We have been absolutely committed to the UNIFIL mission for many years. Like, I think, many people, we would prefer not to see it come to an end towards the end of next year. Obviously, we will ensure that our troops who are there are able to carry out those missions. I hope we can look beyond 2026 and still have a presence on the ground because it is still very much needed. I had an opportunity yesterday to meet with my Lebanese colleague Youssef Rajji, who is the minister for foreign affairs, and speak to him about the situation on the ground, which is still extremely difficult and fragile. The security situation itself is feeding into an increased level of tension in certain areas, so we need to be vigilant. The Irish Government remains firmly committed to assisting Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in southern Lebanon, and committed to UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, in support of this overall aim. In this regard, I can confirm that the Department of Defence maintains continuous and active engagement with the UN system, both bilaterally and via our permanent representation to the UN in New York, as well as with Security Council interlocutors, on the evolving situation in southern Lebanon, in particular, and on all matters relating to UNIFIL. At the end of October, senior officials in my Department met with the UN secretariat, including the Under-Secretary-General for peacekeeping, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and the Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, Mr. Atul Khare, to discuss operational issues relating to Ireland's participation in the UNIFIL mission. Negotiations on the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate over the summer, led by France, as we all know, proved challenging, reflecting differing views among Security Council members. In the weeks leading up to the mandate renewal, the Tánaiste and then Minister for Defence closely engaged with our partners, including Lebanon, France, Italy, the US and the UN, in support of attaining a mandate extension. On 28 August the UN Security Council renewed the UNIFIL mandate to the end of 2026, with a period of drawdown and withdrawal to follow in 2027. Yesterday, at the EU-Lebanon Association Council in Brussels, I underlined the pressing need for reconstruction supports for Lebanon, the very challenging humanitarian situation being faced there, and the ongoing need for the EU to assist Lebanon. I also highlighted to the Lebanese minister for foreign affairs, as I said, the need to make sure that not only civilians on the ground but also our peacekeeping troops are safe and that we engage extensively and closely with the Lebanese army in that regard.
Sentiment score: 0.54
In relation to the final question, not every incident is necessarily relayed or the subject of a complaint made in terms of overall complaints to UNIFIL and the Israel Defense Forces concerning military fire, whether on Irish personnel or otherwise. This information is not ordinarily provided by the UN. There are situations and scenarios where we have made complaints and have raised this. Again, that is something I highlighted with the Lebanese minister for foreign affairs yesterday as essential - not only that civilians are protected but also that those peacekeeping troops, our troops, who are doing fantastic work on the ground, are protected and that the Lebanese army as well is there to support them. I think the next couple of months will be challenging but I reassure the Deputy and everybody else that, as our troops scale back and scale down over the next year, they will continue their peacekeeping mission, they will continue doing the fantastic work they are trained to do and, at all stages, the situation will continue to be assessed. I have spoken to the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces about this. He has been very clear that, as the mission scales back, our troops will be kept safe, and if changes need to be made in how they carry out their work, that will happen. However, we need to look beyond next year. I hope there will be a space for Irish peacekeeping troops as well as other troops to be able to fill that space in some way and to continue to have a presence on the ground, which, given the security situation, I think will still be needed.
Sentiment score: 0.27
I reiterate that this is a changing environment. It is most certainly a challenging environment, in particular the ongoing situation with Hezbollah in the south of Lebanon. The Lebanese Government is grappling with and trying to respond to this. The decision has been taken to end UNIFIL. We need to ensure that while our troops are there, they are still engaged in the mission they are committed to and are kept safe. I reaffirm the fact that the period of transition for any missions is challenging. It needs to be planned carefully and that is certainly what the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, working with his excellent team, is doing. They are making sure that the safety and security of our UNIFIL peacekeepers are front and centre in everything we do. Those considerations remain of paramount importance and will continue to be in the months ahead.
