Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:51. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Health will next meet [7829/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (51, 52)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:52. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Health will next meet. [8272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 51 together.
The Cabinet Committee on Health last met on the 15th of December 2025 and is due to meet again shortly.
Questions Nos. 53 to 90, inclusive, resubmitted.
Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
Ceisteanna (91)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:91. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach to report on his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. [7831/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I travelled to China from 4 to 8 January for an official visit to Beijing and Shanghai.
In Beijing I met President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji.
We discussed Ireland’s bilateral relationship with China, including our important economic and trading relationship; EU-China relations, including Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026; and shared global challenges, including conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere.
I stressed the importance of an effective international rules-based order, and the need to strengthen human rights and international law.
I also raised the question of access for Irish beef to the Chinese market.
In Shanghai I met with Mayor Gong Zheng. Our discussions included the links between Cork and Shanghai which recently celebrated 20 years of being twinned.
During my visit, I also met with Irish and Chinese business leaders in a variety of sectors including financial services, tourism, food and beverages and education.
Questions Nos. 92 to 108, inclusive, resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (109)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:109. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness will next meet. [7332/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness is scheduled to meet next on Monday 2 March 2026.
Questions Nos. 110 to 139, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 140 to 145, inclusive, answered orally.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (146)
Catherine Ardagh
Ceist:146. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Defence for an overview of the strategic HR and cultural change to be delivered under the updated Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [12374/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for her question.
As Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit for purpose organisation. Increasing recruitment and improving retention rates in the Defence Forces is an absolute priority for me, and in order to achieve this, it is essential that a strategic approach to HR and meaningful cultural change is achieved in the Defence Forces.
Last week, I published the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces and an Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces.
These documents highlight a renewed focus on workforce planning, new command and joint structures, service reform, revitalising the Reserve Defence Force and developing modern joint capabilities.
These are not simply words, they are a statement of our dedication to the transformation of the Defence Forces, enshrining that we welcome diversity and support the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann.
The Strategic Framework also sets out priority actions for the year ahead, including boosting recruitment and retention, regenerating the Naval Service and Air Corps, improving equipment and working environments, progressing legislative reform and accelerating digital and data transformation.
Working towards the achievement of Level of Ambition 2, the Defence Forces have commenced the formulation of a Strategic Workforce Plan that will provide a roadmap for the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of a civilian component.
Last year saw a growth in numbers with 790 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force. Military authorities have advised that they are targeting 850 inductions at a minimum for 2026. Interest in a career in the Defence Forces remains notably high with further growth achieved last year in the number of applications received.
Government has introduced a range of key enabling measures to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention. 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.
In addition to the considerable reform of allowances in recent years, there continues to be significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a pay award delivered earlier this month with a further increase due in June 2026.
Increasing the scale and numbers of civilians working within our Defence Forces, supporting Defence Force personnel in carrying out their military tasks, is absolutely essential to the growth and modernisation of the organisation. To this end, I expect to receive a Civilianisation Strategy from the Defence Forces by July of this year.
Underpinning these and other measures, Budget 2026 has provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for Defence, an increase of almost 11%, equating to €145 million, on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.
Significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure along with the multitude of initiatives in train is illustrative of my commitment to meaningful change in both culture and capability for the women and men of our Defence Forces.
The key actions and outcomes that I will prioritise delivery of include, among others:
• Transformative career and talent processes, and transparent promotion systems.
• Responsive and accountable Culture Surveys.
• The continued realisation of Family Friendly Policies
• Gender Perspective Policies and Actions.
The matter of flexible work practices is something I am cognisant of. Considerable organisational changes are required in the Defence Forces in order to allow for more flexible service and flexible work packages. To this end, a pilot programme to be implemented in the coming months.
Questions Nos. 147 and 148 answered orally.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (149)
Pa Daly
Ceist:149. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Defence to report on the analysis she has conducted on the impact of her proposal to remove the triple lock on Irish neutrality; the safeguards that will be in place to guarantee Irish neutrality if the triple lock is removed; to report on the engagements she has had on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12368/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Defence Minister, I am committed to reforming the legislative that governs how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas. The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 is included in the Government Legislative Programme for priority publication during the current parliamentary session. The drafting of the Bill is continuing in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. It is my intention to bring the Bill for approval to Government as soon as possible following the conclusion of the drafting process and subsequently begin its progress through the Oireachtas.
Government’s intention to reform this legislation followed detailed consideration of the recommendations of the Consultative Forum in 2023 and the inputs of a wide variety of stakeholders into this process, with participation from civilian and military experts, practitioners and the general public, representing a breadth of experience and views. The prevailing view was that the Triple Lock and the process under which we deploy our troops overseas should be reconsidered.
