Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

EU Meetings

Denis Naughten

50. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of his Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually and the corresponding number held in person; if he or his predecessor attended each meeting, or a Minister of State or ambassador represented the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25665/24]

Flexible Work Practices

Denis Naughten

51. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department and each body and agency under the remit of his Department has achieved the Government-mandated public sector remote working target of 20%; when this was achieved in each instance; the current percentage of staff working remotely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25683/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Howlin

100. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 9 May 2023, if he will revisit the supports provided by his Department to family members of former Defence Forces personnel, including funeral costs for family members as an additional benefit, to aid recruitment and retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24628/24]

Defence Forces

Mairéad Farrell

101. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of any military event that took place recently in the University of Galway, wherein uniformed foreign soldiers were seen walking around the campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24629/24]

Departmental Data

Carol Nolan

102. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in his Department during the period 2021 to date; the content of such training and presentations; the provider of any such training and presentations and the costs incurred for each event; if attendance at such training and presentations is mandatory or voluntary for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24665/24]

Legislative Measures

Carol Nolan

103. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department will be prioritising the progression of any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24697/24]

Defence Forces

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

104. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of a person’s application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24740/24]

Departmental Contracts

John Lahart

105. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if as some media reports suggest, Ireland pays an Israeli government owned weapons company (details supplied) €295,000 each year to maintain drones bought from it, which the same company supplying aerial vehicles and drones being used to kill Palestinian people in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24982/24]

Naval Service

Catherine Murphy

106. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if Haulbowline naval base has the capability to dock a military naval ship of 210 metres in length; and if not, the funding that would be required in order to be able to securely dock a military naval ship of this size. [25086/24]

Departmental Contracts

Catherine Murphy

107. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a schedule of all contracts they have and/or had with a company in the past 25 years to date (details supplied); the agreed contract cost; the ultimate contract cost including extras, design changes, conciliation, claims etc; project name/title; and the name of the body responsible for the delivery of projects where responsibility has been devolved. [25470/24]

Naval Service

Alan Kelly

108. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any of the Naval Service vessels currently have helicopter landing capabilities. [25573/24]

Defence Forces

Alan Kelly

109. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the recruitment budget allocated to the Defence Forces in the years of 2022, 2023 and 2024; the percentage of that budget that was actually spent in 2022 and 2023 in tabular form. [25574/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

142. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to his appearance before the Oireachtas Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on 24 May 2024, if he has withdrawn his appeal to the arbitration board against the finding of the adjudicator regarding membership of RACO of the Director of Military Prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24492/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Matt Carthy

38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when engagement with a group (details supplied) can be expected from the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24168/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Matt Carthy

39. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for Defence if he will report on the process involved in establishing the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24169/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Matt Carthy

40. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has considered providing funding to survivors or groups representing them in order to better facilitate their own engagement with and participation in the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24170/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Réada Cronin

41. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason the Women of Honour have not been contacted to-date by the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; the reason for the delay in signing the statutory instrument; if his Department is prepared to give funding to the group on a parity basis with other support organisations to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24210/24]

Official Engagements

Patrick Costello

127. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on defence-related engagements carried out by the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence carried out since the start of 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23951/24]

Departmental Data

Matt Carthy

128. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount expended in relation to EU peacekeeping missions in the years 2008 and to date in 2024, by mission, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24087/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

129. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current total number of Defence Forces personnel; the allocation under Budget 2024 in relation to sustaining that cohort; the targeted number of recruits in 2024 and related additional allocation; the cost of increasing the number of personnel to 9,500; the cost of further increasing the number of personnel to 11,500, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24061/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

130. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of employing a career guidance officer to assist and prepare Defence Forces personnel to re-engage with civilian life post-discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24062/24]

Departmental Funding

Matt Carthy

131. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the funding allocated to veterans' associations in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24063/24]

Naval Service

Brendan Howlin

135. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the capital investment made over the past ten years in the Naval Service facilities at Haulbowline, County Cork; the specific projects completed at the naval base; the further works he intends to sanction at the base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23333/24]

Naval Service

Brendan Howlin

136. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if it is intended to base the two new inshore patrol vessels acquired for the Naval Service at an east coast port; if so, if a particular port has been selected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23334/24]

Departmental Advertising

Carol Nolan

137. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total costs incurred by his Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in online/digital media platforms; the names of the online platforms involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23441/24]

Military Aircraft

Catherine Murphy

172. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if Casement Aerodrome has the necessary capability to secure-park a Hercules C-17 military aircraft; and, if not, the funding required in order to be able to secure-park a military aircraft of that size. [22364/24]

Naval Service

Catherine Murphy

173. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence If Haulbowline Naval Base has the capability to dock a military naval ship of 609 m in length; and, if not, the funding required in order to be able to securely dock a military naval ship of that size. [22365/24]

Defence Forces

Catherine Murphy

174. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the breakdown of personnel, by rank, for the Naval Service and Air Corps in the years 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22895/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

1. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence where he intends to deploy Irish troops in the event that he is successful in progressing legislation that would remove the triple lock neutrality protection, considering the Government has withdrawn from the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, peacekeeping mission due to capacity constraints. [22123/24]

Defence Forces

Cathal Berry

2. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the additional allowances payable to Defence Forces Irish contingent personnel participating in the EU battle group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/24]

Naval Service

Matt Carthy

3. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Naval Service; the strength as of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; the current strength of the service; the number of personnel required under level of ambition 2; and the current number of ships that can simultaneously be put to sea. [22124/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Catherine Connolly

4. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeline for when the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces will be fully up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22038/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Griffin

5. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will further review the pandemic recognition payment for Defence Forces personnel who worked in test centres to make sure all deserving individuals received the payment, given that some did not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22112/24]

Defence Forces

Robert Troy

6. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when a decision will be taken on the location of the new Army headquarters; if Athlone will be considered given its central location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22145/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Howlin

7. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out his proposals to alter the current triple lock mechanism governing the deployment of Irish Defence Forces overseas; when he proposes to introduce amending legislation on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21844/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

8. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to be enhanced, with particular reference to their ability to respond to emergencies, if and when they arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Smith

9. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill, Cavan, as a forward operating base as that region has a long land border with a neighbouring jurisdiction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22083/24]

Defence Forces

Gino Kenny

10. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what type of operations Irish military forces might engage in that are not currently allowed under the UN Charter if the triple lock is removed ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20888/24]

Defence Forces

James Lawless

11. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of the strategic framework for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21827/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Howlin

12. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of personnel who have joined each branch of the Defence Forces in each of the past two years and in the first quarter of 2024; the number who have retired or left each service branch over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21846/24]

Defence Forces

Pádraig O'Sullivan

13. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of applications to join that the Defence Forces have received since the start of 2023; how many were interviewed; how many were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22097/24]

Naval Service

Seán Haughey

14. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action he is taking to enhance the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22037/24]

Departmental Policies

Catherine Connolly

15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for a public consultation on his proposal to dismantle the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22040/24]

Defence Forces

Gino Kenny

16. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will retain the triple lock per the commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20885/24]

Defence Forces

Alan Farrell

17. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to detail the level and condition of communications systems within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/24]

National Security

Cathal Berry

18. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline Ireland's air defence capability; if he has any plans to upgrade it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22158/24]

Departmental Projects

Brendan Howlin

19. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out the role and function of the new civil-military branch established within his Department; the structure and management of this branch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/24]

Departmental Policies

Catherine Connolly

20. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the analysis, including any reports or supporting documentation, carried out by his Department leading to the decision to legislate for the dismantling of the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22004/24]

Tribunals of Inquiry

Catherine Connolly

21. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 6 of 21 March 2024, the status of the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces; the details of how people can make submissions to the tribunal; what legal supports will be available to people who make submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22003/24]

Defence Forces

Jim O'Callaghan

22. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the training that the Defence Forces have provided to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22032/24]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Jim O'Callaghan

23. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the levels of capital funding for defence planned over the next two years. [22033/24]

Legislative Measures

Matt Carthy

24. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the further consultation he intends to carry out regarding the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024. [22043/24]

Defence Forces

Ruairí Ó Murchú

25. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the current number of personnel in all branches of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22141/24]

Defence Forces

David Stanton

26. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on recent recruitment for the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21967/24]

National Security

Bríd Smith

27. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are any immediate military threats to Irish security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21889/24]

Naval Service

Alan Farrell

28. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase the sonar capability of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21757/24]

Defence Forces

Bríd Smith

29. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has received recent official requests from the European Commission to strengthen the Irish Defence Forces; if so, the reasons for doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21890/24]

Departmental Policies

Réada Cronin

30. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in the interest of transparency, he will refer any desired or proposed changes to the triple lock to the people in a referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22149/24]

Defence Forces

Réada Cronin

31. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department will increase financial support to the charities supporting veterans and former members of the Defence Forces; if the State, through the forces themselves, will develop its own outreach, care and liaison services for former members who have served the State proudly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22150/24]

Defence Forces

Pauline Tully

32. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress to date in ensuring the provisions of the working time directive are applied, where appropriate, to members of the Defence Forces; if he will detail those activities that are deemed outside the scope of the directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22127/24]

Naval Service

David Stanton

33. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on recent recruitment to the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/24]

Defence Forces

Bríd Smith

34. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific issues he has with the triple lock system that need to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21888/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues within the Defence Forces have been resolved as per recommendations in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22091/24]

Departmental Strategies

Seán Haughey

36. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the Be Summer-Ready 2024 public safety information campaign he recently launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22036/24]

Defence Forces

Cathal Berry

37. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the Defence Forces' anti-drone technology capability; if he has any plans to upgrade it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22159/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress he has made on ending the blanket exclusion of members of the Defence Forces from the protections of the working time directive. [22046/24]

