Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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216. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Reserve Training and Support Day allocation was exhausted before the end of 2024; if so, the number of reservists who were left unpaid as a result; the steps being taken to mitigate hardship; the measures being introduced to prevent this from recurring in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45199/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The increased interest in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was reflected in the number of Reserve Training and Support Days (RTSDs) undertaken in 2024 which totalled 28,762 days, an excess of 2,762 days over the original allocation of 26,000 days.

The original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was proactively increased in Q4 2024 to meet evolving levels of RDF activity, with a further increase requested in the latter part of the year which was acceded to. It was confirmed that all amounts due by the 29 November 2024 – the payroll deadline for receipt of applications for payment in 2024 – would be paid within the 2024 calendar year. Therefore, approved RTSD applications received by payroll on/before that date, in respect of duties completed by that date, were paid in 2024. This is normal practice at year end.

A total of 23 reservists submitted RTSD applications on/before the 29 November 2024, which related to duties due to be undertaken post 29 November and these, with the exception of 2 reservists who were not due monies, due to previous overpayments, were paid in the next available payroll on 3 January 2024.

My officials and the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) are continue to monitor the 2025 RDF budget, to ensure adequate provision is in place.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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217. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will acknowledge that the 21 consecutive day PRSI threshold no longer reflects the operational reality of the modern Reserve Defence Force; if his Department will undertake a review to assess whether this interpretation is compliant with the intent of social insurance law and examine its potential exposure to retrospective employer PRSI and pension liabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45200/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Social Protection has responsibility for the ruling in relation to PRSI. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment in any detail in relation to this matter.

The Reserve Defence Forces members continue to engage in activities in support of Permanent Defence Forces (PDF) on a voluntary basis, when it is in the best interests of the PDF to do so.

The ultimate goal of the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan, published in July 2024, is developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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218. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of deaths in service of Defence Forces personnel since 1 January 2000, by barracks, airbase, naval base or overseas, by cause of death, in tabular format. [45397/25]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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219. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the treatment of a person (details supplied); if he will confirm whether proper procedures and Defence Forces regulations, including TS INF 090/2018 Amendment 5, were adhered to during the assessment and retesting process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45571/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Military Authorities that an internal review has been undertaken in relation to this particular case. I understand that as a result of the review the matter has been resolved and the individual in question has indicated they are satisfied with its resolution.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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220. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Defence Forces have a policy of excluding candidate who have had LASIK eye surgery from joining; the number of serving members of the Defence Forces that have undergone laser eye surgery, including LASIK, during or prior to their service; and the reason the Defence Forces does not provide an option for candidates who have previously had LASIK eye surgery to sign a waiver acknowledging the potential risks, in order to allow them to enlist. [45918/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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

Those wishing to join the Defence Forces must be medically fit for all duties, including deployment overseas. Certain surgeries such as LASIK eye surgery exclude individuals from entry to the Defence Forces due to the potential complications that may arise for those who have undergone this surgery, particularly in the context of overseas service. These and all other requirements are published in the terms and conditions of each recruitment competition.

Furthermore, the Defence Forces do not operate any “waiver” system that would abrogate or undermine its responsibility to uphold a duty of care towards all personnel and avoid their exposure to unacceptable and unnecessary risks.

With regard to laser eye surgery more generally, the Defence Forces have advised that they do not have data on how many serving personnel have undergone laser eye surgery, as these procedures, if carried out, are not provided under Defence Force’s medical care.

Finally, the requirements for entry to the Permanent Defence Force are of general application to all candidates and exceptions cannot be made in individual circumstances.