130. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if her Department has carried out an evaluation of the extent to which accommodation issues may be a factor in recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53896/26]

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it allows me to outline how we are prioritising the provision of accommodation and gyms as part of a range of measures to improve the attractiveness of joining the Defence Forces.

The ongoing investment in and delivery of the Defence Forces Infrastructural programme enhances capability, personnel and organisational outcomes and has delivered positive benefits to military installations throughout the country. With regards to infrastructure, the Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) was launched in 2020, with a budget allocation of €18m in that year. In 2026, the provision increased to €83m to upgrade and maintain Defence Forces building stock (an increase of 361%).

The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170 million. 60 capital projects have been completed since the launch of the IDP in 2020.

In terms of upgrades to accommodation, I can advise the Deputy that since 2020, 13 accommodation projects at a combined cost of approximately €49m have been completed with 775 beds provided across the country. I would also like to highlight my plans for even further investment with priority being placed on accommodation projects across all of our military installations most notably the refurbishment of Block 1, Collins Barracks which is to be completed shortly, the Modular Accommodation Haulbowline currently under construction, and refurbishment of several accommodation buildings in Stephens Barracks, Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Curragh.

The Deputy may wish to know that since the launch of the Infrastructure Development Plan, there is continued investment in the training facilities for our Defence Forces personnel. The Joint Induction Training Centre (JITC) at Gormanston Barracks, accommodates the induction training of future recruits into the Defence Forces. As Minister for Defence, I will build on the progress achieved to date and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026 across all Defence Forces services. The Joint Induction Training Centre will facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum, when fully operational.  There has been significant capital investment allocated to the JITC to provide for the modern, fit-for-purpose facilities required to carry out this function. The current ongoing capital projects in Gormanston come to a total value of over €15m.  There are two significant capital projects currently under construction and due for completion this year:, a new Dining Hall, and a new Gymnasium and Obstacle Course.  A new gymnasium is also underway at Finner Camp in Donegal, with further investment in gyms across our military installations at design stage in Renmore Barracks, Casement Aerodrome and McKee Barracks.

I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge the significant investment and delivery we have made in the area in recent years, and I have made it clear to my Department officials and to senior military management that I am ambitious to achieve even more.