Written Answers Nos. 185-198
185. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on customers in rural areas being charged more than those in urban areas for electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23182/23]
View answerThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including the matters raised by the Deputy, is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.
The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister.
I understand electricity customers are allocated to a Distribution Use of System (DUoS) Group. This is done and set out as part of the connection agreement. The allocation of a customer to a particular group can be based on several factors including the type of use, the voltage a premises is connected at, the type of meter installed, or if electricity is exported. In this regard it is of note that a domestic customer, for the purpose of electricity supply, can be defined as any premises whose main purpose is that of a single residence and where the connection agreement is with a private individual, with an MIC (Maximum Import Capacity) up to 29KVA.
ESB Networks, the electricity Distribution System Operator, published with the approval of CRU, ‘Rules for Application of DUoS Tariff Group’. This document outlines the rules for applying the correct Distribution Use of System (DUoS) tariff (DUoS Group) to a customer premises or connection point and is available at: www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2004/07/cer04300.pdf.
The CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters, such as the matter raised in this question, to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
186. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes that have PV solar systems fitted and which are eligible for a smart meter but do not yet have one; if he has an estimate of the amount of surplus electricity in kWh and euro value being returned to the grid by those homes eligible for a smart meter but without a smart meter; and the reason, given the long delays in smart meter installation, homes that are eligible for smart meters but do not yet have them are not treated as equivalent to homes not eligible for smart meters and paid for their electricity surplus on the basis of a calculation of a "deemed" amount. [23186/23]
View answer187. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current average wait times for installation of a smart meter by ESB Networks. [23187/23]
View answerThe National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP) is being coordinated by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks (ESBN) delivering the electricity meter rollout on the ground. I understand that to date, ESBN have installed over 1.3 million smart meters nationally and are completing approximately 10,500 smart meters installations per week.
I also understand the smart meter customer journey starts with an initial letter from ESBN flagging that ESBN’s smart meter deployment partner are in a location and to expect a follow-on letter from ESBN’s deployment partner with additional information. ESBNs deployment partner will then send this second letter approximately four weeks in advance of planned installation date, whilst also inviting the customer to make an appointment if required. If the meter is located indoors then ESBN will proactively contact the customer to arrange a time that suits for the installation to take place.
Overall, ESBN have indicated that the proactive customer journey to replacement and installation of the new meter is on average approximately 12 weeks from first letter to meter install.
Customers who have installed microgeneration such as solar PV will send in an NC6 application form to ESBN. If they do not already have a smart meter, then ESB Networks have 4 months to install a smart meter – this is an agreed Service Level Agreement (SLA) from the interim microgeneration process.
188. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the Taoiseach last made use of the Air Corps CASA aircraft; and the reason he did so. [22238/23]
View answerThe Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) provides the Government and the President with an independent and flexible air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations.
The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is delivered primarily by the use of the Learjet 45 aircraft, which came into operation in 2004. Where it is unavailable, the CASA and/or other Air Corps aircraft may be used.
Information in relation to MATS is publicly available on my Department's website, where it is updated on a monthly basis. www.defence.ie/ministerial-air-transport-service-mats
My Department does not hold any information regarding the reason for MATS flights.
189. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons currently in recruit training in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, respectively, in tabular form [22372/23]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that it was not possible to collate the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
|
Army |
Air Corp |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
|
GSR in Recruit Training |
37 |
3 |
4 |
44 |
190. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the names of the companies that currently hold the contract to provide musical instruments to the Defence Forces School of Music; the amount paid for the replacement of these instruments in the years 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and when this contract to provide musical instruments is due to expire [22373/23]
View answerThe Defence Forces School of Music provides musical support to Irish State and Defence Forces ceremonial events. It also supports a wide range of local and national civilian and sporting events, in addition to the performance of a schools educational programme at primary and secondary level.
The Military Authorities have advised that one Instrument was purchased during the period 2022 -2023, an Eb Ato Saxophone (Marching) at a cost of €1,259. The winning Quote was “the Sound Shop”.
