Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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27. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department's efforts to increase security infrastructure, including military radar and sub-sea surveillance systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41453/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.

Against the backdrop of the complex and volatile global security environment, it is clear that Ireland cannot rely on our geographic isolation for our security, nor isolate ourselves from world events. War has returned to the continent of Europe.

In Ireland, our policy of military neutrality does not inherently moderate the security risks and threats posed by malign actors. As set out in the Defence Policy Review I have prioritised specific enhancements of capabilities in response to the security environment, which includes immediate focus on the development of an Integrated Monitoring and Surveillance System for air, land and sea domains for Ireland and the enhancement of our Subsea Domain Awareness Capabilities.

As the Deputy is aware, the Commission on the Defence Forces outlined the absence of a significant Irish air defence capability and recommended as part of the move to LOA2 the development of a new air defence system which is compatible with and integrated into the Recognised Air Picture (RAP) which also requires a military Primary Radar capability. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to this, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. A project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on a programme of work to develop military radar capabilities. This includes military primary radar systems, ground based air defence, maritime and counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).

It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of Military Radar is both costly and extremely complex, and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, delivery has been prioritised by Government. As indicated in the Detailed Implementation Plan, the Needs Phase has completed, with the scope of the capabilities having been established. The Requirements Phase has now commenced which will progress in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.

In relation to the subsea domain, there are two projects underway, firstly the procurement process for a multi-beam sonar system for the P60 class of vessels is well advanced and is currently at the tender evaluation stage of a public procurement competition. Detailed negotiations are ongoing with all due diligence being conducted prior to the awarding of the tender.

In addition, the civil-military working group established to progress a programme of work for subsea awareness capabilities is concluding a key stage of the process. The Needs Phase, which sets out the rational and justification for the capability and identifies and appraises potential solutions has been completed. This working group assessed a variety of capabilities including sonar capabilities in line with the new Infrastructure guidelines published in December 2023. Initial recommendations on an investment programme of work have been approved with a clear direction for the development of enhanced subsea awareness capabilities for the Defence Forces.

In terms of my intentions, delivery of both these capabilities is a key priority for me as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and I am determined to ensure its delivery within the earliest practicable timeframe.

The Defence annual capital budget for 2024 is €176 million. Budget 2025 has seen the capital allocation increase to a record level of €215 million, with a further increase to €220 million planned for 2026 under the NDP. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to the increasingly complex security threats that have emerged.