Sentiment score: 0.39
I thank the Deputy. As of 31 October 2025, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,760 personnel, consisting of 6,237 Army, 739 Air Corps and 784 Naval Service personnel, as well as over 400 civilian members. On foot of the recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the 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 set 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 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the defence sector, an increase of €145 million on the previous year. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional Permanent Defence Force members per annum. In order to meet Government targets, the Defence Forces are making concerted efforts to ramp up recruitment. Increased training capacity is being progressed. I recently visited the Joint Induction Training Centre which has been established in Gormanston camp in my constituency in Meath and provides initial training to recruits from all three branches of the Defence Forces. There is a huge amount of investment going into the accommodation, the gym area and the canteen to ensure we can increase the number of personnel who can go through Gormanston camp and be trained. The Defence Forces advise that when fully operational, the centre will facilitate the training of up to 900 recruits per annum. Last year saw a stabilisation in numbers with 708 inductions to the Permanent Defence Force and the military authorities have advised that they are targeting over 750 inductions for 2025, which is expected to result in an increase in the total strength of the Permanent Defence Force. There continues, thankfully, to be very strong interest in a career in the Defence Forces.
Sentiment score: 0.39
We all agree that more needs to be done and I do not think the Government is saying anything to the contrary. It is clear that there continues to be a very strong interest in a career in the Defence Forces with further growth this year. Let us look at the figures. A total of 14,879 applications have been received this year, up to the end of October. The most important thing that I need to focus on now is making sure that as many of those as possible get into training and that we retain as many of them as possible. We have introduced a range of key enabling measures to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention, working closely with the Defence Forces. These include increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel and the application of the provisions of the working time directive across the Defence Forces, subject to certain exemptions. The patrol duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea has been doubled after ten days at sea in a calendar year, while the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years. There has also been significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a further pay award made in August of this year. Money has been provided through the capital budget. Significant work has already been done to try to ensure that the terms and conditions are improving for our members. There is a plan that has been worked through with the Defence Forces and my Department to set out exactly how we are going to achieve those targets. It is not going to be straightforward or easy. I accept that. I am absolutely committed to doing everything I can.
Sentiment score: 0.39
While the measures have not changed, what has changed is that the numbers are increasing. I appreciate that might not be at the rate or in the numbers we all want, but numbers have now stabilised and are moving in the right direction. My intention and ambition are to work directly with the Defence Forces to ensure they have the right structure and the capacity and ability to increase the number of recruits. We will see an increase in the numbers of men and women we can train in Gormanston. I have not yet met the representative organisations but I have made it clear that I will meet all of them in the new year. I have met them in various contexts and I will sit down with them in the new year. I know that my Department has worked closely and has had very good relationships with the representative organisations. A lot of progress has been made, much of which has come directly from the Defence Forces. I was looking recently at what has happened in the past number of years and much of it has been at the request of the representative organisations. When I meet them, I will, of course, be engaging on the concerns and issues they have and their potential requests. It is important that we bed down the work being done at the moment and make sure that the changes taking place have time to bed into the system so we can start to see those numbers increase.
Sentiment score: 0.36
As I outlined in an earlier response, a widely reported incident occurred on Monday, 1 December, regarding drones operating in the vicinity of a Naval Service vessel in the Irish Sea. Notwithstanding some suggestions, at no stage was the flight of President Zelenskyy compromised and the security operation led by An Garda Síochána was successfully deployed through multiple means, ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit to Ireland by President Zelenskyy. It was an opportunity for us to restate our absolute support and commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of a brutal and illegal invasion by Russia. As previously mentioned, I ask Deputies to reflect on the ongoing speculation in respect of this incident. It is important that we show confidence in the capacity and ability of the Garda and the Defence Forces, both of which were involved in that hugely successful operation, to do their jobs effectively. I have been fully briefed, in my capacity as Minister for Defence and as part of the national security committee, on the initial findings and I am reassured that both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána have examined and are examining this matter extensively. With any incident of this kind, we have to review what happened and how the operation was put in place, and consider whether something could have been done differently and whether something needs to be changed. That work is ongoing. One of my key priorities as Minister is to ensure that Defence Forces capabilities are maintained, developed and enhanced so that the organisation can meet all Government-assigned roles, including those that may arise as a result of drone incursions. Certainly this is something we are seeing far more of right across Europe. As I mentioned earlier, in other countries we have seen hundreds of millions of euro in losses because of closed air space due to issues around airports. In the most part, that is probably part of the intention behind some of this activity. It is really important that we do everything we can to try to prevent these types of incursions. The Office of Emergency Planning in my Department conducts the national risk assessment on a rolling three-year cycle, as part of our reporting commitments under Decision 1313/2013/EU. In the latest national risk assessment, the disruptive use of drones was identified for the first time as one of the State’s 22 key risks. This is certainly something we are taking with the utmost seriousness.
