Press release
Press Release - Record allocation of €1.35 billion in Defence funding in Budget 2025
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Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste & Minister for Defence welcomes record allocation of €1.35 billion in Defence funding in Budget 2025
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, today (October 1) welcomed the record allocation of €1.35 billion in Defence funding in Budget 2025 - an increase of €100 million compared to Budget 2024.
This significant level of funding will enable further progress on the transformation of the Defence Forces as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Independent Review Group.
The Tánaiste said: “The record allocation of €1.35 billion in Budget 2025 demonstrates this government’s commitment to Defence and those who serve our State. This funding will facilitate ongoing investment in our Defence capabilities along with allowing crucial progress in the modernisation of the Defence Forces.
“Budget 2025 for Defence includes the highest ever level of capital funding, at €215 million. In addition, a significant current allocation of over €805 million includes funding for the recruitment of net 400 additional Defence Forces members.
“The record Budget funding will facilitate significant progress on important defence projects, including military radar, subsea awareness, force protection equipment and Defence Forces infrastructure. Budget 2025 will also allow the Air Corps to take delivery of the new Airbus C295W aircraft. This level of investment is critical in the current geopolitical situation.”
Budget 2025 will see:
• €469 million for Permanent Defence Forces pay, including €13 million for the recruitment of a net 400 additional members. As of today, a Graduate Cadet on commissioning starts on €49,552; a School Leaver Cadet on €44,216 and a Private 3 Star/Able Seaman on €40,297.
• An increased advertising allocation of €3.2 million to provide further impetus to Defence Forces recruitment efforts.
• Over €6 million for additional civilian recruitment and to allow for an increased spend on external expertise and services.
• €6 million for the full year costs of the Tribunal of Inquiry in 2025 arising from the IRG Report.
• An additional €8 million to support Air Corps fleet maintenance, airfield and training costs.
• €329 million to meet the pensions costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents.
• Additional funding for a number of other priorities, including Reserve Defence Force regeneration and increased funding to Civil Defence to support the recruitment of new Assistant Civil Defence Officers/Health & Safety Officers.
ENDS