Written Answers Nos. 321-342
321. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 363 of 21 April 2026, if she is now in a position to supply the data requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36794/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to Parliamentary Question 28413/26, which was for answer on 21st of April 2026. This question was deferred as the information sought was not readily available within the time frame.
There is currently a limited availability of qualified vehicle body repair technicians. As a result, external service providers are engaged to support the completion of essential repairs. This approach assists in minimising delays in returning vehicles to operational service and helps to maintain overall fleet readiness and mission delivery. The use of external contracts supports continuity of service while ensuring value for money.
I am advised by the military authorities that their records show expenditure for the last 3 years of €712,425 in total. The breakdown of this amount is set out in tabular form below.
Annualised expenditure on vehicle body repair and recovery
|
Year |
Cost |
|
2025 |
€166,432 |
|
2024 |
€248,654 |
|
2023 |
€297,339
|
A wide range of primary care medical services, encompassing a broad array of disciplines are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force under the auspices of the Defence Forces Medical Corps. A range of measures to ensure continuity of service of all aspects of medical care to personnel are employed, including outsourcing, contracted professionals and agency workers, as appropriate.
I am informed by the military authorities that expenditure on contract medicals for Permanent and Reservice Defence Force personnel in the period 2023 to 2025 was €385,340 in total. The breakdown of this amount is set out in tabular form below.
Annualised expenditure on Contract Medicals
|
Year |
Cost |
|
2025 |
€138,140 |
|
2024 |
€185,640 |
|
2023 |
€61,560 |
322. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence if any military personnel from either the Air Corps and or Naval Service went to France for specialist military training in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026; and if so, the name of such course and duration, in tabular form. [36902/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the military authorities that personnel from the Air Corps and Naval Service attended the following specialist military courses in France during the period outlined. The requested details are as follows:
|
Year |
Service |
Course Name |
Course Duration |
|
2024 (Nil) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2025 |
Naval Service |
Thales Software Defined Radio Configuration & Basic Maintenance Course |
2 weeks |
|
2026 |
Air Corps |
French Jungle Course |
2 weeks |
|
2026 |
Naval Service |
Skyness Effectors - Jammers and Weapons Terminal |
1 week |
|
2026 |
Naval Service |
C2 and Sensor Operator Course (C/UAS) |
1 week |
323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the procurement mechanism used for the acquisition of the four Airbus H145 helicopters for the Air Corps; whether the acquisition was conducted through an open competitive tender process, a negotiated procedure, a Government-to-Government arrangement, or another procurement framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37022/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra324. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any exemption from standard public procurement procedures or EU defence procurement requirements was applied in relation to the acquisition of the four Airbus H145 helicopters for the Air Corps; the legal basis relied upon for any such exemption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37023/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra325. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether a formal value-for-money assessment, benchmarking exercise, or comparative procurement analysis was conducted prior to approval of the acquisition of the four Airbus H145 helicopters; whether comparisons were made with similar acquisitions by other EU member states; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total approved acquisition cost associated with the four Airbus H145 helicopters for the Air Corps, including airframes, training, maintenance support, spare parts, mission systems, avionics, and associated infrastructure costs; and if she will provide a breakdown of same. [37025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces were considered during the procurement process relating to the acquisition of the four Airbus H145 helicopters; whether the Department assessed medium-lift helicopter capability requirements as part of that process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37026/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra328. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any Israeli-manufactured, Israeli-developed, or Israeli-origin systems, avionics, software, communications equipment, sensors, or mission components form part of the Airbus H145 helicopters acquired for the Air Corps; whether ministerial approval was specifically sought or granted in relation to any such components; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37027/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra329. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether Cabinet approval was required and obtained in relation to the acquisition of the four Airbus H145 helicopters for the Air Corps; the date on which approval was granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37028/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra330. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any independent external consultancy, technical advisory body, or procurement specialist was engaged to advise the Department in relation to the acquisition of the four Airbus H145 helicopters; the identity of any such body; the cost of such consultancy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37029/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra331. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the expected operational role of the four Airbus H145 helicopters within the Air Corps fleet structure; whether the aircraft are classified by the Department as light utility helicopters, medium-lift helicopters, or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37030/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra332. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any further helicopter procurement programme remains under consideration by the Department in relation to medium-lift capability for the Air Corps; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37031/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331 and 332 together.
