Written Answers Nos. 1-20
1. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Taoiseach the current status of the implementation of the recommendations of the expert group on conveyancing and probate and the timeline for the implementation of each recommendation. [17318/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra2. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Taoiseach whether he will consider introducing defined timelines for conveyancing in the Best Practice Charter for Solicitors and Estate Agents in Conveyancing, developed by the expert group on conveyancing and probate, to improve efficiency and certainty in conveyancing and if he will legislate for timelines in the event that objectives are not achieved with reducing timelines. [17319/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
In December 2023, an Expert Group was established, under Housing for All to review conveyancing and probate processes in Ireland from a user perspective and recommend changes, implementable quickly and easily, to reduce costs and delays for home-purchasers.
Following publication of the Expert Group’s Report, Government approved the establishment of an Implementation Group on Conveyancing and Probate tasked with beginning the implementation of short-term recommendations, as well as developing a detailed programme to implement the full set of recommendations.
This Group, comprised an independent Chair, along with the following membership:
• D/Taoiseach
• D/Justice
• D/Housing, Local Government and Heritage
• Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
• Tailte Éireann
• Courts Service
• Legal Services Regulatory Authority
• Property Services Regulatory Authority
• Law Society of Ireland
• Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers
• Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland
• Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.
The Group met on eight occasions between 23rd September 2024 and 24th November 2025.
Substantial progress has been achieved towards implementing the short-term recommendations set out. This includes the development of a step-by-step guide/public information pack for prospective buyers (gov.ie), and a Best Practice Charter, setting out principles of best practice for the main professions involved.
Work on implementation of remedial steps to reduce or eliminate key known delays in third-party information provision or certification has been advanced considerably. This includes a revision to the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code which contains a new requirement for banks, retail credit firms and credit servicing firms relating to the provision of title deeds within 10 working days.
Options to get more titles registered in the Land Registry more quickly and to expedite the registration of properties/transfer of deeds have also been brought forward. It has been agreed in principle that legislation will be prepared to support increased use of Statements of Truth in the conveyancing process.
A number of items are ongoing, which will bring further progress. This includes the development of Codes of Practice for solicitors and estate agents dealing primarily with the need to advise vendors on a set of information to be collated as early as possible in the conveyancing process.
The Implementation Group has progressed a proposal for a potential eConveyancing system for Ireland, with the drafting of a Handover Pack providing extensive consideration on key issues.
In parallel to conveyancing reforms, the Courts Service has rolled out a reform programme to the probate process, which has seen significant reduction in processing times. The development of an eProbate system, which is expected to be rolled out nationally by the end of March 2026, will further reduce processing times and delays in the probate process.
The Implementation Group will report to Government shortly on progress, along with recommended next steps to further advance the recommendations.
3. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on Ireland’s preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. [17311/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are well underway across both policy and operational strands of planning. Significant progress has been made by the two Inter-Departmental Groups leading on the coordination of Presidency planning; both on the preparation of Ireland’s policy approach and on putting in place key practical and operational building blocks for the Presidency.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Presidency Policy Planning has been preparing and coordinating Ireland's policy approach for the Presidency, taking account of significant policy developments at EU level which will shape the context for the work of the Council.
Work is ongoing to develop our Presidency priorities and policy programme. This is being prepared against the backdrop of the EU’s Strategic Agenda. A consultation process with domestic stakeholders has also helped to inform the development of our policy Programme, and a total of 484 responses were also received as part of an open call for public submissions in November and December 2025.
The Inter-Departmental Group on Operational Presidency Planning has been coordinating and overseeing work to put in place the key operational and logistical supports for the extensive programme of meetings in Ireland, including an accreditation system, arrangements for interpretation, transport, catering and accommodation. All Government Departments have been working to ensure key roles required to deliver the Presidency objectives are filled in a timely manner, including additional temporary positions, in Departmental headquarters and in particular in the Permanent Representation in Brussels, given its critical role in delivering a successful Presidency.
Our 2026 EU Presidency will be a major undertaking for Ireland and is a key focus for the work of Government. We have a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.
4. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether, in light of Ireland’s policy of military neutrality and long standing leadership in nuclear disarmament, she has assessed the implications of the expiry of the New START Treaty for European security architecture and strategic stability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17379/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra5. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland will use its position within the European Union to advocate for a coordinated EU diplomatic initiative aimed at restoring legally binding and verifiable strategic arms control arrangements between nuclear weapons states following the expiration of the New START Treaty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17380/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra6. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has examined the potential impact of the expiry of the New START Treaty on Ireland’s national security interests, including risks associated with the erosion of verification mechanisms and transparency measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17381/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 5 and 6 together.
Ireland deeply regrets the expiry of the New START Treaty between the United States and Russia. Building on prior arms control treaties and agreements, the New START Treaty served an important stabilising role, as well as acting as a major confidence-building measure. Without such a bilateral agreement, there are no legal limits on nuclear weapons in place between Russia and the US, nor are there inspections or transparency provisions.
It remains in the interest of all States’ security, and the future of the NPT, that a successor treaty is established and that further reductions and limitations of deployed strategic nuclear arsenals are achieved. While not a substitute for nuclear disarmament – which we will continue to advocate for in line with our long established positions – bilateral agreements such as New START can greatly contribute to the prevention of nuclear war and complements disarmament and arms control efforts, through creating trust, confidence and predictability.
Recognising the potential global ramifications emerging from a lack of verification and transparency measures on nuclear arsenals, Ireland remains steadfast in supporting all efforts to work towards a successor treaty and calls for a return to full and mutual compliance with the limits set by the Treaty until a successor treaty is concluded. We urge Russia and the United States, as those with the largest arsenals, to spare no efforts in this regard, and call on all nuclear-weapon states to consider similar agreements.
With European Union partners, Ireland will continue to call for further reductions of nuclear arsenals, underlining the special responsibility of States with the largest nuclear arsenals. The EU has called for urgent work towards a successor agreement to New START and continues to encourage the United States and Russia to maintain the agreed limits on their nuclear arsenals, while equally urging China to contribute and engage actively and constructively.
Ireland stand ready to assist or facilitate dialogue to enable progress, remaining committed to diplomacy and multilateralism to achieve a nuclear weapon-free world. We remain dedicated to this goal in both our national capacity and as a member of the EU.
7. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland will propose specific verification, transparency or confidence building measures at the forthcoming Review Conferences of the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in response to the expiration of the New START Treaty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17382/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly believes that increased transparency by the nuclear-weapons states is necessary. This is both so that there can be accountability for their obligations to disarm under Art VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and as a confidence building measure. Ireland sees progress on this issue as a priority at the NPT Review Conference in April and May 2026 at the United Nations in New York.
Ireland will work to achieve this through engagement with a range of partners. Ireland continues to work with the European Union in calling for the establishment of a process within the cycle for reviewing the implementation of NPT obligations and commitments by States Parties, especially by all nuclear-weapon states, in particular with regard to article VI obligations on nuclear disarmament.
Ireland also works alongside our partners in the New Agenda Coalition (NAC); a cross-regional group of states composed of Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa. The group pushes for urgent progress on achieving nuclear disarmament and the implementation of Article VI. The NAC is expected to include proposals for enhanced transparency and verification measures from nuclear-weapon states.
Ireland also works actively within an ad-hoc group with New Zealand and Switzerland on pragmatic proposals for enhanced transparency from nuclear-weapon states through national reporting and in-person interactive dialogue.
Finally, we will continue to push for efforts on transparency and accountability alongside our fellow members of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the upcoming Review Conference in December.
8. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the Government intends to increase Ireland’s financial or technical support for international nuclear disarmament verification initiatives or multilateral disarmament bodies in response to the current weakening of bilateral arms control arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17383/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is committed to upholding and strengthening the international nuclear disarmament architecture. Maintaining financial contributions for the functioning of these multilateral bodies is essential, particularly at a time when the international disarmament architecture is under critical strain.
Ireland continues to support the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through annual contributions to the Working Capital Fund, the Regular Budget, and the Technical Cooperation Fund of the IAEA.
