Written Answers Nos. 226-244
227. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the actions she is taking to address proposals that soldiers are seeing their rations cut (details supplied); and if she believes that this is an appropriate course of action. [68062/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that there has been no cut to rations for newly commissioned Defence Forces Officers undertaking full time fulltime third level courses in the University of Galway.
Young officers attending these third level courses can avail of meals in Barracks at the following cost - Breakfast - €2.50, Lunch - €3.50, Dinner - €4.50.
Such Officers are also provided with accommodation. The cost of accommodation ranges from €24.35 per month to €40.20 per month, depending on the rank of the Officer.
The Officers also receive full salary for the duration of the course. Starting salaries of a newly commissioned officer range from €46,823 to €52,265 per annum. In addition all college fees are paid for the officers in question.
228. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of females currently in recruit training in each of the three branches of the Defence Forces. [68060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised that, as of 22 September 2026, the following number of women were in General Service Recruit training across each of the services:
|
|
Army |
Air Corp |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
Recruit |
22 |
3 |
7 |
32 |
There has been a total of 490 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force to the end of August 2026, of which 47 were female. The total number of applications received from females to the end of August stood at 2,169 which compares favourably to the 2,198 applications received in total for 2025.
A range of initiatives aimed at increasing the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force are currently in train. These include:
The establishment of the GENAD office (Gender Adviser) which provides expert advice to senior military management and the Defence Forces Board regarding gender equality, integration, and the implementation of a gender perspective in operations and policy;
Awareness campaigns to attract females into DF careers;
The availability of both women and men at career and outreach events;
Ongoing review of recruitment processes to ensure that they are inclusive;
Inclusion of a female perspective in marketing;
The creation of new induction streams;
The launch of a comprehensive advertising campaign aimed specifically at female candidates in February 2026, which has completed two cycles to date.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women and has set ambitious targets for increased female participation in the Defence Forces.
229. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the total costs of the two P70 class ships (LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait) since they were purchased from New Zealand, broken down by category (details supplied). [68142/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is not readily available from the Department's financial management systems. I will arrange to have this information forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
230. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the budget that has been allocated to the Conference on Defence Industry her Department is organising as part of Ireland's EU presidency. [68163/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence the budget that was allocated to the Conference on Maritime Security organised by her Department as part of Ireland's EU presidency. [68159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.
Ireland is holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
In preparation for the Presidency, my Department and the Defence Forces have worked closely with the central Presidency team in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to plan and deliver events that fall within the Defence portfolio.
As part of this process, Departments were provided with a common costing framework to support the preparation of operational Presidency estimates. My Department has applied this framework in planning Presidency-related events, with a focus on delivering high-quality and cost-effective engagements.
The Conference on Maritime Security and Conference on Defence Industry are two of the events being organised by my Department during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The conferences are scheduled to take place over one day in October and November 2026 respectively, at an OPW-managed venue, and are expected to host approximately 200 delegates per conference.
While provisional budget allocations have been made for each event, which includes the operational and logistical requirements associated with these events, and which are subject to, and have taken account of, the normal budgetary oversight and procurement processes, it would not be possible at this stage to provide an exact costing for each Conference until after final reconciliation and payment of all invoices has taken place.
232. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Defence whether four members of the legal team originally appointed to the Defence Forces Tribunal (details supplied) ceased to act during the latter part of 2024, whether by resignation, judicial appointment or otherwise; the name, position and date of departure of each person; the reason for each departure insofar as communicated to her or her Department; the period for which each position remained vacant; and the transparent and accountable process used to select and appoint each replacement, including, in particular, the replacement. [68402/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established by Statutory Instrument on 20 June 2024, (S.I. 304 of 2024), to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Tribunal also has the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within the Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The Tribunal is entirely independent in its functions.
While matters concerning the appointment of legal persons engaged by the Tribunal are the responsibility of the Tribunal itself, I can confirm to the Deputy that one Senior Counsel, two Junior Counsel and a solicitor departed the Tribunal's legal team during 2024. These vacancies were subsequently filled.
