Written Answers Nos. 191-210
191. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the reasons for delays in key defence projects in the updated Implementation Plan for the Commission on Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12515/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on the revised detailed implementation plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12171/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra226. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on the Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12485/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 191, 206 and 226 together.
I would like to thank the Deputies for giving me this opportunity to discuss the recently published second Detailed Implementation Plan of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. The vital work on the transformation of our Defence Forces is the core priority for me as Minister for Defence. I am fully committed to the continued, meaningful transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
I want to take this opportunity to commend the Defence Forces and my Department for the excellent progress that has been made in completing 54 of the 130 recommendations from the Commission, and as the DIP illustrates, there is significant progress underway on the remainder. As we all know, the Commission recommended significant quite changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland, which resulted in the approval by Government of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2) by 2028, as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The Defence and security landscape has changed significantly since the publication of the Commission's Report. Russia's fullscale invasion of Ukraine occurred just weeks afterward, and global political instability has been the hallmark of the past four years, and our transformation agenda will continue to be shaped by this.
Transformation efforts of this magnitude take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place and progress to date will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort. Record levels of annual provision for Defence have been made by the Government in successive budgets, along with a capital provision of €1.7 billion under the National Development Plan 2025-2030.
As the Deputy mentioned, some timelines have been adjusted due to the complexity of some of the steps that are necessary for meaningful transformation to take place, and to reflect the available capital funding now available under the National Development Plan.
As detailed in the DIP, in 2026 significant progress will be made on key Defence Equipment projects, including the priority Military Radar Programme. The Military Radar Programme is a key priority for the Defences Forces and I am assured that good progress is being made. As the Deputy will appreciate, the full delivery of the Military Radar Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target delivery date of 2028. Elements of the programme will be rolled out in phases, starting this year with the counter-drone technology.
With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from July this year, I have prioritised the delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces. 2025 provision was secured in the Supplementary Estimates in December last year and contractual arrangements have now been put in place for the delivery of these capabilities in Q2 of this year. The necessary training of military personnel is already underway and the further roll-out of the required capabilities will continue to be accelerated this year.
Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 174.
193. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the way the new strategic framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces will boost recruitment and retention levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12173/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question.
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.
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.
194. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence further to recent Dáil debates, her views on past health and safety measures in the Air Corps; the actions she intends to take to support former aircraft maintenance and ancillary personnel; whether she intends to ensure their medical needs are met; and the other supports that can be offered to the category affected as a whole. [12517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to thank Deputy O Laoghaire for providing me this opportunity to update him on this matter.
As the Deputy is aware, from previous direct engagements with my officials, and from my response to this question on the occasion of our last oral PQ session, this matter is receiving detailed consideration.
I have benefitted from an initial brief from my officials and have sought a comprehensive report which I will consider in addition to further discussions with interested stakeholders such as the State Claims Agency. As the Deputy is aware, the State Claims Agency is managing, on my behalf, a number of personal injuries claims from individuals alleging historic harm.
As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, as there is ongoing litigation, it limits my ability to discuss this matter publicly in any depth, or with respect to any allegation of the kinds of exposure that the Deputy has referenced in his question.
I want to assure the Deputy that I am treating it with the utmost seriousness but I also want to ensure that it receives the most detailed and critical consideration. This in-depth consideration is due to be concluded, with a report provided for my consideration, before the end of Quarter 1. I will ensure that the matter continues to be focused on as a priority within the Department.
195. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence if her attention has been drawn to reports of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights refuelling at Shannon airport, including those deporting Palestinians to the West Bank; if the Irish Defence Forces are providing security at Shannon Airport for ICE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12468/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Immigration and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the national security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, including at Shannon Airport, An Garda Síochána request their assistance and accordingly, any security assessments, and consequent decisions to seek support from the Defence Forces, are a matter for An Garda Síochána.
I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces Aid to Civil Power roles.
196. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Defence the way the new strategic framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces will improve Defence Forces equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12175/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. The Strategic Framework 2026 comprises 123 actions that will be completed during this year to underpin the transformation of the Defence Forces.