A detailed account of the acquisition of the Airbus H145M helicopters for the Air Corps was provided previously in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 26008/26, which was composited with responses to fifteen other related questions tabled by the Deputy on this matter. Those replies set out the background to the procurement, the capability rationale underpinning the decision, and the governance and approval frameworks within which the acquisition was undertaken.
By way of further clarification, and to address the additional issues raised by the Deputy, a contract is in place for the delivery of four Airbus H145M helicopters to provide a modern training and light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps. The procurement was conducted in accordance with EU Defence and Security procurement legislation, the Public Spending Code and the Infrastructure Guidelines, and was underpinned by legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General and with legal assistance from the Office of the Chief State Solicitor.
The acquisition followed a comprehensive Strategic Assessment Review, Preliminary Business Case and Final Business Case process, as required under the Public Spending Code. This process included a detailed operational requirements analysis and an options assessment examining how identified capability requirements could best be met in a sustainable and value-for-money manner. The assessment considered pilot training requirements, operational roles, interoperability, fleet resilience, and projected lifecycle operating, maintenance and service-life costs.
The total approved capital value of the contract is €91.7 million, exclusive of VAT. Full details of the contract award rationale are published and are available on the European Tenders Electronic Platform under Contract Award Notice Number 47059 - 2025. The legal justification for the contract award was underpinned by legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General and is in compliance with the provisions of the Defence and Security Directive 2009/81/EC.
As outlined in my earlier replies, the recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) were considered as part of the capability development and procurement process. While the Commission recommended the acquisition of two additional medium-lift helicopters within Level of Ambition 2, it also explicitly acknowledged that the specific equipment recommendations were intended to be indicative rather than prescriptive. In this context, the Department and the Defence Forces examined whether modernisation of Air Corps capability could best be delivered through the acquisition of additional medium-lift helicopters or through the procurement of a greater number of modern military light-utility helicopters. Analysis was undertaken on whether resources that might otherwise have been allocated to the acquisition of two additional AW-139 helicopters within a fleet, which is to due to be replaced, could be more effectively invested in procuring four H145M aircraft to replace the ageing EC135 fleet which need to be replaced. The acquisition of the H145M helicopters was assessed as providing enhanced flexibility across training, utility transport, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime support and general operational taskings.
The acquisition of the H145M helicopters forms part of a wider programme of rotary-wing fleet modernisation for the Air Corps. As set out in my earlier replies to the Deputy, work is also continuing, in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines and the recommendations of the CoDF Report and the updated Detailed Implementation Plan, to assess and progress future helicopter requirements, including the Super Medium Helicopter fleet which will replace the AW-139 medium lift fleet.
The H145M is classified as a military light-utility training/ multi-role helicopter within the Air Corps fleet. It is intended to support a range of roles consistent with Government policy and the operational taskings of the Defence Forces, including its primary role of pilot training and secondary roles of utility support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime support and force-protection duties.
The Department does not comment on systems fitted to Air Corps aircraft for operational reasons. It may be noted, however, as previously advised, that the H145 helicopter is fitted with the Helionix avionics suite, which is proprietary to Airbus. Avionics systems are standard equipment on all modern civil and military aircraft and are not military-specific in nature.
As already stated in replies to the Deputy’s earlier questions, no separate or specific Cabinet decision was required in relation to the acquisition of the H145M helicopters, with approval having been provided through established Defence and public expenditure governance processes and in line with the Public Spending Code approval guidelines.
The procurement of the H145M helicopters was carried out using experienced Defence Organisation expertise which has successfully managed and delivered in to operational service numerous major capital equipment programmes in the air domain, without the need to engage external consultancy, technical advisory bodies, or procurement specialists.
333. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has any usage policy on or if it sanctions for official purposes the use of messaging apps (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37198/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's core IT infrastructure is provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) under the 'Build to Share Managed Desktop' Shared Service. An Acceptable Usage Policy is in place governing the use of all ICT services including internet, email, instant messaging and collaborative applications on official devices including computers, laptops and mobile phones. In addition, a Mobile Phone Policy defines acceptable, safe, and secure standards for the use and management of official mobile phone devices.