Sentiment score: 0.23
On the overall response, at all times the Naval Service vessel the Deputy referred to operated within the standing operating procedures, the different rules of engagement and the law of the sea. They could have exercised the right to self-defence if that was what they decided was necessary or needed. These are all of the scenarios and decisions that have been taken that are under review. That is being conducted by the Garda working closely with the Defence Forces. I think there will always be lessons to be learned. If there are improvements or changes needing to be made, that will be taken under consideration. That information is not necessarily going to be made available or public either, given the security nature of it. On our radar system, a significant amount of our €1.7 billion capital plan will be invested specifically in a new radar capacity. This will allow for long-range radar systems. There will be radar systems on our naval vessels and there will be a counter-drone technology. This is the specific piece we are bringing forward. I am hoping to have a contract signed very soon which would allow us to purchase these and have them in place and have personnel trained through the early part of next year so they will be live and operational and in use for the Presidency, which will start on 1 July.
Sentiment score: 0.19
We currently have our own drone capacities but they are generally used for surveillance, not trying to counter. There is work under way at the moment to develop a further or future strategy on the acquisition of different types of drones that could be used. That is at an early stage and is being developed. In terms of our subsea capabilities, as part of the NDP plan I mentioned last week, which was published, investment in our sonar capability, the towed sonar the Deputy referred to, is being prioritised as the first project. This will see the Naval Service acquire sonar capability that will be used to detect objects that would be near cables and pipelines within Irish territorial waters and within our exclusive economic zone, EEZ. This new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, which is absolutely vital for us as an island, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to the Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces. We are investing in our capacity in air, on land and under water.
Sentiment score: 0.08
While I appreciate that more progress needs to be made, the Deputy is aware that there has been significant progress overall in terms of pay and conditions for Defence Forces personnel, particularly over the past six years. A school-leaver cadet, on commissioning, was paid €30,884 in January 2019. As of 1 August 2025 a school-leaver cadet, on commissioning to second lieutenant is paid €45,795, which is an increase of 49% or over €14,000 in the past six years. After two years in that rank they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay increases to €51,184. In May 2019, a newly qualified three-star private could have expected to earn €27,759 gross per annum on completion of their initial training. That has now increased to €41,880 per annum. Where a graduate joins, the pay rate on commissioning begins at €51,184. These rates all include a pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of colonel, for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces. In the conversation surrounding the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces, it is important to point out that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay. Additionally there is scope for further income from duty allowances for specific duties carried out, on an ongoing basis, as well as the possibility of earning a tax-free duty allowance, starting at €15,000, for a six-month overseas deployment. As the Deputy is also aware, different pay scales also apply during the training period for both cadets and recruits. The matter of cadet pay has been raised by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO. I understand that a claim has been received from RACO, which is being dealt with specifically under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force and is the subject of correspondence between the Department and the representative association. The Deputy will appreciate that as discussions under the conciliation and arbitration scheme are confidential to the parties involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the specifics of the claim. I look forward to constructive engagement between the parties to the scheme. Interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to grow. There was a total of 13,348 applicants for entry into the Defence Forces in 2024, of which 1,795 were for the cadets.