Details of the Tribunal’s current Legal Team are published on the Tribunal’s website at the following URL: https://www.toidf.ie/the-tribunal-team/
233. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Defence where no formal complaints procedure has been adopted by the Defence Forces Tribunal, the procedure by which complaints already received, or received in the future, concerning the Tribunal’s administration, procedures, services, legal team or treatment of complainants and victim-witnesses are to be acknowledged, recorded, independently examined and determined; the person or office responsible for each stage; the standards and time limits applicable; and whether written reasons and an internal or independent review mechanism are available. [68397/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Defence whether the Tribunal of Inquiry into Issues Relating to the Complaints Processes in the Defence Forces and the Culture Surrounding the Making of Complaints has adopted a formal written procedure for receiving, registering, investigating and determining complaints concerning the tribunal’s own administration, procedures, services, legal team or treatment of persons engaging with it; and the date on which any such procedure was adopted and where it has been published. [68394/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established by Statutory Instrument on 20 June 2024, (S.I. 304 of 2024), to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Tribunal also has the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
The Tribunal is entirely independent in its functions. Decisions on the Tribunal's internal administrative and governance arrangements, including any procedures for handling complaints concerning its staff, legal team or services, are entirely a matter for the Tribunal.
235. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Defence whether the Defence Forces Tribunal has appointed any persons specifically to act as independent investigators, separate from its counsel and solicitors; if so, the number appointed, their professional qualifications, terms of appointment and functions; if none have been appointed, whether the Tribunal’s investigative work is being conducted solely through its legal team (details supplied); whether she has sought or received any assessment of the adequacy of that investigative model; and to provide details of any capacity assessment or assurance received. [68400/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established by Statutory Instrument on 20 June 2024, (S.I. 304 of 2024), to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Tribunal also has the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The Tribunal is entirely independent in its functions.
In line with the Tribunal’s ‘Procedures of the Tribunal’ published on the Tribunal’s website at the following URL: https://www.toidf.ie/app/uploads/2024/06/Procedures-of-the-Defence-Forces-Tribunal.pdf, ‘the Tribunal will, insofar as practicable, consistent with its duties under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts 1921 to 2011, conduct its investigation by seeking and facilitating the voluntary cooperation of any person who is or may be in possession of relevant information, knowledge or material relating to the Terms of Reference'.
In addition, and in accordance with section 6 of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Act 2002, the Tribunal has requested the appointment of investigators. The request is presently under review as part of the applicable statutory process.
236. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide the full cost of the be emergency ready information booklet; to include a breakdown of consultancy used; and the design cost, print cost and dissemination costs by media and/or postage campaign delivery. [68586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department launched the Be Emergency Ready public information campaign on 28 August 2026 to increase awareness of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals and households to take practical steps to be better prepared for emergencies.
The campaign builds on the success of the Be Winter Ready societal resilience campaign, moving away from seasonal messaging and instead promoting year-round preparedness, self-sufficiency and resilience at individual, household and community level.
Be Emergency Ready was informed by public research and focus group testing and included the development of new creative assets, updates to the Be Emergency Ready website, and the design, printing and nationwide distribution of an updated preparedness booklet. The campaign is also supported by digital and social media communications.
The campaign is currently being delivered within an allocated budget. As the campaign is still progressing, final costs will be available in due course and my Department will provide a full breakdown of the creation, printing and distribution costs once the campaign has concluded.
237. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence her response to recent media reports that soldiers’ rations, radar systems and naval guns are among a number of areas to be curtailed by Defence Forces to meet military spending cuts. [68827/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitisation (DPEIPSRD) advised my Department that a levy of €12 million would apply to current expenditure on the Defence Vote. This levy is applicable to 2027, and not 2026 expenditure. In that regard, Budget 2027 processes remain ongoing, with discussions continuing on a range of financial matters in advance of the publication of agreed 2027 budgetary allocations on Budget Day.