A range of measures are in train to improve Defence Forces equipment over the next twelve months, including:
• Delivery of the Counter UAS capability.
• Commencement of phased delivery of the Military Radar Programme.
• Progression of the Super Medium Helicopter project.
• Build Phase of H145 Light Utility Helicopters, with phased delivery in 2027 and 2028.
• Naval Service P50 Primary Armament refurbishment and modernisation.
• Naval Service X and S band radar systems completed.
• Mid-life maintenance and upgrade programme of the Army's fleet of Armoured Personnel Carriers.
• Delivery of Individual Modularised Body Armour Systems.
• Naval Service Diving Unit Equipment modernisation.
These improvements will be further enhanced by the considerable infrastructure plans that are also well underway in my Department, across eleven different military installations
197. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Defence if she will outline Ireland’s defence and national security readiness ahead of taking up the EU Presidency in July 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12463/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the forthcoming EU Presidency, security rests primarily with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána.
I am advised that the Defence Forces are in ongoing discussions with An Garda Síochána, on a range of security matters particularly in an Aid to Civil Power capacity as part of the formers preparation for the Presidency. The Chief of Staff updates me on these preparations on a regular basis.
The Deputy will appreciate in the circumstances that it is not appropriate to comment further on operational or security details at this juncture.
Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 174.
199. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the timeframe for the recommendation on the replacement for the Irish Army’s LTAV fleet; the date by which she expects to give permission to purchase replacement vehicles; to report on the manner in which the existing LTAV stock will be disposed of; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11578/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.
The Defence Forces fleet of 27 Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles, the RG32M, has been in service since 2010. These vehicles are now approaching end of life, are being withdrawn from active service and are due for replacement. As the vehicles are currently being withdrawn from service, no decision has yet been made with regard to the manner in which these vehicles will be disposed.
Following the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, the Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2).
A joint civil / military project team have been continuing their work on an Armoured Fleet Programme which will include the replacement and enhancement of Ireland's Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle fleet in line with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines, and in line with the recommendation from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which was accepted by Government. The Programme is currently in the process of identifying the needs and requirements of the future armoured fleet as part of the capability development planning process. The Programme will be progressed in line with the recently published Updated Detailed Implementation Plan.
The development of an Armoured Fleet Programme for Ireland is an essential element in the delivery of the €1.7 billion National Development Plan for the Defence Forces, which I published in December and which represents an increase from €1.1 billion under the previous NDP, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. It represents a major national defence investment consistent with the 2024 Defence Policy Review, the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan and the Strategic Framework.
200. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the plans in place for the residential units in the Curragh Camp; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has been a long-standing policy, in line with other public sector employers, to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to serving personnel. Single living-in (SLI) accommodation is provided for transient operational and training use and by its nature it is not designed for long-stay or family accommodation. The allocation of SLI accommodation is decided locally by the military authorities pursuant to the provisions of Defence Forces Regulation Q6 (Public Quarters).
In terms of the existing Defence Forces residential housing stock in the Curragh Camp of one hundred and four (104) residential units, sixty-three (63) residential properties are uninhabitable. None of these properties can be brought up to a habitable standard without significant work, and many were built prior to the introduction of building regulations. As such, considerable work is needed to bring them up to modern standards. My officials have engaged with the Defence Forces to have these projects included in the existing infrastructure development and it is intended to begin the procurement phase for this refurbishment programme in 2026.
201. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if she will let the people decide on the question of abolishing the triple lock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12201/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been a number of calls for a public plebiscite in relation to the Government's proposed changes to the Triple Lock.
This mechanism is not set out in our constitution – it is set down in national legislation, the Defence (Amendment) Act 1960 as amended.
It is clear therefore that amending the legislation which governs how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas does not require a referendum or national plebiscite.
The Triple Lock is a statutory mechanism rather than a constitutional one. It is not enshrined in the Constitution. It originated as a political commitment during the Nice and Lisbon Treaty processes, not as a constitutional or legal obligation.
It is therefore the Government's view that amending the legislation which governs how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas does not require a national plebiscite.
The Government has agreed that a new process is needed to replace the current system governing the overseas deployments of our Defence Forces to take part in peace support operations, which effectively allows the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council members to bind Ireland’s hands in its international engagement.