Sentiment score: 0.24
Yes, I intend to meet them in the new year and really look forward to meeting them. I also had an opportunity to meet and speak with cadets who were quite literally mid-training when I was in the Curragh last week. There were some who had completely changed their career paths because they were passionate about joining the Defence Forces. There were others whose siblings had been members as well and they wanted to join. It was wonderful to see the commitment and the fact that they were there because it was something they were passionate about. I appreciate that the entry point for cadets in training is lower. They receive board and food. That is a cost that is taken away from them. It depends on the different cadetships; they are anywhere from 15 to 18 months long. Some may take longer, so there are implications more broadly. The process that is engaged in at the moment is an important step to try to make progress where we can specifically in relation to this level of pay scale. The overall improvements we have seen over the years have come about because of the need and commitment to invest in the men and women as they are training, but also as they rise through the ranks. I am committed to making further progress on that where we can and to working closely with the organisations and representative groups. They are now part of ICTU. With the public sector pay agreements, it gives the Defence Forces an opportunity to make sure that they are now represented at the table. That is a welcome development in recent years.
Sentiment score: 0.36
As recognised in the Report on the Commission on the Defence Forces and accepted by the Government, the Defence Forces need to be capable of delivering military effects across the cyber domain. To this end, my Department published the high-level action plan for the report, which included recommendations relating to the Defence Forces' cyberdefence functions. As a result, the Defence Forces have established the joint cyber defence command, which was established back in 2024. The command will be able to conduct full-spectrum cyberspace operations to robustly defend against cyber threats, support Defence Forces' operations at home and overseas, and enhance technicalities. I will provide the exact figures. The Department has approved the assignment of 19 Defence Forces specialist posts to kick-start the operation of this unit, which is headed by an officer of general rank. My Department has engaged with the Public Appointments Service to recruit ten civilian cyber specialists who will be embedded in this new cyber unit. To date, the Public Appointments Service has completed a recruitment campaign for these civilian cyber specialist roles and appointments are in the process of being made, so we are well under way in making sure that this unit has the appropriate support. Additionally, to make sure that there is appropriate infrastructure, the development of the purpose-built communications and information services, CIS, office block in McKee Barracks has been approved and procurement of same will commence shortly so that we do not just have the personnel, but also the physical infrastructure that is needed. To give effect to the strategy, the specialist units have been assigned. The new Defence Forces officer has been appointed to head up a specific unit at brigadier general level. In addition, my Department is engaging with the Public Appointments Service to recruit the various different specialists. I am satisfied that, from a defence perspective, we are developing a positive trajectory to ensure that the new cyber defence command unit is well positioned to meet the ambitious targets set out in the cyber strategy. The Defence Forces will liaise and work with their counterparts in An Garda Síochána in addressing and countering cyber threats. The work that is being done through this specific unit is only specifically looking at the Defence Forces and making sure that they are protected from any type of cyber threat. As time goes on, though, and working with An Garda Síochána, there is more we can do to look beyond that. The funding that I announced last week of €300 million for this year, rising to a further €360 million by 2029, illustrates the investment we are making in the Defence Forces, our capability and modernising infrastructure. It is important when we are doing that and investing in so much technology and equipment that we make sure that we have the right types of response, resource and structure in place to protect all of the investment.
Sentiment score: 0.28
Relating to cybersecurity, the primary role of the Defence Forces is to defend and secure their networks and systems. The role of the Garda is to do the same and to look at other areas as well. Specifically in relation to the joint cybersecurity command, there are three key pillars to it: the joint command centre, which is receiving investment and is being developed; the strategy itself; and the additional posts. I will have to come back to the Deputy on the figure as regards the overall objective. The focus of my Department now, working with the Defence Forces, is on working on the implementation of all of this. That is happening. I believe a meeting is taking place as soon as tomorrow between members of my Department and the Defence Forces to make sure that the elements of the strategy can be implemented. Key areas of the strategy include: to prevent and defend against cyberattacks on Defence Forces' networks; to develop a comprehensive programme of training and cyber-related subjects; to identity and protect critical defence infrastructure and increase resilience to cyber attacks; and to conduct ongoing risk assessments to evaluate the potential impact and likelihood of cyberattacks on Defence Forces' networks. That is our focus immediately when looking at the Defence Forces themselves. However, I have no doubt that, as this beds down and our capability and capacity increase, there will be more ways in which we will be able to work collectively and closely with An Garda Síochána on this issue.
