Written Answers Nos. 121-142
121. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has been consulted by and or if he has engaged with the CRU in respect of the establishment of a second annual application window for renewable energy projects to connect to the electricity grid; if his attention has been drawn to a petition in respect of same and his views on same. [12840/24]
View answerEnduring Connection Policy 2 (ECP-2) is the second stage of the development of enduring connection policy in Ireland. In June 2020 the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published their decision on ECP-2, which set policy for at least three annual batches of connection offers (ECP 2.1, ECP-2.2, and ECP-2.3). The final iteration of ECP, which was comprised of one annual application window, was ECP 2.4 and opened for applications in October last year.
The CRU held a public consultation, which closed on 16 February 2024, on the successor to ECP (‘the ‘Electricity Generation and System Services Connection’ Policy), the responses to which will inform the introduction of a new policy framework to connect onshore generators, storage and other systems services technology projects to the grid. Among other matters, the paper sought responses on the potential for more frequent grid connection application batches, locational signals, hybrid generation projects and repowering.
Delivery of this task is a matter for the CRU, which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not me as Minister. However, I am aware of the CRU’s ‘minded-to’ approach to introduce a bi-annual batch application process without caps for renewable generators as set out in the public consultation. In addition, my officials have been engaging with CRU on the development of this important new policy in relation to compliance with Article 16 of the Renewable Energy Directive which provides for mandatory permitting deadlines and must be transposed by 01 July, 2024. My officials look forward to their continued engagement with CRU as they continue to develop this important policy which will be published in Q2, this year.
122. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will advise on measures to provide due regard to the special economic and social role of agriculture with regard to the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12860/24]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, a carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council was adopted by the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022. On 28 July, the Government approved sectoral emissions ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, (i.e. 2021-2025 and 2026-2030). For our agriculture sector, this process has set a 10% emissions reduction target for 2025 and a 25% emissions reduction target for 2030.
The baseline and mitigation targets for Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions are informed by the national reporting of greenhouse gas emissions carried out by the EPA. This national reporting follows principles and methodologies established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, including with regard to the global warming potential of methane. In the Irish context, methane is the most significant greenhouse gas (GHG) in agriculture.
Agriculture saw a 1.2% decrease in emissions in 2022, predominantly driven by reductions in fertiliser use. This decrease must be sustained and accelerated to meet the sectoral emissions ceiling for the first carbon budget period. Responsibility for meeting targets sits with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. There is ongoing engagement between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on implementation of the Climate Action Plan.
Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government in December, subject to strategic environmental assessment and consultation. The plan outlines how emissions reductions can be achieved in the coming years, increasing our ambition for efficiency in the sector while also heavily promoting the diversification of agricultural activities. These actions will both improve animal breeding, feeding and finishing and also encourage farmers to diversify into sectors including organics, tillage and biomethane feedstock production. Livestock grazing out of doors dominates Irish agriculture and our agriculture sector has an international reputation for high quality and sustainably produced food. Maintaining that reputation is an imperative for our agri-food industries, as 90% of our production is exported. Ireland is already well placed through the success of the Origin Green programme and can maintain and build on this competitive advantage. Conversely, failure to mitigate emissions is a risk to the sector’s reputation for sustainable production.
123. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the retrofitting of solid fuel homes; how many solid fuel homes were retrofitted; how many solid fuels homes have been retrofitted with solid fuel boilers in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, broken down per SEAI scheme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12952/24]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
To promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, the Government has put in place a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
SEAI domestic retrofit programmes are available to all households, including those reliant on solid fuel for heating, who wish to undertake energy upgrades and who meet the programme criteria.
In recent years, demand across the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been exceptionally high. Data from SEAI shows that in the period 2020 to end-February 2024, just over 115,000 property upgrades have been supported through the residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV scheme. Of these, almost 36,400 have been upgraded to a post works building energy rating of B2 or better. Almost €730 million has been provided in capital expenditure in the same period.
A record capital budget of €437.2 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been allocated for 2024. The overall allocation will mean that the progress made last year under the National Retrofit Plan will be further built on in 2024.
A more detailed overview of the SEAI performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in their recently published Annual Review 2023 report, which can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2023.pdf.
Data provided by SEAI in the attached table shows the number of solid fuel heated properties supported with SEAI grant funding in each of the years 2020 to end of February 2024.
124. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the provision of fibre broadband to a property (details supplied). [13100/24]
View answerIn December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
• all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028
• all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
• digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023
NBI reports that all 955 Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) sites have been installed before the end of 2023, of which 283 are publicly accessible Broadband Connection Point sites now connected with high-speed broadband service through a service provider contract with Vodafone. The remaining 672 installed SCPs are part of the SCP Schools Programme.
The remaining targets will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan intervention. When taken together, all premises in the State will have access to high-speed broadband in every part of the country no matter how remote.
