Written Answers Nos. 84-103
84. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding provided by his Department to an organisation (details supplied) in 2021; and the countries or regions to which this support was directed. [3676/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through the Irish Aid programme, is a strong supporter of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global humanitarian network of 80 million people that assists those facing disaster, conflict and health and social emergencies. The Movement comprises the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC). The IFRC is the federation of 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Organisations within the Movement share common principles but are not linked hierarchically.
Ireland and the ICRC have a Memorandum of Understanding for 2021-2022, under which Ireland commits to maintain its core funding of the ICRC at a minimum of €10 million annually. Irish Aid provided €16.1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) last year: in addition to the core funding of €10 million, my Department, through Irish Aid, also funded the ICRC’s programming in Syria (€2.5 million), Ethiopia (€1 million), Burkina Faso (€500,000), Chad (€500,000), Mali (€500,000), Niger (€500,000) and Mozambique (€600,000).
Separately, Ireland contributed over €2.3 million to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) in 2021. This included €1 million to the IFRC's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) and €600,000 in core funding. Ireland also funded IFRC programming in Haiti (€355,000), St Vincent & the Grenadines (€200,000), Brazil (€100,000) and Lithuania (€100,000) in 2021.
85. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps a person (details supplied) can take to attain an Irish passport. [3743/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs communicated to the Deputy, the Passport Service will follow up directly with the individual involved to assist them with their passport application.
86. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking in relation to the rising tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3745/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and has condemned Russian violations of Ukrainian sovereignty. The build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine is a matter of great concern. It is important that dialogue be maintained, with the primary goal of de-escalating tensions in the region. In this regard, I welcome the intensive diplomatic efforts which have occurred in recent weeks, aimed at defusing tensions. These include bilateral discussions between the US and Russia, between NATO and Russia, and at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. As a participating State in the OSCE, Ireland is pleased to express solidarity with Ukraine and seek a peaceful de-escalation of tensions in that forum.Ireland has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for Ukraine at United Nations Security Council meetings on Ukraine, including at Arria formula meetings. We have also stressed our non-recognition of the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, encouraged full, secure and unimpeded access for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, and called for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine at the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 December, in Gymnich formation on 13 and 14 January, and again at the Foreign Affairs Council of 24 January. In my own remarks, I have consistently underlined the need for strong and unified messaging from the EU. In remarks after the December Foreign Affairs Council, High Representative Borrell made clear that aggression against Ukraine, will come with political consequences and with a high economic cost for Russia. This has been re-enforced in Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on 24 January, which state that preparatory work has accelerated on restrictive measures in case of further military aggression by Russia against Ukraine. The Council Conclusions also condemn Russia’s continued aggressive actions and threats against Ukraine, and call on Russia to de-escalate.
I and my counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council have dedicated significant time to the security situation in Ukraine this year, including through engagements with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. I also discussed these matters with Minister Kuleba when I travelled to Kyiv on 23 August to represent Ireland at the International Crimea Platform, a diplomatic initiative by Ukraine to seek a peaceful end to the illegal Russian occupation of the peninsula.
87. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the plans by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe to run a full-scale election observation mission for the forthcoming elections in Serbia with both long and short-term observers; if long-term and short-term observers from Ireland will be provided for such a mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3753/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 20 civil society groups in Hungary have urged the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe to conduct a full-scale election observation for the forthcoming elections in Hungary and that this has been supported by a number of MEPs; if he plans to support the running of such a mission; if he will convey same to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; if he will support a call from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe to provide long-term and short-term election observers from Ireland for such a mission to Hungary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3754/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the budget in 2022 for Ireland's election observation programme; if the budget includes provision for the recruitment to a replacement roster in 2022; the number of observers on the current roster; if observers must be tax resident in Ireland; if not, the number of non-tax resident observers on the roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3755/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 to 89, inclusive, together.