These policies incorporate obligations under Circular 09/2019 ‘Policy on the Use of Private Email and Other Private Messaging Services’ which sets out requirements relating to the use of private email or other private messaging services to conduct official government business and the consequences of non-compliance. The policies require that official communications are conducted through approved Government systems and prohibit any practices that would circumvent security controls, data protection requirements, or statutory obligations, including under Freedom of Information and National Archives legislation.
334. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent on purchasing replacement musician instruments for Defence Forces School of Music in 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form. [37276/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Defence Forces that amount spent on purchasing replacement musical instruments for the Defence Forces School of Music in 2025 and to date in 2026 is as set out in the table below:
|
Instruments |
Amount(ex VAT) |
|
2025 |
€18,294.33 |
|
2026 |
Nil |
335. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware of the condition of a property a person (details supplied) is residing in; if she is aware of the person's desire to regularise the tenancy arrangements with her Department in order that repairs can be undertaken, including repair of the house and possible subsidence issues that can be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37380/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware it has been a long-standing policy to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to Defence Forces personnel. This policy introduced in the late 1990s has been implemented on a gradual basis, sympathetic to the needs of those occupying these former Married Quarters, in particular those persons who may be vulnerable. It is not intended to reverse this long-standing policy.
Personnel who leave the Defence Forces or who vacate a property that had been assigned to them are required under Regulations to return vacant possession of that property. It must be noted that the majority of those to whom such property was allocated have observed this requirement. Where the property is not vacated, those remaining in the property, be they the former serving member or the spouse and children of the former serving member, are classed as overholding.
I can advise that my Department has previously made an offer of a licence to the occupant of this property but this offer was not accepted. My officials have also offered to liaise with the relevant housing authority on their behalf but the appropriate GDPR consent was not submitted to my Department. Should GDPR consent be provided my officials will engage directly with the relevant housing authority. It should be noted that my Department has regularly engaged with the local authority in an effort to transfer the titles of residential housing and remains open to doing so.
336. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence to provide assurance that the State is prepared to address any potential drone attack without breaching necessary security provisions, including from AI powered drones, during Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council and the hosting of the European Political Summit. [37432/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, 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, 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.
An Garda Síochána is central to the security planning and preparation for the forthcoming Presidency, to that end, 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.
With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from July this year, as Minister for Defence I have prioritised the early delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces. These are being delivered as part of the Military Radar Programme.
Following Dáil approval on 3rd December 2025 of a Supplementary Estimate which provided for the accelerated procurement of such capabilities, contractual arrangements were put in place to enable delivery of these capabilities during the first half of this year, and this delivery is on schedule.
For both national and operational security reasons, it would be inappropriate to disclose details regarding the specifics of the capabilities being acquired.
Drones and Counter Drone technology is a constantly evolving feature of the Defence Forces Equipment Development Plan and will be a significant part of the new Capability Development Programme 2028 to 2040 which will be finalised later this year.
337. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of additional staff employed or that will be employed by her Department directly or under contract for the purposes of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. [37449/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 8 Presidency Policy Officers, equivalent to the civil service grade of Administrative Officer, have been or will be, employed by my Department on a temporary basis for the purposes of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, due to commence on the 1st July 2026. 5 of the Policy Officers are assigned to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels with 2 more due to commence shortly. In addition, it is anticipated that an eighth Presidency Policy Officer will be assigned imminently to the Dublin office.
The policy officers are involved in aspects of the work of the Department directly related to the Presidency. It is envisaged that temporary Presidency Policy Officers will conclude their roles by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
338. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made by his Department in relation to permitting the use of private EV charge points for electric vehicle users without off street driveways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37708/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to the significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the coming years. A reliable and accessible charging network is essential to enabling drivers to make the transition to electric mobility.
Home charging is, and is expected to remain, the primary means by which most drivers charge their vehicles. Public charging infrastructure plays a critical complementary role, ensuring that those who cannot charge at home are not disadvantaged and can participate fully in the transition to electric vehicles.
As such, a range of charging options will be required to support drivers without access to off-street parking. These include neighbourhood charging hubs and destination charge points, en-route charging along the National Roads Network, and fast-charging hubs for taxis. Neighbourhood charging, in particular, can provide households without private driveways with access to charge points within their local area.
