Dáil debates
Thursday, 21 March 2024
Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions
Defence Forces
10:20 am
Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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15. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the combined budget for the Defence group Vote each year from 2020 to 2024; the percentage uplift each year from the previous year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13282/24]
Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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I am conscious of the clock. The defence budget is a matter very close to my heart. I am looking for details. I understand about €2.25 billion of the national development fund has not been allocated yet. The budget in the Defence Forces is so small, I wonder if the Minister could consider giving it a boost with the national development plan funds.
There may be researchers looking at this transcript who will be putting manifestoes together for the next general election. If there was a commitment in the manifestoes to honour the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, that would go a long way. I am happy to wait for a written reply.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Over the period 2020 to 2024, the combined budget has increased from €1,040 million to €1,250 million, an increase of €210 million, amounting to an increase of over 20% in that period. The increases are available in tabular form, which the Deputy can get in the various aspects of the Revised Estimates Volume.
On using capital, there was a practice in the Department where revenue was used. We are looking to see if we can do that again this year. We are heading in an upward trajectory in terms of capital this year. We have also put additional directives to the Defence Forces that we want to increase recruitment over and above what might have been put forward. We are really stretching the targets on recruitment on the current side.
On the capital side, we will have a sufficiency of capital to not only deal with what we have already committed to but also newer projects and, critically, with increases in 2025 and 2026. However, a lot depends on capacity, procurement and getting projects to the stage where they are in a position to draw down.