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 120 of 29 January 2019, No. 410 of 24 November 2020, No. 304 of 25 May 2021 and No. 310 of 16 November 2021.
Ireland's current International Election Observation Roster of 197 volunteers, which is facilitated by my Department, is in effect from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. Roster members must be Irish citizens and are required to produce up-to-date tax clearance certificates prior to receipt of allowable expenses. The budget for 2022 is €180,000. Any costs related to the recruitment of a new roster would be required in 2023.
My Department has received a call from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for Long-Term Observers for the Serbian Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for 3 April 2022. This is currently being processed in accordance with OSCE requirements and timeframe for nominations. While Ireland nominates observers, the OSCE takes the final decision on the nominees they choose to accept. My Department has not yet received a call for Short-Term Observers for this mission.
To date, my Department has not received a call for observers for a mission for forthcoming elections in Hungary. My officials are continuing to keep updated on developments through engagement with the OSCE and ongoing diplomatic channels.
90. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department is involved in carbon offset programmes for airline travel journeys undertaken; if so, the details of the programme; the amount spent on the programme in 2021; the budget for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3756/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2020, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform introduced mandatory new procedures for all Departments for offsetting the emissions associated with official airline travel.
In line with these procedure the Department records the carbon emissions associated with all official air travel, values these emissions based on the prevailing rates of Ireland’s domestic Carbon Tax in the relevant year and pays an amount equivalent to the travel emissions impact into the Climate Action Fund.
Payment for flights taken in 2020 was made in February 2021 and was calculated at the rate of €26 per tonne of carbon generated by these flights. The Department’s payment amounted to €17,833.
Data for flights taken in 2021 is currently being collated and payment will be due end February 2022.
91. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department holds information on Irish citizens elected to or appointed to national, state, provincial and or regional legislatures around the world not including the island of Ireland or representing Irish constituencies in the European Parliament; if so, his views on whether this information should be published in Iris Oifigiúil as a matter of public record and in recognition of the long-standing commitment of Irish citizens living abroad to democracy and to public service in their countries of residence or birth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMany Irish emigrants and their descendants have been elected or served in public office in countries around the world. My Department, through our Embassies and Consulates, maintains close contacts and connections with many of these individuals, in particular through groups such as the "Friends of Ireland" in the US Congress and state legislatures.
My Department does not hold information in regard to the citizenship status of such individuals. Such details are of a private and personal nature. It is my understanding that, even if such data were to be voluntarily made available by an individual, data protection and safety regulations would not permit this being published in Iris Oifigiúil.
92. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if information on Irish citizens elected to or appointed to national, state, provincial and or regional legislatures around the world not including the island of Ireland or representing Irish constituencies in the European Parliament, will be published in Iris Oifigiúil (details supplied); if the information will be made available through his Department's website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3776/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMany Irish emigrants and their descendants have been elected or served in public office in countries around the world. My Department, through our Embassies and Consulates, maintain close contacts and connections with many of these individuals, in particular through groups such as the "Friends of Ireland" in the US Congress and state legislatures.
My Department does not hold information in regard to the citizenship status of such individuals. Such details are of a private and personal nature. It is my understanding that, even if such data were to be voluntarily made available by an individual, data protection and safety regulations would not permit this being published in Iris Oifigiúil.
93. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount donated to date by Irish Aid to the COVAX facility to enable the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines for distribution to low-and middle-income countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3814/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains committed to an effective global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, my Department, through the Irish Aid programme, has invested €200 million in global public health with further investment to come in 2022 of at least another €100 million. This includes COVID-19 specific response measures, and ongoing work to strengthen health systems for the prevention and treatment of pre-existing conditions. A strong response is essential for our health at home, as well in low income countries where the impact of the pandemic is reversing hard won gains and deepening social and economic inequalities.
