109. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence to provide details of all grant schemes currently available through her Department for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply; the purpose of each grant scheme; the eligibility criteria; the application process; the opening and closing dates for applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53413/26]

The Defence Vote Group was provided with an overall funding allocation of €1.49 billion for 2026, comprising of €1.175 billion for Vote 36 (Defence) and €317 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions).

The Army Pensions Vote provides for the payment of statutory pension entitlements to 13,500 former members of the Defence Forces and their dependants. The relevant terms and time limits for application for these entitlements are set out and payable in accordance with the relevant legislation under the various pension schemes and arrangements.

The Defence Vote allocation provides, inter alia, for the pay and allowances of up to 9,140 public service employees (including 8,100 members of the Permanent Defence Force), ongoing Defence Forces standing and operational costs and essential capital investment in equipment and infrastructure. It also provides operational grants to each local authority in relation to running costs for Civil Defence along with a grant to the Irish Red Cross towards its administration costs. The Department provides grant funding to Sail Training Ireland for youth development through participation on voyages organised by Sail Training Ireland.

My Department does not administer any grant schemes or other financial supports that require the submission of applications. As a consequence, no eligibility criteria or launch or closing dates for any grant schemes currently operate within my Department or its agencies.