Joint Committee on Defence and National Security meets for Pre-legislative Scrutiny of a General Scheme of the Defence Amendment Bill 2025

The Committee will hear from:

·       Ms Carol Burke, Principal Officer, Defence

·       Ms Bernie Maguire, Assistant Secretary, Defence

·       Ms Clare Tiernan, Assistant Secretary, Defence

·       Mr. Brian O'Meara, Principal Officer, Defence

·       Mr. Billy Tuohy, Principal Officer, Defence

Speaking ahead of the meeting Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh TD said “Our Committee welcomes representatives from the Department of Defence to tomorrow’s meeting for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the Defence Amendment Bill 2025.

“The Committee looks forward to this initial engagement tomorrow which allows us to begin our analysis of the Bill published by Government last week. It introduces significant changes to our Defence Forces.

“Among the key aspects that we will look at is the removal of the triple lock requirement, allowing for overseas Defence Force deployments without the need for a UN mandate, government approval, or Dáil approval under certain circumstances.”

The Committee meeting can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Read more on the work done by the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.