Category: Défense

Source: Government of Ireland – Defence

PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference
Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo
Wednesday, 13 May 2026

**Check Against Delivery**

A Uachtaráin agus a Ard-Rúnaí PDFORRA, a Ard-Rúnaí na Roinne Cosanta, a Cheann Foirne, a Cheannairí Míleata, a Ionadaithe na Roinne Cosanta agus Óglaigh na hÉireann, a aíonna oirirce, a thoscairí na Comhdhála.

President and General Secretary of PDFORRA, Aaron Kearney, Deputy Chief of Staff Colm Ó Luasa, senior military leaders, Óglaigh na hÉireann, distinguished guests and conference delegates.

Is mór an onóir agus an phribhléid dom a bheith libh anseo inniu i gCathair na Mart.

Opening

It is a great pleasure, and indeed a privilege, to be with you here in Westport this morning and to address you as Minister for Defence.

Since taking up this role, I have already had substantial engagement with PDFORRA, and I want to continue building a strong and constructive partnership in the time ahead.

We share an ambition for the future of the Defence Forces — to build an organisation that is modern, capable, properly supported and one that people are proud to serve in.

I believe progress comes through engagement, partnership and shared purpose, and that is the spirit in which I want us to continue working together.

Today is also a valuable opportunity for me to engage directly with the wider membership of PDFORRA here in Westport.

International Security Environment

We meet at a time of profound international uncertainty and change.

Conflict continues in Europe and across the Middle East. The international security environment is more unstable today than at any point in recent decades.

Ireland is at an important turning point in how we think about security and defence.

While Ireland is a militarily neutral country, we are not removed from global threats or instability. These challenges affect our citizens, our economy, our critical infrastructure and, importantly, the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who serve overseas and at home in difficult and often challenging circumstances.

People rightly expect us to ensure that Ireland is prepared to protect our people, our infrastructure and our national interests.

That is why I believe this must be a decade of ambition for Irish defence policy.

We need Defence Forces that are modern, agile, properly resourced and equipped for the challenges of the future.

Most importantly, we need to invest in the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann — because capability ultimately begins and ends with the people who serve.

Overseas Service and International Missions

The situation in the Middle East remains deeply concerning, with devastating humanitarian consequences for civilians and continuing instability across the region.

I know many of you are thinking today of your colleagues in the 128th Infantry Battalion deploying to Lebanon, and of the return home of the 127th Battalion.

The safety and wellbeing of our personnel serving overseas remains an absolute priority for me and for Government.

Since the escalation of conflict in the region, operations have had to adapt significantly, with an increased focus on force protection and the security of our personnel.

Ireland’s proud tradition of peacekeeping remains central to who we are as a nation.

Over many decades, members of the Defence Forces have shown extraordinary professionalism, courage and compassion in some of the most challenging environments in the world.

Many have suffered life-changing injuries or made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace. Today, we remember those sacrifices with gratitude and respect.

I also want to acknowledge the families of Defence Forces personnel, who support loved ones serving at home and overseas while carrying many of the pressures and uncertainties that come with military life.

Many personnel have served on the UNIFIL mission over the years, often in very difficult circumstances, and I thank them all today for that service.

Today, more than 350 Defence Forces personnel continue to serve in Southern Lebanon with the same professionalism and dedication shown by generations before them.

Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible for me to visit the region because of security concerns, but I hope to do so when circumstances allow.

Our service overseas does not begin and end with Lebanon.

Irish personnel continue to serve with distinction across a range of international missions, contributing to peacekeeping, maritime security, humanitarian protection and stability operations alongside our international partners.

That work reflects something important about Ireland — while we are militarily neutral, we are not indifferent.

We believe in contributing constructively to international peace, security and the protection of international law.

Triple Lock and Ireland’s International Role

It is also why I believe we need to ensure that Ireland has the ability to make sovereign decisions about the deployment of our personnel in a changing and increasingly uncertain world.

The legislation we are bringing forward in relation to the Triple Lock is about protecting Ireland’s ability to continue participating in legitimate international peace support and security missions into the future.

It will provide clear legal safeguards, democratic oversight and accountability through Government and Oireachtas approval.

