Written Answers Nos. 211-233
211. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the procedures and actions to be implemented by Irish military personnel on their observations of suspect drone activities in Irish airspace; if this includes notification to Irish air traffic control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12004/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my key priorities as Minister is to ensure that Defence Forces capabilities are maintained, developed and enhanced so that the organisation can meet all Government-assigned roles, including those that may arise as a result of drone incursions. The Defence Forces’ work in this space aligns with broader national security planning.
Work is well underway on the Military Radar Programme, which is a significant capability enhancement, and a priority for me as Minister. With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from July this year, there is an urgent operational requirement to prioritise delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces.
Following Dáil approval on 3 December last of a Supplementary Estimate which provided for the accelerated procurement of C-UAS capabilities for use by the Defence Forces, contractual arrangements have been put in place to enable delivery of these capabilities during the first half of this year. In line with these arrangements, training of military personnel is already underway and the further roll-out of the required capabilities will continue to be accelerated this year.
With Ireland assuming the Presidency from July, for operational security reasons it would be inappropriate to make any further comment on this matter, at this time.
Question No. 212 answered with Question No. 187.
Question No. 213 answered with Question No. 164.
214. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Defence for an overview of the new C2 and joint structures to be established to be delivered under the updated Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [12375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges not only of today, but also the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
There are a number of Government approved, Commission recommendations contained in the report in relation to high level command and control (C2). This work is on-going, significant, complex and sensitive involving a fundamental review of the current regulatory framework governing the relationship between the Minister for Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence.
Following approval by Government work is progressing on the legislative requirements for high level C2. A Bill to include provision for new high-level Command and Control arrangements is being progressed by my Department with a General Scheme to be completed by the end of Q2 2026 allowing for enactment in 2027.
Transformation efforts of the magnitude recommended by the Commission 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, coupled with progress to date, will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
215. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on her attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs (Defence) Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12169/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI participated in last week’s meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers' format, in Brussels, on 11 February, prior to attending the Munich Security Conference over last weekend.
In the continually evolving and increasingly complex current global and regional security environment, this meeting of EU Defence Ministers was another important opportunity for EU Member States to reaffirm their solidarity with, and support for, Ukraine, and also offered a chance for substantive and meaningful discussions on the defence and security challenges currently facing Europe.
There were two main topics on the agenda: EU support to Ukraine and the Security and Defence outlook for 2026, along with an update on the state of play of Defence Readiness.
In the session on EU Support to Ukraine, which was attended in part also by Ukraine’s newly appointed Minister for Defence, Mykhailo Federov, discussions focused on cooperation in defence innovation and additional funding options for defence, including how the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan can help ensure timely delivery of defence equipment and funding for Ukraine. The working dinner which followed allowed for an exchange of views on the security and defence outlook for 2026 and the challenges that all EU member States currently face.
During my visit to Brussels, I also took the opportunity to meet bilaterally with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andreas Kubilius.
216. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence for an overview of the Defence National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12170/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence, I welcome the revised National Development Plan capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group of €1.7 billion out to 2030. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation has increased by €66 million to €300 million.
The Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was this week published alongside the Strategic Framework 2026. These documents outline my Department's key priorities in the transformation of the Defence Forces, and support the actions that will be taken in the months and years ahead, to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, including crucial equipment and infrastructure projects.
Capital Investment in Defence primarily supports the renewal, retention, and acquisition of major defence equipment as well as the development of defence infrastructure. This expenditure strengthens military capabilities and contributes to a more secure and resilient society.
Given the critical importance of robust radar capabilities in safeguarding national security and ensuring comprehensive awareness of activity across Ireland’s air and maritime domains, the progression of the Military Radar Programme is an absolute priority for me in 2026. The Military Radar Programme includes three elements - Land Based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence systems, to include a Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.
Following Oireachtas approval of a Supplementary Estimate for the accelerated procurement of Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces, the required capabilities are now being procured with planned delivery, and training, being carried out during 2026. Other vitally important Defence projects set to advance in 2026 include Subsea Awareness, Software Defined Radio, and Light Utility Helicopters along with a wide range of essential Force Protection equipment.
As Minister for Defence, I am committed to ensuring that this increased capital funding allocation also enables further progress on a range of Defence Forces Built Infrastructure projects encompassing accommodation, offices and gyms, together with critical investment in aircraft hangars and naval berthage. It will also complement a number of important ongoing infrastructural projects, including the development of the Cadet School HQ, at DFTC and a new Medical Facility at Casement Aerodrome.
Additional capital investment will also be directed at improving Defence Forces IT, Transport, Engineering and Ordnance capabilities.
The geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly, and security challenges are emerging, however, I believe the capital funding envelope now provided to 2030 will enable further targeted delivery of measurable capability enhancements to the Defence Forces.
Full details of the Defence NDP 2026-2030 Sectoral Plan are available on the Government website www.gov.ie
217. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence if there are any plans to review current levels of pay for cadets in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with representatives of RACO on 22 January and they raised the issue of Cadet pay with me. I have agreed to give further consideration to this issue. I outlined however, at the meeting, that any cost-increasing claims must be addressed within the parameters of public pay policy.
As the Deputy may be aware, different pay scales apply during the training period for both cadets and recruits. The current pay scale applicable to cadets ranges from €26,248 to €39,026, depending on qualification. In addition, Cadets are also provided with accommodation and meals free of charge for the duration of their training, as part of their overall package.
Cadets are required to complete a period of training that is approximately 11 months longer than the training programme provided to recruits. The Cadet training programme must be completed before they are commissioned and operational. On commissioning their starting pay ranges from €46,359, to €51,748, depending on whether they came into the Cadetship as school leavers or graduates.
In the conversation surrounding the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces, it is important to point out that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay. Additionally there is scope for further income from duty allowances for specific duties carried, out on an ongoing basis, as well as the possibility of earning a tax-free duty allowance, starting at €15,000, for a 6 month overseas deployment.
I would like to highlight that the current Public Service Pay Agreement, to which members of the Permanent Defence Forces are a party, provides for a Local Bargaining process. The parties can bring forward proposals, up to a maximum value equivalent to 3% of basic pay, with 1% to be paid from the current Agreement, and the balance to be addressed in any successor pay agreement. There is an opportunity to examine pay and conditions, including Cadet pay, through that process.
218. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Defence the number of naval vessels that can currently be put to sea simultaneously; and the number required under level of ambition 2. [12472/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks including maritime surveillance, drug interdiction, search and rescue, maritime defence and security operations (MDSO).
The Defence Forces routinely monitor activity within the Irish EEZ, utilising both Naval Service and Air Corps assets. In addition to at-sea patrols, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring of the Irish EEZ on a 24/7 basis.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron also carry out aerial surveillance of the Irish EEZ using C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). These four vessels consist of three P60 class vessels as well as the L.É. Aoibhinn (P71) with all four vessels conducting patrols on a rotation basis. Level of Ambition (LOA) 2 as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) Report, includes a recommendation for a programme of naval vessel replacements, to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships.
219. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the development of Collins Barracks, Cork; the capital investment made at the barracks over the past five years; whether any programme of refurbishment, upgrading or modernisation is planned for the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11693/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my priorities as Minister for Defence is to ensure that there is continued investment in infrastructure. Currently at Collins Barracks the refurbishment of Block 1 Officer/NCO Accommodation is under construction expected completion date of mid-2026 at a cost of €6.3m. The Deputy may also wish to note that the following projects are in the procurement pipeline and/or design stage :
• Refurbishment of Security Duty Centre
• New Garaging Facility
• Upgrade of Main Gate Security
To date, the following capital projects, at a combined cost of €6.25m, have also been completed in Collins Barracks:
• New Accommodation Block
• Personnel Support Services Resources Centre
• I&U Offices – Building 73-1
• Upgrade of Ablutions at Blocks 15 and 16
220. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on the development of an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Curragh; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence recommendation on the development of an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training was the subject of a feasibility study, finalised in February 2021. It found that the concept of an Institute could be viable and made recommendations on its potential development.
Since then, the Commission on the Defence Forces Report recommended the development of a National Defence Academy and an Apprentice School to support a future tech-enabled force. It is considered that the best way to continue the development of an Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training is in the context of this recommendation,, which is currently the subject of further evaluation. The feasibility study previously carried out will inform this process. The further evaluation exercise involves the examination, with key stakeholders, of the resource, policy, financial and legislative implications before a decision on implementation can be considered. I am informed that this further evaluation is well advanced and is expected to be completed mid year.
Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 187.
Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 183.
223. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if the UN in the past ten years has requested Ireland to enhance its participation in UN peace-keeping missions, or partake in additional missions; the nature of the request, size, scope, location; and when. [12470/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I want to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann for their outstanding professionalism and commitment when they have been deployed on peace keeping UN peace keeping missions over the years.
It is important to note at the outset that no new United Nations peace support operations have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014. This is the context in which any request for additional or enhanced participation by Ireland from the UN must be understood.
