What Deputy Clarke read out is what I gave in response to an earlier question from Deputy Howlin with regard to the LÉ Róisín and the LÉ Niamh . We have to continue to invest in the Naval Service.

Deciding not to purchase ships-----

There is no point in saying we want to expand, develop and modernise the Naval Service, and then criticise the fact that we are purchasing two more ships particularly for inshore patrolling.

It is part of the wider multifaceted approach that has to be taken to modernise our Naval Service and it impacts on recruitment and retention. We have moved on the pay rates, including military service allowances for the ranks of private three-star-----

No, it is not. Able seamen start at €36,000 in the first year, rising to €37,000 in the second year and €39,000 in the third year. A graduate cadet on commission starts on €45,496 while a school leaver cadet starts at €40,000 while in full-time third level education.

This is far in excess. This is in excess of comparable positions elsewhere.

We will provide tables to the Deputy on the various staffing levels. There is an urgency attached to this and we are moving on all fronts with regard to recruitment and retention. All morning I have heard no solution or any concrete recommendation from anybody over and above what is already being done.

We have clear commitments-----

-----and changes. There has been significant movement on the pay front. Deputy Clarke dismissed this but that is her wont coming from the Opposition perspective.

We have to do more and we will do more to improve terms and conditions. This will improve the implementation of the working time directive.

There are broader issues and challenges in terms of the modern economy and people being incentivised out of our services by other industries. This is a significant challenge for us given the full employment nature of the economy we have in this country. This is a further factor in what is taking place.

The Defence Forces infrastructure development plan sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. The plan is iterative in nature, thus ensuring it remains relevant and investment is targeted where most needed. A mid-term review of the plan was recently completed by the Department and the Defence Forces to ensure the plan continues to reflect current operational requirements. In respect of Custume Barracks, a number of projects a…

There will be a number of representations in respect of a number of barracks that want to be the headquarters, as detailed. In the first instance, the implementation management office is working on the production of a detailed implementation plan for the remaining recommendations. The military authorities are progressing the establishment of an Army force design that will undertake the work required to give effect to the recommendations of the commission. There is still some work to be done on this and I have asked…

It would be premature to designate any barracks with headquarters status until the review of the structure of the Army is completed.

Again, that was a decision taken prior to my coming into office but nonetheless it is important to point out the 2023 Revised Estimate for Defence of over €915 million includes an overall pay allocation of €546 million, which is an increase of €19 million on the Revised Estimate for 2022. This overall allocation provides, inter alia , for all costs associated with the existing Building Momentum pay deal, for the recruitment of the head of transformation and strategic HR roles in the Defence Forces and for the imple…

As I said, the change is that the prevailing number dictates the allocation, so there will not be an underspend in that respect. It is a sensible approach. The key issue is that the largest budget increase ever experienced by the Department of Defence occurred in the 2023 Estimate. The pay increases have occurred relative to the pay agreements and the recommendations. There are other recommendations that will improve terms and conditions for personnel that we are working on. Critically, we need significant investme…

It must also be said there are many people in the Defence Forces who are pursuing very rewarding careers. It is our obligation to facilitate a rewarding and fruitful career for people, and lives for people, within our Defence Forces and there are many factors that can give rise to that. These include opportunities within the Defence Forces for progression, education, further learning, experiences in various challenging missions overseas, promotional opportunities and a good work-life balance, which does relate to t…

Yesterday we had statements in the House in relation to the EU Council meeting on 15 December and I reported formally back to the House in respect of that meeting. I have corresponded since my appointment with a number of EU counterparts and I look forward to engaging with them in-person, both bilaterally and in the format of the Foreign Affairs Council and in the Defence Ministers format also. There will be two opportunities to meet my colleagues in March. In early March, I will attend an informal meeting of EU de…

In which groups?

I have to disagree with the Deputy fundamentally because our military neutrality has always been defined based on non-membership of a military alliance. We are not members of a military alliance. We are not members of NATO. That is the definition of Ireland's military neutrality. We have never been politically neutral. We have joined the European Union and have been a member since 1973. We have been involved in battle groups since 2001 onwards. Participating in battle groups in themselves does not commit to any par…