But critically, it will ensure that Ireland’s ability to deploy its personnel cannot be blocked by countries acting in bad faith or pursuing their own geopolitical interests.

We are already seeing the real implications of the current system.

The continuation of missions such as UNIFIL has become increasingly uncertain because of the risk of veto at UN Security Council level.

We are also closely examining future participation in missions such as Operation IRINI in the Mediterranean, which plays an important role in monitoring illegal activity at sea, including sanctions evasion and the shadow fleet helping to finance Russia’s war in Ukraine.

I believe Ireland must remain principled, militarily neutral and independently minded but also capable, agile and able to act responsibly alongside our international partners where our values and interests require it.

EU Presidency

Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union later this year will also be a hugely important moment for our country.

It will place Ireland at the centre of key European discussions on security, resilience and defence cooperation at a particularly significant moment for Europe.

I want Ireland to approach that Presidency with confidence and ambition.

The Government is committed to delivering a Presidency that is successful, safe and secure, and extensive planning is already underway across Government and State agencies.

An Garda Síochána is leading Operation Brehon, supported by detailed interagency coordination on security planning, cyber resilience, transport, venue protection and operational readiness.

Members of Óglaigh na hÉireann will also play an important role throughout the Presidency period.

Your professionalism and expertise will help showcase Ireland on the European stage, and I know the Defence Forces will make an enormous contribution to its success.

Transformation of the Defence Forces

The world around us has changed and our Defence Forces must continue to evolve with it.

The transformation programme now underway represents one of the most important periods of reform and investment in the history of the State.

Earlier this year, I published both an Updated Detailed Implementation Plan and a new Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces.

Alongside this work, we are also advancing Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy.

As an island nation, protecting our maritime domain and critical infrastructure is an increasingly important part of national security.

The strategy takes a whole-of-government approach, bringing together Departments, agencies, the Defence Forces and international partners to strengthen awareness, coordination and resilience in response to evolving threats.

The Implementation Plan tracks progress on the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

I am pleased to say that 54 recommendations have already been fully completed, with substantial progress made on many more.

By the end of this year, we expect 74 recommendations to be fully implemented.

These reforms include:

• workforce planning
• new command and joint structures
• reform across HR and service delivery
• revitalisation of the Reserve Defence Force
• and the development of modern joint capabilities

The priorities for the year ahead include:

• boosting recruitment and retention
• regenerating the Naval Service and Air Corps
• improving equipment and infrastructure
• progressing legislative reform
• accelerating digital transformation
• and strengthening cyber and security capabilities

At the heart of all of this are the people of the Defence Forces.

You are the organisation’s greatest strength, and my priority as Minister is to ensure that reform and investment deliver real improvements in your daily working lives.

[Personnel, Recruitment and Retention]

One of my key priorities is to deliver deep and lasting organisational reform.

That means transforming not only capability and infrastructure, but also leadership, workforce planning and career development.

We are progressing reforms across:

• primary legislation
• HR systems
• workforce planning
• capability development
• and civilianisation

Several important initiatives are now underway, including:

• enhanced career and talent management systems
• improved promotion pathways
• a comprehensive Workforce Plan
• and expanded specialist entry and re-entry routes

These reforms are about ensuring that service in the Defence Forces is modern, professional, sustainable and rewarding.

Alongside these reforms, it is important to recognise the substantial progress already made on pay and conditions through sustained engagement with representative associations, including PDFORRA.

Key improvements include:

• the removal of the “mark-time” requirement for new entrants
• full payment of Military Service Allowance to eligible ranks
• extension of private secondary medical care to enlisted personnel
• reform of Naval Service sea-going allowances
• and the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of Working Time Act

These are practical changes that are improving the lived experience of military service and we will do more.

Local Bargaining

This progress is reinforced through the Public Service Pay Agreement 2024–2026, which continues to provide pay increases across all grades.

The Agreement also provides for a Local Bargaining process.

I know the 1% allocation was due for implementation in September 2025.

I want to assure you that once proposals are verified by the Department of Public Expenditure, payments will be backdated to 1 September 2025

European Committee on Social Rights-ECSR and WTD Issues

I also want to take the opportunity today to focus on the report published earlier this year by the European Committee of Social Rights regarding public holiday remuneration and overtime compensation for Defence Forces personnel.

