Written Answers Nos. 142-156
142. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will ensure that unregistered and/or unvaccinated horses and ponies are not permitted to roam on the Curragh, where they may come into contact with valuable thoroughbred horses, thereby raising concerns regarding animal health and welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47490/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOther than those lands officially authorised, by agreement with the Minister for Defence, for the training and racing of thoroughbred horses (i.e. The Curragh Racecourse and Gallops), no other animals are permitted to be exercised, in accordance with the Curragh of Kildare Bye Laws, 1964. As such, the only animals permitted to exercise on Curragh lands are thoroughbred race horses. All of those horses must be registered with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). The Curragh Racecourse Limited (CRL) operates and manages the training grounds on the racecourse and other gallops around the Curragh green lands.
I am informed by my officials that a number of reports were received regarding a small number of horses and ponies spotted on the Curragh Plains in recent weeks. These animals are, I am advised, associated with a large unauthorised encampment which has developed since mid May. The Deputy will be aware of the legal process my Department is engaged with through the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) with regard to these illegal encampments on the Curragh. My officials have acted promptly to ensure action is taken to protect the Plains and since the end of May 2026 have secured three (3) High Court orders against those in illegal occupation. These orders have been served on those in illegal occupation.
143. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence if the Air Corps new Airbus C295W is fully operational; the number of operations it has been involved in to-date outlining any air ambulance or evacuation missions it has been involved in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46816/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA contract was awarded in December 2022 to Airbus at a cost of €59 million, excluding VAT, for the provision of a new Airbus C-295 military transport variant aircraft for the Defence Forces. The aircraft was delivered in September 2025 and has entered operational service.
The Airbus C-295 military transport variant aircraft is highly versatile and provides a dedicated asset to support Defence Forces' military airlift transport requirements as well as to provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft has to date assisted the Air Corps in providing a wide range of services including logistics support, transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation, air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and provides a general utility role.
The Deputy will appreciate that, for operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to disclose specific details of the operational deployment of individual Air Corps aircraft.
144. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the number of crew and passengers the Defence Forces new Airbus C295W can carry as opposed to the older CASA CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraStrategic airlift capability has been prioritised for investment following Government approval of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, as part of the move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA 2).
Two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered in 2023, replacing the legacy CASA CN235 aircraft, and these aircraft can be configured to undertake a limited transport role if required.
In addition, a contract was awarded to Airbus for the provision of a dedicated Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces, with delivery completed in October 2025. This aircraft, an Airbus C295W transport variant, provides a step change in the State’s airlift capability.
The Airbus C295W aircraft is a modern, highly versatile tactical airlift platform which supports a wide range of roles including logistics support, the transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance missions, Special Operations Forces tasks and general utility operations. It is operated by a crew of two pilots.
In its transport configuration, the C295W can carry up to 62 troops on shorter range flights, or up to 48 personnel in airline-style seating for longer duration missions.
By comparison, the CASA CN235 aircraft previously operated by the Air Corps, while capable of limited transport tasks, was primarily configured for maritime patrol operations and had a significantly more limited transport capacity. In practice, the aircraft could carry up to approximately 19 personnel on short-range flights, with a crew of two pilots.
Accordingly, the C295W provides a substantial increase in personnel carrying capacity, in addition to enhanced payload, range and operational flexibility. The aircraft also offers the ability to transport palletised cargo and can be configured with a cargo handling system to support air delivery operations.
The introduction of the C295 fleet forms part of a broader programme of investment in Defence Forces capabilities and significantly enhances the State’s ability to conduct independent airlift operations in support of both domestic and overseas missions.
145. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if she will work with veterans organisations representing Defence Force veterans in the North with a view to ensuring they are remembered for their service to the Irish State, and the Government recognise commemorations and other relevant events in the North held by those organisations. [46849/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel.
My Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), whose membership is open to all ex-service personnel.
My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations, as well as the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO) and the Retired Enlisted Members Association (REMA), to discuss matters of concern to their members.
I am advised that requests for Defence Forces ceremonial support outside of the state would need to be considered by the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on a case-by-case basis. These requests would then be forwarded to the Defence Forces for consideration. If the request is considered appropriate for Defence Forces participation, and if the exigencies of the service allow, the Defence Forces will provide support, as appropriate.
For events outside of the state, permission for the wearing of military uniforms may be required, requiring a longer lead-in time to allow for appropriate liaison between all relevant parties.
146. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence whether her Department is satisfied with the operational performance and reliability of the Government jet since its acquisition. [47240/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dassault Falcon 6X operational, since March 2026, has enhanced the State’s transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities, with a range of over 5000 nautical miles meaning it can reach the west coast of the United States without the need to refuel. It provides the State with an independent and flexible air transport service, which is an increasingly essential requirement to assist the Government in meeting Ireland’s national and international obligations.
In addition, the aircraft will be used for a broad range of other taskings, including the evacuation of Irish citizens from critical situations, air-ambulance patient transfers, medical evacuation or repatriation of Irish Defence Forces personnel deployed on overseas missions, and logistics support for the transport of supplies to Irish Defence Forces overseas missions.
The military authorities have advised me that they are satisfied that the aircraft is currently delivering an appropriate level of operational performance and reliability in line with its intended role.
Comprehensive performance and maintenance support arrangements are in place with the manufacturer and approved service providers. These arrangements include scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, technical support, and parts provisioning, all governed by contractual service level standards.
147. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence whether any mechanical, technical, or operational issues have arisen with the Government jet since it was brought into service; if so, the nature of those issues and the corrective actions taken. [47241/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dassault Falcon 6X officially entered operational service on the 10th of March 2026. In all cases were required parts were obtained from the manufacturer and fitted to the aircraft within the timeframes outlined above. The Deputy will appreciate for operational purposes it would be appropriate to comment further.
The military authorities have advised me that they are satisfied that the aircraft is currently delivering an appropriate level of operational performance and reliability in line with its intended role. As with any complex aviation platform, routine technical and operational matters can arise; these are managed through established Air Corps engineering and flight safety processes.
148. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence whether she is aware of an incident in Strasbourg in May 2026 during which the Government jet reportedly failed to start; if so the circumstances surrounding this incident; the cause of the failure; the length of time the aircraft was out of service or delayed; and the number and identity (in general terms) of passengers on board. [47242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate for security and operational reasons, it is not appropriate to comment. I am advised by the military authorities that they are fully satisfied with the serviceability of the new craft.
149. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions on which the Government jet has undergone unscheduled repairs, and routine maintenance or servicing since entering service; and if she will provide a breakdown of same, by date and duration out of service. [47243/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dassault Falcon 6X officially entered operational service on the 10th of March 2026. I do not propose to release details in relation to servicing and maintenance issues for operational reasons. However, the Deputy may wish to note that the military authorities have advised me that they are satisfied that the aircraft is currently delivering an appropriate level of operational performance and reliability in line with its intended role. As with any complex aviation platform, routine technical and operational matters can arise; these are managed through established Air Corps engineering and flight safety processes.
Comprehensive performance and maintenance support arrangements are in place with the manufacturer and approved service providers. These arrangements include scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, technical support, and parts provisioning, all governed by contractual service level standards.
150. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the length of time the Government jet has been out of service since its purchase. [47244/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department signed a contract for the French made Dassault Falcon 6X in December 2024, with delivery to Casement Aerodrome on 16 December 2025.
Since this date, the aircraft has been out of service for eighteen (18) days, of which nine (9) days of downtime occurred prior to the aircraft entering operational service. Th Deputy may wish to note that the military authorities have confirmed that they are satisfied with the level of serviceability of this craft and are equally satisfied with the level of performance to date.
151. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence if suitable qualified civilians can apply for vacancies within the Defence Forces School of Music; and whether all vacancies are normally filled by personnel within the Defence Forces. [47421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence, I am fully committed to supporting and strengthening recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force.
The Military Authorities advise that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,741 personnel on the 30 April, the latest date for which this figure is available. This represents a year on year increase of more than 200 personnel.
Opportunities for careers in the Defence Forces remain open via a diverse range of ongoing competitions including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and multiple direct entry competitions for specialist roles. A number of new competitions have launched in recent weeks including competitions for Instrumentalists, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and Aerospace Technicians.
In the case of the latter, the Defence Forces advise me that skilled musicians are recruited through dedicated external recruitment competitions for instrumentalists. Competitions for instrumentalists are held periodically for available positions in various Defence Forces Bands. These positions are open to all candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria as outlined in the terms and conditions of the competition concerned. Typically, instrumentalist positions are filled through external recruitment rather than by existing members of the Defence Forces. Additional information may be found on the Defence Forces website, military.ie where the terms and conditions governing the 2026 enlistment of instrumentalists in the Defence Forces School of Music and those pertaining to all other active competitions are available.
152. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the total cumulative expenditure to date by her Department on legal proceedings relating to illegal encampments on the Curragh, County Kildare; the breakdown of such expenditure for each of the years 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47487/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware of the legal process my Department is engaged with through the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO) with regard to illegal encampments on the Curragh. My officials have acted promptly to ensure action is taken to protect the Plains and in recent weeks since the end of May 2026 have secured three (3) High Court orders against those in illegal occupation.
The CSSO is the principal provider of solicitor services to the Attorney General and government, providing advisory, litigation and transactional services to Government Departments and offices. The cost associated with the provision of these legal services is borne by the CSSO.
The use of a private security contractor was also necessary to support the implementation of an agreed legal process and to assist with the service of court orders.
The table below shows the costs associated with provision of services from that private security company for years requested:
|
Private Security Contractor |
Ex Vat |
Total |
|
2024 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2025 |
€77,190 |
€94,943.70 |
|
2026 |
€23,600 |
€29,028 |
153. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will detail the total expenditure incurred by her Department in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and to date in 2026 on environmental clean-ups carried out on the Curragh Plains, County Kildare, arising from illegal encampments and associated fly-tipping; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47488/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that the total expenditure incurred by my Department on environmental clean-ups carried out on the Curragh Plains, County Kildare, arising from illegal encampments and associated fly-tipping for the years requested is set out in the table below. These costs include waste collection from the Curragh and disposal to a licensed waste management facility.
|
YEAR |
COST INCLUDING V.A.T. |
|
2021 |
€58,279.61 |
|
2022 |
€159,336.25 |
|
2023 |
€125,306.14 |
|
2024 |
€185,944.94 |
|
2025 |
€44,223.14 |
|
2026 (To 18 June 2026) |
€27,812.59 |
Illegal dumping and fly-tipping on the Curragh Plains has quite often resulted in significant expenses for the Department of Defence. In the last several years, costs have been very high owing to a preponderance of illegal encampments on the Curragh. While it has been necessary to remedy issues of occasional fly-tipping, the majority of services rendered related to the aftermath of illegal encampments which can include large amounts of human and household waste and landscaping or garden waste. This waste is harmful to livestock legitimately grazing on the Curragh and also affects recreational users of the Curragh Plains.
Naturally, the Department of Defence does not condone nor permit any of this illegal activity and has always engaged, and continues to engage as appropriate, with An Garda Síochána, the local authority (Kildare County Council) and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office in an effort to eliminate any such anti-social behaviour.
154. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will set out in detail the actions taken to date by her Department towards achieving the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a new management system for the Curragh Plains; if she will indicate which relevant State body or agency has lead responsibility for the development and implementation of this new management system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47489/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs called for in the Programme for Government, it is intended to implement the recommendations of the Conservation Plan for the Curragh, particularly in relation to transferring the Plains to the agency that is best suited to managing this historic landscape. To this end, my officials are continuing to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) who have undertaken an initial scoping of their likely requirements and other stakeholders.
I am informed that officials from my Department's Property Management Branch met with officials from the NPWS on Wednesday last 17th June at the Curragh and undertook a tour of the Plains. I am informed that this was a very positive engagement. Further engagement with them and other stakeholders will determine the appropriate next steps.
155. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Defence to set out the procedure for residents residing adjacent to a Defence Forces location (details supplied) to submit a complaint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Casement aerodrome is the only operational military airfield in the State and has been in operation since 1917. I am advised that the Air Corps have and continue to enjoy a good relationship with the residential and commercial communities in the surrounding environs.
The Air Corps have clear noise abatement procedures set out in EIME AD 2.21 www.military.ie/media/dnmf2fxu/eime-aerodrome-information_190326_amdt-0126_version-3.pdf?usp=drive_link, which is available on www.military.ie. This policy is cognisant of residents residing adjacent to the base and also instructs pilots to avoid overflight of local schools during exam time.
Members of the public can report issues directly to the Air Corps via email at aircorps@defenceforces.ie Every report initiates a formal internal investigation. To ensure a thorough review, the following information should be provided;
• Date of Complaint.
• Date and time of noise occurrence.
• Address, Eircode, or Lat. Long. of occurrence.
• Description of aircraft (if known).
• Complainant name.
• Contact details of Complainant.
The Air Corps cross references the provided details with military flight logs and analyse the specific details against military logs. An Air Corps representative will contact the complainant directly to share relevant findings and details of the flight, where appropriate.
156. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the total landholding of her Department, broken down by county, including the amount currently unused or vacant, the portion zoned for development, and the number of sites that include vacant or derelict properties. [47621/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested cannot be provided in the time allowed. I have asked my officials to collate this data and provide it to the Deputy in due course.