Sentiment score: 0.12
I agree with the Deputy that the changing nature of threats is clearly moving towards hybrid threats in a way that we have never dealt with before. I know from a previous role that the Garda has been investing significantly in its capabilities, capacity and workforce. That is why we are doing what we are doing here with the Defence Forces. There is an emergency group that I chair when it relates to specific defence matters. It is chaired by the Minister for the environment if there are natural disasters or other issues that need to be dealt with. This group brings together all of the relevant bodies to be able to respond to particular threats, be they hybrid threats, cyber threats or otherwise. That group meets as it needs to and there are protocols in place. We need to make that they are always up to date and that we are able to respond to the changing threats and environments that are there. I have no doubt that I will be chairing that meeting in the near future. In fact, I know that I will. It is important that we make sure that we are alert and live to all types of threat and that the different arms of the State are working together and in close in communication. The Garda Commissioner and the head of the Defence Forces are working closely together, not just because of the EU Presidency, but because of the changing nature of the threats that we have both referenced.
Sentiment score: -0.22
The Commission on the Defence Forces report recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and defence provision in Ireland. It covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding. One of the recommendations in the report was the creation of a new enlisted rank of lance corporal in the Army and Air Corps. The detailed implementation plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces has identified that this recommendation requires further evaluation. The further evaluation will be informed by work under way in the Defence Forces on force design, which is also a Commission on the Defence Forces recommendation. The report recommended, "The Chief of Defence to initiate an immediate force design process assisted by external experts with access to international military expertise." This is the same force design process I mentioned earlier, which will help us achieve our overall targets. The Defence Forces have established force design teams within the Army, the Naval Service and the Air Corps and an overarching strategic force design office. The force design teams are working with external expertise in designing a structure for a modern force of Ireland’s size taking into account the Defence Forces' roles and the capabilities required to deliver these roles. The outcome of the work on force design will inform further evaluation on the introduction of the rank of lance corporal. Such further evaluation will also require consultation with other key stakeholders, including the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, regarding all aspects of the resource, policy, financial and legislative implications of introducing a new rank into the Defence Forces. I also point out that the Government has implemented a range of measures aimed at addressing the recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces. I have mentioned these already. They include the increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 years for those roles that had a recruitment age below that and to 50 years for direct entry specialists. The mandatory retirement age has been increased to 62, private secondary healthcare has been rolled out to all PDF members, the patrol duty allowance has been doubled, the Naval Service tax credit has been extended for a further five years and there has also been significant progress on pay. There is more work that needs to be done. That work is happening at the moment. We will then be able to make a more informed decision on this rank.
Sentiment score: 0.21
On the evaluation of the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations, a number of factors have to be taken into consideration before a decision can be made. These include military management advice on the introduction of the rank, the potential benefits to individual personnel, the future role of personnel at this new rank, the impact on career progression for personnel, the impact of increasingly hierarchical structures, and the legislative and financial implications, which may not be to the fore. The report noted that this rank exists in a number of other militaries, specifically those of the UK and the US. It is provided between the ranks of private three star and corporal. All of these different situations and scenarios need to be taken into consideration before this is taken on board. I believe the main reason for this ask is that it would give privates the opportunity to do a shorter course but all of this has to be looked at in the overall context of force design. There is a lot of work under way as part of general force design. This is very much part of that overall review. Decisions will be taken in the new year as to whether we will move on this.
Sentiment score: 0.10
In recommending it, the commission was of the view that the creation of the rank of lance corporal would allow earlier rank progression for enlisted personnel with leadership potential and that it would offer unit commanders and senior NCOs the opportunity to assess the leadership ability of junior personnel before further advancement. The rank would also be useful for specialist trades, allowing privates to advance and carry out supervisory functions without the need to complete the full potential NCO course. These are some of the reasons the commission made the recommendation. However, different risks or challenges were identified when the recommendation was evaluated further. After examining the benefits and the opportunities, the evaluation process also considered these risks. While I do not want to pre-empt the outcome, some of the risks considered in this further evaluation included greater rigidity in the Defence Forces as a result of an increasingly hierarchical structure, a lack of differentiation between roles, slower progression through the ranks and lack of ambition or opportunities for advancement. This is all being looked at on both sides at the moment. The review being undertaken by the Defence Forces is under way. It will not be completed until next year. It is at that stage that these decisions will be taken.