A recommendation will be delivered from the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers next month. My officials will give careful consideration to the Report and expected recommendation.

I would also like to note the positive recognition in the Report of reforms already delivered – including the removal of the Defence Forces’ exemption from the Organisation of Working Time Act and progress in introducing systems to record working hours.

More broadly, I also recognise the importance of strong and effective industrial relations structures within the Defence Forces.

The Concilliation and Arbitration Scheme has played an important role over many years in supporting constructive engagement between management and representative associations on issues affecting personnel.

I recently wrote to Minister Chambers regarding the appointment process and the importance of reaching agreement in the interests of continued constructive engagement.

Recruitment and Retention

Recruitment and retention remain among the most pressing challenges facing the Defence Forces.

As of March this year, the Permanent Defence Force stands at just under 7,800 personnel against an expanded establishment of 9,739.

That gap is real, and addressing it remains a major priority for Government.

That is why Budget 2026 provides €1.5 billion for Defence (55% increase), including a capital programme of €300 million (40% increase).

Government has also supported the recruitment of a net additional 400 personnel annually and invested in the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston, with capacity for up to 900 recruits per year.

We have:

• increased the maximum recruitment age to 39
• increased the retirement age to 62
• expanded direct entry opportunities
• and opened new pathways for specialist recruitment and re-entry

Recruitment levels are improving, but retention remains equally important.

We cannot build the Defence Forces we need for the future unless experienced personnel can see a long-term future for themselves and their families within the organisation.

That means creating a workplace that is professional, supportive, modern and rewarding.

It also means listening carefully to the lived experience of personnel and continuing to work in partnership to address longstanding challenges.

Standards and Oversight

Trust, professionalism and respect must underpin every part of military service.

The reforms introduced following the Independent Review Group are about ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces can serve in an environment that reflects those standards.

Progress includes:

• placing the External Oversight Body on a statutory footing
• introducing the Independent Grievance Manager
• and mandatory training on dignity, equality and respectful relationships

Capability and Investment

Alongside workforce reform, we are also undertaking the most ambitious programme of defence investment in the history of the State.

Ireland’s security environment has changed fundamentally, and our level of preparedness must change with it.

Government is now making substantial investments in capability across land, sea, air, cyber and infrastructure.

This includes investment in:

• radar and air surveillance capability
• Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems
• subsea monitoring and critical infrastructure protection
• fleet renewal and equipment modernisation
• digital transformation and secure communications

Europe is investing heavily in collective security, resilience and defence capability.

I am committed to engaging with those opportunities where they align with our national interests and our policy of military neutrality.

That includes examining future participation in initiatives such as SAFE, particularly where they can support investment in infrastructure, capability and the long-term development of our Defence Forces.

Ireland cannot afford to stand still while the wider European security landscape evolves around us.

But capability is not only about equipment or infrastructure.

Real capability depends on people.

I want us to continue building momentum in the years ahead — continuing to invest in capability, in infrastructure and, above all, in the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann.

Conclusion

Ireland is entering a new chapter in how we think about security, resilience and defence.

The decisions we make now will shape the Defence Forces for a generation.

I want us to be ambitious about that future.

Defence Forces that can protect our people and our infrastructure.

Defence Forces that can continue Ireland’s proud tradition of international peacekeeping and partnership.

And Defence Forces where the women and men who serve feel valued, supported and proud of the organisation they belong to.

This future will be built through partnership, trust and shared ambition.

I look forward to continuing that work with PDFORRA and with all members of Óglaigh na hÉireann in the years ahead.

And above all, I thank you and your families for your service to the State.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

Source: Government of Ireland – Defence

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Members of the Defence Forces, Members of the 101st Cadet Class, and your families,

Chief of Staff, Secretary General,

Today is a proud and important day. It marks a major milestone in the lives of the 52 members of the 101st Cadet Class, as you are commissioned as officers in the Defence Forces.

It is my first opportunity as Minister for Defence to attend a commissioning ceremony, and I am very pleased to be here with you. It is a privilege to present you with your commissions and to recognise, on behalf of the Government, the commitment you make today to your country and its people.