Media reports are inaccurate and merely speculation in advance of Budget 2027. No levy is applicable to capital expenditure which has been set out in the National Development Plan. Equally, I have decided that the Defence pay will not be subject to this levy.
It is worth noting, that Defence has been provided with significant funding increases over recent years, with the 2026 Defence Vote Group allocation of €1.492 billion now €385m (35%) greater than the corresponding 2022 allocation. Alongside this, the Government has provided a record €1.7 billion for capital investment in Defence out to 2030. This is an increase of €600 million, or 55%, on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion and is the most significant capital investment package in the Defence Forces in the history of the State.
I can confirm that there has been no cut to rations for newly commissioned Defence Forces Officers undertaking full time fulltime third level courses in the University of Galway.
Young officers attending these third level courses can avail of meals in Barracks at the following cost - Breakfast - €2.50, Lunch - €3.50, Dinner - €4.50.
Such Officers are also provided with accommodation. The cost of accommodation ranges from €24.35 per month to €40.20 per month, depending on the rank of the Officer.
The Officers also receive full salary for the duration of the course. Starting salaries of a newly commissioned officer range from €46,823 to €52,265 per annum. In addition all college fees are paid for the officers in question.
238. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Defence when a local flood warning service will be available for communities. [68841/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe full scope, implementation plan, timelines and resource requirements for Stage II are currently being developed under the auspices of the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning subgroup established for this purpose.
Ireland’s strategic emergency management arrangements operate on a Lead Government Department model. Responsibility for planning and preparedness, response, and recovery rests with the Lead Government Department assigned to the relevant emergency type. While I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and an official from my Department chairs the subgroup progressing Stage II, these coordination roles support, but do not replace, the policy and operational responsibilities assigned under those arrangements. The Department of Housing and the Office of Public Works have individual responsibilities in these areas.
Through the Government Task Force and the Office of Emergency Planning, my Department will continue to support the collaborative work required to progress Stage II, recognising the importance and urgency of delivering an effective local flood forecasting and warning service for communities as soon as practicable. The completed implementation plan will be brought to Government separately for consideration.
239. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 64325/26 of 16 September 2026, to confirm whether the figures provided for 2022 to 2025 relate solely to contracts awarded through Office of Government Procurement frameworks or also include drawdowns under OGCIO, HSE and OPW arrangements; and if the latter, to provide the figures for each of the four separately, in tabular form. [68778/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the figures provided in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 64325/26 of 16 September 2026 relate solely to contracts awarded through Office of Government Procurement frameworks.
240. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 64320/26 and 64321/26 of 16 September 2026 (details supplied), the overall Air Corps fleet availability expressed as a single annual percentage for each of the years 2022 to 2025, without breakdown by aircraft type, base or role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68777/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials have requested details from the military authorities on the matters raised by the Deputy. I will respond to you in due course, subject to any operational and security related concerns.
241. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Defence the persons on the subgroup to develop the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service; the frequency with which they have met since the subgroup was established and when; and to provide an update on the stage 2 of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service NFFWS. [68840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government approved the establishment of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service in 2016 as a collaborative, government-wide initiative. A subgroup of the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning was established in April 2025 to progress Stage II of the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service. The subgroup is chaired by the Office of Emergency Planning in my Department and comprises representatives of:
• the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management;
• the County and City Management Association;
• the Local Government Management Agency;
• the Office of Public Works;
• Met Éireann;
• the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation;
• the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and
• the Department of the Taoiseach.
Since its establishment, the subgroup has met on three occasions: 3 June 2025, 3 September 2025 and 7 January 2026. Stage II is intended to deliver localised flood forecasting and warning services for communities across Ireland. The full scope, implementation plan, timelines and resource requirements for Stage II remain under development under the auspices of the Government Taskforce subgroup. This work will continue on a collaborative, whole-of-government basis and will be brought to Government separately for consideration when sufficiently developed.
