Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

We are significantly increasing funding for defence and supporting the Air Corps, the Naval Service and Defence Forces more broadly. Indeed, funding for defence has increased by 30% since 2020 to a record level. It will increase again in the review of the national development plan shortly. We are back in an era of major investment. Deputy Doherty is right, however. It is no surprise to anyone that there are pinch points in parts of our Defence Forces, particularly in the context of particular skills and challenges in the retention of air traffic controllers. We are working with the Defence Forces, the Department of Defence and the Government more broadly to see what more can be done in this regard. Contingency planning will also be put in place. This issue pertains to Baldonnel. We live in a country which has other airports and air bases. We are working to make sure those contingency plans will ensure the continuation of services.

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