Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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59. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new infrastructure development plan is envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53503/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The original Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) set out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The most recent iteration of the IDP estimated infrastructure requirements to be in the region of some €359m for the coming years. At the end of 2024 there were over €230m worth of projects underway at different stages of development. This level of expenditure will continue to increase as the IDP is implemented. Over the last five years, 43 capital infrastructure projects were completed across the Defence Forces installations and barracks.

Building on this success, it is now intended to develop a series of masterplans for each Defence Forces installation. 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 Infrastructure Development Plan, and will also layout requirements for the years from 2027 onwards.

The first such masterplan for the Airside in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, was completed earlier this year and sets out a number of recommendations in relation to the development of the aerodrome in response to the level of ambition this Government has set for the Air Corps. The development of a masterplan for Haulbowline Naval Base is now underway and the procurement of consultants for the development of the Landside in Casement Aerodrome will commence shortly.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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60. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the role members of the Defence Forces will play in Ireland's holding of the Presidency of the European Union from July to December 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53504/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time in 2026 - from 1 July to 31 December.

Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are now intensifying across both policy and operational strands of planning both within my Department and the Defence Forces, and across Government. As well as working closely with the Defence Forces, my Department is also working with the central Presidency team within the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant Departments and agencies across Government to plan the policy priorities and related events that will be hosted by my Department and the Defence Forces during the Presidency.

Extensive engagement in this regard between my officials and Defence Forces personnel has taken place to date. This will continue as the our priorities and policy programme in the security and defence sphere for the Presidency are developed. This will be prepared in line with national priorities in this area, but also against the backdrop of the EU Strategic Agenda for 2024-29 and the range of legislative initiatives proposed by the European Commission, including those set out in the Commission's 2025 Work Programme published in February.

Our 2026 EU Presidency will be a major undertaking for Ireland and is a key focus for the work of our Government. We have a proud record of success from our previous Presidency terms, and we are confident that with the support of our partners we will again be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the EU in 2026.

James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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61. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the counter unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities the Defence Forces currently possess; if he will outline, in monetary value, the capital terms that have been invested by his Department in these capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53601/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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While specific details in relation to current Defence Forces capabilities are subject to normal operational security reporting restrictions, and are not disclosed for these reasons, a key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that capabilities are maintained, developed and enhanced in order that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.

As part of work that is currently ongoing to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces, a project team comprising senior civil and military personnel is continuing to progress the Military Radar Programme. There are three elements to this Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, which includes Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.

Good progress is being made across all elements, including the C-UAS element. Delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 set for full delivery. That being said, elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026, towards full delivery by the end of 2028.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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62. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have been convicted of crimes under civil and/or military law in the past five years; and of these, the number which remain serving members of the Defence Forces; to provide a breakdown of the types of offences for which these members were convicted; the number of members of the Defence Forces who are currently before the courts (civil and/or military), the categories of offences with which they are charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53623/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It has not been possible to collate the information within the required time frame. I will revert to the Deputy when the information requested is available.