Written Answers Nos. 61-74
61. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase accommodation for Naval personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2786/24]
View answer70. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the improvements he is putting in place for Naval Service accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2735/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 70 together.
I would like to thank the Deputies for the opportunity to discuss the significant investment the Government has made to date in the improvement of infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
There are currently over €141m worth of projects underway at different stages of development, and this level of expenditure will continue to increase as the Programme is implemented. In 2024 alone, the capital allocation for infrastructure stands at €45m for capital investment with a further €11m allocation for ongoing maintenance and running costs.
I am committed to radically overhauling both the built environment and working conditions for the men and women of the Defence Forces throughout the country. In relation to improvements for Naval Service accommodation, Block 8 was substantially refurbished in Haulbowline Naval Base, representing an investment of €8 million, and providing 70 beds. In addition to that, the following accommodation projects, at a combined cost of almost €16m, are at various stages of the design and procurement process:
• The refurbishment of Block 4 is now on site and will provide an additional 74 beds on completion this year.
• The refurbishment of the both Communications Building and Cadet Mess Buildings which incorporate improvements to the living in accommodation.
My Department, in cooperation with their military colleagues, are currently developing documentation to secure a design team for latter two projects.
These three projects represent a combined 114 spaces for Single Living In Accommodation for Naval Service personnel, in addition to the 70 spaces already provided in the returned to use of Block 8.
In addition,the Deputy may wish to note that my Department will be progressing the development of a new gym facility for personnel in the Naval Base, as well as enhanced work facilities including workshops and offices, as well as improved berthing facilities.
Taken together, I am satisfied that we are making significant strides in improving the built infrastructure for the Naval Service.
63. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase gender balance within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2787/24]
View answerIt is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces.
As of 1 December 2023, the female representation of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stands at 7%. While this percentage is far from satisfactory, it is not out of kilter with standards across international militaries.
The Chief of Staff’s aim to increase the percentage of females recruited to the Defence Forces in 2023 to 9% was achieved.
A number of initiatives to both attract females and to retain serving female members are in train. For example:
• A female specific recruitment team has been established to co-ordinate the attendance of tri-service female specific recruiting teams at national and regional level events.
• The team are actively engaging with organisations such as the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association, the Camogie Association, Women in STEM events, the Department of Education, Hersport.ie and 30% Club in conjunction with the Defence Forces Gender Equality and Diversity Officer.
• In addition the team will engage with the Defence Forces Marketing and Media partner to highlight the career opportunities available to women, across the three Services.
• The Defence Forces are taking a broad approach in terms of fitness testing, with requirements tailored specifically for females.
• There has also been an emphasis on Fitness Test Preparation. Videos relating to the Defence Forces Induction Fitness Test are available on its website.
• Plans for the recruitment of a senior Gender Advisor, at Colonel level, in line with a recommendation in the Commission on the Defence Forces, are at an advanced stage.
• Gender, Diversity and Unconscious Bias Training took place across all Formations and Services last year.
• Also in 2023, private secondary medical care was extended to enlisted personnel. This is an important development, as it is will include private medical care during pregnancy.
• The Military Authorities have also put in place arrangements for participation by female Officers at Defence Forces Board level.
• A joint Department of Defence and Defence Forces Women’s Network which was launched in January 2022, has been very successful.
In addition, there are a number of Work-life balance initiatives including, accessibility of career courses for those with family commitments; family friendly overseas appointments; and a renewed focus on dual-service member families and career breaks.
A range of ‘harmony’ measures including ‘hot desking’ or remote working have been piloted to create an attractive working environment.
Finally, I am pleased to say that I approved an updated Maternity and Associated Protected Leave Policy in September 2023.
These are important initiatives which will underpin the commitment to increasing recruitment and moving to a strong representation by women across all ranks of the Defence Forces.
66. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the progress being made in the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2739/24]
View answerSince the events of 14th December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion injured, I have consistently expressed my determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Through the Embassy in Cairo and the Consulate in Beirut, the Irish Government has maintained close diplomatic contact with the Lebanese authorities in relation to the progress of the Lebanese criminal investigation.
