Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures he is taking to improve retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60417/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since my appointment as Minister for Defence, in addition to a programme of cultural transformation, which is underway, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of Defence Force personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases.

The Deputy will appreciate that retention levels are not influenced by a single factor, but rather there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for retaining people in an organisation. These include terms and conditions of service, job satisfaction, organisational workplace culture and the physical environment. The Defence Forces, in common with many peer organisations, both nationally and internationally, faces a challenging environment at present in the context of recruitment and retention. This includes the effects of a buoyant Irish economy close to full employment.

However, the significant work that has been undertaken over the past 5 years to transform the Defence Forces is having a tangible impact with the stabilisation of overall staffing levels in the Defence Forces in 2024.

Specific actions in retention, which have already been delivered, include:

• Significant progress on pay;
• The extension of the existing Service Commitment Scheme for Air Corps pilots, to Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel;
• An increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• The provision of excellent training and education opportunities;
• The implementation of the Working Time Directive.

• The transformation of Career and Talent Processes and Promotion Systems;
• Remote Learning Solutions;
• A Coaching and Mentoring Programme;
• Flexible Work Practices and Family Friendly Policies.

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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64. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on each of the three elements under the military radar programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60407/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed in line with the Government’s decision to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as defined by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF).

The CODF recommended the development of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’, and that this should be an immediate and top priority.

The CODF advised that the absence of a complete Recognised Air Picture needs to be addressed for various reasons; including the protection of our national sovereignty in the air, for the purposes of civil aviation safety, and maintenance of cooperative relations with neighbouring states who are also impacted by this capability gap.

Following approval of the CODF ‘Detailed Implementation Plan’ in November 2023, a project team comprising senior civil and military personnel was established to progress a Military Radar Programme.

As the Deputy is aware, there are three elements to the Military Radar Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.

This programme of work is ongoing and good progress has been made.

When fully delivered, the Recognised Air Picture will incorporate this suite of military radar systems; which will have the capability to detect all aircraft traversing our airspace including any that may be operating with their transponders turned off.

Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028. That being said, elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026, towards full delivery by the end of 2028.

My Department has engaged with a number of countries, including all EU Member States, to ascertain their interest in supporting Ireland to deliver this capability.

Based on the responses received, I directed my officials to commence bi-lateral discussions with a small number of countries, with a view to assessing options for delivery and finalising this phase of the Programme before the end of this year.

Delivering the Military Radar Programme is a critical part of the implementation of the CODF Report. I believe that the aforementioned approach is the best mechanism to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the entire Programme. My priority is to ensure that delivery can commence next year with full operational capacity being delivered by the end of 2028. Given that this process is currently ongoing it is premature to make any further comment or provide any further detail at this time.

I thank the Deputy for his question and I am happy to update the House on the progress of the Programme.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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66. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the Defence Forces regulation regarding a directive of military prosecutions will be amended following his announcement on 14 October 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60383/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this issue.

I committed at the recent RACO Annual Delegate Conference to implementing the Arbitration Board ruling, in the spirit of positive industrial relations. My Department are proceeding with the necessary actions required to give effect to the Ruling.

Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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70. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to ensure that all Defence Forces personnel in full-time residential training receive subsistence where they cannot be rationed, including officers attending third level educational institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60381/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF representative associations, i.e. RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. Having regard to commitments under national public service pay agreements, the representative associations can make representations in relation to the pay and conditions of their members.

The C&A Scheme, which is independently chaired, consists of members of Representative Associations as well as the “Official Side”. The Official Side comprises of members of the Department of Defence (Civil and Military) and the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This body is known as “Council”.

At present, there is a claim before Council in respect of the above mentioned matter. Therefore, as per the agreed Terms of Reference of the C&A Scheme, matters in this space are confidential to parties involved. As such, no further information can be given at this time.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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71. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have protection orders or barring orders against them; the protocol within the Defence Forces for dealing with an individual member of the force with a protection order or barring order issued to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60455/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The information sought by the Deputy has been requested from military authorities. I will revert to the Deputy when I have received their response.

Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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72. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has considered altering height requirements with regard to enlistment eligibility for the Defence Forces. [60471/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Defence Forces that candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific standards for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended. These Regulations provide for a minimum height requirement for enlistment for both male and female candidates of 157.48cm.

The determination of a minimum height standard for enlistment in the Defence Forces is based on the ergonomic requirement that all members can meet the physical demands of military training and operations thereafter, with service Personal Load Carrying Equipment, whether they are at home or overseas.

While there are no plans at present to alter the height requirements for enlistment, the conditions for entry to and for service in the Defence Forces, including the methodology used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation, health and safety and the development of best practices.

Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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73. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has explored options and estimated resources required for Irish participation in ongoing UN peacekeeping missions such as UNDOF in advance of the wind-down of UNIFIL, to preserve Ireland’s unbroken record of participation in UN peacekeeping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60396/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces has participated in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights since 2013, and they continue to participate in the Mission, in terms of maintaining three personnel in staff officer and observer roles. The Deputy will be aware that in April 2024, following a review of overseas deployments, the Defence Forces withdrew the Mission’s Force Reserve Company of 133 personnel, after which the Force Reserve Company role was assumed by Kazakhstan. The mandate of that Mission was recently extended until 31st December 2025.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the current contribution of some 427 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.

With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland considers the policy and political context and can also receive requests from time to time in relation to participation in various missions which are considered on a case-by-case basis. Any decision to deploy is made on the basis of policy advice and on the changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles, as well as the assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas.

The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles must also be considered in the context of assets and capabilities that need to be acquired for overseas deployments, that are becoming more challenging in the current security environment. The impact of the current liquidity crisis at UN level is also relevant with expected significant impact on current Mission budgets, including in UNDOF.

Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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74. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to increase our defence capabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60480/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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 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.

Many projects are being progressed across the Defence Forces to deliver enhanced capability. In terms of the Naval Service, the Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme includes various projects to upgrade, replace or purchase new equipment. Major projects include two Inshore Patrol Vessels purchased on a government-to-government basis from New Zealand, with LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait, commissioned in 2024, the Mid-Life Extension Programme for LÉ Róisín and LÉ Niamh which has now been completed and projects under the Naval Service vessel renewal and replacement programmes that are also being progressed. Other projects being progressed include the replacement of secondary armament across the fleet, the provision of 4 motor launches for the Naval Service Reserve along with enhanced sub-sea awareness and radar capabilities.

In relation to sub-sea awareness the recent announcement regarding investment in sonar capability is the first project within that new programme which will see the Naval Service acquire sonar capability which will be used to detect objects near cables and pipelines in Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. This new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces.

Radar capabilities for the Naval Service are being progressed as part of a wider programme of work regarding military radar. A project team comprising senior civil and military personnel has been established to progress three elements to the Military Radar Programme:

• Land based Long Range Primary Radar;
• Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and
• Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.

• Two new Airbus C-295 in Maritime Patrol Aircraft delivered in 2023.
• One new Airbus C-295 in a Military Transport configuration. This aircraft is in production and is scheduled for delivery in October 2025, with operationalisation shortly thereafter.
• One new Dassault Falcon 6X Strategic Reach Aircraft - a contract was awarded in December 2024. This aircraft is in production and is scheduled for delivery in December 2025, with operationalisation shortly thereafter.
• Four Airbus H145M Light Utility Multi-Role Helicopters, with these aircraft in production for phased delivery in 2027 and 2028.