Tuesday, 3 Oct 2023

Written Answers Nos. 76-90

Departmental Reports

Questions (84, 87, 116)

Réada Cronin

Question:

84. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the report on the Consultative Forum on International Security will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42552/23]

James Lawless

Question:

87. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when he expects to receive the report of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42460/23]

Gino Kenny

Question:

116. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will reflect on the process of the Consultative Forums on International Security Policy; what the next steps in the process are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42517/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 87 and 116 together.

The security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally since Russia’s illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, which has resulted in major conflict returning to the European continent for the first time in decades. Millions of civilians have been forced to flee and take refuge across Europe.

In the context of this changed geopolitical security, I convened a national Consultative Forum on International Security Policy in June. This was the first time the State has ever embarked on a national conversation on security and defence issues in this manner.

The aim of the Forum was to provide an opportunity for discussion on the current global and European security environment, the security threats facing Ireland and the policy options to address these. There was engagement from a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the public, to explore and discuss our international security policy in detail.

The Forum took place over four days in Cork, Galway and Dublin, with 80 panellists and moderators and approximately 1,000 attendees in person. There were eighteen different sessions covering a broad spectrum of security and defence topics. All discussions were live-streamed, with over 10,000 online views. In addition, over 850 written submissions were received through the public consultation process.

One of my key aims in convening this Forum was to ensure that discussions on Ireland's security policy are well-informed and are based on facts and evidence. All the individuals who spoke brought different perspectives, different lived experiences and expertise and different policy approaches.

The Chair of the Consultative Forum, Louise Richardson DBE, is responsible for the production of a report, which I expect to receive in the coming weeks and will then bring to Government. Her report will be an important contribution to this national conversation and I look forward to receiving it.

I would encourage everyone with an interest in Ireland's foreign and security policy to take the opportunity to listen back to the discussions at the Forum over the four days. The recordings of all of the sessions can be accessed on www.gov.ie. The proceedings of the Forum provide a rich, nuanced and diverse range of perspectives on the challenges facing Ireland in the current global security environment and the variety of policy options we have to address these.

Naval Service

Questions (85)

David Stanton

Question:

85. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of naval personnel who availed of the Naval Service seagoing commitment in 2021 and in 2022; the total amount drawn down in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41036/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

A Naval Service Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme was introduced with effect from 1 January 2021. It was targeted at retaining and incentivising experienced and trained Naval Service personnel to undertake sea-going duties.

It is one of a number of measures aimed at addressing retention issues in the Naval Service.

The scheme was re-launched in December 2022 with revised Terms and Conditions, namely, that the minimum service requirement had been reduced from three years’ service to one years’ service.

The 2022 scheme was open to Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Naval Service who had commenced or were undertaking sea-going duties in the period 1 January 2022 to 31 January 2022.

Under the terms of the schemes, participants are required to give an undertaking;

• to serve for an aggregate of 24 months at sea and undertake a minimum number of 240 patrol days during the sea-going periods, over a maximum 48 month reference period;

and;

• undertake a minimum of 60 patrol days in each 6 month sea-going period to qualify for staged payments.

The payment for the entire service commitment is €10,000, comprising of 4 stage payments of €2,500.

A total of 103 applications to join the 2021 scheme were approved and to-date, I have approved an additional 38 applications to join the 2022 scheme.

Stage payments to the value of €170,000 were paid out during 2021. The figure for 2022 was €265,000.

In addition to the Service Commitment scheme, Naval Service personnel receive Patrol Duty Allowance for each day at sea. A Naval Service Tax credit is also available to sea going Naval Service personnel who meet certain criteria.

In line with the recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces, I am seeking to replace the existing sea-going allowances with less complex sea-going duty measures, which I believe will provide greater clarity on the overall incentive package available. This action is actively being progressed with the DPENDPR.

While the challenges facing the Naval Service and the wider organisation are well documented, it is clear that the serving members are fully committed to their role as has demonstrated in the recent detention of the cargo vessel MV Matthew this week.

Defence Forces

Questions (86, 124, 168)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he continues in his efforts to ensure the full implementation of all aspects of the report of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42535/23]

Gino Kenny

Question:

124. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the details of the Detailed Action Plan on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42520/23]

Matt Carthy

Question:

168. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the target date by which he intends to achieve Level of Ambition 2 of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42646/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 124 and 168 together.

The 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. There were 69 main recommendations and with sub recommendations there were 130 recommendations in total. 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 covered 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. The High Level Action Plan set out the response of Government in relation to each of the 130 individual recommendations: Accept, Accept in Principle, Further Evaluation or Revert. 103 of its recommendations were accepted by Government for implementation, or accepted in principle, with 17 requiring further evaluation and a further 10 to revert to Government.

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. The move to LOA2 is due to be complete by 2028. 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. A comprehensive written update on all 38 early actions was published on March 23rd of this year, and included the status of each of the 38 early actions in tabular form. To-date over 95% of the early actions have been achieved, with the remainder at an advanced stage and due to be completed shortly.

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. I welcome the recent appointments of Mr. Brian Molloy to the position of Defence Forces’ Head of Transformation and Mr. Declan Carville to the position of Head of Strategic HR.

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. Ms. Julie Sinnamon has been appointed as the independent chair of the Implementation Oversight Group. There have been six meetings of the Group to date, most recently on the 21st of September. 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 number of key achievements in relation to the Commission’s recommendations include:

• HR measures including Temporary Associate Membership of ICTU and pay and allowance structures delivered;

• recruitment and induction strategies developed encompassing advertising, expanded recruitment and induction capacity;

• establishment of the Office of Reserve Affairs.