The Office of Emergency Planning is working with stakeholders to reconvene the subgroup in October and to build on the developments set out by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage and agreed by Government in September.
242. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the current status of each of the State's naval vessels; whether they are currently at sea; the details of hours sailed by each vessel in each of the years from 2020 to date in 2026; the way in which this compares to time in port each year; the costs associated with maintaining each vessel in port; the reason vessels may not be able to go to sea; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68954/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials have requested details from the military authorities on the matters raised by the Deputy. I will respond to you in due course, subject to any operational and security related concerns.
243. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the numbers of personnel within the Army, Naval Service, Air Corps and Reserve Defence Forces; the figures at each year end from 2020 to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68950/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence, I am fully committed to increasing and strengthening recruitment and supporting retention in the Permanent Defence Force.
The Military Authorities have provided the figures requested by the Deputy in the table below for the strengths by service of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and Reserve Defence Force (RDF) from 2020 to 2025 and also for 2026 as of the 31 August 2026, the latest date such figures are available for.
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026* |
|
PDF Army |
6,920 |
6,830 |
6,460 |
6,136 |
6,099 |
6,184 |
6,187 |
|
PDF Air Corps |
746 |
751 |
708 |
689 |
739 |
765 |
788 |
|
PDF Naval Service |
902 |
875 |
798 |
725 |
719 |
807 |
840 |
|
PDF Total (W.T.E) |
8,568 |
8,456 |
7,966 |
7,550 |
7,557 |
7,756 |
7,815 |
|
RDF First Line Reserve |
262 |
271 |
280 |
282 |
165 |
204 |
195 |
|
Army Second Line Reserve |
1,583 |
1,485 |
1,516 |
1,461 |
1,673 |
1,481 |
1480 |
|
Naval Service Second Line Reserve |
129 |
126 |
104 |
101 |
141 |
131 |
133 |
|
Second Line Reserve Total |
1,712 |
1,611 |
1,620 |
1,562 |
1,814 |
1,612 |
1,613 |
*As of 31 August 2026
2025 saw an expansion in the overall strength of the PDF of almost 200 personnel, with a total of 790 inductions achieved, the highest in twenty years. The number of personnel who discharged was at its lowest level in more than five years. Total inductions for 2026 stood at 490 to the end of August.
Interest in a career in the Defence Forces remains robust with a total of over 14,000 applications received to the end of August 2026, thereby building on the 16,510 applications received last year. The challenge now for the Defence Forces is to convert this high level of applications to inductions.
Recruitment to the Defence Forces remain open and ongoing via a diverse range of competitions including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and multiple direct entry competitions for specialist roles, the most recent of which to launch include those for Instrumentalists and Aerospace Engineers.
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.
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 launched in mid-September 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 further increased it to €4.535m for 2026.
• The launch of Supplemental Military Service on 1st June, which includes support military service both within or outside the State and will be remunerated. Members of the RDF deployed on Supplemental Military Service will also be entitled to the benefits of the Working Time Directive as well as appropriate allowances and subsistence.
• Significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts as illustrated by the initiatives I have outlined here and I am committed to building on the growth in recruitment and the stabilisation in retention achieved in recent years.
244. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Defence the membership of the Government task force on emergency planning; and how often the task force has met in 2025 and in 2026, in tabular form. [68839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government Task Force on Emergency Planning is the top-level structure for strategic emergency management in Ireland. Chaired by the Minister for Defence, the Government Task Force gives policy direction and provides oversight for the emergency planning activities of all government departments and public authorities. The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning meets in the National Emergency Coordination Centre (NECC), at least 5 times a year.
The Government Task Force is comprised of Ministers, senior officials of government departments, senior officers of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána and officials of other key public authorities having a lead or support role in government and strategic emergency planning.
The Government Task Force on Emergency Planning met on the following dates in 2025 and so far in 2026:
|
2025 |
2026 to date |
|
11 March |
27 January |
|
30 April |
25 March |
|
25 June |
19 May |
|
27 August |
23 September |
|
8 October |
|