Sentiment score: 0.13
The Government decided in January 1941 that two medals should be struck in respect of service during the 1916-21 period, one for service during Easter week 1916 and the second for subsequent service up to the truce of 11 July 1921. In May 1942, the Government further decided that the second medal, the service medal, should be issued to two groups of people. The medal with bar was to be issued to persons in possession of a military service certificate entitling them to a pension under the Military Service Pensions Acts in respect of the period subsequent to 1916 and prior to 11 July 1921 and to those persons not in possession of a certificate who could satisfy the Minister for Defence that, had they applied for a pension, their service was such as would have merited the award of a pension. The medal without bar was to be issued to persons who were enrolled in the Irish Republican Army, Fianna Éireann, Cumann na mBan or the Irish Citizen Army not less than three months prior to 11 July 1921 but who did not qualify for a pension. In certain exceptional situations, a medal can be posthumously awarded if no medal was previously issued. However, in order not to diminish the intrinsic value of such medals, this is only done in exceptional cases and only where there is incontrovertible verified evidence available that the criteria for the award of a medal have been met. The process by which applications and petitions or appeals under the Military Service Pensions Acts were investigated and verified was wound up in 1958 and, as the Deputy can appreciate, there are now no surviving members of the old IRA or related organisations who could verify membership. Given the time that has elapsed, there is no mechanism available now by which service and activities can be investigated or verified other than existing departmental records. It is therefore difficult to satisfy the requirements, although it is not impossible and, over the last number of years, there have been people who have satisfied the requirements and been awarded medals posthumously. All applications for a posthumous medal made to my Department are carefully considered. However, there are no plans to put in place wider arrangements or to lower the criteria in relation to the award of posthumous medals. Certainly, if there is an individual the Deputy is referring to specifically, a request for applications can be addressed to the pensions administration section of my Department, which is based in Renmore in Galway. I can provide the Deputy with the full postal and email addresses.
Sentiment score: 0.43
The Deputy outlined some of the details, but he will appreciate that without having all the information, it is hard to make a decision or to be able to respond effectively. While I said it is very difficult, it is certainly not impossible for medals to be awarded posthumously. In 2024, 15 posthumous medal applications and five medals were awarded. I do not know when Michael Morrissey applied initially or whether he was one of those 15. To date this year, 14 applications have been received and five medals awarded. Of the remaining nine, three were refused because they did not meet the criteria. Three were found to have been awarded previously, so there was obviously an overlap, and three applications are in progress. I advise that if the individual representing the person wants to make a further application, there is quite a stringent process in place. There are strict set criteria that need to be complied with but the matter can be looked at again if the person makes a further application.
Sentiment score: 0.29
I thank Deputy Ó Laoghaire. If he writes to me directly on that matter, I will respond to him. In response to Deputy O'Hara, I appreciate that this was highly specific prior to 1958 when many changes were made. Before 1958, applications were required to state the name of the unit, subunit, battalion company, former brigade, battalion and the company officers commanding. Given that this process was wound up in 1958 and that there are no surviving members alive to verify membership, and in light of the time that has elapsed, it is hard to investigate or verify information in terms of existing departmental records. That is why it is very difficult. It is also the reason that posthumous awards are applied in a small number of the applications made. All I can say is that another application can be made if there is further evidence or information that can be provided on behalf of the individual. If that is done, the Department can look at it again.
