Written Answers Nos. 321-340
321. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the mechanisms in place in her Department to ensure delivery on the commitments in the Programme for Government; the civil servant specifically responsible for overseeing such delivery; the measures that are used to assess progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38809/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a number of mechanisms in place to ensure delivery and assess progress on commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland’s Future. These include the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2025-2028, the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces 2026, the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (February 2026), the annual business planning process and the Department's Annual Reports.
The Secretary General of the Department of Defence is responsible for overseeing delivery of relevant commitments in the Programme for Government.
The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2025-2028 underpins all the work of my Department, as it sets out the Department's mandate, as well as the separate but necessarily interlinked missions, visions and roles of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces for achieving our shared Strategic Level of Ambition. This document specifically outlines the Programme for Government Commitments in which my Department plays a leading or supporting role, and it is these commitments that inform the strategic goals against which my Department measures progress.
As the Deputy will be aware, many of the commitments made in the Programme for Government relate to recommendations and actions contained in the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and/ or the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces 2026. The reporting and oversight arrangements for the progress of all actions taken under these two crucial frameworks are managed by the Change Management Office in my Department and the Transformation Management Office of the Defence Forces. In line with the updated documents published in February of this year, I will receive quarterly progress reports for all actions covered by the DIP and the Strategic Framework, the first of which is due next month.
Business Planning across my Department is another important component of the measurement of our progress against our Programme for Government commitments. The business planning process links the planned actions of each unit and branch across the Department to the underpinning policy framework, with the objective of providing insight to the Management Board of the progress that is being made, and if there are any obstacles to achieving our stated goals.
My Department also sets out its key achievements in its annual reports. These achievements are inextricably linked to the priorities set out in the Strategy Statement, and the defence-related commitments under the Programme for Government.
322. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence if the recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the United Kingdom has been placed before the Dáil (placed in the Dáil Library); and if not can the Minister advise when it will be. [39118/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn March 11 last, I signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with my UK counterpart, the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, MP.
This Memorandum of Understanding is a refresh of the existing Memorandum agreed in 2015 and focuses on providing a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between my Department and the UK Ministry of Defence. It also takes into account training, staff exchanges and education related matters and promotes cooperation that includes both military and civilian personnel.
There will be a continued focus on the already existing co-operation arrangements in the Defence area between Ireland and the UK on a more formal and transparent footing, which respects fully the differing policy positions and security arrangements of both countries and continues to underpin the longstanding and positive engagement that exists between the Defence Forces and the UK Armed Forces, particularly in the area of training and staff to staff meetings.
While Dáil approval was not required for either the original, or for the refreshed, Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the United Kingdom, in the interests of transparency and good administrative practices, and as with the 2015 MoU, arrangements will be made to lay the Refreshed MoU before the Houses of the Oireachtas in due course.
323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether she intends to publish the Strategic Workforce Plan for the Defence Forces in full; whether any sections are expected to be withheld or redacted; the rationale for any such redactions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra324. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Strategic Workforce Plan contains branch-specific workforce targets for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if she will provide the projected personnel targets for each service branch for 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2030. [39219/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra325. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Strategic Workforce Plan includes defined annual recruitment, retention and attrition targets for the Air Corps; and if she will provide details of same [39220/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra330. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Strategic Workforce Plan includes branch-specific key performance indicators or measurable delivery benchmarks; and if she will outline the oversight and reporting mechanisms intended to monitor implementation of the plan. [39225/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 323, 324, 325 and 330 together.
A draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has recently been submitted to me for consideration. The draft plan, recommendations, and modelling tool will be considered over the coming weeks. As the Deputy will be aware, the aim of this process is to provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2.
Strategic Workforce Planning is effectively a continuous pro-active process that aligns the needs of each of the three services, including the Air Corps, with the future talent required. It is not intended to publish the Plan for both operational and security reasons.
In terms of recruitment and retention, last year saw an increase of almost 200 in the overall strength of the Permanent Defence Force. This increase was assisted by the induction of 790 personnel- the highest number in twenty years, and total discharges for the year of 583 - the lowest number in seven years.
I am determined to build on the progress achieved in 2025 and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026.