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
From the records made available to the Department, the premises in question should already be capable of receiving speeds of up to 90mbps through commercial means. This premises is also included in openeir’s Fibre to the Home upgrade programme, with the nationwide rollout expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the DECC webform at https://secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx and DECC will escalate with open eir to investigate this matter further.
In order to ensure that we are meeting the "Gigabit" targets as mentioned in the Digital Connectivity Strategy, my officials are continuously evaluating opportunities for adding premises to the Intervention Area, where appropriate. Alternatively, where it is not feasible for premises to be recategorised, we are addressing the issues through the Mobile Phone and Broadband Task Force (the Taskforce).
The Taskforce comprises State actors and industry representatives and is tasked with identifying and overcoming barriers to improved connectivity. The Taskforce was originally established in 2016 to identify immediate solutions to mobile phone and broadband coverage deficits, and to investigate how better services could be provided to consumers prior to full build and rollout of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention (NBP).
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 1.1 million homes. SIRO has recently reached a milestone of enabling over 545,000 premises for full fibre and is on track to reach 700,000 premises by 2026. Virgin Media recently announced a €200 million investment plan to upgrade its cable network to bring full fibre to up to 1 million premises over the next three years, to date it has passed 252,000 premises with full fibre.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 4 of 2023, saw a 7.51% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to Quarter 3, 2023, and a 33.33% increase when compared to Quarter 4 of 2022. This demonstrates that the take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing greatly as the services are deployed to areas where they had previously been unavailable. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing substantially as it is deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable. The same ComReg data also indicates that c. 40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre (667,771) or cable (348,251) infrastructure.
125. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for a breakdown of the amount of funding drawn down by each local authority from the anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness grant scheme in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/24]
View answerThe information sought is set out in the table below.
|
Local Authority |
Grant allocation |
Amount Paid |
|
Carlow County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€16,000.00 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€16,000.00 |
|
Clare County Council |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
|
Cork County Council |
€35,000.00 |
€35,000.00 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
€30,000.00 |
€30,000.00 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€30,000.00 |
€30,000.00 |
|
Galway County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
|
Laois County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€16,000.00 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€10,802.20 |
|
Longford County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€8,866.02 |
|
Louth County Council |
€20,000.00 |
€20,000.00 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€24,932.73 |
|
Meath County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€15,737.72 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€16,000.00 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€16,000.00 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€11,080.33 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€30,000.00 |
€30,000.00 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€24,860.99 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€16,000.00 |
€11,568.12 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€25,000.00 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€25,000.00 |
€24,101.55 |
|
Cork City Council |
€30,000.00 |
€29,960.00 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€55,000.00 |
€55,000.00 |
|
Galway City Council |
€25,000.00 |
€11,564.72 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
€40,000.00 |
€39,977.67 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
€30,000.00 |
€29,952.00 |
My Department provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. In 2023 €750,000 was available to be claimed by local authorities under this Scheme. The amount paid to each local authority in 2023 is set out in the table.
126. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide details on all planned PPP projects and ongoing PPP contracts; the status of each project; the anticipated or known capital cost; the anticipated or known cost to the Exchequer over the lifetime of the contracts; the annual total payment of PPP unitary charges and the percentage share of the total capital budget for his Department and all public bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13194/24]
View answerMy Department is not involved in any PPP projects, or party to any PPP contracts. There are no plans to participate in any future PPP projects or be party to PPP contracts.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. My Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested.
127. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has had the need to contact An Garda Síochána due to verbal, written (including electronically) or physical threats being addressed to staff or Ministers, at any level, working within the Department during the period 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11590/24]
View answerI can confirm that there has been no requirement for my Department to contact An Garda Síochána in relation to any type of threats addressed to any Minister or member of staff working within my Department between 2020 to date.
128. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of Airbus C295W; the expected delivery date; if the aircraft will have the capacity to participate in humanitarian air drops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11967/24]
View answerStrategic airlift capability has been prioritised as a capability for investment following Government approval of the Commission on Defence Report as part of the move to (Level Of Ambition) LOA 2 capability.
Two new C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered in 2023 and are capable of being configured in a strategic airlift transport role if required.
In addition, a contract was recently awarded to Airbus at a cost of €59 million, excluding VAT, for the provision of a new Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The aircraft is currently being manufactured and delivery is expected in mid-2025.
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.
The aircraft can be made capable of transporting and deploying palletised cargo from the air. The aircraft can be configured with the required Cargo Handling System and is equipped with a rear cargo door which can be opened in flight.
The aircraft avionics system is also capable of being programmed with the various parameters to allow for the accuracy required with aerial delivery operations.
129. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of media reports in relation to civilians in Beirut detaining a UNIFIL vehicle which while conducting routine logistical movements transited on an unplanned route resulting in the confiscation of equipment and peacekeepers being detained and transferred to Hezbollah; if he will report on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11969/24]
View answerI have been advised by the Defence Forces that the incident to which I believe the Deputy is referring involved members of the Malaysian Battalion with UNIFIL. I can confirm that no members of the Irish Defence Forces were involved in the incident. For Defence Forces' operational reasons, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment regarding the incident.
