Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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370. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if any European counterparts have pressured his Department to increase defence spending to align more closely with NATO targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43624/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has not been subjected to any pressure to increase defence spending by European counterparts. Notwithstanding that however, Ireland recognises the need to enhance our individual and collective preparedness and capability across all areas of security and defence, and this will require investment. In EU terms, defence spending remains a matter for Member States, who solely determine the nature and volume of their defence and security expenditure and the nature of their defence capabilities. Furthermore, Government policy with regard to defence spending is ultimately defined and determined within the parameters of our national budgetary process, as opposed to any external process. Ireland's policy in this regard is well understood by other EU member states.

In that regard, Ireland has seen significant increases in our own national defence spending over recent years, with the Defence Vote Group allocation increasing by €243 million (22%) to €1,350 million in 2025. In addition, following the recent review of National Development Plan (NDP) multi-annual allocations, the Defence capital allocation is set to increase by €600 million (55%) on its previous baseline over the 2026-2030 timeframe. This increased level defence capital funding will be utilised effectively to address long-standing capability gaps, modernise core infrastructure needs and to ensure that Ireland continues to deliver on its defence responsibilities and international commitments.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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371. 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, 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. [43625/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It has not been possible to collate the information within the timeframe available. I will respond to the Deputy when the information requested is to hand.