The Department of Defence procurement policy aligns fully with the guidelines produced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). The OGP guidance requires public tendering to take place for the supply of goods and services with a value of over €25,000 (excluding VAT). As such, the above low value procurement did not require a public tender, but rather a three quotes tender process was used.
191. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the types of flights and missions the Air Corps CASA CN 235s are suitable for and engage in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22467/23]
View answer193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the flights flown by the Air Corps CASA CN 235s in April 2023; the downtime or maintenance periods, if any, arising from such flights or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22469/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 193 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements, as assigned by Government.
The two (2) CASA CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft operated by the Air Corps are primarily used for maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU. The aircraft conduct aerial surveillance activity within the Irish EEZ which equates to 132,000 square nautical miles - or five times the land area of Ireland, 16% of the total EU fisheries area.
In April 2023 the aircraft conducted a total of seven missions, six of which were maritime surveillance operations and one Ministerial Air Transport operation.
In addition to maritime surveillance, the CASA CN235s can be used for a range of taskings:
• Air Ambulance missions in support of the HSE.
• Aid to Civil Power - Repatriation of prisoners from other jurisdictions.
• Aid to Civil Authority - Humanitarian or compassionate support operations.
• Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS).
• Military /Logistics Support flights.
• Support to Irish Coast Guard.
• Various other supports to Government agencies such as Revenue and Inland Fisheries Ireland.
At any given point in time, some aircraft in the fleet will be subject to repair and maintenance. All Air Corps aircraft and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Air Corps' maintenance regulations, the Air Regulation Manual Part E (ARM E). This ensures that all maintenance is carried out in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, and in adherence to industry best standards. Maintenance schedules are planned in so far as possible with a view to maximising fleet availability.
Of the two CASA CN235, one aircraft is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance since March 2023 and the other aircraft required one day of unscheduled maintenance in April.
192. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the flights flown by the Air Corps Learjet 45 in April 2023; the downtime or maintenance periods, if any, arising from such flights or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22468/23]
View answerThe Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is delivered primarily by the use of the Learjet 45 aircraft, which came into operation in 2004. Where it is unavailable, the CASA and/or other Air Corps aircraft may be used.
The Learjet is currently approaching its natural end of life. Based on current serviceability issues, discontinuation of manufacturer support and limited part availability for this type of older aircraft, the Air Corps estimate that the aircraft will require replacement by 2024 , and planning is underway in my Department in this regard.
The Learjet was on scheduled maintenance from the 19th of December 2022 in the UK. This was a planned event to cover required maintenance events but it was extended due to delays in acquiring required parts. On that basis, the Learjet did not conduct any flights in April 2023.
194. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he, his officials and-or the Defence Forces have engaged with organisers of an event (details supplied) in respect of the use of Baldonnel for its 2023 air display; if permission to use Baldonnel has been granted in that regard; the amount raised by the Defence Forces in respect of fees for use of its infrastructure since 2005 by foreign military aircraft and air show organisers, in tabular form; if foreign military aircraft that refuel at the base are billed for that; and, if so, the costs associated with same over the past ten years to date. [22472/23]
View answerI can confirm that my officials and the Defence Forces have received a request from the organisers of this event for support in relation to its 2023 air display and that the matter is currently under consideration.
Requests for permission to land aircraft at Casement Aerodrome are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and permission may be granted, subject to operational, security and administrative considerations.
I can confirm that foreign military aircraft that land at Baldonnel are billed by my Department for the cost of any refuelling. I have requested the information sought from the Deputy on refuelling charges incurred by military aircraft since 2013, and on fees charged to foreign military aircraft and air show organisers since 2005, but unfortunately it was not available within the timeframe allowed. I will follow up directly with the Deputy as soon as the information is available.
|
Year |
Total Fuel Costs Invoiced |
|
2013 |
Nil |
|
2014 |
Nil |
|
2015 |
Nil |
|
2016 |
€45,085.20 |
|
2017 |
€19,621.53 |
|
2018 |
€35,194.16 |
|
2019 |
€549.69 |
|
2020 |
Nil |
|
2021 |
Nil |
|
2022 |
Nil |
|
2023 |
Nil to date |
|
Total |
€100,450.58 |
195. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current capabilities of the Defence Forces to monitor or intercept hostile aircraft in Irish airspace; if there are proposals to improve or expand on that capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22474/23]
View answerThe Air Corps is not currently equipped to monitor and communicate with aircraft overflying Irish airspace, military or otherwise and irrespective of whether the transponder is switched on or not. However, on a routine basis the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.
