Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

63. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if any members of the Defence Forces in Lebanon have had to pay for their own flights home in the past six months; the number of members to whom this applied; and whether these members were subsequently reimbursed. [38942/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The requested information has been sought from the Defence Forces but unfortunately cannot be gathered within the prescribed timeframe as it covers a number of Branches within the Defence Forces as well as the battalion currently stationed in UNIFIL. The Department and the Defence Forces will continue to gather this information, and will follow up with the Deputy in due course.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

64. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when a promotion competition (details supplied) will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38959/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The promotion competition that the Deputy refers to is scheduled to run this year.

There has been ongoing consultation between civil/military management and the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA), to take account of a number of proposed changes to ensure improved efficiency of the competition process and to additionally ensure that the necessary regulatory underpinning for such improvements is in place. This consultation process is almost concluded and once the appropriate underpinning is in place, it is expected that the competition will be launched shortly thereafter.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

65. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the capital works projects that are currently ongoing at Stephen's Barrack, Kilkenny; the estimated cost of each of these projects; and when each project will be completed, in tabular form. [39043/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is one capital project currently ongoing in Stephens Barracks, details of which are is set out below:

The Deputy may also wish to note that the following two projects are scheduled to be developed in the near future :

• Construction of a New Locker Facility
• Upgrade O/Ranks Accommodation Blocks A-C

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

66. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the engagements he has had with his Cabinet colleagues regarding the illegal transport of weapons through Ireland; the capacity within the Defence Forces to surveil Irish airspace and ensure that aircraft do not transit Ireland without the knowledge and/or permission of Irish authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39051/24]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

69. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the role of the air corps in surveillance and policing sovereign Irish space; the standard operating procedure should the Air Corps become aware that an aircraft is transiting sovereign Irish airspace illegally; the standard operating procedure should the Air Corps become aware that an aircraft carrying weapons of war is transiting Ireland illegally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39054/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 69 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Transport has confirmed that his Department is examining the recent media reports regarding civil aircraft flights and the carriage of munitions of war. The Department of Transport is continuing its examination of these reports, and its ongoing engagement with the air carriers concerned.

As I have stated previously, it is important that the facts as to what has taken place are established, and this is the urgent work that the Department of Transport is currently taking forward. It would not be helpful to speculate on what course the Government might take until the facts have been fully established.

In answer to the Deputy's specific question of Defence Forces capacity to be aware of aircraft movements in our air space, the development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. One of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. A project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on a programme of work to develop military radar capabilities. This includes military primary radar systems, ground based air defence, maritime and counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).

It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of Military Radar is both costly and extremely complex, and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, delivery has been prioritised by Government and the increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding for the development of a primary radar capability. As indicated in the Detailed Implementation Plan, the Needs Phase has completed, with the scope of the capabilities having been established. The Requirements Phase has now commenced which will progress in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.

The Defence annual capital budget for 2024 is €176 million. In April, I announced record levels of capital funding for Defence over the next two years of €215 million in 2025 and €220 million in 2026. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to the increasingly complex security threats that have emerged.