Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

"Yes" is the straight answer to that question. In fact, we will have more money than we need for pay because we have a pay estimate on the basis of an establishment of 9,500, and we have negotiated in recent years that what we do not use on pay we can reallocate for other expenditure in defence. We have more than enough for pay.

As we increase our numbers, we will have to see other elements of the Estimate increase because we can no longer transfer money that has not been needed for pay into capital investment and so on, which is why the €35 million extra in capital this year is important. In fact, we will spend more than €35 million extra in capital next year because we will transfer some money that is unspent on pay, given our numbers are still well below the establishment. We are planning for a net increase of 400 next year. That is a big ask, but that is what we are planning for from both a military and a departmental perspective in supporting efforts at recruitment and retention.

For 2023, the total allocation for Vote 36 - defence, is €893 million, an overall increase of €57 million on 2022. The defence capital allocation has increased by €35 million to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022 and the highest ever capital funding provided to the defence sector. The acquisition, modernisation and upgrade of Defence Forces equipment is managed through the equipment development plan, EDP, which provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects to be progressed over a five-year period. Among the projects across land, sea and air platforms included in the EDP for progression in 2023 are the ongoing mid-life upgrade of the Army's fleet of Mowag Piranha III armoured personnel carriers , the acquisition of body armour and helmets along with a range of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear suits, the acquisition of software to find radio, the development-----

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