Ireland also promotes nuclear disarmament initiatives at the United Nations. Ireland co-sponsored the Norwegian-Brazilian led resolution, entitled “Establishment of the Group of Scientific and Technical Experts on Nuclear Disarmament Verification” at the 2025 UN General Assembly. The resolution establishes a Group of Scientific and Technical Experts on Nuclear Disarmament Verification (GSTE-NDV) within the United Nations, to identify and consider scientific and technical challenges and possible approaches to nuclear disarmament verification in terms of tools, techniques, processes and procedures.
As part of our membership of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), Ireland supports work to develop verification measures pursuant to Article IV of that treaty, including through financial support to the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG). The SAG was a novel innovation of the TPNW and ensures deliberations of the Treaty are founded in real-world impact.
Additionally, we remain dedicated to financially supporting humanitarian disarmament instruments and a number of entities committed to researching disarmament, including the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, Reaching Critical Will and Chatham House.
9. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade given the Governments recognition of the State of Palestine, its position on issues (details supplied). [17440/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 May 2024, the Government decided to formally recognise the State of Palestine as a sovereign, independent State, within the territory defined by the 1967 borders referenced in UN Security Council resolution 242 (1967).
Our recognition of Palestine was a concrete step, taken along with trusted international partners. Since then we have been working closely with Arab and Gulf partners, as well as partners in Europe and beyond to promote implementation of the two-State solution.
Ireland has consistently argued that the only just and sustainable solution, for both Palestinians and Israelis, is a two-State solution based on 1967 borders, with the State of Israel, and an independent, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states.
Ireland is actively working with the EU and other partners in the region and beyond to create an enabling environment for the Palestinian Authority. This includes regular discussions on democratic and political renewal. Tánaiste Simon Harris, in his then capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, attended the first ever EU-Palestine High Level Dialogue in Luxembourg in April 2025. The Dialogue provided an opportunity for the EU to engage directly with Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
I was pleased to attend the inaugural meeting of the Palestine Donor Group last November in Brussels where I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Mustafa and Palestinian Minister for Finance and Planning Estephan Salameh. At that meeting, I highlighted Ireland’s concerns about Israel’s attempts to suffocate the Palestinian economy and called on Israel to release withheld Palestinian tax clearance revenues to the Palestinian Authority and take all necessary measures to ensure that correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks remain in place. Ireland has been clear that the progress the Palestinian Authority has made on reforms is being continually undermined by Israel.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January. I also met with my Palestinian counterpart, Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian at the Munich Security Council in February and heard first-hand the serious impact that Israel’s withholding of Palestinian tax revenues is having on the Palestinian economy.
The Government is committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority, both politically and financially. Political and economic security in the West Bank is central to its stability and to the security of the wider region, as well as being an essential component to the viability of the two-State solution. Ireland has provided over €112 million in support of the people of Palestine since 2023.
10. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 24 February 2026, for a breakdown of the funding provided under the anti-dumping initiative, by local authority, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFull details of the amounts provided to individual local authorities by my Department under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) for each of the years 2017 - 2024 (2025 data will be uploaded shortly), including details of the specific projects supported by local authority area are available on the gov.ie website at the following link
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/anti-dumping-initiative/
11. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the SEAI does not consider the bereaved partner’s (contributory) pension a qualifying welfare payment for the warmer homes scheme; his views that this excludes many single people from eligibility for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17397/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.
The eligible DSP payments are:
• Fuel Allowance;
• Job Seeker’s Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7;
• Working Family Payment (previously the Family Income Supplement);
• One Parent Family Payment;
• Domiciliary Care Allowance;
• Carer’s Allowance (where you live with the person you are caring for); and
• Disability Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7.
The Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension is not in itself a qualifying payment for the Warmer Homes Scheme. However, households where someone is in receipt of the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension may also qualify for one of the DSP payments that are eligible payments for the Warmer Homes Scheme, such as the Fuel Allowance. This would be subject to the household meeting the relevant DSP operational guidelines and means test where required for the respective payment.
The scheme eligibility criteria are kept under ongoing review by my Department, together with the DSP, to ensure they are consistent with, and complementary to, the income support schemes offered.
The Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The DSP's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/.
• The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The scheme is administered by Local Authorities. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/.
12. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the full list of the 500 or so capital projects to be delivered as part of the €18.9bn investment in the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17467/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvesting in and ensuring a fit for purpose electricity grid is a priority for Government. However, the development of the electricity grid, including the selection of projects to deliver, are not matters in which I have a function. These are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution, ESB Networks, and Transmission, EirGrid, System Operators and for which they are accountable to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
The CRU oversees investment in the electricity system through the Price Review process and recently approved Price Review 6, setting out the up to €18.9 billion which EirGrid and ESB Networks will invest over the period 2026-2030. EirGrid and ESB Networks determine the capital projects to be delivered during Price Review 6 period.
The Deputy may wish to contact ESB Networks and EirGrid directly in the first instance via oireachtas@esb.ie and oireachtas@eirgrid.com regarding the issue which he is raising. The CRU may also be contacted via oireachtas@cru.ie should the Deputy require further information regarding the Price Review process.
13. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the EU's Waste Framework Directive dealing with textile recycling come fully into effect in Ireland; and the actions which will flow from it. [17717/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revised Waste Framework Directive with respect to food waste and textiles entered into force in October last year. Ireland will be required to transpose the Directive by 17 June 2027 and have an EPR scheme for textiles in place by 17 April 2028. The Department has begun work on drafting the necessary regulations to transpose the Directive.
The key actions arising from this Directive as it pertains to textiles will be the establishment of an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (EPR) for textiles and the setting up of a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to run the scheme on behalf of producers. This EPR will support textile collection, sorting, repair, reuse and recycling as well as funding initiatives to inform consumers about sustainable textiles and support research in waste prevention and management.
The Directive also covers measures in relation to the shipment of used textiles, and addresses requirements for inspections and sorting of the materials prior to export.
14. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether each city and county council, under the EU's Waste Framework Directive, as it pertains to textile recycling, will have to ensure all successful tenderers will be required to sort all textiles before sending them onwards for resale, reuse, repurposing or waste; when all councils will be required to have contractors in place in place to carry such work unless the council intends to carry out the work itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17718/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revised Waste Framework Directive with respect to food waste and textiles entered into force in October last year. The Directive provides for the establishment of an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (EPR) for textiles and the setting up of a Producer Responsibility organisation (PRO) to run the scheme on behalf of producers by April 2028.
It provides that producers will be responsible for setting up textile collection systems for used and waste textiles and footwear and ensuring they are subject to sorting operations so that their treatment is in line with the waste hierarchy.
The Directive provides that Member States will ensure that relevant actors are involved in the implementation of the EPR including producers, PROs, waste operators, local authorities, re-use operators and social economy entities. Local authorities will be a key stakeholder in the development of an EPR scheme for textiles, in accordance with the Directive’s provisions.
Later this month, I plan to publish the National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles 2026-2028. The Statement will address how green public procurement criteria can support best practice in textile collection services.
15. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the grants which will be available under the rollout of the EU's Waste Framework Directive as it pertains to textile recycling to accelerate and carry out the huge task of improving Ireland's poor textile recycling rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17719/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revised Waste Framework Directive with respect to food waste and textiles entered into force in October last year. In relation to textiles, the Directive imposes a requirement to establish an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (EPR) for textiles and the setting up of a Producer Responsibility organisation (PRO) to run the scheme on behalf of producers by April 2028.
The Directive provides that Member States will ensure that producers designate one or more PROs to fulfil their EPR obligations on their behalf. The Directive further provides that producers cover the costs of the following: collection and management of used and waste textiles and footwear; collection; transport; sorting; preparing for reuse; and recycling operations.
In due course, textile producers’ fees will provide the funds necessary to support collection, sorting, repair, reuse and recycling and other activities as stipulated in the Directive including initiatives to inform consumers about sustainable textiles and to research waste prevention and management.
In 2025, I made grants available to local authorities to support local collection infrastructure and to ensure we met our national obligation to provide separate collection of textiles. The provision of further grant assistance will be kept under review as we progress implementation of the Waste Framework Directive requirements.
16. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total capital and current expenditure allocated to the Reserve Defence Forces in each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025; the proportion this represents of the overall defence budget in each year; whether she considers this allocation adequate given the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraReserve Defence Force (RDF) funding is provided on Subhead A.5 of the Defence Vote. This allocation provides current expenditure funding for paid training and miscellaneous allowances for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve. It also provides for the payment of gratuities to members of the Fist Line Reserve.