While today is a joyful occasion, we also think of those serving overseas, particularly the 127th Infantry Battalion with UNIFIL in south Lebanon. Recent events, including the attack on UN peacekeepers, remind us of the real risks carried in the service of peace.

My thoughts are with their families, friends and comrades and I wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.

While we reflect on those serving overseas and the risks they face, it is also important to recognise the significance of this moment here today.

It marks not only the culmination of months of hard work, discipline and sacrifice, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership and service. You now join a new generation of military leaders.

By accepting your commission, you take on a profound responsibility. You are entrusted with the leadership of others, with their welfare, their development, and, at times, their safety.

Leadership in the Defence Forces is not defined by rank alone, but by character, integrity and example. Your actions, decisions and conduct will shape the confidence placed in you by those you lead and by the citizens you serve.

Your commissioning is a significant next step in your journey within the great traditions of the Defence Forces, and it is my pleasure to offer each of you my warmest congratulations.

A career in the Defence Forces is unlike any other; It offers not only challenge and responsibility, but also camaraderie and personal growth. During your training, you have developed the character and competence required of commissioned officers in the Irish Defence Forces. You have honed essential military skills, which will equip you to serve as leaders upon commissioning.

The training you have received provides a strong foundation, but it is continuous learning, humility and teamwork that will distinguish you as effective leaders.

You have taken a solemn oath today to be faithful to the Irish Nation and to uphold the Constitution. Nobody takes this oath lightly.

As members of the Defence Forces, you may be required to place yourselves in harm’s way in the service of the State and its citizens. This is a profound commitment that you have made and one for which the Government and I thank you.

You now begin your careers at a time of significant change.

The security environment is becoming more complex and more demanding. In response, we are strengthening and modernising the Defence Forces to ensure they are equipped to meet current and future challenges. This means investing in capability, infrastructure and most importantly, in people.

The Defence Forces into which you are being commissioned today is changing and I am determined to drive forward an ambitious agenda to continue the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit-for-purpose organisation capable of defending the State and its people.

Ireland needs to be ambitious in delivering the necessary capability, infrastructure and personnel to meet the security challenges, not only of today, but also of the future.

I am fully committed to strengthening Ireland’s defence by increasing investment with a view to achieving a significantly enhanced capability by 2028 and, thereafter, moving as quickly as possible to develop defence capabilities that would match those of other small Western European countries.

Nobody doubts that the Defence Forces need greater investment, which is precisely why the Government is investing record funding, with €1.7 billion from the National Development Plan between now and 2030.

As Minister for Defence, one of my driving forces is to deliver meaningful cultural change in the Defence Forces.

Transformative change in the Defence Forces involves structures, culture, capability and people management. To achieve this, it is necessary to institute reforms spanning primary legislation, capability development, HR and culture.

However, as we all know, it is not just about the funding; it is essential that we continue to reform the structures and culture of the Defence Forces and invest in members of the Defence Forces.

To achieve our key priorities, we are putting in place a number of crucial HR initiatives, which will bolster the progress already made in this area

– the Defence Forces now enjoy the full protections afforded by the EU’s Working Time Directive;

– healthcare has been extended to all Defence Forces’ personnel;

– the mandatory retirement ages have been increased; and

– a series of improvements are being introduced around promotions, pay and allowances.

Improvements in recruitment policies and processes are beginning to bear fruit, with personnel numbers starting to grow again and interest in a career in the Defence Forces strengthening year on year.

All of these individual measures, when taken together, will have a demonstrably positive impact on the Defence Forces and, in turn, on the security and defence of this country and its people. They will ensure that the Defence Forces into which you are being commissioned will be a better and safer place to work.

I recently announced the publication of the Strategic Framework 2026 and the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces which reflect my key priorities for Defence.

One of my key priorities as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society which is providing a workplace where dignity, self-worth, and mutual respect for all.

In an organisation like the Defence Forces that will continuously evolve to deliver positive change, what is required is strong leadership, not alone from the Chief of Staff and the General Staff, but from everybody in a leadership position and that includes each of you here today.

From all of my EU and international engagements, both as Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, it is quite evident that few if any countries can address the multitude of challenges facing them, without some form of international collaboration.

