Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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39. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the arrangements between the Defence Forces and the Maltese Defence Forces whereby Maltese cadets receive training at the Curragh Camp has ceased; when this occurred; if he has plans to recommence the bilateral arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31055/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that there has been an ongoing and mutually beneficial relationship between the Irish Defence Forces and Armed Forces of Malta since 2009, which has seen Maltese personnel train alongside Irish Cadets.

While the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) did request a place for the intake of the 100th Cadet Class in 2023, the Defence Forces advised that they were unable to facilitate that request on that occasion. As part of the Defence Forces’ consolidation of operations and training, a review of training procedures highlighted the need to consolidate training resources at the Cadet School and, as a result, the Defence Forces were unable to provide a place to AFM that year.

Notwithstanding this decision, which relates only to the Cadet School, the ongoing mutually beneficial relationship that has existed between the Defence Forces and the Armed Forces of Malta since 2009 is acknowledged. In that regard, the Defence Forces have offered places to the AFM on less resource-heavy courses, such as the Land Component Staff Course, the Joint Command & Staff Course and Non-Commissioned Officer courses. This would allow the cooperative arrangement to continue, while focusing on other areas of professional military development that could be beneficial to Maltese military personnel.

On the basis of Defence Forces advice, I can confirm that my Department wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Security, Reform and Equality in Malta, in February 2024. The Maltese authorities were notified of the outcome of the review of training procedures and the proposal was outlined to them regarding the focus of future cooperative engagements that would be beneficial to Maltese military personnel.

In addition, Ireland’s long and proud tradition of international peacekeeping continues to be enhanced by way of cooperation with AFM in UNIFIL, where Maltese personnel have formed part of IRISHPOLBATT since 2018. That close relationship is reflected in the deployment to UNIFIL last month of nine Maltese members with the 126th Infantry Battalion.

A Memorandum of Understanding covers this bilateral arrangement to embed personnel from Armed Forces Malta with the Irish battalion in UNIFIL.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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40. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for a list of all missions since 2006 that Ireland participated in which were not established by the UN but received a UN Mandate, by year, number of troops deployed, and purpose of mission, in tabular form. [31105/25]

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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41. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for a list of all missions, including those which were authorised under section 3 of the Defence Amendment Act 2006, since 2006 that Ireland participated in which did not have a UN mandate, by year, number of troops deployed, and purpose of the mission, in tabular form. [31106/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.

Ireland has always played a positive and constructive role in the maintenance of international security. Our policy of military neutrality has informed our active approach towards conflict resolution and peacebuilding overseas in terms of participation in peacekeeping operations. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed by our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Ireland has a proud tradition of participation in UN and UN-authorised peace operations, as the only country with an unbroken record of service in UN peacekeeping missions since 1958. Our peacekeepers are recognised internationally for their expertise and experience.

A list of all missions since 2006 that Ireland participated in which were not established by the UN but received a UN Mandate, by year and purpose of mission, is attached at the Table below. Other than humanitarian or training missions that are permitted under Section 3 of the 2006 Defence (Amendment) Act, there were no missions which Ireland participated in since 2006 which did not have a UN mandate.

Information regarding the number of troops deployed to each Mission by year has been sought from the Defence Forces and is currently being compiled. This will be supplied to the Deputy included in the relevant column below once finalised.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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42. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the up-to-date figures relating to Defence Forces recruitment of personnel broken down by service, rank and reserve or non-reserve status, by month from the period 2021 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31107/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised it has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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43. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the up-to-date figures relating to Defence Forces personnel who have left the Defence Forces broken down by service, rank and reserve or non-reserve status, by month from the period 2021 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31108/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised it has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it has been collated.