It is very positive to see such high levels of interest in a career in the Defence Forces, with a total of 16,510 applications received last year and over 8,000 received to the end of April of this year. The challenge now is for the Defence Forces to convert those applications into inductions. The workforce plan will set out the pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, including civilian personnel.
Recruitment to the Defence Forces continues apace. New competitions for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Medical Officers, Chefs and Cyber/CIS personnel have all launched recently. These complement the already diverse range of Direct Entry and General service recruitment competitions that are presently open and ongoing and reflect the concerted efforts being made by the Defence Forces in relation to recruitment.
Underpinning these recruitment efforts and the associated enabling measures, I ensured that Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.
326. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of authorised pilot posts currently approved within the Air Corps; the number currently filled; the number vacant; and the corresponding figures for each year from 2023 to date in 2026. [39221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps personnel currently in pilot training; the annual training intake capacity; the projected annual pilot output for 2026, 2027 and 2028 [39222/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.
Unfortunately, it 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.
328. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Department or Defence Forces have conducted any operational capability assessment or formal risk assessment relating to current Air Corps staffing levels; and if so, whether any risks were identified regarding operational readiness, air ambulance support, maritime surveillance capacity or aircraft availability. [39223/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra329. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Air Corps is currently operating below the staffing levels considered necessary for full operational capability [39224/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra331. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps personnel who retired, resigned or otherwise left service in each year from 2023 to date in 2026, by rank category where available. [39226/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra332. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Defence Forces maintain internal workforce modelling regarding projected shortages in specialist Air Corps roles, including pilots, engineers, air traffic personnel and technical grades; and if she will provide details at a policy level. [39227/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 328, 329, 331 and 332 together.
The Defence Forces have provided me with the requested discharge figures for the Air Corps which are outlined in the following table:
|
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
|
Colonel |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Lt Colonel |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Commandant |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Captain |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Lieutenant |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|
Sergeant Major |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Company Sergeant |
3 |
9 |
8 |
1 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sergeant |
13 |
9 |
5 |
1 |
|
Corporal |
11 |
13 |
15 |
2 |
|
Private |
20 |
21 |
21 |
11 |
|
Apprentice |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cadet |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
60 |
61 |
55 |
15 |
*As at 30 April 2026
The term 'discharges' encompasses personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges. The discharge figures provided in the table above also include a number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training. In any position where there is a training period prior to appointment there will inevitably be fall off at different stages of the process.
Boosting the retention and recruitment of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. As a government, we are committed to achieving Level of Ambition 2 and to this end, a draft Strategic Workforce Plan, prepared by the Defence Forces, has recently been submitted to me for consideration. The draft plan and its accompanying recommendations, will be considered and finalised over the coming weeks. As the Deputy will be aware, the aim of the plan is to provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2. Furthermore, I am advised by the Defence Forces that a workforce model that uses a data driven, evidence-based approach to support workforce planning and future capability requirements has been developed as part of the plan.
The Defence Forces are making concerted efforts at ramping up recruitment and to support this, a range of key enabling measures have been introduced by Government. These measures include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement to 39 and 62 respectively, the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF, the application of the Working-time Directive across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions, and the extension of the Service Commitment Scheme for pilots to Air Traffic personnel. There has also been significant progress on pay with a further pay award due in a matter of weeks for all PDF personnel.
In regard to the specific matter of risk, the Defence Forces actively identify and manage risks across the organisation, in accordance with conventional risk management and governance procedures and I am provided with regular updates from the Chief of Staff on staffing levels across the three services of the organisation on a regular basis.
While recruitment and retention remains challenging, significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure is illustrative of my commitment to increase recruitment and improve retention in the Defence Forces.
333. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any operational doctrine, rules of engagement, or policy framework has been approved governing the deployment of armed capabilities associated with the Airbus H145M helicopters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39241/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra334. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any live-fire weapons testing, weapons certification exercises, or operational weapons integration trials are planned in relation to the Airbus H145M helicopters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra335. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the specific weapons systems, munitions categories, or force-protection systems approved for procurement in connection with the Airbus H145M helicopters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39243/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any interoperability assessments have been conducted between the Airbus H145M helicopters and EU or NATO-aligned defence aviation systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39244/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any legal advice was obtained regarding the constitutional, neutrality, or international-law implications arising from the procurement of armed rotary-wing aircraft capability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39245/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any dedicated pilot, weapons, or tactical crew training programme is being developed in connection with the Airbus H145M helicopters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39246/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra341. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any assessment has been conducted regarding the cybersecurity and operational resilience risks associated with reliance on foreign-origin avionics, mission systems, or military software platforms within the Airbus H145M fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39249/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338 and 341 together.
A detailed account of the acquisition of the Airbus H145M helicopters for the Air Corps, including the capability rationale, procurement process and governance framework, was provided previously in my replies to Parliamentary Questions from the Deputy on this matter.
A contract is in place for the delivery of four Airbus H145M helicopters to provide a modern military 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. The introduction of the H145M helicopters represents an enhancement of Air Corps capability and forms part of a wider programme of rotary-wing fleet modernisation. The aircraft are military-configured and designed to support a range of roles consistent with Government policy and the operational taskings assigned to the Defence Forces.
For operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to provide details of specific weapons systems, munitions categories, or force-protection measures associated with this platform. However, I can assure the Deputy that all such matters are subject to rigorous oversight and are being advanced in a manner consistent with the State’s defence policy and legal obligations. In addition, it is not appropriate to set out detailed operational doctrine, rules of engagement or specific mission profiles which are an integral part of the introduction of military capability in a public forum for operational and security reasons.
The introduction of the Airbus H145M helicopters is being progressed as part of the ongoing development and modernisation of Air Corps capabilities. As with all new aviation platforms, a structured programme of evaluation, certification, and integration is undertaken to ensure the safe and effective operation of the aircraft in accordance with applicable aviation and regulatory standards. Any activities associated with capability development, including testing and validation processes, are considered within the broader framework of Defence Forces planning and are conducted in line with established procedures and oversight arrangements. For operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to comment on the nature, scope, or scheduling of any specific activities in this regard. However, I can assure the Deputy that all relevant processes are being managed in accordance with best practice, safety requirements, and the Defence Forces’ operational needs.
Interoperability considerations form part of the broader capability development and procurement process. As outlined in my earlier replies, the assessment phase included consideration of operational roles, interoperability and fleet resilience.
As previously advised to the Deputy, the procurement and introduction of the H145M helicopters has been undertaken in accordance with all relevant national and international legal obligations. Legal advice was obtained, as appropriate, throughout the procurement process, including in relation to procurement compliance and broader Government policy. The State operates within a clear constitutional and policy framework governing the role and deployment of the Defence Forces, and all capability development is undertaken within that framework.
With regard to training, the introduction of a new aircraft type necessitates the development and delivery of comprehensive training programmes. In this context, structured training programmes for pilots, technical personnel and operational staff are being developed and delivered to ensure that the aircraft can be safely and effectively operated across their assigned roles.
In relation to cybersecurity and resilience considerations, the Department and the Defence Forces have regard, as part of normal governance processes, to risks associated with reliance on international suppliers for aviation platforms and systems. As previously outlined, Ireland does not possess a domestic military aerospace manufacturing base and it is therefore necessary to procure equipment from established international providers. In this context, procurement arrangements incorporate appropriate contractual, technical and logistical safeguards designed to support security of supply, operational resilience and ongoing sustainment of the capability.
This investment in H145M helicopters reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to the modernisation of the Defence Forces, ensuring they are equipped with the capabilities required to meet a wide range of operational tasks.
339. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Service Level Agreement governing Garda Air Support Unit operations under military aviation frameworks will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39247/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation, certification, and oversight of the Garda Air Support Unit aircraft are governed by military frameworks and a cross-departmental Service Level Agreement between An Garda Síochána, the Irish Air Corps, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Justice.
The Service Level Agreement is a restricted document and will not be published for operational and security reasons.
340. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether any external independent review has been conducted concerning the governance implications of military-operated aircraft supporting domestic policing operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo external independent review has been conducted concerning the governance implications of military-operated aircraft supporting domestic policing operations, nor are there any plans to commission such a review.
