Written Answers Nos. 173-192
173. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of proposals outlined in the Programme for Government to remove the triple lock protection; when he plans to bring these proposals before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6401/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the Programme for Government, this Government intends to reform the Triple Lock legislation whilst also ensuring that amendments to the legislation are in keeping with our values and policy of military neutrality.
To be clear firstly on what the 'triple lock' means; the 'triple lock' is a mechanism that sets out the conditions under which Irish troops may participate in overseas peace support operations. For troops to take part, the operation must be mandated by the United Nations; it must be approved by the Government; and it must be approved by Dáil Éireann by means of a resolution.
A new process is clearly needed to replace the current system underpinning the deployment of Irish troops abroad, which effectively allows UN Security Council members to bind Ireland’s hands in its international engagement by a veto or threat of the use of a veto.
The previous Government had approved the drafting of a General Scheme of a Bill to amend the legislation on how Ireland deploys its troops overseas, both in terms of overseas peacekeeping, but also in terms of deployment of Defence Force personnel overseas for purposes other than peacekeeping, such as for evacuation operations of Irish citizens abroad, something which has become sadly more frequent due to the uncertain geopolitical situation globally. Draft heads of legislation have been prepared with a view to proposals being brought to this Government in due course.
The Government has been very clear that it has no desire to alter Ireland’s policy of military neutrality. In effect, the proposed changes to the Triple Lock reinforce Ireland’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy by removing the power of UN Security Council permanent members to veto our national sovereign decisions. I can reassure the Deputy that any modification to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the deployment of Defence Forces’ personnel overseas to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality.
I also wish to reaffirm to this House that once the General Scheme of the Bill is presented to Government there will be ample time to debate the draft legislation in the Dáil & Seanad, thus providing the Oireachtas with ample opportunity to scrutinise any such proposals.
174. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence whether progress has been made on Ireland's National Action Plans on Women, Peace and Security regarding the protection and participation of women in the Defence Forces; to detail what progress has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6402/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is committed, its National Action Plans (NAPs) on Women Peace and Security, to women’s protection in fragile and conflict-affected zones and the prevention and combatting of all human rights violations against women, including Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Gender-Based Violence.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that the third NAP on Women, Peace and Security has now elapsed and the fourth iteration is currently being drafted with Department of Foreign Affairs as the Secretariat, with my Department and the Defence Forces involved in this drafting process. Once the 4th NAP on Women, Peace and Security has been approved and published, the Defence Forces will then draft a corresponding 4th Defence Forces Action Plan to capture the tasks contained in the Plan.
Each of the NAPs are subject to regular review by a Monitoring Group and each NAP was subject to mid-term reviews of progress and also final reviews carried out by independent consultants and which can be found at the following link:
www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/role-policies/international-priorities/peace-and-security/women-peace-and-security/irelands-national-action-plans-on-women-peace-and-security/
Outside of the NAP, a significant amount of work has been initiated in support of protection and participation of women and men in the Defence Forces.
The deputy will be aware that following Government approval, a Judge-led Independent Review Group (IRG), was established on 25th January 2022, to examine issues relating to dignity, discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces. This Independent Review was seen as a critical and vital first step to ensure that each member of the Defence Forces, is able to carry out their duties in a safe workplace, underpinned by dignity and equality and where there is zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour and where lessons are learnt from historical experiences.
The report of the IRG was published following Government approval on 28 March 2023. One of the first actions taken following publication of the IRG report was the establishment of an External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces to oversee the implementation of relevant recommendations of the Report.
Chaired by Ms Patricia King, the Body is seen as a critical element in increasing transparency and accountability and driving the necessary changes to the workplace culture and behaviour throughout the Defence Forces, and further information on this can be found at the below link: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/557ea-external-oversight-body-of-the-defence-forces/
Relatedly, on 20th June 2024, a Tribunal of Inquiry also was established to examine the effectiveness of the complaints procedures in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It 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 Government also approved the appointment of Ms. Justice Ann Power to Chair the Tribunal.