An initial indictment hearing of persons charged in connection with the incident of 14 December 2022, took place on 14 July 2023 with a further hearing taking place on 30 August.
On 15 November last, my Department became aware that one of the individuals accused of the murder of Private Seán Rooney, and who had been in Lebanese custody, had been released on bail. Following enquiries, it was confirmed that he had been released on bail with the payment of a financial bond and that the release was granted for medical reasons.
The most recent hearing of the Court Case took place on 15 December last. The Department of Defence was represented in court at this hearing by its Beirut-based lawyer. The Irish Ambassador was also in attendance.
It was disappointing to learn that none of those indicted for Private Seán Rooney’s killing, including the individual recently released from custody on bail, appeared in court at the 15 December hearing, and that the case has been further adjourned to 7 June 2024.
The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for justice to be served in this case and I have, on a number of occasions, raised the issue with my Lebanese Defence and Foreign Affairs counterparts. I will continue to make strong representations in this matter with the Lebanese authorities and with the United Nations. Private Rooney’s family has been, and is kept, informed of all these developments as they happen.
Given that this matter is now before the Lebanese judicial system, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time. However, I can assure the House that my Department, the Embassy in Cairo, the Consulate in Beirut and I will continue to monitor developments very closely.
67. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of primary radar; the proposed timeframe in which a contract will be agreed; and the proposed timeline in which a system will be operational. [2730/24]
View answerThe development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to implementing this recommendation, 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. The military radar programme is an ambitious and complex programme which includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.The Detailed Implementation Plan released in November 2023 builds on the progress made to date and sets out the planned timeline for delivery of military radar by 2028. It is important to note that specific timelines for projects for the enhancement of capabilities can be impacted by many factors from procurement strategy to external factors such as the internal defence market and the global, regional and local trends affecting it and accordingly require a flexible and adaptable approach.
A civil / military project team are continuing their work of research into various delivery options as well as consideration of approaches internationally with the objective of learning from our EU colleagues. Governance structures to manage this programme of work are also in place. Significant progress has been made to date but we are still at the early stages. The Needs Phase of the project is currently ongoing to develop the rational for the capability and investigate high level options. This phase is due to be completed in Quarter 2 2024. In line with the new Infrastructure Guidelines the following phases will build on the work carried out during the Needs phase to further develop the business case and complete the project design and planning. This will continue until Quarter 4 2024. The Acquisition Phase of the project will require a significant timeframe and is estimated to continue until Quarter 3 2025, followed by the Contract Delivery Phase with an estimated completion timeframe of 2028.
68. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what progress has been made to date in respect of the establishment of an independent external complaints system for serving members in the Irish Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2635/24]
View answerWith the publication of the IRG Report in March of last year, I have committed, in line with its recommendations, to introduce on an interim basis, an independent complaints system for its serving members while the process of transforming the existing systems gets underway.
My officials have undertaken extensive policy and legislative analysis to identify options for a system which will take the complaints process outside the immediate chain of command for the complainant.
Work has been ongoing to identify and assess all options with a particular focus on the unique status of Defence Force members where in addition to being subject to civil law they are also subject to military law, which has its own justice system.
Therefore it is not legally feasible to implement an external independent complaints system to address complaints of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment, as prescribed in the IRG Report which envisaged that such a process can be introduced by amendment to Administrative Instruction A7, Chapter 1.
Implementation of an external and independent complaint system, would require significant changes to primary legislation (The Defence Act). This is due to a number of factors, but primarily, that all conduct within the Defence Forces, including matters pertaining to military discipline, are enshrined in the Defence Act.
The Independent Review Group (IRG) recognised in its Report that the overhaul of the existing complaints system will involve legislative change and will take time.
My primary objective, therefore, is to provide Defence Force members’ with access to a robust interim professional complaints service that is fit for purpose and has the trust of those accessing it. The intention is that this process will remain available for as long as it takes to put a trusted internal system in place. With this in mind I am currently examining a range of options.
While I appreciate the urgency of putting a revised system in place it is imperative that any complaints system is viable from an operational and legal perspective.
69. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he can provide an update on the current UNIFIL mission in which Defence Forces’ members are taking part in South Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2740/24]
View answerIreland has participated in the UNIFIL since its establishment in 1978. The UNIFIL mission represents Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 16 May 2023 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12 month period.