Expenditure allocated to this subhead for the years 2019 to 2025, together with the proportion of the overall Defence Vote that these allocations represent, is set out in the table below.
In addition, the RDF also benefits from the increasing levels of capital investment now evident on Defence Equipment, Infrastructural, Transport & IT capabilities.
Reserve Defence Force Allocation 2019-2025
|
Year
|
V36 Gross Allocation €'000 |
V36 Total Allocation €'000 |
% of overall V36 Budget |
|
2019 |
2,150 |
758,048 |
0.28% |
|
2020 |
1,650 |
781,031 |
0.21% |
|
2021 |
2,000 |
809,781 |
0.25% |
|
2022 |
2,000 |
836,431 |
0.24% |
|
2023 |
2,050 |
915,362 |
0.22% |
|
2024 |
2,350 |
932,698 |
0.25% |
|
2025 |
3,500 |
1,039,369 |
0.34% |
The last two years have witnessed a resurgence in the Reserve. The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of the 31 December 2025, was: -
• 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 Force 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.
The regeneration plan was developed in line with the recommendations in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. One of the 4 operational objectives 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 in support of 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 – an increase of almost €1 million (28%).
• 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 recently met with the Reserve Defence Force representative body, RDFRA, and had a very constructive discussion on the continued development of the Reserve. At that meeting, I assured RDFRA, that one of my key goals as Minister for Defence, is to develop a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas, as is recommended in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
17. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces broken down by Naval Service Reserve, Army Reserve, and Air Corps Reserve; the number of vacancies in each branch; the average waiting time for a reservist to complete initial training; the number of reservists who have resigned in each of the past five years citing training backlogs or equipment shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17549/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve and the Second Line Reserve, which encompasses the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR).
The Military authorities have advised that as of 31 January 2026,the strength of First Line Reserve (FLR) stood at 204 personnel. The breakdown is set out in the below table:
|
|
Establishment* |
Total Strength |
Vacancies |
|
Army |
NIL |
66 |
N/A |
|
Naval Service |
NIL |
123 |
N/A |
|
Air Corps |
NIL |
15 |
N/A |
*There is no CS4 establishment for the First Line Reserve.
Furthermore, the Military Authorities have advised that the Second line Reserve (SLR) stood at 1,607 personnel, as set out in the table below:
|
|
Establishment |
Total Strength |
Vacancies |
|
Army Reserve |
3,869 |
1473 |
2396 |
|
Naval Service Reserve |
200 |
134 |
66 |
|
Air Corps Reserve** |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
**There is currently no Air Corps Reserve. A future Air Force Reserve is being considered by dedicated Defence Force design teams.
In terms of training, the Joint Induction Training Syllabus was introduced in 2024. This is the foundational training syllabus for Army and Naval Service Reservists. The training is delivered across midweek training evenings, weekend training days and a two-week full-time training period. The syllabus takes 9-12 months to deliver on completion of which the Reservist is qualified as a 2 Star Army Private or an Ordinary rating in the Naval Service Reserve.
Table C below provides breakdown of Resignations/Discharges from 2021 - 2025:
|
Resignations/Discharges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Officer Retirements |
11 |
17 |
11 |
15 |
3 |
|
Enlisted Personnel Discharged |
113 |
83 |
126 |
155 |
135 |
|
Total |
124 |
100 |
137 |
170 |
138 |
The Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) does not hold data on exit interviews of Reservists. The ORA are not aware of any training backlogs relating to the RDF.
Personal kit and equipment is issued as required and commensurate with the training being undertaken. The ORA are not aware of any deficiencies specifically relating to the RDF in the regard.
18. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether ring-fenced capital funding exists for the Reserve Defence Forces; if not, the reason therefor; whether reservists are currently required to personally purchase any items of equipment or uniform that should be provided by the State; the estimated total value of equipment shortfalls currently experienced by the Reserve Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) budget is allocated under Sub-head A5 which provides for RDF pay and allowances. The allocation for 2026 is €4.35 million. There is no ring-fenced or dedicated capital budget allocation for the RDF. As such, the relevant Subheads across respective functional areas are resourced to provide for both PDF and RDF requirements.