With regard to any potential deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, requests for participation in missions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, informed by military advice. A range of factors must be evaluated, including the legal basis and mandate of the mission; the security environment and associated risks; and the Defence Forces assets and capabilities that can be made available, having regard to existing domestic and overseas commitments. Consideration is also given to the level of interoperability our Defence Forces has with the international partners in question, logistical and financial requirements are also a consideration, as is the need to ensure appropriate force protection, medical support and evacuation arrangements. Ultimately, any decision to deploy Defence Forces personnel overseas must also be consistent with Ireland’s legal obligations, our long-standing approach to peacekeeping, and the safety and welfare of personnel.
In terms of UN requests over the past ten years, in September 2019, 14 Defence Forces personnel deployed to the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) as part of a joint operation with the German Armed Forces. This arose from a proposal made by Ireland rather than a request from the UN. Irish personnel served at Camp Castor, the operational headquarters in Gao, and at MINUSMA Force Headquarters in Bamako, where they carried out tasks in accordance with the mission mandate. This included a deployment by the Army Ranger Wing undertaking surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations, with additional Defence Forces personnel assigned to logistics and support roles. Ireland’s participation in MINUSMA concluded in 2022.
In December 2021, Ireland also received a request from the UN to provide members of the Defence Force to support the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Entebbe, Uganda. This deployment involves the provision of Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) training to troops preparing to deploy to UN operations. One Defence Forces expert is currently serving with UNMAS under this arrangement.
Question No. 224 answered with Question No. 164.
Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 187.
Question No. 226 answered with Question No. 191.
227. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the threat level to our maritime security; and the plans in place to defend against this threat. [12371/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for raising the important matter of Ireland's maritime security. Following the 2024 Defence Policy Review, maritime security was correctly identified as a key priority for Ireland. This was driven by the assessed threat level, our geographic position, and our responsibility and commitment to support the security and defence of Europe.
In addition, the 2024 Overview of Strategic Risks, the 2023 National Risk Assessment and the 2022 and 2025 National Cyber Risk Assessments, identified key risks in the maritime domain including damage to undersea infrastructure; disruption to oil supply; disruption to electricity or gas supply, malicious cyber activity on critical infrastructure; and a maritime incident involving mass casualties.
Many major undersea cables land on our shores or transit through our EEZ carrying significant amounts of global internet traffic and financial data. In addition, our energy sector is supported by subsea gas pipelines and electricity interconnectors and there are plans advancing to develop significant offshore renewable facilities in our waters. We recognise the potential vulnerability of this infrastructure given the increasingly volatile geopolitical situation, illustrated by incidents occurring in the Baltic Sea, and the threats posed by the Shadow Fleet.
I will shortly publish the new National Maritime Security Strategy which will aim to address these risks and threats. My vision for this strategy is that it will support the protection of a secure and sovereign Ireland, where our people and interests are protected, and where our European and international partners can rely on us to uphold the rule of law in the maritime domain. This first strategy will focus on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence, including the protection of subsea infrastructure.
My officials have undertaken an extensive consultation process to develop this strategy as well as considerable outreach to identify and explore opportunities to cooperate with our neighbouring countries and with international institutions. This significant international engagement has allowed us to access examples of best practice and to learn from the extensive experience in monitoring and protecting critical maritime infrastructure that many of our neighbours have developed. I look forward to updating the House on this Strategy in the coming months.
In addition, the €1.7 billion Defence Sectoral National Development Plan 2026–2030 includes major capability upgrades in the maritime domain. This includes the procurement of towed sonar capability, which will be used for underwater monitoring and surveillance, contributing to the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.
In the meantime, the Naval Service continues to conduct maritime surveillance and fisheries patrols in the seas around us. In addition, the Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels in our Exclusive Economic Zone with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline.
228. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the actions she has taken to resolve the issue whereby 85% of Defence Force buildings in Cork are uninhabitable. [12458/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, thank you for your question. I assume the Deputy is referring to the 11 uninhabitable houses out of a total of 13 residential properties located in Crosshaven, Collins Barracks and Haulbowline Naval base. 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.
It was in this context that consultants were commissioned to assess the condition of the Defence Forces vacant housing stock and it's suitability for conversion/refurbishment to provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Forces personnel.
My officials will engage with the Defence Forces to ascertain the optimal way to develop accommodation using these properties.
229. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department has conducted any research or analysis on the impact of the abolition of the supplementary pension for members of the Defence Forces on recruitment and retention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12513/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that increasing the recruitment numbers and improving retention rates across the Defences Forces are an absolute priority for me as Minister for Defence. I would like to clarify that supplementary pension arrangements do exist for personnel who joined the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) prior to 2013, and these have not been abolished. Therefore I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the absence of “supplementary pensions” from the provisions of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
The occupational pension scheme terms of post-1 January 2013 new entrants to the public service, including the PDF, are governed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. All first-time new entrants to pensionable public service employment on, or after, that date are members of the Single Scheme.