In parallel, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan sets out a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging infrastructure, led by Local Authorities. This process will identify the number and type of charge points required in each area, including provision specifically for residents without access to private off-street parking. While these strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is supporting pilot projects across a number of Local Authorities to deliver charging infrastructure at locations that meet multiple user needs.
The Government recognises that the absence of off-street parking presents a particular challenge for some households. Addressing this barrier is a key priority, and work is underway to introduce new legislation establishing a regulated private wires regime. This will enable appropriate charging solutions to be deployed safely in residential settings where direct home charging is not currently possible.
At present, the use of EV charging cables across public footpaths is not permitted under existing electricity legislation. The Electricity Regulation Act 1999 restricts the installation and operation of electricity infrastructure in public spaces to licensed network operators, in order to ensure public safety, regulatory oversight and system integrity. However, a growing number of technical solutions implemented in other EU jurisdictions are being examined by the Department as potential models to support safe and practical at-home charging for these households.
The introduction of a private wires regime remains a priority for the Government. The General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill was approved by Government on 16 December 2025, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has since been engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress drafting of the legislation. Pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed by the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, with its report published on 22 April. It is intended that the Bill will complete its passage through the Oireachtas in due course.
339. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timeline for the design, consultation and implementation of the proposed new grant-based vehicle adaptation scheme. [36519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been tasked with developing a new Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS), the purpose of which is to improve functional mobility by assisting with the cost of vehicle adaptations. My officials are currently engaging with stakeholders to finalise the principles and parameters of the new scheme. It is hoped that the Scheme will be open to applicants in Q1 2027.
340. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the additional staffing, operational or administrative resources provided to the Bus Éireann Cork office following the acknowledged resourcing difficulties and delays experienced in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36527/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
341. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Transport the spend by his Department in upgrading security infrastructure at Shannon Airport in 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2023; and to list the additional security measures put in place, and cost of each, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36624/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment provides significant supports to regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme. Under the previous 5-year programme Shannon Airport was not eligible for supports in 2024 and 2025. However, in 2023 capital funding of €5.373m was provided to the airport which included support for security screening equipment upgrades and security fencing projects.
In addition, Shannon Airport was allocatedfunding of almost €2 million under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme published in 2024. This programme supported regional State airports in meeting their carbon emissions reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan. This included support for the development of Shannon Airport’s Solar PV Farm.
In February, I published the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. The scope of the new Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). The new Programme will ensure that Ireland’s smallest eligible regional airports, including Shannon Airport, may receive support for measures aimed at maintaining compliance with the European Union’s safety and security related obligations.
Last month, I approved a capital funding allocation of €1.936m for Shannon Airport, which includes support for the Airport’s Airfield Security Perimeter Fence project expected to be delivered this year.
342. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the significant road-safety risks outside a school (details supplied); and if he will outline what immediate measures are planned to mitigate the risk to children, parents and staff at peak school times. [36665/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra343. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to introducing a reduced speed limit (30km/h or 40km/h) or a school safety zone outside a school (details supplied) given that traffic is currently permitted to travel at speeds of up to 80km/h immediately adjacent to the school gate; and the timeline for any speed limit review in this location. [36666/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 343 together.
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority.
Local authorities are required to implement speed limit changes by way of special speed limit bye-laws. Accordingly, in respect of those roads in built-up and urban areas that local authorities propose to change the existing speed limits, it will be necessary to undertake a statutory public consultation process, in accordance with the requirements of the ‘Road Traffic Act 2004’, as amended. Furthermore, as the making of ‘special speed limit bye-laws’ is a reserved function, the speed limits on such roads can only be changed where a majority of the elected members vote to do so. Local authorities are requested to implement the proposed speed limit changes by 31st March 2027.
With respect to schools located in rural areas, the ‘Speed Limit Guidelines’ recommended that a 50km/h speed limit be applied either on a permanent basis or by way of a periodic speed limit. A working group has been established comprising representative from the local authorities, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Transport, in order to determine the appropriate road layout, infrastructure and signage required to implement 50km/h speed limits on certain rural roads safely . It is expected that this review will be commence in Q3 2026, with implementation to commence in 2027.