I also recently announced the decision to allow all enlisted members of the Defence Forces to benefit from the same access to private secondary health care as applies to commissioned officers.

A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is now being finalised. It is anticipated that the detailed implementation plan will be published later this month.

On the 26th of September I published the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces. The aim of this Strategic Framework is to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into an organisation that is fit for the purpose of defending the State, and meeting the challenges of today and the future. Key actions to be delivered before the end of 2024 from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) and the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) are set out in the Strategic Framework. In addition to these key actions, the clear and transparent governance and reporting arrangements, which will be critical in the driving and overseeing delivery, are explained in the Strategic Framework.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 84.

Defence Forces

Questions (88, 112)

Matt Carthy

Question:

88. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces into workplace issues will include in its terms of reference the examination of cultural issues within the Defence Forces and the treatment of those arising from having engaged in complaints procedures in the past. [42543/23]

Catherine Connolly

Question:

112. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the terms of reference for the judge-led tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces into workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct; the timeline for the publication of the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42546/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 112 together.

The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28th March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the recommendations in the Report. This included approval in principle for the establishment of a Judge-led statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces, in relation to interpersonal issues including, but not limited to sexual misconduct.

I consulted with the Attorney General in respect of the establishment of the Inquiry and in respect of the terms of reference. I have also engaged with key stakeholders to the process. Draft terms of reference for the Inquiry were shared with a wide variety of stakeholders who were in contact directly with me.

Having considered the range of views expressed, I determined that an open, independent and transparent appraisal of the issues raised by the IRG is the best way to examine the issues raised.

The Government approved, on 11th July 2023, the establishment of a Tribunal of Inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 (as amended), to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces to address workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.

I am currently considering feedback received from a number of stakeholders on the draft terms of reference and I intend to revert to Government in the coming weeks to seek approval for the finalised terms of reference and for the appointment of a Judge to Chair the Tribunal.

Defence Forces

Questions (89)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

89. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who are currently serving on peacekeeping missions overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42530/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

As of 1 September 2023, Ireland is contributing 540 personnel to 7 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 342 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 132 personnel. A further 12 personnel are deployed with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO).

Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.

Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations.

This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). In the course of 2023, the Defence Forces had personnel deployed with the EU Training Mission in Mali. Their participation in that mission concluded last month. In addition to the four personnel currently deployed at the Operation Irini HQ in Rome, the Naval Service deployed the the LÉ William Butler Yeats to participate in the mission during the summer, where they contributed to the core task of the mission by stemming the flow of weapons into Libya. There are also four Defence Forces' personnel currently deployed with Operation Althea, the EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces Personnel overseas. The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles need to be considered in the context of assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas.

I am arranging to provide the Deputy with full details in tabular form of all Defence Forces' personnel currently serving overseas.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.

I refer to the above referenced Parliamentary Question in which I advised that I would provide you with full details in tabular form of all Defence Forces' personnel currently serving overseas.

In this regard, please find full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.

MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS

As of 01 October 2023

UN MISSIONS
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 122nd Infantry BattalionUNIFIL Sector West HQ	83194
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria	13
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side)UNDOF 64th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side)	6126
TOTAL	476
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)	4
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ	13
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ)	4
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS	497
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna	1
EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels	8
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York	2
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1
Military Representative to EU (Brussels)	4
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)	3
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium	1
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium	1
Military C-IED expert, UN Training Entebbe	1
EUMAM UA	4
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS	523

Departmental Strategies

Questions (90, 103)

Emer Higgins

Question:

90. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his Department’s defence strategy and protocol for the undersea cables regarding the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42606/23]

Alan Dillon

Question:

103. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on Ireland's submarine cables; if they have been put at risk in recent months by hostile countries travelling through Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42610/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 103 together.

As Minister for Defence, I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning (GTF) supported by the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in my Department. A subgroup of the GTF 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. This document was subsequently revised and updated in July 2021.

While the primary responsibility for safeguarding critical infrastructure rests with its commercial 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.

The Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in my Department is working to transpose the new Critical Entities Resilience Directive, which is focused on enhancing the physical resilience of entities that provide essential services in the state. 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 October 2022, following an extraordinary EU Energy Council meeting 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 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 patrolling of the Irish Sea in the vicinity of priority offshore infrastructure is taking place by a mixture of air and naval platforms.

Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security and of the UN. It is essential, therefore, that Ireland remains fully engaged in all CSDP processes and contributes fully to the development of the policy in order that we can influence its evolution. It is in this context, we have been enhancing our engagement with the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), which we joined in 2017.

Against this backdrop, there are currently a number of EU initiatives in development focused on the protection of critical offshore infrastructure, including a new Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection (CSIP) project within the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework in which Ireland holds observer status. This aims at increasing the EU’s operational efficiency in the protection of such infrastructure. Separately, NATO has established a Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell (CUIC) which is also expected to be open to non-NATO members, such as Ireland, as well as industry, and civilian stakeholders. Ireland’s participation is under active consideration.

The Defence Forces are aware of a number foreign military ships which have passed through the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in recent months. The Defence Forces routinely monitor these foreign vessels with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft as well as remote monitoring in the Naval Operations Command Centre.

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.