The WHO has set a global vaccination target of 70% by the middle of 2022. COVAX, as the main global facility for procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, is performing well. As of Jan 16, COVAX has shipped 1 billion doses to 144 countries. Unfortunately, as long as a significant proportion of the world’s population remains unvaccinated and without full access to testing, tracking and treatment, COVID-19 will remain a threat to lives and livelihoods.
In 2021, Irish Aid gave €8.5 million in to the COVAX facility to enable the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for distribution to low- and middle-income countries. Last week, I announced an additional Irish contribution of €5 million to COVAX. This brings Ireland’s overall contribution to COVAX to date to €13.5 million.
This latest award to COVAX will facilitate the advance procurement of further doses for low income countries. Critically, it will also be used to provide equipment and technical support to low income countries to boost their ability to roll out large, safe, and rapid vaccination campaigns, including of the 5 million vaccines from Ireland's supply which the Government has pledged to COVAX.
94. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with his counterparts in Bahrain with regard to the ongoing detention of a person (details supplied) whose case has been highlighted in a United Nations statement; the engagement has he had with the Bahraini government with regard to the detention of human rights defenders in the country; his plans to call for the unconditional release of all human rights defenders currently detained in Bahrain in addition to the lifting of all conditions and restrictions on human rights defenders already released under the Bahraini alternative punishments law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3960/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRespect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.
I note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy Connolly. Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the specific case of Mr Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja.
Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is a particularly important fora in which to raise our concerns regarding human rights. Ireland has raised the human rights issues in Bahrain at the Human Rights Council in the form of national statements and through support to EU Statements.Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in February 2021, issues of concern were raised by the EU including rule of law, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of association, death penalty, torture and the impact of Covid-19 on the human rights situation.
The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has also made representations to the Bahraini authorities on human rights issues and the detention of a number of individuals including Mr Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and calls on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.
95. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with his counterparts in United Arab Emirates with regard to the ongoing detention of a person (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to a report on the matter; the details of any visits that were planned or carried out by representatives of Ireland to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3961/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRespect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.
I note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy Connolly. Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in the United Arab Emirates directly with the Emirati authorities, including the specific case of Mr Ahmed Mansoor. As Mr Mansoor is not an Irish national, Irish officials do not have a consular right to visit him.
In October 2021 the UAE was elected to the Human Rights Council for the term 2022 – 2024. This will the third occasion that UAE has sat on the council and we hope their membership will provide scope for greater engagement on Human Rights issues.
Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in the UAE as a member of the European Union. The UAE was the first country in the Gulf with whom the EU established a Human Rights Dialogue, the most recent session took place in June 2021, issues of concern were raised by the EU including freedom of expression, digital technology, the human rights aspects of AI, judicial independence, reports of indefinite detention and ‘counselling centres’, and delays in informing home countries when detaining foreigners.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in the UAE, and to call on the Emirati Government to deliver on their stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.
96. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the tendering process used by his Department for State contracts granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic; the name of each company, the services involved; the amount paid to each company in each of the relevant years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4231/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department comprises two Votes; Vote 27 International Cooperation and Vote 28 Foreign Affairs. The policy of the Department is to operate competitive tendering as standard procedure in order to achieve best value for money.
The Department ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in procurement and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant procurement guidelines. Procurement takes place in compliance with Directive 2014/24/EU and supported by Procurement Guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
The details of each new contract granted in relation to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic are provided in tabular form below.
Of the new contacts granted, one contract was awarded through the negotiated tender procedure without prior publication. In responding to Covid-19, it was necessary for the Department to activate a contract for the provision of mobile workstations for local staff working abroad in our Mission network. This allows the Department to support the remote safe working of local staff in our Mission network during the course of the Pandemic.
