Written Answers Nos. 199-221
199. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will facilitate the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence having an oversight role in the appointment of individuals to the Independent Oversight Board for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government agreed to establish the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces, on a non-statutory basis initially, in line with one of the thirteen recommendations of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces published on March 28th.
The Government moved quickly to establish the Body, making the following appointments on April 5th:
• Professor Brian MacCraith as the Independent Chair
• Ms. Josephine Feehily
• Ms. Patricia King
• Ms. Julie Sinnamon
• Mr. Aongus Hegarty
• Ms. Jacqui McCrum in her capacity as Secretary General of the Department of Defence
These six appointments are fully in line with the IRG Report, which recommended eight appointments, including the Secretary General of the Department of Defence.
I am also pleased to announce that with the agreement of Government on May 16, I have also appointed Ms. Sam des Forges to the Body.
Ms des Forges, is the Director of Conduct, Equity and Justice in the Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom and has very relevant experience in the areas of diversity and inclusion, transformation of Defence Forces complaints system, implementation of reforms relating to culture and unacceptable behaviours with the Defence Forces.
Ms des Forges unique personal experience, expertise and insight will be of huge value to the Body.
The immediate establishment of the External Oversight Body is a critical element to driving the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and increasing transparency and accountability.
The calibre and combined skills and experience of each member gives me every confidence that this will happen. As is the norm, the Chair of the Body will accept any invitation to come before the Committee to discuss its important work.
The first task I set the Body was to develop detailed Terms of Reference in line with the recommendations of the Report for my approval.
My expectation is that the Chair will submit detailed Terms of Reference for my approval in the coming weeks. Once approved the Terms of Reference will be published.
While the Body has been established on non-statutory basis, it is my firm intention to introduce legislation to put it on a statutory footing as soon as possible. Once established on statutory basis, I expect future subsequent appointments to carried out via the Public Appointments Service.
Question No. 200 taken with No. 16.
201. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the allowances available to members of the Defence Forces for serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22787/23]
View answerThere are a range of allowances available to Defence Forces members on overseas deployments. The two most common are Overseas Peace Support Allowance (OPSA) and Overseas Armed Peace Support Allowance (OAPSA).
Overseas and Armed Peace Support allowances are paid along with the pay of the members of the Permanent Defence Force serving overseas and payment is commenced following notification from the military authorities that a member has proceeded overseas on a particular mission. Payment of the allowances is then ceased following notification of his/her return from overseas. It is important to note that these aforementioned allowances are paid tax-free, to participating personnel.
For your information, the current daily rate of OPSA is €70.34 for Enlisted personnel, €86.90 for Captains or lower commissioned officers, and €95.01 for those in the rank of Commandant or higher. The daily rate for OAPSA, paid in tandem with OPSA is 25.28, for Enlisted personnel, or €26.75 for commissioned officers.
Certain other overseas appointments, not of the OPSA or OAPSA nature, attract expense related allowances to ensure that Military Staff are not “out of pocket” as a consequence of necessarily incurred expenses in the discharge of their duties, while living abroad. These expenses include a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) associated with a higher cost of living index at the post abroad, a Local Post Allowance (LPA) and a rent allowance, where applicable. A full Financial Support Package (FSP) applies to Training Courses of 12 months duration or greater and the criteria for applying these related fees is set out under a Conciliation Council Report under the Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force, the proceedings of which are confidential to the parties concerned.
Personnel on UN missions also receive Per Diem allowance, which is a subsistence rate, in effect, a payment is that is non taxable. At the same time, holiday pay is also payable to personnel, in certain circumstances depending on the duration of the deployment, on return from the overseas mission. This payment is also non taxable.
In addition to the above, military personnel serving overseas can, in certain circumstances, be paid Technical allowances for specific specialist roles they are undertaking, while deployed on overseas missions, to include, for example, cooks, drivers or logistics personnel.
202. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who served overseas in the years 2017 to date; the average length of the deployment; by Air Corps, Naval Service and Army, by location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22788/23]
View answerDespite the best efforts of my Department and the Defence Forces, it hasn't been possible to provide the information requested within the given timeframe.
However, the information requested is being collated and I will revert to the Deputy directly as soon as the information has been fully complied.
|
Overseas Mission |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 – to date |
|
|
UNTSO (Middle East) |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
15 |
|
|
MINURSO (Western Sahara) |
9 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
|
MONUSCO (Democratic Rep Congo) |
12 |
12 |
12 |
9 |
9 |
6 |
- |
|
|
UNOCI (Cote D'Ivoire) |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
UNIFIL HQ (Lebanon) * |
60 |
39 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
60 |
|
|
UNIFIL Infantry Battalion (Lebanon) |
1023 |
1125 |
1023 |
1020 |
1023 |
1023 |
340 |
|
|
UNIFIL Sector West HQ (Lebanon) |
24 |
24 |
24 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
4 |
|
|
UNDOF Infantry Group (Golan Heights) * |
390 |
390 |
390 |
390 |
390 |
390 |
259 |
|
|
UNDOF HQ (Golan Heights) |
12 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
16 |
14 |
8 |
|
|
UNMAS |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2 |
2 |
|
|
MINUSMA (Mali) |
- |
- |
14 |
40 |
40 |
40 |
- |
|
|
EUFOR (Bosnia & Herzegovina) |
19 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
19 |
9 |
|
|
German-led Battlegroup 2020 |
10 |
- |
10 |
10 |
10 |
- |
- |
|
|
UK led Battlegroup |
5 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
EUTM Mali |
56 |
60 |
59 |
60 |
60 |
54 |
22 |
|
|
Operations HQ/Floating HQ (Operation Sophia HQ) |
9 |
11 |
13 |
6 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
Operations HQ/Floating HQ (Operation Irini HQ) |
- |
- |
- |
3 |
9 |
9 |
4 |
|
|
EUMAM UA |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
3 |
|
|
KFOR HQ |
36 |
36 |
37 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
26 |
|
|
UNNY (New York) ** |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
EUMS |
4 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
|
|
NATO/PFP (Belgium) |
5 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Irish Delegation to OSCE (Vienna) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Military Reps (Brussels) |
9 |
11 |
11 |
8 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
|
|
TOTAL PERSONNEL OVERSEAS |
1704 |
1775 |
1682 |
1684 |
1687 |
1664 |
775 |
|
Army |
7.4 months |
|
Naval Service |
5.3 months |
|
Air Corps |
5.2 months |
203. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if will report on his intended approach regarding the implementation of the Critical Resilience Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22791/23]
View answerAs Minister of Defence, my Department has responsibility for transposing the new Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive. This directive creates a framework for EU member states in ensuring that critical entities are able to prevent, resist, absorb and recover from disruptive incidents, whether they are caused by natural hazards, accidents, terrorism, insider threats, or public health emergencies. The CER directive has a wide scope comprising energy, transport, banking, financial market infrastructures, health, drinking water, waste water, digital infrastructure, public administration (central government), food (large-scale distribution) and space.
Key elements of this directive include that Ireland will need to adopt a national strategy and carry out risk assessments to identify entities that are considered critical or vital for the society and the economy. On their part, critical entities once identified will need to carry out risk assessments of their own and take technical, security and organisational measures to enhance their resilience and notify incidents. Member States will also need to provide support to critical entities in enhancing their resilience.
Given the scope of the Directive, we have chosen to coordinate our approach to it through the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning which has a subgroup focused on resilience. This allows for a whole of government approach and the sharing of information concerning the operators of essential services and critical infrastructure.
The Office of Emergency Planning is undertaking preparatory work for the transposition of the Directive using the Government Task Force mechanism with national enactment anticipated by the deadline of 17 October 2024.
204. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the investment plan in place to build up the State’s air defence capacity; and in the context of war on the eastern borders of the EU; the training and recruitment aspects of any such plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22927/23]
View answer205. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence why the State does not have a primary radar facility despite the long and now urgent and need for same; if he will commit to providing this at the earliest opportunity given current geopolitics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22929/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 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. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Capability priorities (including replacement capabilities as they near end of life) for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the capability development planning processes which include both a five-year Equipment Development Plan (EDP) and a Built Infrastructure Programme.
The EDP recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process. As such, further additions to the EDP are currently under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces last year.
The development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the Commission's report. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to this, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. 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.
It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of primary radar is both costly and extremely complex, and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, 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. The Defence annual capital budget for 2023 is €176 million which represents an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence which demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to the increasingly complex security threats that have emerged.
Also in relation to enhanced air defence capability, the programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Air Corps is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected later this year. These larger more capable aircraft will replace the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft which will enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. An order was also placed recently for a C295 Military Transport Aircraft, and this will be delivered in 2025. Projects for other air defence capabilities will be considered in the context of the overall capability development planning process which includes consideration of the training and recruitment aspects of any new capabilities proposed.
206. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence whether he is liaising with his colleague the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications in communicating with the public the importance of microgeneration schemes to resilience in the case of cyber attack on the energy systems of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22930/23]
View answerIn the context of the new Critical Entities Resilience Directive for which my Department has responsibility, my Department engages with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to building resilience and protection of Ireland’s energy infrastructure.
My Department is also working with relevant Departments, particularly the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on applying stress testing of critical infrastructure in Ireland. These stress tests are detailed in the EU Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach by the Union to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure. The Council Recommendation’s measures are voluntary and include encouraging Member States to carry out stress tests on critical infrastructure particularly in the energy sector before the end of 2023.
In relation to protection against cyber-attacks and the microgeneration scheme, the national policy and planning areas for these and other similar schemes are under the remit of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
207. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23025/23]
View answerThe Deputy is referred to the below table:
|
Account |
Tweets |
# In Irish |
% In Irish |
# Irish Translation |
% Irish Translation |
% Irish or Translated |
|
@IRLDeptDefence |
116 |
0 |
0.00% |
0 |
0.00% |
0% |
|
@EmergencyIE |
71 |
4 |
5.63% |
6 |
8.40% |
14% |
|
@CivilDefenceIRL |
188 |
0 |
0% |
0 |
0% |
0% |
208. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [23043/23]
View answerThe Employment Equality Acts oblige employers to make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. My Department is an equal opportunities employer and is fully committed to addressing the needs of all employees, including employees with disabilities.
To assist in fulfilling its obligations under the Act, the Department has assigned a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO). The DLO acts as a point of contact for employees within my Department with disabilities, their managers and Human Resources Branch. The DLO assists and supports employees, in confidence, and their line managers by providing necessary information, appropriate contacts, guidance and advice. My Department’s DLO is a member of the Civil Service Disability Liaison Network, which promotes and disseminates best practice in relation to the employment of people with disabilities.
My Department offers a range of flexible working opportunities to staff. Schemes such as the Blended Working scheme, Shorter Working Year scheme and a variety of work-sharing patterns, are available to support staff in the achievement of a good work life balance.
My Department works with employees with a declared disability to ensure that suitable accommodations, where practicable, are in place. Examples include access to suitable ICT applications, distribution of work tasks and provision of training.
My Department has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. The Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory environment in accordance with the Equality Acts and aims to ensure that the principles of employment equality are implemented in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience.
The only State body currently under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board which is an independent statutory body, established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 and consisting of a chairman and two ordinary members and its secretary is provided from my Department’s staff.
Recruitment to my Department is open to all applicants, and reasonable accommodation is afforded to those with a declared disability.
209. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently undergoing training outside of the State; and the locations of such personnel. [23093/23]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that there are 43 Defence Forces personnel currently undergoing training outside of the State. Their locations are as follows:
|
Number of Defence Forces Personnel |
Location |
|
1 |
UK |
|
4 |
GERMANY |
|
2 |
AUSTRIA |
|
11 |
BELGIUM |
|
10 |
PORTUGAL |
|
11 |
UNITED STATES |
|
1 |
SWITZERLAND |
|
2 |
CRETE |
|
1 |
FRANCE |
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which Defence and security systems in this country are sufficiently updated to meet any act or threat of aggression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23243/23]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence, approved by Government in July 2015, resulted from a comprehensive examination of Defence requirements. It provides the defence policy framework for the period up to 2025. This policy framework is designed to be flexible and responsive given the dynamic nature of the security environment and enables the Department, and the Defence Forces, to be adaptive to changing circumstances and to use resources as efficiently as possible.
Within this context, the White Paper contains the Government's decision to put in place a fixed cycle of defence reviews. These cycle of reviews are to give assurance that defence policy remains up to date and relevant to the changing circumstances and bring certainty and regularity to defence planning. As set out in the White Paper these reviews are based on an updated security assessment and a fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing. The first such review, the White Paper Update, was completed in 2019.
The second of these reviews, the Strategic Defence Review stage, was due to commence in 2021. With the establishment of the independent Commission on the Defence Forces by Government in December 2020, a decision was taken to pause commencing the Strategic Defence Review until the Commission on the Defence Forces had completed their report and Government had been given time to consider the report which was published on the 9th February 2022.
The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended 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.
In July last year Government approved a High-Level Action Plan in response to the Commission report. As part of this, approval was given for a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission, which will entail funding increases to reach a defence budget of c. €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates process.
The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the current events in Ukraine are prompting an open debate and consideration of our defence requirements. There is an ongoing requirement to consider whether the capabilities we maintain are appropriate, having regard to the security environment, the roles that we wish the Defence Forces to undertake, and likely risks. For this reason one of the Early Actions arising out of High Level Action Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was the commencement of the Strategic Defence Review. An updated security assessment, which is the first stage of the review, is currently being conducted by an interdepartmental group.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which previously vacated military installations are being made available for housing or refugee purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23244/23]
View answerAt present the following current and former military installations have been made available for the purposes of accommodating those seeking refuge :
- Kilbride Camp, Co. Wicklow,
- Ballymullen Barracks, Kerry,
- former Columb Barracks, Westmeath.
In addition a DOD landholding at Knockalisheen Co Clare, which is currently in use as a Direct Provision centre, is also used to provide tented accommodation for persons seeking International Protection.
Gormanston Training Centre, Co Meath was also used as an emergency accommodation and reception Centre from July 2022 until it was stood down in October 2022.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the national army is being upgraded and updated in line with the requirements of a modern army within the European Union in the event of a threat arising from any quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23245/23]
View answer214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps continues to be modernised and upgraded in line with requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23247/23]
View answer215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Naval Service continues to be modernised and upgraded in line with requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23248/23]
View answer217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which major update of military equipment is ongoing in the Army, Navy and Air Corps given the emergence of threats in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23250/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 212, 214, 215 and 217 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. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes. Further additions to the EDP are currently under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as LOA2, and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces last year.
Furthermore, the proposed timeframes for implementation of the specific capability development recommendations made by the Commission are currently being reviewed in the context of work ongoing to produce an Implementation Plan, addressing all of the Commission’s recommendations including specific equipment purchases, and this Implementation Plan will be published once it has been finalised.
Work on capital investment in aircraft continues with the recent placing of a contract with Airbus at a cost of €68 million, including VAT, for a 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.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is nearing completion with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Projects for other Air Corps capabilities will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with the planning processes.
Marine advisors have been appointed by my Department to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) to replace the now decommissioned former flagship LÉ Eithne. This work is underway and will inform a public tender competition, in line with the Public Spending Code, in due course. The MRV is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the Government’s intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks.