With our upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, I am determined to actively contribute to the formation of our evolving shared global outreach, and emerging policies and instruments. We will do this in line with our national priorities, interests and values.

Ireland is more than ready to play that leadership role to strengthen European security in all its dimensions.

As you take your commissions, you have a unique opportunity now to be part of something very special – part of a transformation into a modern, fit-for-purpose, twenty-first century military force.

My hope for you is that you will be guided every day of your services by those fundamental principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect and duty of care for one another.

Today is a milestone in your lives; new officers who have pledged your loyalty to the State and its citizens.

Today would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of a number of people, whose contribution to moulding these men and women into fine officers over of the course of their training also deserves to be acknowledged.

In particular, I would like to pay tribute to: –

• Brigadier General Mark Brownen, General Officer Commanding the DFTC;
• Lt Col Stephen MacEoin, School Commandant of the Cadet School and Regimental Sergeant Major Stephen O’Neill and all Staff of the Cadet School.
• Colonel Seán Ó Fátharta, Commandant of the Military College, DFTC;
• Class Officer for the 101st Cadet Class, Commandant Lisa McMahon.

To the recently retired General Officer Commanding Defence Force Training College, Brigadier General Brendan McGuinness – thank you Brendan and your staff for your dedicated work.

Thank you also to the 2 Brigade Band for providing the music today.

In conclusion, can I again both congratulate you all on your achievement and thank you for accepting this commission to serve and protect our citizens and our State.

Is laochra, taidhleoirí agus scoláirí sibh – coimeádaithe agus réiteoirí na síochána.

Ar uaireanta éigeandála braithimid oraibh le haghaidh sábháilteacht. Cosnaíonn sibh ár bPoblacht.

Is sibhse ár gcéad líne chosanta sa mbaile. Seasann sibh clú dár dtír.

Cúram oll-mhór is ea é. Tugaim ómós daoibh as bhur misneach agus bhur ndúthracht. Agus stair uasal Óglaigh na hÉireann ar eolas agaibh, caithigí éidí an airm le gradam.

The Irish soldiers of today are warriors, diplomats, and academics – peacekeepers and peacemakers.

In times of emergency, in times of crisis, we look to you for security. You safeguard our Republic.

You are our first line of defence at home. You bring honour on our country abroad. It is an enormous responsibility. I salute your courage and dedication.

Cognisant of the proud history of Óglaigh na hÉireann, may you wear the uniform with distinction.

Thank you.

Thursday 9 April 2026

Source: Government of Ireland – Defence

Introduction

”I’m very pleased to be here this afternoon and to respond to this important debate on behalf of the Government.

I am grateful to Senators O’Loughlin and Wilson for tabling the motion that is the subject of today’s debate, which comes at a time of volatility and uncertainty security environment across the world — from Ukraine, to Gaza, to developments much closer to home.

Defence and security issues now rightly command greater public attention than they did even a few short years ago. All of us are understandably concerned about the direction that geopolitics has taken, and it is both timely and appropriate that this house is debating national security and the capability of our Defence Forces.

I look forward to further engagement with you, as Minister for Defence, as we progress our legislative programme. The first Bill that I intend to have before you will be the Defence Amendment Bill aimed at changing the basis on how we deploy our Defence Forces personnel overseas, which includes changing the Triple Lock. It is not acceptable, particularly in light of recent global turmoil, that any one of five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council have an essential veto on Ireland participating in Peacekeeping missions overseas, and this Bill will aim to address that.

In every debate on defence, one constant always emerges, the deep respect, admiration and pride felt for the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann. They are, without question, the Defence Forces’ greatest strength.

Support for Defence Forces’ Personnel

The Government is committed to ensuring the Defence Forces have the equipment, resources and capabilities required to fulfil the roles assigned to them.

At the heart of that commitment is a clear focus on people. Our personnel are our greatest asset and supporting them – in their careers, their wellbeing and their development – remains my central priority.

The motion before the House rightly acknowledges the substantial progress made in recent years. Meaningful improvements have been delivered in pay, medical care, retirement and recruitment ages, and in working conditions, including the commencement of the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January 2025.