Defence Forces

Ruairí Ó Murchú

39. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the arrangements in place when retired Defence Forces' personnel who are fully trained in paramedical and advanced paramedical skills while in the Defence Forces can easily move to work in the HSE or National Ambulance Service; if he is aware of any issues with the recognition of service carried out while they were serving members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22142/24]

Defence Forces

Christopher O'Sullivan

40. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on any development in relation to works on the slipway at Lawrence Cove, Bere Island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22108/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

41. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of volunteers secured to participate in an EU battle group. [22047/24]

Defence Forces

Pádraig O'Sullivan

42. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the educational supports provided to members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22098/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

43. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he intends to publish a draft scheme in relation to his proposals to remove the triple lock neutrality protection; and if he intends to conduct both a public consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny. [22044/24]

Emergency Planning

Christopher O'Sullivan

44. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the results of the national risk assessment he published in March 2024; the measures being taken to reduce the risks identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22035/24]

Legislative Measures

James Lawless

45. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is considering legislation to prevent former and serving soldiers performing private security work in countries subject to international sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21826/24]

Defence Forces

Cathal Berry

46. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how he intends to increase the strength of the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22156/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Howlin

47. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Irish Defence Forces personnel currently deployed on overseas missions; the location of each deployment; the further plans he has, if any, for future deployment overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21847/24]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Brendan Griffin

48. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if all test centre personnel should have received the pandemic recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22113/24]

Defence Forces

Cathal Berry

49. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the Defence Forces' anti-submarine warfare capability; if he has any plans to upgrade it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22160/24]

Defence Forces

Brendan Smith

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in view of the lack of an Army barracks in the central Border area, further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill, Cavan, as an Army barracks, given the recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces that the structure of the Army be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22084/24]

Defence Forces

Catherine Connolly

51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the legislative and policy changes planned in order to proceed with his proposal to dismantle the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22039/24]

Legislative Measures

Matt Carthy

52. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he expects to conclude considerations regarding the need for further legislation to strengthen safeguards in relation to former members of the Defence Forces selling their expertise. [22045/24]

Naval Service

Christopher O'Sullivan

102. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the two recently acquired Naval Service inshore patrol vessels will enter service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22034/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he continues in his efforts to ensure the full implementation of all aspects of the report of Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22325/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues relating to pay and conditions within the Defence Forces have been resolved or are under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/24]

Departmental Budgets

Bernard Durkan

105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the budget available to his Department remains sufficient to meet requirements in the course of the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22327/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the Army is being upgraded and updated in line with the requirements of a modern army within the European Union, in the event of a threat arising from any quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22328/24]

National Security

Bernard Durkan

107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the EU might be encouraged to contribute to defence and coastal security measures on the Irish coast on the basis that such measures would have beneficial impact on Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22329/24]

National Security

Bernard Durkan

108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which coastal, air and sea surveillance continues at pace, given the various threats in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22330/24]

Air Corps

Bernard Durkan

109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the Air Corps continues to be upgraded in line with the needs of an island country and the need to ensure regular coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/24]

Departmental Properties

Bernard Durkan

110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total number of vacant, disused or decommissioned properties owned by his Department that potentially could be used for accommodation purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22332/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of all branches of the Defence Forces; if further recruitment is required to bring each branch of the forces up to optimum strength; if issues regarding salary, pay and conditions are being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22333/24]

Defence Forces

Bernard Durkan

112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues of pay and morale within the Defence Forces are being addressed to the satisfaction of all concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22334/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

13. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his proposals to support veterans' associations; the progress made implementing related recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22055/24]

Commemorative Medals

Matt Carthy

14. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of the working group established to review the process of awarding medals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22056/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

15. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the establishment figure of the Defence Forces; the number of personnel required under level of ambition 2 of the Commission on the Defence Forces; the total current number of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force; his targets for net recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22057/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

16. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to meet the capital allocation required to meet level of ambition 2 as outlined by the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22058/24]

Defence Forces

Aindrias Moynihan

17. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the up-to-date position on risk assessments carried out on the safety impact to Irish peacekeeping troops serving in Lebanon on their monitoring of the blue line between Lebanon and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22106/24]

Emergency Planning

Aindrias Moynihan

18. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to ensure the protection of submarine communication cables in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22107/24]

State Properties

Matt Shanahan

144. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the St. Bricin's military hospital in Stoneybatter, which is currently lying idle, could be readied in case of emergency or surge capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21260/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Shanahan

145. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department would consider increasing the size of the 'bambi buckets', the collapsible bags that hang from a helicopter assisting with firefighting and so on (details supplied); if he will provide an update on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21261/24]

Defence Forces

Matt Carthy

146. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of any personnel not discharged from the Defence Forces operating as private military contractors in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21339/24]