Sentiment score: 0.13
I propose to take Questions No. 103 and 112 together. Deputy Malcolm Byrne, who submitted Question No. 112, is not here. As I outlined in my earlier response, the widely reported incident regarding drones operating in the vicinity of the Naval Service vessel has been discussed here at length this evening. Notwithstanding some suggestions, President Zelenskyy's flight was not compromised and the security operation led by An Garda Síochána was successfully deployed through multiple means, ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit. When we are speaking about these issues, we all need to ensure that we are speaking about the facts. I appreciate Deputy Conway-Walsh is asking for facts but in some instances only limited information can be provided given the security nature of what we are discussing. I have been fully briefed, in my capacity as Minister for Defence as part of the national security committee, on the initial findings and I am reassured by both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána that they have examined and are examining this matter extensively. While I can confirm a C70 was issued by An Garda Síochána to the Defence Forces seeking assistance in respect of the visit of President Zelenskyy, the Deputy will appreciate I cannot comment further because these are operational matters. However, a C70 form was issued by An Garda Síochána to the Defence Forces. One of my key priorities as Minister for Defence is to ensure our Defence Forces capabilities are maintained, developed and enhanced so that the organisation can meet all Government-assigned roles, including those that may arise as a result of drone incursions. This is something we are seeing more and more of across Europe and the world. The work of the Defence Forces in this space aligns with broader national security planning that is ongoing. Work is well under way on the military radar programme I mentioned earlier, which is a significant capability enhancement. A dedicated project team of senior civil and military personnel has been advancing this programme, particularly in relation to the counter-drone element and it is being actively pursued by my officials. This morning, I brought to Cabinet the next stages of the new radar system. We have put forward the new preliminary business case. We are partnering with France and I hope early in the new year to be able to bring the final business, so that we can start what will be an extensive roll-out of our new radar capabilities.
Sentiment score: 0.27
I have confidence in our ability to defend ourselves and those who travel to this country. However, we all appreciate that there is more we need to do. We are no different from any other country in that regard. There are, of course, standard operating procedures, SOPs, different rules of engagement and different laws depending on whether an incident occurs on sea, air or land. It is for those who are trained and who are operating on the ground to respond and make sure they comply with the different standard operating procedures. At all times, whether it was the Naval Service or those responding, those involved in this incident operated within the SOPs. However, as there should be with any incident like this, a review is taking place and the Garda is working closely with the Defence Forces on that. If there are operating procedures that need to be enhanced, improved or changed and if better structures need to be put in place, that certainly should be done. I reiterate that there was not a closing of airspace and no significant issue arose. Of course we need to be very serious about any type of threat and any types of drones in our airspace or within the vicinity of our vessels. This is something we are taking extremely seriously. It is why we are prioritising within the €1.7 billion budget the development of new radar capabilities and the expansion of our sonar, air fleet and ground fleet.
Sentiment score: 0.15
I commend the men and women of the Defence Forces on the fantastic work they do. In my time as Minister for Defence, my priority will be investing in them and their capabilities, including their ability to respond to emerging threats. It is also important to acknowledge the historic role our troops have played in peacekeeping. That will continue to be a focus and priority. Regarding the changing environment and changing threats, so much has moved to cyber threats. It is an issue that is raised regularly with all of us by companies small and large and by our agencies as well. It is vitally important that we continually invest in all our abilities to respond to these types of threats. I mentioned in response to an earlier question the investment that is going into technologies within the Defence Forces to enable them to identify and reject these types of threats. There has been huge investment in recent years in An Garda Síochána. Through the Department of enterprise, working with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, there has also been huge investment to ensure businesses are alert to these types of threats, are able to respond to them and know exactly who to go when these types of incidents occur. We all need to work collectively on this issue. A huge amount of funding will be spent on the Defence Forces and, with that, we will make sure the right structures and resources are in place to protect that investment.
Sentiment score: 0.19
This is something I raised directly with my Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Rajji, when I met with him yesterday prior to the EU-Lebanon Association Council meeting. I referred to the trauma that has been inflicted on Private Rooney's family, the need for answers and the need to ensure we have the full co-operation and support of the Lebanese Government regarding the appeal. We will continue to engage with the Lebanese authorities in that regard. It is absolutely essential that we have answers and an appropriate response to what has happened to date. I have written to Private Rooney's mother and I hope to meet with his family in the new year and engage directly with them on this matter.
Sentiment score: 0.27
For those who make the ultimate sacrifice on the missions they are committed to, we must ensure their families are supported. My colleague has given a commitment that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring there is justice and that we have all the answers. I reaffirm that commitment. I will get back to the Deputy directly on the pension issue.
Sentiment score: 0.45