The 123rd Infantry Battalion commenced its six month deployment with UNIFIL in November of last year and as of 11 January 2024, there are 329 Defence Forces Personnel serving with the mission.
All personnel are accounted for and are safe and well. Defence Forces’ personnel comply fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions when and as appropriate.
I wish to reassure the House that the safety and security of Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to the Government. In each of the missions located in the Middle East (UNIFIL, UNDOF & UNTSO), Defence Forces’ personnel comply fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as appropriate. I am in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff, and the Department of Defence and am kept appraised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed, and the situation is being monitored closely.
Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated in the light of increased threat.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community.
72. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what specific training members of the Israeli Defence Forces received during their time in Ireland; how many members of the Israeli Defence Forces have received training in Ireland since 2018; if there are any Israeli military personal currently training in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2792/24]
View answerAt the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial held in Vancouver in 2017, Ireland pledged certain training capabilities for delivery in Ireland at the UN Training School in the Curragh (UNTSI). The military courses were in response to an identified UN need and offered as part of the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. It is open to all countries who are members of the UN to seek places on these courses. Ireland has successfully delivered on our training pledges to the UN.
The Protection of Civilians course in particular is a training competence where the UN recognises Ireland's strong expertise in delivering courses to international students.
I have been advised by Military Management of the following details in relation to Israeli Defence Forces personnel who have attended these courses conducted in the Irish Defence Forces since 2018.
Table 1: Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) attendance at courses conducted in the Irish Defence Forces since 2018.
|
Year |
Course Title |
IDF Participants |
Remarks |
|
UNTSI (UN Training School Ireland) |
|||
|
2018 |
International Protection of Civilians Course |
1 |
|
|
2018 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
2 |
|
|
2019 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
1 |
|
|
Other Defence Force Courses |
|||
|
2019 |
UN Buddy First Aid Course |
1 |
Conducted in Galway by CMU on behalf of UN |
Military Management has also advised that there are currently no plans for Israeli Defence Forces personnel to attend Irish Defence Forces training courses in 2024.
73. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will clarify the number of members of the IDF who have visited and/or trained in the State, are currently training or visiting or where plans exist for them to do so; the precise areas of military and related training or visitation involved; the cost or payment to the State of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2742/24]
View answerAt the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial held in Vancouver in 2017, Ireland pledged certain training capabilities for delivery in Ireland at the UN Training School in the Curragh (UNTSI). The military courses were in response to an identified UN need and offered as part of the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. Ireland has successfully delivered on our training pledges to the UN and is strongly recognised for its expertise in delivering these courses, particularly the Protection of Civilians course. Countries who are members of the United Nations can apply to participate on these courses.
In addition, Ireland has been a member of Partnership for Peace since 1999 and part of our commitments under this Programme is to host PfP training courses which Ireland has done over the last decade.
Costs in the main are met by the home nation of the foreign student and in the case of PfP training courses, funding has been made available to Ireland from the Programme to host the courses.
I have been advised by Military Management of the following details in relation to Israeli Defence Forces personnel attendance at these courses conducted in Ireland since 2001.
Table 1: Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) personnel attendance at courses conducted in the Irish Defence Forces since 2001.
|
Year |
Course Title |
IDF Participants |
Remarks |
|
UNTSI (UN Training School Ireland) |
|||
|
2001 |
United Nations Military Observer and Staff Officer Course |
1 |
|
|
2018 |
International Protection of Civilians Course |
1 |
|
|
2018 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
2 |
|
|
2019 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
1 |
|
|
Ordnance School |
|||
|
2010 |
NATO Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) |
1 |
|
|
2017 |
NATO Commanders Marauding Counter Terrorism Attack Course |
1 |
Civilian Student |
|
Other Defence Forces Courses |
|||
|
2019 |
UN Buddy First Aid Course |
1 |
Conducted in Galway by CMU on behalf of UN |
Military Management have also advised that the costs for these courses are borne by the home nation of the foreign student and that there are currently no plans for Israeli Defence Forces personnel to attend Irish Defence Forces training courses in 2024.
