Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the expected date of publication of the maritime security strategy; the way in which potential newly identified capabilities will be funded in view of the fact they are not reflected in the recent National Development Plan review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47812/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has taken the lead in the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy following identification of maritime security as a priority in last year’s Defence Policy Review. This strategy is being developed in consultation with national and international stakeholders and I look forward to its delivery to me before the end of this year with publication to follow shortly thereafter.

In terms of funding of any capabilities, capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to the Defence Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million (announced 23rd July in the National Development Plan) or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion. This significant increase reflects the Government’s commitment to continue to increase investment in our Defence Forces. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are actively reviewing all strategic equipment and infrastructural priorities to align with the revised 2026-2030 multi-annual capital allocations. The revised allocation will enable targeted progression on key elements of government commitments within Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

In addition, and following the recent publication of the Summer Economic Statement, Budget 2026 negotiations are now underway, and, building on recent increases, my Department will be engaging fully with this process to ensure that Defence continues to have the operational capabilities in place to deliver on its defence responsibilities and international commitments over the coming years.