Under the 2012 Act, overall statutory responsibility for the Single Scheme pension terms and rules rests with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Sector Reform and Digitalisation.
The Single Scheme is a key structural fiscal reform introduced to help significantly reduce the cost of public service pensions in the long term, while at the same time continuing to provide valuable pension benefits for employees. In the general context of that policy objective, the terms and rules of the Single Scheme – which are fundamentally different to previous superannuation public service arrangements – make no provision for the concept or award of supplementary pensions for any new entrants joining any public service group from 1 January 2013 onwards.
No research or analysis on the impact of the absence of the supplementary pension for post 2013 PDF members has been carried out by my Department.
Notwithstanding the distinguishing features of the Single Scheme, members of the PDF in that Scheme retain the minimum pension age of 50 to reflect operational needs, as already applies to new entrant military personnel recruited since April 2004. Importantly, the Single Scheme also retains ‘fast accrual’ pension terms for groups such as the Defence Forces. In the round, Defence Forces pension schemes compare very favourably to the generality of pension arrangements applicable across our public service.
The Deputy will be aware that recruitment and retention are not influenced by a single factor, but rather that there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for attracting and 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 recruitment and retention measure; they are in place primarily to support the Defence Forces manpower policy and operational requirements.
As Minister for Defence, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases. To this end a number of specific actions in the areas of recruitment and retention have already been delivered including:
• 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;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Access to free medical, physiotherapy and dental care;
I would like to assure the Deputy that the recruitment and retention of Defence Forces personnel continue to be key priorities for me.
230. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence if she will confirm that adequate planning, advance notice and operational coordination have been provided to the Defence Forces in respect of Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency; if she is satisfied that sufficient personnel, funding and logistical resources will be in place to support all related security and ceremonial requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12483/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence and a member of Government, I can assure the Deputy that preparations for the upcoming EU Presidency have intensified across the whole of Government. It is important to note that responsibility for national security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána is central to security planning and preparation and it has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement. I can assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces are in ongoing engagements with An Garda Siochána in relation to any potential assistance to be provided by the Defence Forces.
The Chief of Staff regularly updates me in relation to plans and preparations. However in the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to comment any further on matters of national security.
Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 184.
232. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to increase the Reserve Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12456/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to acknowledge the men and women of the Reserve Defence Force and the importance of the Reserve as a voluntary organisation and as an key asset for the State. The last two years have witnessed a resurgence in the Reserve.
The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of the 31 December 2025, is: -
• 204 First line Reserve personnel and
• 1,612 Second Line Reserve personnel which is comprised of 1,481 Army Reserve personnel and 131 Naval Service personnel.
My key priority is the modernisation of our Defence Forces, and revitalising our Reserve Defence Forces is a vital part of that transformation process.
In that context, the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Regeneration Plan published in July 2024, contains 27 actions across four objectives, namely: Recruit & Retain; Resource; Train & Educate and Integrate & Deploy.
One of the 4 operational objectives of this Plan is to improve the induction process with the aim of achieving an effective strength of 80% by 2028. Recruitment increased substantially in 2024 and continues to gain momentum with approx. 300 applicants in pre-induction training at the end of 2025. This growth will be reflected in the 2026 strength figures.
Implementation of the regeneration plan is being monitored to address any blockages arising and to ensure progress across the 27 actions.
Other areas of work underway in the Reserve Defence Force sphere include:
• A new RDF Recruitment system, which will result in a more streamlined and user-friendly process for applicants;
• A significant RDF advertising awareness campaign is in the final stages of development. This will be coordinated across all media modes including television and radio adverts, to raise the public’s awareness of the opportunities available in the RDF;
• A substantial expansion of the RDF budget which continues to increase in pace with the enhanced role of the RDF. To illustrate this, the budget allocation in 2025 was €3.542m and I have further increased it to €4.535m for 2026.
• To ensure the framework for the Reserve is fit for purpose a review of the current legal and policy framework governing the RDF is underway. The second part of this review will focus on options for employment protection legislation.
I had the opportunity to meet with the Reserve Defence Force representative body, RDFRA, recently and we had a very constructive discussion on the continued development of the Reserve. I can assure the Deputy as I assured RDFRA, that one of my key goals as Minister for Defence, is the development of a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas.
233. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on her engagements with regard to the impact the proposed removal of the triple lock neutrality protection will have on Irish neutrality. [12475/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Defence Minister, I am prioritising legislative change through the Defence (Amendment) Bill, which aimed at revising how we deploy our Defence Forces overseas. This 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. 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 directly 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.