The Military authorities have advised that members of the RDF are not required to purchase any uniform, kit or equipment at their own expense. RDF personnel are provided with all of the necessary uniforms, kit and equipment for the training they are undertaking.
The Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) is not aware of any equipment shortfalls specifically pertaining to the RDF.
19. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the current status of the Reserve Defence Forces Regeneration and Development Plan; the specific targets within that plan that have been met, partially met, or missed to date; whether the plan contains ring-fenced funding commitments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17551/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to provide a response within the time frame available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.
|
Action # |
Action |
Remarks |
|
Action # |
Action |
Remarks |
|
1 |
RDF Recruitment Strategy. Strategy to implement multiple induction streams for continuous recruitment into the RDF. |
- Complete - Moved to implementation phase. |
|
2 |
Enabling of RDF Multi Induction Streams. Regulatory provision be made for the induction of personnel via several mechanisms in addition to general service recruitment. |
- Continuing to progress. - Regulatory underpinning is required for the direct entry of personnel at non-commissioned ranks. Evaluation currently under consideration. |
|
3 |
RDF Master Messaging and Communication Strategy. A strategy to coordinate an ongoing public awareness campaign highlighting the RDF. |
- Complete - Implementation ongoing through the Reserve Strategic Engagement Team (ReSET). |
|
4 |
Employer Engagement Strategy. A communication strategy to increase the awareness and understanding of the RDF amongst key industries. Strategy will promote the mutual benefits of service in the RDF. |
- Continuing to progress - An Employer Protection Review is due to commence in Q2 2026. The Defence Forces intend to hold workshops with employer representative bodies in order to develop an employer engagement strategy. |
|
5 |
Third Level Institution Engagement Strategy. A communication strategy to increase the awareness and understanding of the RDF amongst third level students. Strategy will promote the benefits of service in the RDF. |
- Complete - Implementation ongoing through the Reserve Strategic Engagement Team (ReSET). |
|
6 |
RDF Local Engagement Teams to promote the RDF. A mechanism for the training, resourcing and deployment of RDF Local Engagement Teams (LETs) to complement public awareness campaigns. |
- Complete - Implementation ongoing through the Reserve Strategic Engagement Team (ReSET). |
|
7 |
RDF Diversity Strategy. A strategy to ensure the RDF is a positive working environment that reflects contemporary Irish society. |
- Complete - Initiatives being implemented via recruiting strategy and Defence Inclusion Office work streams. |
|
8 |
Review of RDF Personal Kit Issue Requirements. Reservists equipped appropriately. |
- Complete - Implementation via DF Clothing Committee. |
|
9 |
Review Logistics Regulations to Equip RDF. The equipping of Reservists has robust regulatory underpinning. |
- Complete - Implementation via DF Clothing Committee. |
|
10 |
Review RDF Unit Equipment Requirements. An assessment of RDF Unit capabilities to ensure RDF Units are resourced appropriately. |
- On schedule. - Assessments commenced in Q1 2025 and scheduled for completion in Q3 2026. |
|
11 |
Review the Resourcing RDF Facilities. An assessment of RDF Unit facilities to ensure RDF Units are resourced appropriately. |
- On schedule. - Assessments likely to be completed in Q3 2026 to inform DF building plan (2027). |
|
12 |
Assessment of all resource requirements underpinning operationalisation of Single Force Concept. A continuous assessment of resources required to underpin the Single Force Concept. |
- Complete - Resource planning and management process in place. |
|
13 |
RDF Training and Education Strategy. A whole of career training and education strategy for Reservists. |
- Complete - Implementation ongoing |
|
14 |
Modularisation of RDF Training. Modularisation and utilisation of blended learning to increase accessibility to training and professional military education. |
- Complete - Project team with oversight established. |
|
15 |
Recognition and utilisation of Reservists Qualifications and Skills. A mechanism for the assessment and recognition of civilian qualifications be established. Civilian to military bridging be introduced to facilitate the utilisation of Reservists qualifications, skills, and experience. This initiative to be complemented by introducing a skills database. |
- Continuing to progress. A project team has been established within the SPARX programme to examine how Reservists civilian skills can be better utilised. Potential solutions scheduled for April 2026. |
|
16 |