The two Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs), purchased from the New Zealand government last year to replace the now decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, were transported to Ireland following a year long project to regenerate and modify the vessels. Following their arrival in Cork, the IPVs will undergo a comprehensive programme of works including crew familiarisation and training. Projects for other Naval Service capabilities will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with established planning processes.
Projects for the Army are being considered in the context of capability development and available funding against the backdrop of the overall Equipment Development Plan process. There has been significant investment in recent years in the armoured fleet of vehicles with the enhancement of force protection and mobility with the mid-life refit of the MOWAG Piranha III vehicles project nearing completion and the delivery of Armoured Utility Vehicles. These projects have seen the integration of cutting edge technology and equipment into the vehicles. Technology is an enabler of modern military forces and a Software Defined Radio Project which is the next generation communications system for the Defence Forces is currently in the marketplace. This complex project is being designed and customised to meet the Defence Forces' requirements and to incorporate systems and equipment platforms, it will support the joint common operational picture.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. The Defence annual capital budget for 2023 is €176 million. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and 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.
This is following Government approval for a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which coastal, air and sea surveillance continues at pace, given the various threats in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23246/23]
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 to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The 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 including drug interdiction, search and rescue, and maritime defence and security operations (MDSO). As such any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity.
The Naval Operations Command Centre located at Naval Base Haulbowline is staffed twenty four hours a day seven days a week by qualified Naval Service personnel who carry out monitoring and surveillance of all vessels equipped with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) that are operating in and adjacent to the Irish EEZ.
Naval Service surveillance is augmented by the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron 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 programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is nearing completion with delivery of the aircraft expected this year at a cost of some €228 million inclusive of VAT. These aircraft will feature updated and upgraded equipment to ensure that the Air Corps can continue to deliver the required capability required of an island country.
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent, if any, to which Defence/protection facilities might be enhanced through Europe given the pivotal geographical location of this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23249/23]
View answerThe EU and its Member States, including Ireland, have strategic interests in identifying and addressing security challenges linked to the sea.
A subgroup of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning (GTF) supported by the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in my Department, was assigned responsibility to develop guidance on critical infrastructure resilience in 2017. The subgroup produced the first guideline document on critical infrastructure resilience in February 2019, which was subsequently revised and updated in July 2021.
While the primary responsibility for safeguarding critical infrastructure rests with its owner or operator, the guideline document provides the methodology for operators of essential services to follow to enhance their resilience. It also outlines that it is the responsibility of each government department to foster links and work closely with the semi-state and private sector operators of critical infrastructure, in their respective policy areas, to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure from a wide variety of threats.
My Department is the focal point for the new European Critical Entities Resilience Directive which aims to enhance the resilience of critical entities that provide services essential for vital societal functions or economic activities in the internal market of the European Union. Officials in my Department are also members of the Critical Entities Resilience Group in Brussels which provides a forum for the sharing of information and best practice between EU Member States and EU institutions.
In advance of the enactment of this Directive and because of the increased threat to critical infrastructure, the Department of Defence is working with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to stress test critical infrastructure in the energy sector in Ireland. These stress tests will be completed before the end of 2023.
In relation to the protection of Ireland’s offshore infrastructure, the 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 including contraband interdiction duties, search and rescue, and maritime defence and security operations (MDSO). As such any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity.
These patrols are augmented by the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron 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.
Following an extraordinary EU Energy Council meeting in October 2022 to discuss the EU’s energy security in response to the attacks on Nordstream 1 and 2, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications sought support from my Department in relation to additional measures that could be put in place by the Defence Forces to ensure that critical off-shore infrastructure including data cables are protected.
My officials and the Defence Forces continue to engage with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to the protection of Ireland’s offshore infrastructure. While the Defence Forces have limited sub-sea capabilities, enhanced maritime patrolling of the Irish Sea in the vicinity of priority offshore infrastructure is taking place by a mixture of air and naval platforms.