There is real and tangible progress underway. Last year saw an increase of almost 200 personnel in strength. While it may be regarded as a modest step, it is nonetheless to be welcomed and reflects a positive trajectory on which we need to continue.

Indeed, the motion before the House this afternoon recognises the enormous strides that have been made in recent years, whether that is in relation to progress on pay, the extension of private medical care to all ranks, increases in the maximum age of retirement the age of recruitment or the commencement of the application of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces in January 2025.

That said, I think it should be acknowledged that, in the context of an almost full employment economy, these challenges are in no way unique to the Defence Forces and, indeed, they are challenges being faced by Armed Forces right across Europe.

What is increasingly clear is that the reforms introduced are beginning to make a difference. Last year saw an increase of almost 200 personnel in strength. While it may be regarded as a modest step, it is nonetheless to be welcomed and reflects a positive trajectory on which we need to continue.

It is also very positive to see that interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received to join the Defence Forces in 2025.

The next step now is converting those applications into inductions. I am looking forward to receiving the Strategic Workforce Plan, which the Defence Forces are currently formulating.

This plan will set out a clear, evidence-based pathway to achieving a strength of 11,500 personnel, aligned with future capability needs.

Sustaining the progress made in 2025 is essential, which is why the Defence Forces are targeting the recruitment of more than 850 personnel this year.

Because today’s motion recalls most of the positive measures introduced in recent years, I don’t intend to dwell on them, though I would like to say a few words about the progress made on pay.

Pay and conditions are an important part of ensuring the Defence Forces can recruit and retain the people they need. Significant progress has been made in this area and it is important that the facts are clearly understood.

Following the successful completion of training, a recruit begins their career as a three-star Private on a starting salary of €41,880.

In the case of cadets, the starting pay of a graduate cadet on commissioning is €51,584 inclusive of Military Service Allowance. A school leaver cadet, on commissioning as an Officer, starts on €45,795 whilst in full-time third level education.

Progress made in this regard stands to be further enhanced with an additional pay award due on February 1st under the terms of the current public sector pay agreement.

Investment in the Defence Forces

As Senators will be aware, I recently launched the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan (NDP) 2026-2030, which sets out a clear and ambitious vision for the future of our Defence Forces.

I am committed to providing a record level of capital funding to ensure the ongoing transformation of the Defence Forces. Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence in the National Development Plan for the period 2026-2030, which is an increase of €600 million or 55 per cent on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion.

This investment will modernise and transform the Defence Forces’ capability across all domains and ensure that Ireland continues to meet its national and international security responsibilities. Key elements include record multi-annual investment rising from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030, with major capability upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.

This will include full delivery of the Military Radar Programme by 2028, with phased rollout beginning in 2026. This is an essential step in the Government’s plan to enhance national security and the need to continuously strengthen our Defence capabilities, as set out in the Programme for Government.

The Defence Sectoral Action Plan also provides for Air Corps modernisation. Other key equipment investments include procurement of subsea domain awareness capability for the Defence Forces, which will make a critical contribution to the overall maritime picture available to the Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces.

I am also pleased to report that there has been significant investment in defence infrastructure. At the end of 2025, over €270m worth of capital projects were at various stages of the procurement pipeline, from design planning and construction to substantial completion.

Notable projects for completion in 2026 include the Military Medical Facility in Baldonnel, at a cost of €16.2m; the Block 1 accommodation complex in Collins Barracks, Cork, at a cost of €4.9m; and a new Dining Hall in Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, at a cost of €5.5m. The total allocation for infrastructure capital works this year stands at €69.5 million, with another €13.5 million set aside for us by the Defence Forces in the maintenance of existing infrastructure.

Such investments will deliver the equipment and capabilities our Defence Forces need to operate safely and effectively, at home and overseas.

Meanwhile, Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.

C&A Scheme

Turning to a number of the specific points raised in the motion, I want to assure the House that I am committed to ensuring a fully functioning Conciliation and Arbitration system for the Defence Forces, one that operates effectively, transparently and with the confidence of all parties.

The Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for members of the PDF provides a formal mechanism for the military Representative Associations – the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) and the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) – to engage with the Official Side on matters which come within the scope of the Scheme. In the event of disagreements, one or other of the parties can seek adjudication or arbitration on the matter.

