Helen McEntee
Meath East · Fine Gael · Ireland
“There are no new missions, so there is only so much we can partake in. In regard to UN requests over the past ten years, in September 2019, we had 14 Defence Forces personnel deployed to a UN mission in Mali as part of a joint operation with the German armed forces.”
“I thank the Deputy for his continued engagement on this matter. It is appreciated and I reaffirm our shared commitment to truth and justice, not least for Private Rooney, but in particular for his family.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I know he is committed to this issue; I am too. I have in recent months spent some time travelling to different barracks and Army bases and meeting with personnel. What I see all over the country is their professionalism, dedication and commitment.”
“I disagree that people are being pushed into the courts. The situation is exactly the opposite. I have said in the Chamber many times since I started taking these questions that the State Claims Agency is there and wants to mediate and work directly with people in order that cases do not go directly to the courts.”
“We are all committed to strengthening recruitment to and supporting retention in the Permanent Defence Force. The military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,823 personnel on 31 May, the most recent date for which we have a figure available.”
“It is the case that no mission is the same, so it is also a matter for the Defence Forces to assess and scope out the mission and then to decide whether it is a mission we can partake in. A question keeps being asked about what it is we would not be able to be a part of if we were to keep the triple lock.”
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“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“I refer, in particular, to the Naval Service-specific competitions at officer rank, including those for operations branch officers, marine engineering officers, electrical engineering officers, engine room artificers, hull artificers, electrical artificers, radar-radio technicians and chefs. A great deal of work has been done. I appreciate that we need to do more, but it is very welcome that the numbers are starting to increase. We need to make sure we continue to focus on increasing them and reaching over the target of 1,000 we have set ourselves.”
“There are quite a number of different competitions, recruitments and initiatives ongoing, including those specifically for women. They are not necessarily specific to the Naval Service, but it is important that we support and work with the Defence Forces in making sure they are reaching out, whether in our schools or in different industries or sectors, specifically to ensure that we have those specialist positions and that we are reaching out to the areas and the specialist teams where we could maybe identify new recruits. There are different competitions and initiatives happening.”
“The Defence Forces and the Chief of Staff are working on a strategy that will set out how we will achieve our overall targets and objectives, not just for the Naval Service but also for the overall force. I will work closely with them in the new year to see if we need to do more. A lot has happened in response to challenges that may have been precluding us from increasing our numbers. If there is more that can be done and that we should be doing, I will focus on that. The investment, including the very clear investment in our Naval Service, will, I hope, encourage more people to join the Naval Service.”
“I appreciate that maybe the numbers look small, but this year we had the highest number of direct entry recruitments for specialists in the Naval Service since 2019. While the numbers are smaller, obviously, we are moving in the right direction. There were four direct entries to the Naval Service for electrical engineers, one direct entrant for marine engineering and two direct entries as operational branch officers. We then have Naval Service direct entry for hull artificer and Naval Service direct entry for radio or radar technician. We are starting to see an increase in the number of specialist positions there, but, again, there is more work we need to do. I fully appreciate that. There is a new strategy being worked on looking at the Defence Forces overall.”
“As of 31 October there have been 19 direct entry inductions into specialist roles in the Naval Service. This is the highest annual total recorded since the commencement of this specific direct entry recruitment for the Naval Service in 2019. I will come back later with further information.”
“Recruitment to the Naval Service is ongoing via a wide range of pathways, including general service recruitment, re-entry schemes and eight Naval Service-specific direct entry competitions. Figures provided by the Defence Forces for the year to date are encouraging. A total of 156 inductions to the Naval Service has been achieved as of 31 October. This represents an increase of 59 more than the total of 97 inductions achieved for all of 2024. In addition, applications for the Naval Service have grown substantially this year with the total number of applications received as of 31 October being 2,591, which is 31% higher than the total received for all of last year. Application numbers for direct entry specialist competitions are positive, and have resulted in growth in specialist recruitment.”
“These include: an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles that had a recruitment age below that, and to 50 for direct entry officer specialists and we have seen, thankfully, that have a positive impact; an increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62; a doubling of the Naval Service patrol duty allowance after ten days; the extension of the Naval Service tax credit for a further five years; the application of the working time directive across the Defence Forces in January of this year, subject to certain exemptions; and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Forces. There has also been significant progress on pay, with the most recent increase paid in August of this year with a further pay award due for all personnel in February of next year.”
“I understand from the military authorities that the strength of the Naval Service, as of 31 October 2025, the latest date for which this information is available, stood at 784 personnel out of an establishment of 1,094. While I appreciate that it is not at the establishment figure, this compares favourably to a total strength of 719 at the end of last year. The figures did not decrease last year and they started, thankfully, to increase this year. Challenges in the recruitment and retention of personnel in the Naval Service are well documented and to address these a wide range of recruitment and retention initiatives have been introduced.”
“This will have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within the Air Corps headquarters at the Casement Aerodrome. That is part of that as well, so there will be an opportunity within the tribunal to be able to consider adequately any of the complaint processes that have been made in light of the responses received. A number of different things are happening at the moment separate from the litigation and separate from the individual cases, with the review and the report that is being done. Obviously, there is another opportunity here throughout the inquiry for these types of concerns to be raised as well.”
“I will treat this with the utmost seriousness. I am working closely with my officials. It is also important to stress these are cases of alleged past exposure to toxic chemicals. I want to be clear that we are talking about issues that may have happened in the past and to reassure people in that regard. In terms of the HSA and the inspection that took place, it advised in a subsequent report in 2024 that the Defence Forces had proactively rolled out training in the use of substances across the relevant personnel and noted the evidence of compliance with the contravention notice, It is important to point out where there have been inspections, where there have been engagements with the Defence Forces and where there have been changes. As well as the report I mentioned, the tribunal of inquiry is due to start.”