Ireland currently participates in two Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects. Under PESCO, Member States come together in different project groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations. Ireland is participating in the Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures (MAS MCM) project and the Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance PESCO project. Ireland also has observer status on the Harbour & Maritime Surveillance and Protection (HARMSPRO) PESCO project. Ireland has been participating in the European Defence Agency MARSUR (Maritime Surveillance) Project since its inception in 2011.
As a committed EU Member State, Ireland engages with and supports fully the efforts of EU Member States to improve the Union's capacity to respond to the prevailing challenging security environment, including in the areas of defence and maritime surveillance.
218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which matters related to pay conditions remain outstanding for resolution in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23251/23]
View answerI understand that the Deputy wishes to seek clarity on Pay and Allowance matters for the Defence Forces. I am very happy to outline to the Deputy the range of recent key improvements in terms of pay and allowances for personnel.
At the outset, it is important to state that starting rates of pay in the Defence Forces compare very well to comparable rates of pay across the public service. In addition there is scope for further income from duty allowances and allowances for overseas service, with tax free duty allowance starting at €15,000 for a 6 month deployment.
In 2022, my Department implemented two of the pay-related recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; namely, that all personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank, while at the same time, the requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank will be removed. The implementation of these measures in 2022 resulted in starting pay rates being increased. These rates include Military Service Allowance, which is pensionable. It is important also to note that these increases, once delivered late last year, were also backdated to the date of the Govt decision on the CoDF in July 2022, resulting in a back pay lump sum for those eligible personnel.
Following this, and following the most recent pay increases under the Building Momentum public service pay agreement (2% on 1st March 2023) recruits on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), start at:
• €37,147 in Year 1 – equating to €712 per week in Year 1
• €38,544 in Year 2
• €39,832 in Year 3
A school leaver Cadet on commissioning is paid €41,123. This is a second lieutenant position. After 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €46,406. Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €46,406. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance.
Military service allowance is an allowance that is paid for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces. As with the enlisted, there is scope for further income from duty allowances. There are also opportunities for frequent career advancement to higher ranks & to qualify for additional allowances.
This information is published and routinely updated on military.ie, and is available at the following link:
Current Competitions - Defence Forces (military.ie)
Further CoDF measures delivered have included:
• Agreement on regularising provision of healthcare to all members of the PDF with all personnel now being able to avail of private secondary medical care.
• Access to the Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme for personnel with one year’s service in the Naval Service (reduced from three years)
• Extensions of the Naval Service Sea Going Commitment Scheme and the Naval Service Tax Credit, and
• Extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants.
In 2022, my Department also delivered the Commission recommendation on temporary associate membership for the Representative Associations with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) for the purpose of participation in public sector pay negotiations in mid-2020. This allowed RACO and PDFORRA, for the first time, to take part in discussions on the extension to the Building Momentum Pay Agreement under the ICTU umbrella.
The most recent agreement, the extension to ‘Building Momentum’ (referred to earlier and agreed in Autumn 2022), provided for increases in pay and allowances of 6.5% to members of the Defence Forces in 2022 and 2023. This includes:
• 3%, backdated to 2nd Feb 2022
• 2 % on 1st March 2023
• 1.5% or €750, whichever is the greater, on 1st October 2023.
Pensionable allowances in the nature of pay also benefit from this.
In addition, the implementation of the Sectoral Bargaining Fund element of the original Building Momentum Agreement has resulted in additional payments totalling €373,000 extra per annum - payments which primarily benefit over 471 of the Defence Force’s lower paid members. The implementation of the Technical Pay Groups 2-6 review also resulted in almost €1 million in additional technical pay to those covered by the Review in 2022.
In addition to general round pay increases arising out of ongoing national pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Forces have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces duty allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019. It is important to note also that for those Defence Force personnel who have specialist appointments, based on training or qualifications, there is a range of additional allowances available to them. For example, members of the Army Ranger Wing receive an allowance of €225 per week, on top of their salary.