I appreciate that we do not currently have an Adjudicator in place for the Defence Forces C&A Scheme. I understand that the Adjudicator in place for the other public sector Conciliation and Arbitration schemes was not acceptable to the Defence Forces Representative Associations. However, I know a lot of work has been undertaken by all sides to try and resolve this matter and I hope it will be resolved shortly.

In relation to the Arbitration Board, I am pleased to say that the Government yesterday approved the appointment and re-appointment of members of the Arbitration Board. Their new terms will run until 7 November 2026.

Pensions

Issues relating to pensions, including those affecting Single Scheme entrants since 2013, continue to be raised by representative bodies. These matters arise from public-service wide legislation and are kept under ongoing review.

The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is applicable to all new entrants to the public service, including the Defence Forces.

In recognition of the need to retain experienced and skilled personnel and to enable personnel to extend their career in the Defence, the mandatory retirement age for members was extended to 62 years of age with effect from 19 August 2024.

This move aimed to address, in part, the provision of extended career opportunities for members if they so wish.

A number of matters set out in the motion are currently being considered through the C&A process, which remains the appropriate and effective forum for their resolution.

Representation of Director of Military Prosecutions and Chaplains

Progress continues to be made on representation matters relating to the Director of Military Prosecuturions and Defence Forces Chaplains. I expect the issue regarding representation to the DMP to be concluded shortly.

Before addressing the specific issues of representation for Chaplains, I want to recognise the very valuable work that Chaplains undertake with our Defence Forces personnel. Indeed, I very much look forward to presenting a Distinguished Service Medal to Fr Paul Murphy in Galway next month.

The issue of enabling RACO to represent chaplains is being examined. Contrary to some suggestions, this is a complex piece of work.

I must also take full account of a 2023 WRC Ruling, which found that the current practice appointing Chaplains is not compliant with the Employment Equality Act and therefore, can no longer be used to fill vacancies.

In this context, my officials are examining the status of Chaplains going forward and the legislative underpinning needed to provide for such status.

It is accepted that proposals will necessitate amendments to primary legislation. This work is a priority for me and is being progressed under my guidance as Minister for Defence with careful consideration.

Local Bargaining

I want to briefly turn to the matter of Local Bargaining. I know that the Representative Associations have worked constructively with the Department and military management on identifying proposals for the payment of the 1 per cent allocation, due for implementation in September 2025.

A number of claims have been submitted to D/PENDR for its consideration and are currently going through a verification process. It is hoped that approval will be received shortly on those claims.

Once any issues identified by that Department in this first round of claims have been clarified and resolved, it is proposed that the remaining proposals will be submitted in the coming weeks.

There are also a number of pay-related matters called for in the motion here today.

I am sure you will appreciate that we must operate within the parameters of public pay policy. The local bargaining mechanism is the vehicle through which cost increasing claims in the public service are addressed and I understand that there will be a further local bargaining pot available under the next Public Pay agreement. We will continue to work with the Representative Associations in relation to their specific claims through the agreed machinery. I have highlighted already the positive progress that has been achieved to date in terms of starting pay, following training, for both recruits and cadets.

We are seeing the benefit of that progress and, indeed, the benefit of other enhanced terms and conditions introduced, through the increase in interest in joining the Defence Forces and in retention in the Defence Forces.

One of the significant changes, long campaigned for by the Representative Associations, has been the introduction of the Organisation of Working Time Act in January 2025. As part of its introduction the Defence Forces Representative Associations have sought to define what a Working Day and/or Working Week is for their members.

This work, known as Strand 3, is underway. I appreciate that it is a complex piece of work, in that it impacts across a range of areas, but I look forward to it being brought to a conclusion.

I am meeting the Representative Associations this week. I look forward to this initial engagement being the start of a positive and mutually fruitful relationship during my term as Minister for Defence.

Conclusion

Colleagues, I am very proud to be Minister for Defence and as I have said before, I know that the dedication, duty and patriotism demonstrated by members of our Defence Forces is second to none.

My commitment is clear: to continue strengthening our Defence Forces, supporting those who serve, and ensuring Ireland has a modern, capable and respected military fit for the challenges of the future.”

Ends