My Department continues to oversee and support the implementation of the recommendations in the NAPs and in the report of the IRG, in liaison with the Defence Forces. My ultimate aim is to ensure the protection and participation of women and men in the Defence Forces, where we can provide a safe workplace, and where every individual is respected and valued. The implementation of the recommendations of the IRG report will be crucial in achieving this aim, nationally.
175. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the capital budget allocation for his Department in 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [5478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the revised 2021-30 National Development Plan (NDP), the Defence 2024 capital allocation of €176 million has increased to €215 million in 2025, a level of increase which has brought the Defence allocation to its highest ever level.
This level of capital funding will enable continued investment in the renewal and replacement of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure to ensure that the Defence Forces have the ongoing capability to undertake the roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas, while also enabling the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with the objectives and timeframes set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
|
- |
Defence Capital Allocation |
|
2024 |
€176m |
|
2025 |
€215m |
176. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the numerical strength of the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service in each year from 2015 to date in 2025; if he will indicate the numbers of personnel who are male and female; if will provide the establishment figure for each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5634/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have provided the requested information as set out in the attached table.
We have previously acknowledged the recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces. To address these, a number of measures have been introduced. The maximum age of recruitment has been increased to 39 years for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 years for Direct Entry Specialists. The mandatory retirement age has been increased to 62. Private secondary healthcare has been extended to all PDF members. The Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year and the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years. There has also been significant progress on pay in recent years. Recruits on completion of training now start at €40,297 in Year 1, while school leaver Cadets upon commissioning earn €44,216, whilst in full time education.
Figures provided by the Defence Forces for 2024 suggest a stabilisation in the downward trend in numbers. There were 708 personnel inducted in 2024 while the Defence Forces have indicated they hope to induct a minimum of 800 personnel in 2025. In 2024 there were 674 discharges, 81 fewer than the previous year and the lowest since 2020.
Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector which includes an allocation providing for the recruitment of at least a net additional 400 personnel per annum.
Interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to rise as evidenced by the total of 13,348 applications received in 2024 across all competitions. This is an increase of approximately 33% on the total number received in 2023.
Whilst there are still undoubtedly challenges, significant progress has been made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure to the Defence sector is illustrative of my intent in this regard.
177. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department received funding support for projects of any kind from the United States of America International Development for the period 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5644/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo project funding support was received by my Department, or any bodies under the aegis of my Department, from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), over the period from 2016 to date in 2025.
178. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons in the Permanent Defence Forces, by the county of their primary residence in 2011, 2016, 2020, and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised that it will not be possible to answer the question in the manner requested by the Deputy.
179. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons in the Reserve Defence Forces, by the county of their primary residence in 2011, 2016, 2020, and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5706/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised it has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
180. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of premises operated by the Defence Forces which have been closed since 2011, by premises, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5707/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested cannot be provided in the time allowed. I have asked my officials to collate this data and I will arrange to provide it directly to the Deputy.
181. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the gender breakdown of his Department in respect of principal officers, assistant secretaries and secretaries general, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5848/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the gender breakdown of my Department in respect of Principal Officers, Assistant Secretaries and Secretaries General as at 10th February 2025.
|
Grade |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
Principal Officer |
21 |
16 |
37 |
My Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory environment in accordance with the Equality Acts and aims to ensure that the principles of employment equality are implemented in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience.
The Department’s policy is that all personnel be accorded equality of opportunity and treatment and includes a commitment to the implementation of the Government target that one-third of posts in the grade of Assistant Principal are filled by women. In 2024, 44% of Principals and 61% of Assistant Principals were women. Overall, 55.6% of staff at the grades of Assistant Principal and upwards are filled by women.
182. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies for doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists currently within Defence Forces Medical Corps; and the estimated timeframe for filling each of the vacancies, in tabular form. [5972/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current number of vacancies for each of the requested positions are as follows:
|
Position |
Vacancies |
Establishment |
|
Dentist |
3 |
7 |
|
Doctor |
5 |
28 |
|
Nurse |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Pharmacist |
1 |
3 |
A Review of the provision of Medical Services has recently been received and is under consideration by civil and military management. The Review will inform future recruitment within the Defence Forces Medical Corps. For the Deputy's awareness the filling of Medical Officer positions is undertaken on an ongoing basis.
183. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are plans during 2025 to issue a tender for the provision of a replacement for the LÉ Róisín. [5973/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans to issue a tender in 2025 for the provision of a replacement for LÉ Róisín, which has recently completed a mid life extension programme.
Equipment priorities for the Defence Forces are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes underpinned by significant increases in funding, with Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million over the 2024 allocation.
Further additions to the EDP are kept under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), in light of specific recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and commitments in the Programme for Government.
The Commission on the Defence Forces specifically recommended an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacement, to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships is reached by early in the next decade. This recommendation has been accepted in principle by Government and planning is underway for the potential procurement of a multi-role vessel (MRV) for the Naval Service, which would bring to nine the number of ships in the fleet.
This potential procurement is being examined by marine advisors and work is currently underway that will inform next steps in this regard in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
184. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons, by gender currently in recruit training in each of the three branches of the Defence Forces, in tabular form. [5974/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have provided the requested information, as at 12 February 2025, on the breakdown by gender of General Service Recruits (GSR) in recruit training for each of the three branches of the Defence Forces. The information is outlined in the table below.
|
Army Male |
Army Female |
Air Corp Male |
Air Corp Female |
Naval Service Male |
Naval Service Female |
Total Male |
Total Female |
|
|
GSR in Recruit Training |
99 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
24 |
1 |
128 |
7 |
In addition to the above, a further 194 Army recruits have progressed to Private 2* training and 13 of these are female.
185. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the new maritime patrol CASA 295 aircraft to be purchased by the Irish Air Corps carries Helionix; if the Government have reneged on their commitment to stop buying military equipment from Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6122/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA contract was signed with Airbus Spain in 2019 for two Airbus C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft for manufacture in Seville and these aircraft were delivered in 2023. In 2022, a second contract for one Military Transport variant Airbus C-295 was signed with Airbus and is due for delivery later this year. The Airbus C-295 aircraft are not fitted with Helionix.
Since the ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, the Department has included provisions in its tender documentation regarding the right to reject offers from third countries on defence and security grounds, in line with the Commission guidance on the procurement of defensive equipment under Directive 2009/18/EU.
186. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he could provide an update on progress with the recommendations from the report of the Commission on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6138/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 69 main recommendations and with sub recommendations there were 130 recommendations in total. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken with a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022. This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2) by 2028, as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The move to LOA2 is due to be complete by 2028. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, was published on the 21st of November 2023. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to LOA 2 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across:
• Strategic HR and Cultural Change;
• New Command and Control and Joint Structures to be established;
• Services to be reformed and restructured;
• Reserve Defence Force to be revitalised; and
• Joint Capability Development to be implemented
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with the recommendations implemented to-date having had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.
This includes changes made to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance.
In addition to this, extension of private secondary healthcare to enlisted ranks was implemented in September 2023.
In terms of recruitment, a number of initiatives have been progressed to counter staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, The Government agreed to increase the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 62. This facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles. The maximum recruitment age for Direct Entry Officer specialists has been increased to 50.
By the end of last year 35 of the Commission's recommendations were fully implemented, with many more nearing completion. Work is currently underway on the development of an updated Detailed Implementation Plan, which is scheduled to be published shortly.
Transformation efforts of this magnitude take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place and progress to date will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
187. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what the benefits are of getting rid of the triple lock for military involvement in operations abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6139/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the Programme for Government, this Government intends to reform the Triple Lock legislation whilst also ensuring that amendments to the legislation are in keeping with our values and policy of military neutrality.
To be clear firstly on what the 'triple lock' means; the 'triple lock' is a mechanism that sets out the conditions under which Irish troops may participate in overseas peace support operations. For troops to take part, the operation must be mandated by the United Nations; it must be approved by the Government; and it must be approved by Dáil Éireann by means of a resolution if the numbers being deployed are more than 12.
A new process is clearly needed, however, to replace the current system underpinning the deployment of Irish troops abroad, which effectively allows UN Security Council members to bind Ireland’s hands in its international engagement by a veto or threat of the use of a veto.