AirNav Ireland (formerly part of the IAA) exercises Air Traffic Control responsibilities for both sovereign airspace and also airspace over the high seas, largely off the western seaboard. All air traffic, both civil and military, is monitored and controlled by AirNav Ireland in respect of this airspace and in line with ICAO rules it is normal practice for them to be informed by the relevant State of any military flights operating in Irish controlled airspace.
The 8 strong fleet of Pilatus PC-9 aircraft currently operated by the Air Corps provide a very limited air to air and air to ground intercept capacity.
The development of a primary radar capability was one of the recommendations made in the report of the Commission of the Defence Forces last year. In response to that, a project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on planning for military radar capabilities. This includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.
Delivery of primary radar is extremely complex and will take some time to deliver. However, delivery has been prioritised by Government and this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding to explore the development of a primary radar capability.
196. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the Defence Forces' response to the presence of four Russian vessels inside the Irish EEZ, including the vessels Admiral Grigorovich and The Kama; the timeframe the vessels were inside the Irish EEZ; the monitoring operation that was undertaken; if the reason for the presence of these vessels is known; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22477/23]
View answerThe Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks in tandem with maritime surveillance.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron also supports this role providing aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft which are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
The Russian vessels mentioned by the deputy were observed inside the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) last month, entering the Irish EEZ on 26 April and exiting the Irish EEZ on 29 April. These ships were monitored by Naval Service vessels and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft in advance of their arrival into the Irish EEZ and as they transited through the Irish EEZ. The vessels did not enter Irish territorial waters and their transit appears to have been routine.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows for all vessels, including military vessels, to transit through the territorial waters of coastal states when conducting innocent passage (as defined by art. 19 of UNCLOS). Furthermore, naval vessels are permitted to conduct exercises outside of territorial waters in a country’s EEZ so long as this does not unduly interfere with the Coastal State. Any vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps without their innocent passage being infringed.
It is not unusual for naval ships or civilian vessels of other States to carry out training exercises within the Irish EEZ or to passage through this area.
The Deputy will appreciate that for operational and national security reasons that it would not be appropriate to comment further on the specific details of these Defence Forces maritime patrols.
197. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the aircraft owned by the Irish Defence Forces; the year in which each aircraft was manufactured; the year it was purchased by the Defence Forces; the capabilities of each aircraft; the original cost of purchase; and the estimated annual cost of maintenance, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22478/23]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. Capability equipment requirements are kept under on-going review in the light of present and expected operational needs.
The White Paper on Defence provides for the replacement of the current Air Corps Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft, equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). Following an open tender competition, a contract was placed with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in December 2017 and all three aircraft were delivered in September 2020. The total cost of the three aircraft including associated training and ancillary equipment was €43m including VAT. These Fixed Wing Utility Aircraft are operated by the 104 Squadron of the Irish Air Corps and are equipped to carry out Transport, Logistics, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and MEDEVAC roles.
In March 2020, an additional Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft was acquired at a cost of €5.2m including VAT. This aircraft was procured to provide the Air Corps with immediate additional fixed wing capacity to meet the unique situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This aircraft is also operated by the 104 Squadron of the Irish Air Corps and is equipped to carry out transport, logistics and MEDEVAC roles.
The Deputy may wish to note that the White Paper also provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft, which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. Following a tender competition a contract was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019 for delivery of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in June and September 2023 at a cost of some €226m including VAT.
