Catherine Callaghan
Ceist:157. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence to outline her priorities as Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 February 2026
Ceisteanna (157)
Freagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for her question.
As all Deputies recognise, we are operating in a changing and increasingly complex security environment. As Minister, I am deeply committed to the continued transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit-for-purpose organisation capable of defending the State. In the last week, I attended a meeting a FAC meeting with my EU Defence counterparts and attended the Munich Security Conference and my engagements there have reaffirmed by belief that Ireland needs to be ambitious in delivering the necessary capability, infrastructure and personnel to meet the security challenges, not only of today, but also of the future.
I and the Government are fully committed to strengthening Ireland’s defence by increasing investment with a view to achieving a significantly enhanced capability by 2028 and, thereafter, moving as quickly as possible to develop defence capabilities that would match those of other small Western European countries.
Last week, I announced the publication of the Strategic Framework 2026 and the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces which reflect my key priorities for Defence.
To realise this ambition, my key priorities as Minister are;
• Continuing to drive the implementation of reform and transformation in our Defence Forces, particularly with respect to culture change
• Supporting Defence Forces personnel
• Ensuring investment translates into real capability, with a focus on the greater use of new technology
• Progressing an ambitious policy agenda including the development of the Maritime Security Strategy; and initiating a further Defence Policy Review
• Advancing an ambitious legislative programme including
• a Bill to remove the existing requirement regarding the Triple Lock and
• further Bill concerning high-level structures within the Defence Forces,
As Minister for Defence, one of my driving forces is to deliver meaningful cultural change in the Defence Forces that its members can feel. This involves transformative change in the Defence Forces’ structures, culture, capability and people management. To achieve this, it is necessary to institute reforms spanning primary legislation, capability development, HR and culture.
We are also putting in place a number of crucial HR initiatives, which will bolster the progress that has already been made in this area. Particular emphasis will be placed on enhanced career and talent management policies and practices, as well as revised access to promotion opportunities, a civilisation strategy and a Work Force Plan.
Recruitment and retention initiatives are a driving force for the success of all transformation efforts. Improvements in recruitment policies and processes are beginning to bear fruit, with personnel numbers starting to grow again and interest in a career in the Defence Forces strengthening year on year. My priority is to sustain this increase in recruitment, strengthen retention and support long-term career development for the women and men of our Defence Forces.
A key part of my priority to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces is the Military Radar Programme and good progress is being made. As an island nation we must be ambitious in terms of our air defence capabilities. This programme will include three elements - 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. Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target delivery date of 2028. Elements will be rolled out in phases, including the delivery of counter-drone technology in Q2 this year.
I am confident and determined that through the new Strategic Framework, and Updated Detailed Implementation Plan, we will realise our shared ambition for the Defence Forces, accompanied by clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground for serving members.