This creates a situation in which Ireland's sovereign decision making with regard to participation in peace operations can be impacted by the geopolitical interests of other states.
By amending the legislation, we are ensuring our continued compliance with the highest standards of international law without surrendering our own sovereignty.
I can reassure this House however that Government remains fully committed to maintaining democratically accountable arrangements that will govern the despatch of Defence Forces personnel overseas. I can also reassure this House, as have my predecessors have on this matter, that any legislative proposals will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Furthermore, this Government has been clear that the proposed changes and the removal of the Triple Lock will do nothing to alter or undermine Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
The publication of this Bill is a key priority for myself and for the Government this term. 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.
202. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the capacity in the Naval Service, in terms of personnel, specialist personnel and fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset I want to acknowledge the on-going staffing challenges in the Naval Service. We have, however, made positive progress over the last two years.
A total of 2,827 applications to join the Naval Service were received in 2025, while 1,917 applications were received in 2024.
We had 162 personnel inducted into the Naval Service in 2025. This included significant growth in specialist recruitment with 24 inductions achieved, via Direct Entry competitions.
I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Naval Service, as at 31 December 2025, the latest date such figures are available, stood at 807 personnel, representing a 12% increase on the total of 719 personnel recorded at the end of 2024.
It demonstrates that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment are yielding results. These measures include: -
• an increase in the maximum recruitment ages to 39 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 until 2029;
• the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January 2025, 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 awarded earlier this month with a further increase due on the 1st of June.
With regard to the fleet, the Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO).
Challenges with ships to sea has been well documented in recent years, however the number of patrol days completed by the Naval Service in 2025 reached 580 patrol days. This is an increase of over 35% on the outputs from 2024 when 428 patrol days were completed.
The Naval Service continue to maintain a constant presence within the Irish EEZ.
While recruitment and retention of personnel in 2025 has been positive, a wholistic plan for the future of the Naval Service is required. I am due to receive a Naval Service Regeneration Plan from the Chief of Staff, which will set out a pathway for the future direction of the service, in the coming weeks.
Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 184.
204. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of applicants who succeeded, withdrew or were rejected at each individual stage of recruitment for the Defence forces, for each of the years 2022 to 2025, in tabular form; the way these compare to other EU nations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12528/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the measures her Department is taking to encourage the recruitment and retention of Defence Force personnel; the Defence Force strength on an annual basis for each of the years 2021 to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12478/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 210 together.
Increasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. As a Government, we are committed to putting the resources in place to achieve Level of Ambition 2 and a crucial element of this is personnel expansion. A range of measures have been undertaken to tackle recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces over the last number of years. As a result, we have seen a stabilisation in strength in the Defence Forces in 2024 and a modest increase in 2025. I want to ensure that we continue on that trajectory.
As of the 31 December 2025, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,756 personnel; an increase of almost 200 personnel on the total of 7,557 recorded at the end of 2024.
The table below illustrates the progress made in the last 5 years in terms of applications, inductions and the whole-time strength of the PDF.
|
|
PDF WTE strength |
Applications |
Inductions |
|
2021 |
8,456 |
9,561 |
576 |
|
2022 |
7,966 |
8,043 |
435 |
|
2023 |
7,550 |
9,479 |
415 |
|
2024 |
7,557 |
13,348 |
708 |
|
2025 |
7,756 |
16,510 |
790 |
I want to build on the progress achieved in 2025 and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026.
The Defence Forces have advised that the data requested around the number of applicants who succeeded, withdrew or were rejected at each individual stage of recruitment for the Defence forces is being compiled, however it is only available from 2024 onwards. It will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course. Analysis of recruitment stages in other EU militaries is not available. The Defence Forces have a new recruitment platform 'Resumo' with built in analysis features, which will enable this data to be provided from 2026 onwards.
It is very positive to see that interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025. The challenge now for the Defence Forces is to convert those applications into inductions. The Defence Forces are currently formulating a Strategic Workforce Plan to set out current personnel and skill sets and to map out proposals for the achievement of a strength of 11,500, including civilian personnel, as proposed in the Commission on Defence Forces Report.
