Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

171. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of increasing capital spending in line with 2022-2027 Defence Forces Capital Infrastructure Development Plan to enhance capabilities in cyber-security and cyber-defence unit, including radar and robotics, and to support research and development in military technology. [49561/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Development Plan outlines Ireland’s long-term strategic investment plan for the country’s infrastructure and development. A review was undertaken recently and updated capital spending allocations were published in July.

As part of this review, the revised NDP Capital allocation for the Defence Vote for the period 2026-2030 is €1,700 million. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1,100 million.

For 2026, the Defence capital allocation will increase by €85 million to €300 million and the prioritisation and development of sectoral capital investment plans encompassing infrastructural, equipment and cyber spending is now progressing within my Department and will be finalised as part of forthcoming 2026 REV processes.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

172. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of ensuring that sufficient funding is provided to resource the Joint Induction Training Centre, Gormanston, Baldonnel, Haulbowline and DFTC infrastructure master plans to include SOF and a cyber-command HQ.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49562/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is planned to develop a series of masterplans for each installation to future-proof for 20-30 years. This approach will identify from the outset the infrastructure requirements in line with capability development for each installation with an associated prioritisation of projects and a phased timeline for delivery.

These plans will dovetail with developments identified under the current IDP, and will also layout requirements for the years from 2027 onwards. The first masterplan for the airside in Casement Airbase, Baldonnel was recently completed, and is under consideration. The process for developing a landside masterplan will begin before the end of the year. In addition, the masterplan process for the Naval Base, Haulbowline is also underway and is expected to be completed in January 2026.

Given that the masterplanning process is at an early stage, it is not possible to estimate total costs in the manner sought by the Deputy.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

173. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of resourcing the capability development 14-year land, maritime, air, cyber and joint enabler programmes to ensure the Defence Forces realise Level of Ambition 2, in line with the Government-approved Detailed Implementation Plan. [49563/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.

Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding is 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 will, over the coming months, review all strategic equipment and infrastructural priorities to align with the revised 2026-2030 multi-annual capital allocations. It will enable targeted progression on key elements of government commitments within Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report.

The civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces to implement a top down Capability Development Planning Process, are preparing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the Capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review. This will be in line with the capital allocation under the National Development Plan. To this end, the priority continues to be progressing to LOA 2 thereby providing the foundations for future developments in capability.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

174. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of the provision of funds to resource the development of Defence Forces capabilities to meet the tasking to emerge from the National Maritime Security Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49564/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces including in National Maritime Security. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.

The Maritime Security Unit has taken the lead in the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy following its identification as a priority in last year’s Defence Policy Review. This strategy is being developed in consultation with national and international stakeholders. It will include a focus on enhancing our maritime domain awareness and the protection of our critical maritime infrastructure. The strategy will include identifying and prioritising the most urgent risks and threats in our maritime domain and a plan to address them

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, the civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces to implement a top down Capability Development Planning Process, are preparing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the Capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review. This will be in line with the capital allocation under the capital allocation under the National Development Plan. To this end, the priority continues to be progressing to LOA 2 thereby providing the foundations for future developments in capability.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

175. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of the planned targeted and tiered recruitment of 800 new Permanent Defence Force members in 2026. [49565/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As of the 31 July 2025, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,540 personnel.

As one of the recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Permanent Defence Force capability equivalent to Level of Ambition 2. This will require an additional 2,000 personnel, including a civilian component, beyond the 9,500-establishment figure that was in place at the time of the Commission’s report.

The establishment figure for the Permanent Defence Force has increased incrementally since 2022 to 9,739 to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Working towards the achievement of Level of Ambition 2, Budget 2025 provided a record allocation of €1.35 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €100 million on 2024. The 2025 Vote 36 (Defence) allocation includes an overall pay allocation of €569 million, of which €469 million provides for the pay of an expected year-end PDF strength of 7,600 and the induction of a net additional 400 recruits in 2025 at an estimated cost of €13 million.

In order to meet government targets, the Defence Forces are making concerted efforts to ramp up recruitment beyond this net figure. Last year saw a stabilisation in numbers with 708 inductions to the PDF and the military authorities have advised that they are targeting up to 800 inductions for 2025, the bulk of which are expected to take place from this month onwards. The inclusion of an increased advertising allocation of €3.2 million in 2025 has provided further impetus to ongoing Defence Forces recruitment efforts.