The previous Government had approved the drafting of a General Scheme of a Bill to amend the legislation on how Ireland deploys its troops overseas, both in terms of overseas peacekeeping, but also in terms of deployment of Defence Force personnel overseas for purposes other than peacekeeping, such as for evacuation operations of Irish citizens abroad, something which has become sadly more frequent due to the uncertain geopolitical situation globally. Draft heads of legislation have been prepared with a view to proposals being brought to this Government in due course.
The Government has been very clear that it has no desire to alter Ireland’s policy of military neutrality. In effect, the benefits of the proposed changes to the Triple Lock reinforce Ireland’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy by removing the power of UN Security Council permanent members to veto our national sovereign decisions. However, governing principles will be included which will apply to any future deployments where operations must adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
I can reassure the Deputy that any modification to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the deployment of Defence Forces’ personnel overseas to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality.
I also wish to reaffirm to this House that once the General Scheme of the Bill is presented to Government there will be ample time to debate the draft legislation in the Dáil & Seanad, thus providing the Oireachtas with ample opportunity to scrutinise any such proposals.
188. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide details of the empty buildings, by county, in his Department’s portfolio; the value of the property; the length of time they have lain empty; and the physical status of each building, in tabular form. [6226/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details requested cannot be provided in the time allowed. I have asked my officials to collate this data and provide it directly to the Deputy.
189. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide details of undeveloped sites, by county, in his Department’s portfolio; the value of the property; the length of time they have lain undeveloped; and the reason for the lack of development, in tabular form. [6244/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence does not have any sites that would be classified as undeveloped. The Department's lands are all active military installations for operational and training purposes.
190. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant engineer room artificer technicians currently in the Naval Service; and when each of those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [6289/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have provided the following information, as at 14 February 2025, in respect of Engine Room Artificers in the Naval Service:
|
Establishment |
85 |
|
Strength |
53* |
|
Vacancies |
32 |
*includes 16 personnel undergoing training to become Engine Room Artificers.
Vacancies are filled in line with promotional arrangements, as appropriate, and by recruitment. A direct entry competition for Engine Room Artificers is ongoing and, in 2024 attracted 32 applications, while as of the end of January 2025 there have been 3 additional applications. 1 Direct Entry Engine Room Artificer has been inducted in January 2025.
191. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on any progress by military authorities in their consideration of the report and recommendations of the Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group on colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces; when he will publish this report; and when the recommendations will be implemented. [6296/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCandidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific criteria, which include medical standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These medical standards are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and having regard to the nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Defence Forces
The vision standards required for entry to the Defence Forces include that applicants colour vision must be normal. The Defence Forces colour vision standard is defined by the ability to pass the Ishihara Colour Plates. To be accepted as an eligible candidate for entry into the Defence Forces, the applicant must have a normal result in this test.
The conditions for entry to and service in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), including the methodologies used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practices. More specifically in relation to the issue of colour blindness, a Study Group on Defence Forces Standards of Colour Deficiency, established to review the colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces, has concluded its work.
The military authorities have advised that the report and its recommendations remain under consideration in respect of the regulatory impacts, across a range of Defence Forces Regulations. They have further advised that following identification and consideration of the regulatory impacts and subject to approval by the Defence Forces Board the next stage will be engagement with the Department of Defence to determine an agreed position before engagement with the Representative Associations.
192. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within his Department in 2024 and to date in 2025; if any section of his Department currently makes use of artificial intelligence; if he will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI; if he will provide a schedule of consultants engaged and costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6333/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the National AI Strategy and the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies, my Department continues to keep the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for business purposes under review.
The use of AI, as with all enabling technologies, will be considered on a solution by solution basis. Any such considerations will be discussed and a risk assessment conducted as appropriate. My Department has not sought external consultancy advice in relation to the use of AI and continues to follow the guidance of the NCSC and and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform's (DPENDPDR) Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service.
While no Departmental functions are currently assisted by any artificial intelligence products or software, my 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. I have been advised by OGCIO that they have deployed AI powered security tools as part of the overall security posture.