Strategic airlift capability was identified and prioritised as a capability for investment following Government approval of the Commission on Defence Report as part of the move to “Level of Ambition 2” capability. A contract was recently awarded to Airbus at a cost of €68 million, including VAT, for the provision of a new Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025.
|
Aircraft |
Year Manuf. |
Year Purchased |
Capabilities |
Original Cost |
Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost (Averaged over last 5yrs) |
|
2 x CASA/MPA 235 |
1994 |
1994 |
Maritime Patrolling, Air Ambulance, Military Transport, Search and Rescue Top Cover, Parachuting Ops |
IR£40,000,000 |
€2,474,024 |
|
1 x Learjet 45 |
2003 |
2004 |
Presidential, Ministerial, VIP Transport & Air Ambulance |
€10,017,671 |
€518,658 |
|
8 x Pilatus PC-9M |
7 x 2004 1 x 2017 |
7 x 2004 1 x 2017 |
Ab Initio, Advanced & Instructor Pilot Training and Close Air Support |
€60,096,121 |
€2,623,325 |
|
2 x Eurocopter/ EC 135 P2 |
2005 |
2005 |
Pilot Training, Army Support, Air Ambulance, VIP & Military Transport and General Utility |
€12,800,590 |
€655,703 |
|
6 x AgustaWestland AW139 |
2 x 2006 2 x 2007 2 x 2008 |
2 x 2006 2 x 2007 2 x 2008 |
Army Support, Air Ambulance, Military Transport and General Utility |
€74,203,250 |
€2,947,217 |
|
4 x Pilatus PC- 12/47E |
3 x 2018 1 x 2019 |
4 x 2020 |
Logistics, Air Ambulance, Military Transport, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) |
€46,957,967 |
€337,616 (over 3 yrs) |
198. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made on implementing the recommendations outlined in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. [22620/23]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommends significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken over a period of 5 months by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Following this engagement, a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government were brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022.
This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
The High Level Action Plan set out a total of 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision. To date, over 80% of these early actions have been achieved. Progress continues on the remaining early actions, with most currently at an advanced stage and due to be completed shortly. A comprehensive written update on all 38 early actions was published on March 23rd of this year.
The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel, including both civil and military, over and above the current establishment of 9,500. Work has commenced on this with the ‘BE MORE’ recruitment campaign.
Retention measures being implemented include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and in the Naval Service and the sea going naval personnel tax credit.
Pay has improved as a result of increases arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report, from recent pay agreements, and the early implementation of some of the recommendations of Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF). The implementation of two of these recommendations, namely personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank being paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank; and the removal of the requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank, have had a substantial impact on starting pay rates in the Defence Forces, and compare very well to starting pay rates across the public service.
The Commission recommended that private healthcare be extended to all enlisted members of the Defence Forces. I am pleased to report that agreement has now been reached in principle to allow all enlisted members of the Defence Forces to benefit from the same access to private secondary healthcare, and the details for how this will be implemented are now being considered, with a view to introducing it as soon as possible.
The High Level Action Plan set out initial implementation and oversight structures. An independently chaired Implementation Oversight Group has been established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations approved by Government, and met for the first time on the 3rd of October. Ms. Julie Sinnamon has been appointed as the independent chair of the Implementation Oversight Group. There have been four meetings of the Group to date, most recently on the 27th of February. A High-Level Steering Board has been established, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, to oversee the implementation. The High Level Steering Board met for the first time on the 1st of March. A civil/military Implementation Management Office (IMO) has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Government noted that, in light of the Commission’s report, there is an urgent need for HR and cultural transformation in the Defence Forces and this will be prioritised. The High Level Action Plan identified the recruitment, through an open process, for the new senior-level civilian positions of Head of Transformation and Head of Strategic HR for the Defence Forces as early actions required to progress this transformation. Recruitment is currently underway for these two key appointments, which were advertised in Q4 2022.
A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is at an advanced stage and is expected to be published in Q2 of 2023.
More generally, the Strategic Framework we are putting in place to drive the Commission's recommendations through will also be an important enabling mechanism for delivery of the Independent Review Group’s actions. My priority now is to ensure that there is one Strategic Plan for the transformation of the Defence Forces, fully understood by everyone, that has the appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms, and is properly resourced.