Whereas the funding projections for an establishment of 9,739 are based on the current structures and establishment of the Defence Forces, the costing of the additional numbers to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the CODF report will require a detailed workforce planning exercise.

I expect to be provided with a recruitment plan for 2026 by the Chief of Staff in the coming weeks, the detail of which will inform the 2026 recruitment costs involved.

Estimates discussions, to include consideration of current expenditure funding priorities for 2026, are now well underway, with updated allocations set to be published in line with Budget 2026 timelines.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

176. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost for essential service commitment schemes for Naval Service and Army Specialist Corps cyber, ordnance and engineers. [49566/25]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

179. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of broad spectrum specialist retention scheme payments similar to that introduced by the Air Corps for ATC recently (details supplied). [49569/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 179 together.

Recruitment and retention of Defence Forces personnel remains a key Government priority. The retention of highly skilled personnel is a challenge for Defence Forces management given their high level of specialism. Military management regularly review their existing recruitment frameworks to ensure they are fully optimised and responsive to the needs of the Defence Forces. My Department works closely with the Defence Forces in developing and delivering enablers to support both recruitment and retention.

The Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026 came into effect on 25 March 2024, to which members of the Permanent Defence Forces are a party. This is the agreed approach to public service pay for the period 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2026.

This agreement also provides for a Local Bargaining process. This mechanism will provide an avenue by which employers and grades, groups and categories of public servants can address issues involving changes in structures, work practices or other conditions of service. The parties will be able to bring forward proposals, up to a maximum value equivalent to 3% of basic pay. The Local Bargaining element is up to a maximum of 3% of pay costs, to include allowances in the nature of pay, with 1% relating to this agreement and the balance will fall to be addressed in any successor pay agreement.

There are no current plans for the introduction of further service commitment schemes.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

177. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost to provide the resources required for the staffing of C2 and service HQ structures. [49567/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.

The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.

The Commission on the Defence Forces also made significant recommendations around command and control of the Defence Forces including command being delegated from the Minister to the head of the Military to be titled Chief of Defence (CHOD). Currently, military command is delegated from the Minister for Defence (on behalf of the Government) to five separate high ranking military Officers commanding Army Brigade units, the Naval Service and Air Corps (all Brigadier General rank).

There are a number of Government approved Commission recommendations contained in the report in relation to high level command and control and HQ structures. This work is on-going, significant, complex and sensitive involving a fundamental review of the current regulatory framework governing the relationship between the Minister for Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence. The intention is to have a General Scheme approved by myself followed by submission to the Government in the near future.

There is no initial cost for this legislation as the post of CHOD will take over the post of Chief of Staff on the same remuneration. The Defence Forces are undertaking further work on the HQ structures below that of the new CHOD post and this work is on-going and subject to further analysis and subsequently any costs are not yet clear. The full costs of any HQ structure proposals will be subject to engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. It should be noted that there is currently an establishment figure for Defence Forces Headquarters staff and the new HQ structure will utilise and repurpose these staff as efficiently and effectively as possible.

A great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place, coupled with progress to date, will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

178. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of funding the full implementation of the Working Time Directive welfare provisions (details supplied). [49568/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware the Working Time Directive was implemented in January 2025 across the Defence Forces and serving members now enjoy its protections, subject to certain exemptions. In addition, a wide range of protections are also in place, specifically in regard to recreation and welfare facilities, deemed necessary and approved by military authorities, where personnel are on duty for an out of scope activity or are on-call in barracks with respect to such activity.

Such provisions are funded from central funds. This is in addition to gym and training equipment, approved by Military Authorities, which will also be sourced from central funds.

Any funding requests from the military authorities beyond existing resources, for approved measures, are to be sought in line with normal estimates process.

The implementation of the Organisation of Working Time Act provisions remains a work in progress with many of the welfare measures at various stages of approval/ implementation, thus making it difficult at this stage, to give an accurate estimate of the full implementation costs.

That said, the military authorities have advised, that concerning one of the welfare protections in place, namely the provision of one home reunion flight to Ireland, for personnel on a 6 month deployment, in circumstances where it is determined by the military authorities that annual leave cannot be taken in the mission area due to the security environment assessment, the cost to-date is approximately €118k. In addition, the year-one cost for the implementation of a modern time and attendance management IT system to support implementation of the WTD is expected to be in the region of €1,100,000.