Analysis undertaken to date has highlighted the increasing constraints posed by the requirement for a United Nations Security Council mandate in circumstances where the Council is frequently unable to act due to the use, or threat, of the veto. This has the potential to limit Ireland’s ability to participate meaningfully in UN-mandated or UN-endorsed operations that support international peace and security, including those directly aligned with our long-standing peacekeeping traditions.
Prior to and since my appointment as Minister for Defence, engagement on this matter has been extensive. Discussions have been held with Cabinet colleagues, with members of the Oireachtas, and with relevant Departments as part of the development of the proposals and the associated legislative preparations. Officials from my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission in New York have ongoing engagement with international partners, including at the United Nations, to provide clarity regarding the nature of the proposed reforms and to reiterate that Ireland remains fully committed to multilateralism, peacekeeping, and the principles of the UN Charter. Furthermore, both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have met on a number of occasions with senior UN personnel and have discussed the proposed changes and I intend to engage with them in the near future.
There also has been very detailed engagement, most recently as part of the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) in 2025, which provided the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Security and Defence with the opportunity to examine the Heads and to consult relevant stakeholders on the proposed Bill. The Committee conducted a very thorough piece of work which reflected the views of a wide range of stakeholders. I updated the Government on 27th of January in relation to my views on the recommendations set out in the report. I advised Government that I will be preparing certain amendments to the General Scheme, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
Finally, I want to again make it absolutely clear that the Government has no desire to alter our policy of military neutrality. The amendments proposed will do nothing to change Ireland's traditional position of military neutrality, which has always been characterised by Ireland's non-participation in military alliances. Our engagement overseas will continue to be firmly grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law and will, of course, require the consent of the democratically elected representatives of the people of Ireland.
Questions Nos. 150 and 151 answered orally.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (152)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:152. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence the communications she has had with other members of the United Nations about Ireland’s departure from the UN mandate to deploy troops abroad; and the interdepartmental communications she has had regarding the timeline of changes to ‘triple lock’ legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8697/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, the bravery and dedication of all the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, those currently serving and veterans, who have served their country in UN peace keeping missions are a continuing source of pride and inspiration for us all. Irish peacekeepers have played an essential role in UN missions, not only in UNIFIL but also in a range of other missions over the years such in regions as diverse as Syria (UNDOF), Mali (MINUSMA), Liberia (UNMIL) and Chad (MINURCAT), to reference but a few.
The Government is committed to reforming the legislation governing how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas, and I am committed to seeking new peace keeping missions for our Defence Forces to participate in, for the purpose of peace-keeping and conflict prevention consistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The proposed reforms follow detailed consideration of the recommendations of the Consultative Forum in 2023 and the inputs of a wide variety of stakeholders into this process. Analysis undertaken to date has highlighted the increasing constraints posed by the requirement for a United Nations Security Council mandate in circumstances where the Council is frequently unable to act due to the use, or threat, of the veto. This has the potential to limit Ireland’s ability to participate meaningfully in UN-mandated or UN-endorsed operations that support international peace and security, including those directly aligned with our long-standing peacekeeping traditions.
Officials from both of my Departments, Department of Defence and of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission in New York have ongoing engagement with international partners, including at the United Nations, to provide clarity regarding the nature of the proposed reforms and to reiterate that Ireland remains fully committed to multilateralism, peacekeeping, and the principles of the UN Charter. Furthermore, both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have met on a number of occasions with senior UN personnel and have discussed the proposed changes and I intend to engage directly with them in the near future.
Prior to and since my appointment as Minister for Defence, government engagement on this matter has been extensive. The proposed approach has been discussed and approved by government, and relevant Departments have been consulted with as part of the development of the proposals and the legislative preparations.
There also has been very detailed engagement with the Oireachtas, most recently as part of the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) in 2025, which provided the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Security and Defence with the opportunity to examine the Heads and to consult relevant stakeholders on the proposed Bill. The Committee conducted a very thorough piece of work which reflected the views of a wide range of stakeholders. I updated the Government on 27th January this in relation to my views on the recommendations set out in the report. I advised Government that I will be preparing certain amendments to the General Scheme, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
Finally, I want to again make it absolutely clear that the Government has no desire to alter our policy of military neutrality. The amendments proposed will do nothing to change Ireland's traditional position of military neutrality, which has always been characterised by Ireland's non-participation in military alliances. Our engagement overseas will continue to be firmly grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law and will, of course, require the consent of the democratically elected representatives of the people of Ireland.
Question No. 153 answered orally.