Recently published Procurement Information Guidance on Covid-19 issued by the Office of Government Procurement (“OGP”) has clarified that contracting authorities have a number of contracting options available in awarding contracts where urgency is required including the negotiated procedure without prior publication. This contract was compliant with the OGP Covid-19 Guidance as an urgent unforeseeable need, not attributable to the Department.
|
Name of Company |
Services Provided |
Tendering Process Used |
Amount Paid 2020 |
Amount Paid 2021 |
Amount Paid 2022 |
|
Absolute Graphics |
Provision of health and safety signage for Passport Service and Perspex partitions to comply with the Work Safely Protocol and public health guidance. |
Regulation 72 – Extend or Modify Existing contract |
39,236 |
254,122 |
|
|
Accent |
Additional cleaning services as required; PPE supplies; installation of hand sanitiser dispensers across 10 HQ buildings |
Regulation 72 – Extend or Modify Existing contract |
104,921 |
66,596 |
14,716 |
|
ACS Business Supplies |
Hand wipes; desk surface wipes; door opening wedges |
Regulation 72 – Extend or Modify Existing contract |
6,071 |
||
|
Agridirect |
C02 Monitors |
Price comparison, suitability and value for money assessment conducted prior to purchase |
1,058 |
||
|
Alpha Signs |
Signage re: touch points |
Price comparison, suitability and value for money assessment conducted prior to purchase |
467 |
||
|
Amber Display |
Signage (general information re: COVID-19) |
Regulation 72 – Extend or Modify Existing contract |
43,464 |
410 |
|
|
Codex |
Hand sanitiser |
Engaged under OGP Framework |
277 |
||
|
Dell |
Mobile workstations that included a 22” monitor, wired mouse and keyboard, laptop and carry case to facilitate the remote safe working of local staff in our Mission network during the course of the Pandemic. |
Regulation 32(2)(c) -Negotiated procurement procedure |
842,160 |
||
|
Eco Support |
Additional cleaning, fitting of dispensers and supply hand sanitiser, latex gloves for Limerick office |
Regulation 72 – Extend or Modify Existing contract |
791 |
6,243 |
|
|
Emergency Care Products |
Hand sanitiser |
Regulation 32(2)(c) -Emergency procurement Single Source |
2,001 |
||
|
Franey Hardwood Products |
Perspex screens for reception areas |
OPW framework supplier |
7,620 |
||
|
Grosvenor Services |
Additional cleaning, masks, sanitiser for Cork office |
Regulation 72 – Extend or Modify Existing contract |
5871 |
2,527 |
234 |
|
Hunt Office |
C02 Monitors |
Price comparison, suitability and value for money assessment conducted prior to purchase |
3,269 |
||
|
IDA Ireland |
Supply/transport hand sanitiser to network mission |
Supplies procured via IDA at a time when normal supply lines were disrupted |
18,571 |
||
|
Maroak Ltd |
Air Filter Units |
Price comparison, suitability and value for money assessment conducted prior to purchase |
32,313 |
||
|
Medguard |
Disposable gloves |
Price comparison, suitability and value for money assessment conducted prior to purchase |
207 |
||
|
MJ Scannell |
Antibac wipes/ disposable gloves/ face masks |
Engaged under OGP Framework |
47,798 |
||
|
Manguard |
Additional security services at Passport Service buildings |
Regulation 72 – Extend or Modify Existing contract |
20,451 |
||
|
PurePharma |
Antigen tests for the Passport Office |
Price comparison, suitability and value for money assessment conducted prior to purchase |
13,520 |
||
|
Quadra Ltd |
Covid-19 Building Risk Assessment Services |
Engaged under OGP Framework |
19,209 |
||
|
Stacked |
Door Stops |
Price comparison, suitability and value for money assessment conducted prior to purchase |
346 |
97. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the amount of funding allocated for Defence Forces equipment under the National Development Plan; and if further funding has been allocated following the review of the National Development Plan. [3677/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan 2018-2027 originally provided an allocation of €541 million for Defence over a five year period from 2018 to 2022 to provide mainly for the acquisition, upgrade and renewal of military equipment and infrastructure. Following a review of this plan undertaken in 2021, a revised allocation of €566 million for the four year period 2022 to 2025 has been provided to Defence as part of the updated National Development Plan 2021-2030. This has increased the average annual capital allocation from €108 million to €141 million. In addition, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has facilitated the reallocation of pay savings in the Defence Vote to fund capital projects.
Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the funding provided by the National Development Plan will enable the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver scheduled projects over the coming years. Among the major Defence Equipment upgrade and replacement programmes set to be prioritised over the coming years are:
- The Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programmes, including an upgrade of the military transport fleet and next generation radio communications and signal equipment;
- The ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes the mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel and the progression of the Multi Role Vessel project;
- The ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programme which includes the purchase of the C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.
The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.
98. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence if the funding for equipment and resources for the Defence Forces includes funding to add capacity to the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3678/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraVote 36 Defence is managed through a single programme with all operational outputs delivered from a single set of forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Expenditure costs for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are included in the overall programme costs in the appropriate subheads of the Vote.
As part of Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP) set out the Government’s overarching investment strategy and capital budget for the period 2021-2030. In this context, the National Development Plan allocated multi-annual capital funding of €566 million to the Department of Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million provided for 2022. Among the major capital projects set to be prioritised over the coming years are:
- The ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes the mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel and the progression of the Multi Role Vessel project
- Upgrade to accommodation facilities in various military locations including the Naval Base, Haulbowline.
I recently visited Haulbowline Naval Base to observe the progress to date on Block 8 Accommodation Block and the upgrade and repair works to Spencer Jetty. These infrastructure projects are being undertaken as part of the 5 year Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan. This Plan supports progress across a broad suite of Defence Forces built infrastructure projects and will ensure that the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, are enabled to contribute fully to their assigned roles.
Specifically in relation to the Naval Service, following consideration by a high-level civil military group, a document on the regeneration of the Naval Service was submitted to me in 2021 looking at initiatives that would restore the capacity of the Naval Service. I have accepted and endorsed the proposed course of action and these are now progressing.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service.
The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.
99. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of reports he has received from the Ombudsman that make recommendations and or directions to him in respect of complainants' grievances in the past three years to date; the number of these cases that have been resolved; and the number that remain open. [3732/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2019, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF) referred 53 case reports to me for consideration, of which 30 contained recommendations. I have referred my final determination in respect of 24 of these to the military authorities for implementation and informed the ODF accordingly. The remaining 6 cases, which are of a complex nature and subject to ongoing litigation, remain under consideration.
In 2020, the ODF referred 27 case reports to me my office for consideration, of which 12 contained recommendations. My final determination in respect of these 12 cases has been referred to the military authorities for implementation and the ODF has been informed accordingly.
In 2021, the ODF referred 38 case reports to me for consideration, of which 17 contained recommendations. Of these, 1 is subject to a parallel WRC case and requires further deliberation; 2 are awaiting input from the military authorities and 7 remain under consideration. My final determination in respect of 7 cases has been referred to the military authorities for implementation, with the ODF informed accordingly.
It is noteworthy that, while every case report from the ODF will not necessarily contain recommendations, it is not uncommon for more than one recommendation to be made in some reports. Cases can be lengthy and complex and recommendations can often have policy implications that require very careful consideration.
100. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence his plans to develop and or introduce gender-focused sexual education in the Defence Forces training phase for recruits. [3733/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Military Authorities that the Chief of Staff convened an Organisational Culture Standing Committee on 30 November 2021. This Committee was established to coordinate and progress the process of cultural change within the Defence Forces. As part of its core workings, the committee is examining a cultural change programme for the Defence Forces.
In researching the most suitable education programme for the Defence Forces, the Organisational Culture Standing Committee have consulted with external agencies and experts such as the University College Cork (UCC) School of Law, who developed and introduced the Bystander Intervention Programme to UCC. The Committee will also examine programmes used by other militaries.
I have been further advised that the General Staff will thereafter consider the most appropriate form for the delivery of a gender focused sexual education programme, which may include provisions on Defence Forces career training courses as well as inductee training.