“We want to make sure that we understand exactly what may or may not have happened here. Once I have that information then we can all decide what are the next appropriate steps and where we will take it from here. I have been given that timeline and I will work closely with my officials to make sure that we achieve it.”
“I appreciate that we might not be on our own and similar issues have arisen in other jurisdictions. It is about going through the appropriate process and making sure that we are responding in the most appropriate way. These matters are currently the subject of active and ongoing litigation, as I have mentioned. The HSA has conducted several inspections in Baldonnel Aerodrome and there is more detail in that regard than has been provided previously. What I want to do now is make sure that I receive the report being conducted in quarter 1. That is the timeline I have been given. I will then be able to make any decision on what future actions can be taken and whether something can be done separate to the individual cases and ongoing litigation at the moment. Ultimately, I want to support the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann.”
“I say that obviously not to avoid discussing it, but there is litigation and it is important I do not impede or infringe on that at all. The Deputy will appreciate that it is an extremely complex matter. It requires very serious thought, engagement and deliberation. This is what my officials have been doing and it is something I will focus on and prioritise as well.”
“I received an initial brief from my officials on the matter of health and safety in the Air Corps. I expect to have a detailed report from them in quarter 1 of 2026 regarding the matters the Deputy has brought before the House. This report will take due cognisance of the recent meeting he had with officials, as well as the views of the State Claims Agency, as it manages such litigation claims on my behalf. I also intend to seek the views of other stakeholders on what, if any, options may be open to me to pursue, further to my receipt of the report. All that being said, and the Deputy is very much aware of this fact, I am limited in what I can say further in this regard in this House. I am the defendant in several litigation cases that are under way and being dealt with in the courts.”
“There is an investment specifically in the men and women and the equipment they use on a day-to-day basis. It is very important we invest in them directly and ensure they are working in safe spaces. I acknowledge the Deputy’s ongoing commitment to this issue. I am aware that, further to an offer made to him in this House by my predecessor, the Tánaiste, he availed of an opportunity to meet with some of my senior departmental officials in the past two weeks to share his views on this matter. The meeting, which took place at the end of November, I understand was constructive and I will continue to engage with the Deputy on this matter. It is absolutely essential the health, safety and well-being of the men and women of Oglaigh na hÉireann are front and centre in everything we do.”
“As this is my first time answering a question on this matter as Minister for Defence, I want to take this opportunity to say that the health and well-being of the men and women of Oglaigh na hÉireann is of the utmost importance. In fact, it is paramount and front and centre in everything we do, as it is to the Chief of Staff and Secretary General. I am very clear in my view as Minister that those who serve the State with such professionalism and integrity should be able to do so in a modern and well-equipped Defence Forces that is also a safe place to work, as all places should be. In that regard, as I mentioned previously, I announced a substantial investment of €1.7 billion in the Defence Forces over the next four years. It is not just about technology and equipment or new naval vessels.”
“For security matters, the House will appreciate there are things that cannot and should not be said when it comes to our security and it is important our Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána can work effectively. There are certain things that cannot be said but they are working extremely well together. We are looking, as we always need to do, to see what the emerging threats are and whether there is more we need to do on how we need to increase our capabilities. That is exactly what we are doing with the new radar system and with our counter-drone technology. If there is more we need to do, that is certainly something I, as Minister for Defence, will make clear in my engagement with Government colleagues, as well as within the Defence Forces.”
“Our current spending on the Defence Force in the past four years alone has increased by about 40%. If we look at the work being done following on from the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces and I am pleased that last year, for the first time in many years, investment in personnel did not go down but remained steady and is now starting to increase this year. We are finally starting to see an increase. There is an investment in the men and women of the Defence Forces and in our technology and equipment. A huge amount of work is also being done with the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána to make sure we have the appropriate measures and responses in place.”
“We all agree the world we are living in now is changing and the types of threats we are facing are changing. We are no longer just thinking about warfare in terms of land incursions and what we are seeing, whether it is in Ukraine or elsewhere in the world. Hybrid threats are happening on a daily basis that are impacting people's day-to-day lives and businesses. Perhaps, there are also more sinister threats across Europe and the world. We have to be clear we are not immune to these types of threats and that is why we are investing the way we are in our Defence Forces. The capital plan I announced last week provides for a 55% increase in spending on the previous capital plan. I will look to make sure we can do as much as we can with that and where and if possible, to increase that further.”
“This is a space separate to the work ongoing between the gardaí and the Defence Forces to make sure the preparations, plans and security measures that need to be put in place are in place and are operational for next year.”
“Of course, the Presidency will start in the beginning of July and I appreciate timelines may have changed but I am saying very clearly I will be signing a contract before the end of the year. We will have this capacity before the second half of next year and we will have it in place and operational before the Presidency starts. In terms of the overall Presidency, we will have the new security council, which has already met in this new government format and will be meeting soon. This is a structure that will be in place and will be meeting regularly throughout the Presidency. It is attended by members from An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the relevant Ministers and Members.”
“They are in constant engagement and that will continue, if not increase, in the run-up to the Presidency to make sure in our security operations, which will be led by An Garda Síochána, they are working closely together and that other agency, whether it is air navigation or anybody else on the ground, that need to be involved in part of the overall security operation is involved in that too. As regards our counter-drone technology, I hope to have a contract signed by the end of the year, which will mean we will have the technology bought before the first half of next year, that is, by May or June. In parallel with this, training will take place within the Defence Forces to make sure we have members that are able to use it.”