252. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost in 2027 if the budget for the Defence Forces increased by 15%. [61517/26]

The Defence Vote Group is comprised of two Votes, Vote 35 (Army Pensions) and Vote 36 (Defence). The high-level goal of both Votes is to “provide for the military defence of the State, contribute to national and international peace and security and fulfil all other roles assigned by Government.” Accordingly, Defence and Army Pensions outputs are delivered under a single programme on each Vote.

Funding for the Defence Forces is provided through the Vote 36 Defence funding envelope, which supports the delivery of Government defence policy objectives and the ongoing development of Defence Forces capabilities.

The level of funding to be provided for Defence in 2027 will be considered by Government as part of the annual Estimates process. In this regard, Defence funding requirements will be assessed having regard to defence policy priorities, identified capability requirements, available resources, Government priorities and the wider fiscal framework.

It would therefore be premature to speculate on the level of funding that may be provided for Defence in 2027 in advance of the completion of that process.