Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are working to maintain a safe and secure Ireland and to support where we can overseas.

DEFENCE

Crucial to this goal is the work of the Defence Forces, for which I am announcing an allocation of €1.35 billion for 2025. This is a 22% increase in the capital investment to a record allocation of €215 million to enable the advancement of major defence equipment and infrastructural upgrades, such as military radar and subsea surveillance projects.

In recognition of the significant transformation and reform under way in the sector, this allocation will also provide for the recruitment, training and support of a net increase of 400 Defence Forces members in next year; and investment in measures such as enhanced advertising for recruitment, equipment maintenance and a new and improved Defence Forces uniform. This increase builds on the increased investment of recent years and underlines the commitment we have to the transformation of the Defence Forces through the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the independent review group’s recommendations.

CULTURE AND SOCIETY

I believe Ireland holds a unique position in the world, where our culture, ár dteanga and our artists are the beating heart of our society. There are record numbers of people visiting our national cultural institutions. Irish writers are some of the best in the world. They give us pause to reflect on the world around us, to make sense of it and, occasionally, to escape it entirely for a moment. This is why for next year I am allocating almost €380 million to arts and culture; €107 million to the Gaeltacht to provide a wide variety of supports to our Irish-speaking communities in the Gaeltacht and beyond; €226 million to tourism; €328 million to funding in media, including €6 million for the independent broadcasting sector; and €231 million in funding to sports, which will benefit clubs and organisations in every corner of our country.

GLOBAL ROLE

A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, we can be proud of our tradition as a champion of peace and prosperity across the globe. We are privileged to live in a country that has robust and fair democratic systems, high levels of trust in our public institutions and a strong economy. This privilege brings with it the ability to invest in peace and development here on our own island at home and in our Continent and across the world. Our Government continues this commitment across a number of areas.

OUR SHARED ISLAND

We will, therefore, continue to support the shared island initiative. We will engage with communities to build consensus towards a shared future and deliver benefits for the whole island. This will be delivered by advancing strategic projects such as the Narrow Water Bridge; contributing to the A5 north-west transport corridor upgrade and linked road projects in Monaghan and Donegal; and through co-funding the co-centres for research and innovation with the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government of the United Kingdom. The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom have committed to resetting relations between Ireland and the UK. We will allocate the resources to support this important work.

EU FUNDING

Being a member of the European Union has been transformative for Ireland. It has given us a powerful global voice on the world stage. EU funds have contributed to improving our country and have invested in our people’s future through education and training to improve their lives. This is why I am providing significant additional resources to the Department of Foreign Affairs to commence the preparations for the very important policy work that will take place during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. I am also providing an additional €35 million to support the Global Ireland strategy.

IRISH AID

Next year will see the highest ever allocation to overseas development assistance, when funding for international co-operation in the Department of Foreign Affairs will increase by €35 million to go above €810 million. This allows us to invest in the programmes abroad that protect nature, respond to climate change and provide humanitarian assistance to those who are so vulnerable. It aligns with the approach we take at home in helping those who come to our country as a result of war, poverty and other global challenges. Part of our international role is to welcome those coming to Ireland who need our help. A total of €2.1 billion is being provided to support accommodation for those fleeing Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine and to support those seeking international protection.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION FUND

In addition to the core funding for rural and community development for 2025, I am providing €13 million to help integrate arrivals from Ukraine into our local communities. This will enable the social inclusion and community activation programmes that are doing such important work to continue to support new arrivals and to support those already in our communities. I am also providing an additional €25 million to the community recognition fund, to support the communities welcoming those who are in such need.

PERFORMANCE BUDGETING AND TRANSPARENCY

We know that all of this work does not exist in a vacuum. It is important that we recognise and measure the impact of the decisions that go just beyond their monetary cost or impact. For that reason, my Department uses performance, equality, green, and well-being budgeting as a key component of our spending review process so that we can measure and judge the full impact of the decisions being made today.

CONCLUSION

A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, we live in a volatile world. It is a world in which the pace of change is accelerating and the level of complexity is building, but the scale of opportunity is growing. This is why we must run budget surpluses. This is why we must set aside some of our country’s money for the future. This is why we must invest our recent gains in the Ireland of tomorrow and not spend everything today, no matter how tempting.

In my years serving as a Minister for Finance for our country I have led our finances from deficit to surplus twice. These healthy public finances have allowed our country to build more homes; to keep and create jobs; to invest in our future and a greener future; and to improve our public services, all while dealing with the crises of a pandemic, a war in Europe and then soaring inflation.

The politics and economics of the centre, of a steady approach to the many and competing demands, of embracing the opportunities and responsibilities of our role in the world, of supporting growth and jobs under this Government, is an approach that is working. Let me be clear. Making the case for progress is not the same as denying the reality of the many pressing problems that I know exist. This Government appreciates the urgency of the challenges of today. We are working to meet them head on. But, with optimism and with hope, I say to the Dáil, look at what our country has achieved in recent years, look at what we have overcome. Look at what we can yet do. Look at what lies ahead.

Our recent budgets, and the choices that the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and I are presenting today, have and will play an essential role in this, in lessening our problems, in pursuing the great opportunities that await, and in building a better Ireland with a brighter future for all. That is why I commend budget 2025 to Dáil Éireann.

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