112. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence if the holder of a Stamp 4 visa is eligible to serve in Óglaigh na hÉireann; if not, the plans to change this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50159/26]

As Minister for Defence, I am fully committed to supporting the Defence Forces to increase numbers and strengthen the Defence Forces.

It was positive to see the growth in numbers last year, with 790 inductions and I have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026. Indeed, overall application numbers for careers in the Defence Forces continue to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025 and more than 10,000 received to end of May 2026.

In relation to the Deputy's specific question, a Stamp 4 residence permission grants a non-EEA national the right to live and work in the State without an employment permit. However, under current regulations, holding a Stamp 4 visa is not an independent qualification for service in the Permanent Defence Force. Eligibility is instead determined by the specific legal status underlying the stamp.

The Defence Forces accept applications from Stamp 4 holders if their permission was issued on the basis of being a recognised refugee, a recipient of subsidiary protection, or a non-EEA family member of an EEA or UK national.

It should be noted that applicants to the Defence Forces must also meet the minimum eligibility criteria for service as laid down in Defence Forces regulations. These criteria are of general applicability to all candidates and may include age, residency, character, educational and medical/fitness requirements depending on the recruitment competition in question.

Increases in application numbers and in the overall strength of the PDF demonstrate that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment and retention are yielding results, towards the pathway of LOA2.