Finally, it has to be noted that the Defence Forces offers opportunities for education and personal development, to include fully funded opportunities to gain professional and academic qualifications, while receiving full pay and allowances, as well as providing training for career advancements and promotion opportunities.
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which ongoing efforts continue to eliminate sexual harassment and bullying throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23252/23]
View answer221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which incidents of sexual abuse in the Defence Forces have been fully investigated and appropriate action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23254/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 221 together.
My previous statements to the House have acknowledged that the conclusions in the Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces are both stark and shocking. The Report, which was accepted by Government, makes for uncomfortable reading and goes to the very heart of dignity, mutual respect and workplace culture.
While there are policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with allegations and complaints of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, it is clear from the conclusions of the IRG that significant change is required to ensure that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment with a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am currently progressing a comprehensive programme of actions to address the extremely serious issues identified in the IRG report.As I said in my initial response to the Report, a completely honest appraisal of the problems and a comprehensive plan to address them is the only way to honour the contribution of serving and retired personnel and rebuild trust and the Government has agreed to progress the thirteen recommendations in the Report.Most immediately, I obtained Government approval to establish the External Oversight Body, on a non-statutory basis initially, to drive the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and to increase transparency and accountability. The Deputy will have heard my update on that earlier. The Government has also agreed to the establishment of a Statutory Inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces on interpersonal issues, including sexual misconduct. It is important that the momentum and impact of the IRG Report is built upon quickly. Accordingly, I have been consulting with the Attorney General in respect of its establishment.I am also keenly aware of the importance of consultation with all stakeholders, as this transformation is taken forward.I had a number of meetings with key stakeholders on 2 May last, including the Defence Women's Network, the Defence Forces Representative Associations, the Women of Honour group and the Men and Women of Honour group. In addition, the Secretary General, Department of Defence met with the Defence Forces Veteran Associations and with Civil and Civilian Employee Unions. At the meetings, a draft of proposed terms of reference for the forthcoming Statutory Inquiry were shared. I have requested the groups to provide feedback in writing to me so that their observations can be considered in preparing the terms of reference. I am fully prepared to participate in further engagements and consultation with stakeholders on the nature of the Inquiry and the proposed terms of reference. Other actions to be implemented include the preparation of legislation to take forward additional recommendations, firstly to establish an independent complaints mechanism for serving members of the Defence Forces; secondly to establish the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis; and finally to amend the Defence Act, 1954 to ensure all allegations of rape, or aggravated sexual assault in the Defence Forces in the State to be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.A significant programme of reform and culture change within the Defence Forces through the appointment of external experts will also be progressed. I have consistently stated that any incident of sexual abuse, whether current or historic, should be reported immediately to An Garda Síochána and I welcome the recent announcement by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris that dedicated resources have been put in place to investigate such criminal allegations. I have also committed to continuing the interim supports established in October 2021 for both current and serving members of the Defence Forces affected by such behaviour, including the Confidential Contact Person, with Raiseaconcern.
In addition, the INSPIRE confidential helpline, which is available on a 24/7 basis for all serving members of the Defence Forces, will also continue to be available to anyone who has contacted the Confidential Contact Person.
Finally, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) in the Defence Forces assists members and their immediate family with the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.
220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of each branch of the Defence Forces, including the Army Reserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23253/23]
View answerThe current strength of the Defence Forces as at 31 March 2023 is as follows:
|
Total Strength |
|
|
Army (WTE) |
6,333 |
|
Air Corps (WTE) |
716 |
|
Naval Service (WTE) |
758 |
|
Army Reserve (Effective Personnel) |
1,496 |
|
Naval Service Reserve (Effective Personnel) |
102 |
WTE - Whole Time Equivalent
Ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. In that regard, my immediate focus is now on stabilising the staffing situation in the Defence Forces and thereafter in bringing the strength to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
In respect of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF), the White Paper on Defence is quite clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve and that requirement will be addressed. While the commitment to restoring the strength of the RDF is not in doubt, the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will continue to be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