The key enabling measures undertaken to support and drive recruitment and retention include: increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement; the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel; the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions; increases to Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea, and extension of the Naval Service tax credit to 2029.
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.
Opportunities for careers in the Defence Forces remain open via a diverse range of ongoing competitions including those for general service and for Direct Entry specialist roles while the 2026 Cadetship competition recently opened for applications.
The Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Barracks has been established and will facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum, when fully operational. An allowance for Officer Instructors was introduced last summer targeted at increasing training capacity and upskilling these Officers.
Underpinning these and other measures, I ensured that Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.
While recruitment and retention remains challenging, significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts. The allocation of record levels of expenditure is illustrative of my commitment to increase recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force and retain our valuable members.
205. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Defence the work being undertaken by her Department to improve housing conditions for members of the Defence Forces in the Curragh; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12382/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has been a long-standing policy, in line with other public sector employers, to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to serving personnel. Single living-in (SLI) accommodation is provided for transient operational and training use and by its nature it is not designed for long-stay or family accommodation. The allocation of SLI accommodation is decided locally by the military authorities pursuant to the provisions of Defence Forces Regulation Q6 (Public Quarters).
In terms of the existing Defence Forces residential housing stock in the Curragh Camp of one hundred and four (104) residential units, sixty-three (63) residential properties are uninhabitable. None of these properties can be brought up to a habitable standard without significant work, and many were built prior to the introduction of building regulations. As such, considerable work is needed to bring them up to modern standards. My officials have engaged with the Defence Forces to have these projects included in the existing infrastructure development and it is intended to begin the procurement phase for this refurbishment programme in 2026.
Question No. 206 answered with Question No. 191.
207. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if her Department will accelerate the recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12527/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for his question.
I published the Strategic Framework 2026 and the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces simultaneously.
These two documents are fundamental to the next phase of reform to strengthen our Defence Forces in an evolving and increasingly complex security environment, while also accomplishing cultural change.
The Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces brings together into one overarching document, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit-for-purpose organisation, ready to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
Since the publication of the Detailed Implementation Plan in November 2023, considerable progress has been made, with 54 (42%) of the Commission’s 130 recommendations completed as of 31 December 2025 and many more in progress.
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. They outline 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.
I am confident that my Department, and the Defence Forces are ensuring that every recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces is being progressed as expeditiously as possible,
208. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence the investment planned in Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, over the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12178/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, work is ongoing at Aiken Barracks on a new Dining Facility which will be completed in 2026 at a cost of €5.6M. This will replace the catering infrastructure currently used by Defence Forces military and civilian staff and includes a kitchen, front of house dining facilities and co-located ration storage.
The Deputy may wish to know that, to date, the following capital projects have also been completed in the Barracks:
• Aikens Barracks Heating Certification
• Aikens Barracks, New EV Charging points/Enabling works
In order to further progress development of Defence Forces infrastructure more quickly and to increase economies of scale, it is planned to develop a series of masterplans for each installation to future-proof for 20-30 years. This approach will identify from the outset the infrastructure requirements in line with capability development for each installation with an associated prioritisation of projects and a phased timeline for delivery. These plans will dovetail with developments identified under the current IDP and will also layout requirements for the years from 2027 onwards. A masterplan for Aiken Barracks will be developed in the context of the overall 2 Brigade masterplan.
209. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Defence to report on the taskforce that considers the so-called Exercise Cathal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to take this opportunity to offer my deep sympathies to the people and businesses who have suffered enormously around the country during the recent floods.
The Office of Emergency Planning which sits within my Department is tasked with overseeing Ireland's planning process to respond to emergency situations. It provides support and guidance to other relevant Government Departments and agencies, including facilitating desk top exercises. In this regard, the Office assisted the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with the development of Exercise Cathal, providing the National Emergency Coordination Centre as the location for the exercise which took place on December 3, 2024. That Department, as the lead Government Department, presented the outcomes of Exercise Cathal to the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning on March 11, 2025. As such, that Department would be best placed to provide information on the exercise itself.
Question No. 210 answered with Question No. 204.
