John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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255. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the policy of the Defence Forces relative to granting transfers on compassionate grounds where a member has an immediate requirement to be stationed close to home for family reasons; the number of such applications being processed currently; the number of such applications made in each of the past five years; the number approved; the number of serving members that have taken long-term compassionate leave in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25129/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised that the information sought by the Deputy is not yet available. I have asked the Defence Forces to provide the details without delay and am advised that work has commenced on collating that information. I will revert to the Deputy with a reply as soon as possible.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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256. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the policy of the Defence Forces regarding the recruitment of people with autism and ADHD to the permanent and reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25173/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, working in the Defence Forces is a demanding career which places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals, exposing them to a unique range of challenging environments. In these circumstances, it is vital that the health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised.

Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific criteria, which include medical standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These medical standards are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and having regard to the nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Defence Forces.

Both Autism and ADHD are part of a spectrum of disorders that are quite wide-ranging. Accordingly, individuals with a diagnosis of autism or ADHD may be in a position to join the Defence Forces. However, the final decision in this regard would be made at the medical examination phase, where the examining Defence Forces’ Medical Officer would review all the details before making a determination as to whether a candidate may join, as is the case for all candidates.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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257. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the ages of horsebox vehicles currently in use by Defence Forces equitation school; if funding is available in 2025 for the purchase of additional horsebox vehicles. [25356/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that there is currently no funding allocated towards the procurement of additional horseboxes under the DF Transport Corps Equipment Development Plan for 2025.

Details sought by the Deputy in relation to the current equitation school vehicles are set out in tabular form below:

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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258. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount the Defence Forces spent on replacement of musical instruments for the Defence Forces school of music in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; the name of the company that was awarded the contract to supply musical instruments to the school. [25357/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tabular statement below.