Monthly reporting of RDF activity. RDF activity is recorded and reported monthly. Data used to assess performance and determine operational readiness levels. |
- Complete - Business as usual |
|
17 |
Establish RDF Management Offices in Brigades and Formations. Develop COA for the provision of a staff function that will oversee the implementation of the RDFRDP within the Brigades and Formations. These staff will support the day-to-day functioning of RDF Units. |
- Continuing to progress- Development in line with future force design work streams. |
|
18 |
Review of Defence Force Regulations. A standing mechanism comprising of key stakeholders established to facilitate the provision of appropriate regulations to enable the regeneration and development of the RDF. |
- Ongoing - Amendments to regulations carried out on a needs basis. |
|
19 |
RDF Domestic Deployment. Review of the application of the Single Force Concept. Initiatives developed to enable operational deployment on a routine basis. |
- Continuing to progress- RDF Deployment Framework has been developed will enable Unit Commanders to deploy Reservists as required. |
|
20 |
RDF Overseas Deployment. Protocols for the deployment of Reservists overseas developed. |
- Continuing to progress- Protocols for overseas deployment of Reservists under development. |
|
21 |
RDF Transformation – Army Reserve. The Army Reserve force structure to be reviewed and transformed to support the wider transformation of the Army. |
- Continuing to progress- Development in line with future force design work streams. |
|
22 |
RDF Transformation – Naval Service Reserve. The establishment of the NSR to be increased to a minimum establishment of 400 personnel. Disposition and organisation to be considered. |
- Continuing to progress- Development in line with future force design work streams. |
|
23 |
Reserve Transformation - Air Corps Reserve Establishment. An Air Corps Reserve with an establishment for a minimum of 200 personnel be developed. |
- Continuing to progress- Development in line with future force design work streams. |
|
24 |
FLR Induction Re-established. Former and retiring members of the PDF be invited to apply to the FLR. Mechanism for the assignment of personnel of the FLR to parent units. |
- Continuing to progress- Regulatory underpinning required to enable the voluntary transfer of enlisted personnel to the FLR is scheduled for Q2/Q3 2026. |
|
25 |
Specialist Reserve Capabilities. Develop enhanced military capabilities across all domains utilising Reservist skillsets. Explore appropriate conditions of service for such specialists. |
- Continuing to progress- Awaiting outcome of Action 15 (SPARX programme). - Exploring options for the establishment of a Third Line Specialist Reserve for personnel with specific skillsets. Personnel may serve under a modified induction and effectivity criteria that is not constrained by physical or cognitive ability - Project in discovery phase. |
|
26 |
Reserve A/CHOD, Service A/Chiefs and Senior Enlisted Leaders. Reserve A/CHOD, Service A/ Chiefs and Senior Enlisted Leaders Appointed. |
- Continuing to progress - This action requires that a CHOD is in place which requires primary legislation. |
|
27 |
Application of the Working Time Directive. RDF deployment and activities conducted in accordance with the provisions of the WTD as it applies to the DF. |
- On schedule - RDF training activity is out of scope. RDF support activity is in scope when on Supplemental Military Service (SMS). Hours recorded for SMS. |
20. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the ratio of Reserve Defence Forces personnel to Permanent Defence Force personnel as of the most recent available date; how this compares to comparable EU member states; what target ratio the Department considers appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) as a voluntary organisation and as an key asset for the State. The last two years have witnessed a resurgence in the RDF.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) as of 31 January 2026 stood at 7,767 personnel. At 31 January 2026, the Reserve Defence Force First line Reserve (FLR) stood at 204 personnel and 1,607 Second Line Reserve (SLR) personnel which is comprised of 1,473 Army Reserve (AR) and 134 Naval Service Reserve (NSR) personnel. Therefore the the current ratio of PDF personnel to RDF personnel is 4.3:1.
I am advised that the Defence Forces do not hold data on ratios pertaining to full-time to reserve personnel in other EU militaries.
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.
Implementation of the regeneration plan is being monitored to address any blockages arising and to ensure progress across the 27 actions. One of the 4 operational objectives 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.
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.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) is clear that there is a continued requirement to regenerate and revitalise the RDF. 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.
