’ and the on boarding process which enables candidates to undergo pre-attestation recruit training.
The initiatives contained in the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan are generating positive change and increased momentum towards a regenerated, trained and capable RDF to support the Permanent Defence Forces.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (58)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:58. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures he will take to improve the Irish Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
The ongoing staffing challenges in the Naval Service are well- documented and to address these a wide range of recruitment and retention initiatives have been introduced. These include an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 for Direct Entry Officer specialists; an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62; a doubling of the Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance after 10 days; the extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit for a further 5 years; the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January of this year, subject to certain exemptions; and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force. There has also been significant progress on pay with the most recent increase paid on 1 August 2025.
Recruitment is presently ongoing via a wide range of pathways including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and eight Naval Service specific direct entry competitions. Applications for the Naval Service have been very strong in 2025 with the total number of applications received as of the 31 August exceeding the total number received for all of 2024. A total of 2141 applications have been received in 2025 up to end August, while 1909 applications were received in 2024. Recruitment to date for 2025 has also been strong with 84 inductions to the Naval Service as of 31 August compared to 97 for all of 2024.
The Defence Forces are also presently collaborating with recruitment specialists, CPL, as part of the Naval Service Recruitment Process Outsourcing to develop and support the recruitment function in the Naval Service and to develop a content and marketing plan. Signs in this regard for the year to date are positive with a significant growth in specialist recruitment noted. As of the 31 August there have been 11 Direct Entry inductions into specialist roles in the Naval Service- the highest in five years. These comprise of 2 Marine Engineering Officers, 2 Operations Officers, 4 Engine Room Artificers, 1 Electrical Artificer, 1 Radio/Radar Technician and 1 Hull Artificer.
Notwithstanding the challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to conduct maritime surveillance and fisheries patrols in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, and the Naval Operations Command Centre located at Naval Base Haulbowline continue to remotely monitor vessels in the Irish EEZ on a 24/7 basis.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (59)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:59. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the capital funding allocated to defence in the National Development Plan for the period 2026 to 2030. [48984/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation will increase by €85 million to €300 million.
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.
As Defence capital expenditure is often atypical, with long lead-in times, the funding certainty now provided will support the internal Equipment Development Plan and Infrastructural Development Planning Frameworks.
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.
You will note that following the conclusion of the process of agreeing overall Departmental allocations, all Departments were requested to consider and outline their sectoral priority projects for delivery over the period to 2030.
In that regard, my Department is now prioritising within the revised NDP allocations to meet its sectoral targets and obligations - with specific details on sectoral investment plans to be published later this year.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 17.