I wish to also confirm that I have secured Government agreement to establish an Independent Review to examine issues relating to sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces.
The Independent Review will:
- Advise on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective.
- It will independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
- It will also provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
101. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the status of the involvement of Ireland in peacekeeping activity internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3874/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 1 January 2022, Ireland is contributing 582 personnel to 9 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 355 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 134 personnel. 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).
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.
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 1 January 2022
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 119th Infantry BattalionUNIFIL Sector West HQ |
93424 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
MINUSMA (United Nations mission in MALI) |
14 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side)UNDOF 64th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
8126 |
|
TOTAL |
518 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
559 |
|
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 |
3* |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative in PSC Delegation (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 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
582 |
|
* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations |
102. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the status of the inclusion of a person (details supplied) in the formation of the terms of reference for the review on Army sex abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3952/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department remains in contact with the individual named and met with him most recently on the 22nd December 2021. Officials in the Department keep his correspondence under continuous review.
Given the manner in which the individual sources his information, the matters detailed by him cannot be investigated by me or my officials, particularly where it is alleged that criminal offences of a sexual nature have been committed against children. They are best investigated by an Garda Síochána.
The allegations put forward by this individual differ somewhat from those raised by the Women of Honour Group. In general, others are relaying their own stories whereas the person named relays, in the main, the accounts of other people. His accounts also allege grave improprieties against children and these matters would not be suitable for consideration by the review currently being considered as these are issues of a criminal nature which may or may not have occurred within the workplace.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the nomination of a Senior Counsel has been sought and received from the Office of the Attorney General to conduct an independent assessment of the specific actions taken by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces on foot of the extensive correspondence received. This is a discrete assessment and the outcome will be made available to the Independent Review Group once completed.
The named individual has been so informed and it is envisaged that my Department will be in further contact with him very shortly.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the individual named and the concerns he raises are dealt with in a considerate and serious manner.
103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the status of the work of the Civil-Military Research Technology and Innovation Unit recently established in the Defence Organisation; the funding allocated to this unit in 2021 and 2022; the number of whole-time equivalent positions in this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2021 – 2023 provides for the establishment of a civil – military research, technology and innovation (RTI) unit to ensure that Ireland’s Defence Organisation have access to research, technology and innovation in order to develop capabilities.
The unit is being developed on a staged basis. Stage one commenced in January 2021 and focused primarily on the Defence Organisation’s partnership with Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The partnership created the SFI – Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge which is an innovative programme with the overarching ambition to develop new technologies, aligned with our National Defence Policy and supporting Defence Forces capability requirements, that also have the potential to deliver significant societal impacts within Ireland. Challenges in five areas plus an open challenge on disruptive technologies, were presented to Irish research institutions. These proposals were then judged by an international panel of researchers in line with best academic practice.
The Challenge entered the concept phase in January 2022, where a number of research teams were selected by the international review panel to move forward within the Challenge. This concept phase will be launched by me and my colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in February 2022.
The RTI unit is in the process of moving into stage two in its development. The focus during this stage will be on introducing applied research and development for capability developments, embedding a culture of innovation within the Defence Organisation as well as accessing international funding activities which will deliver long term strategic benefits. A key focus of the RTI Unit going forward will be to support Irish research institutes and enterprise in securing funding from the European Defence Fund and also accessing the supply chains of major defence research and industry actors in the EU including as members of EU wide consortia.
The Department, through the RTI unit, contributed €250,000 to the SFI – Defence Organisation Innovation Challenge in 2021. All other Unit activities were undertaken within the normal operating budget of the Department. The funding requirement for 2022 will be met from within the Defencw Vote.
The unit was established in January 2021 with a whole time equivalent staffing of 0.4 civilian and one military. The current whole time equivalent staffing for the unit is 0.8 civilian and two military.