I would like to take the opportunity however to assure the Deputy that the safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to both myself and the Government. I am in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff in this regard, and and the Department of Defence and I are kept apprised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed. Defence Forces’ personnel in each of the UN missions located in the Middle East (UNIFIL, UNTSO and UNDOF), comply fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as appropriate.
Furthermore, Defence Forces personnel are well trained prior to deployment, to mitigate against risks and scenarios that may arise in their overseas deployments.
130. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the implications of an increased retirement in the Defence Forces; his considerations in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11970/24]
View answerAs of 29 March 2024, all Permanent Defence Forces personnel who currently have a mandatory retirement age of less than 60, may remain in service until 60 subject to fulfilling certain existing criteria, for example physical and medical fitness.
This strategic move will have a two-fold effect. For the organisation, it will help to address, in part, the issue of retention by allowing experienced and skilled personnel to remain in their positions for longer, thereby retaining valuable organisational knowledge, providing continuity and contributing to enhanced training experiences for new recruits. For Defence Forces personnel, the move supports career longevity and provides personnel with the opportunity to continue to contribute meaningfully to the organisation.
In addition, the increase in the mandatory retirement age has facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles with a current recruitment age below 39 years.
My commitment to resolving the recruitment and retention crisis in the Permanent Defence Forces is unwavering. The numbers leaving the Defence Forces exceed the numbers recruited year on year, resulting in a continued decline in the overall strength level. The decision to increase the mandatory retirement age is part of an overall effort to remove any potential obstacles to recruiting and retaining personnel.
Furthermore, a new fast accrual pensions’ policy framework has been approved and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is preparing the necessary legislation which, when enacted, will allow for a further increase in the mandatory retirement age for all Permanent Defence Force ranks to 62.
131. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 17 January 2024, the status of the project aiming to explore the establishment of a defence attaché network; if he has received the report and its findings; if the report will be published; any arising related timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11972/24]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence recognised the need for the Department of Defence to continue to engage in developing and deepening bilateral relations with potential like-minded partners to secure Ireland’s position in current and future international crisis management operations. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces further supported this view. A joint civilian/military project team was subsequently formed to examine options in this respect and a project was formally initiated in May 2023. This project aimed to explore the benefits to Ireland of establishing a Defence Attaché (DA) network, to look at the potential appropriate composition and duties of the role of a DA, and to consider how such a network could build on existing bilateral relations. The project also explored the potential for the deployment, as a pilot, of a DA in one of the Irish embassies of strategic value and importance to Defence and Foreign Policy goals, where strong engagement exists on defence matters.Consultations continue to take place with a range of stakeholders in this regard, following which an agreement of timelines and next steps will be determined.
132. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the nomination of Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces to the position of Chair of the European Union Military Committee; the implications of the Chief of Staff being successfully elected, including with regard to support staff; when the election is due to be held and the duration of the term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12080/24]
View answer133. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of the European Union Military Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12081/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the highest military body within the EU. It is composed of the Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) of the EU's Member States who, on a day to day basis, are represented in Brussels by the Military Representatives from the Permanent Representations of the Member States to the EU.
The EUMC operates as a consensus based collective, with the Chair bringing together the views of Member States and representing these to the European External Action Service (EEAS), the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission (HRVP) and other relevant institutions, including the European Defence Agency (EDA). The EUMC provides the Political and Security Committee (PSC) with advice and recommendations on all military matters including on all aspects of the planning/operation of the CSDP operations. (The PSC comprises Ambassadors from all 27 member States, who deal with all issues relating to the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy.) It also provides advice on EU military capability requirements to undertake CSDP operations and on military capability development requirements within the framework of the European Defence Agency (EDA).
The current Chair of the EUMC (C/EUMC), Gen. Robert Brieger from Austria, will complete his period in office in May 2025, and the Government agreed to nominate Lt. General Clancy as Ireland’s candidate for the post, to be considered for election alongside candidates from other EU countries. This will be the second time that Ireland has nominated a Chair of the EUMC, following the previous unsuccessful nomination of Vice Admiral Mark Mellet, and demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to the EU at this important time, particularly in light of the more volatile security and defence environment resulting from Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. A number of candidates from neutral, non-aligned countries have held the Chair of this Committee over the years.
Should the Chief of Staff be successful in being elected as Chair of the EUMC, a number of Defence Forces personnel would be deployed as support staff in the Office of the C/EUMC in Brussels. The exact numbers and ranks involved have yet to be determined. In addition, Lt. General Clancy who is currently a three star general would be promoted on a temporary basis to a four star general for the three year period of the appointment.
The vote for next Chair of the EUMC will take place on the 15th May 2024. On the basis of that vote, the Chair is then appointed by the European Council and the newly elected Chair will take up formal appointment from May 2025.
134. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific equipment for the Army, Naval Service and Aer Corps that he expects to acquire in 2024; the specific capital allocated to each acquisition in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12275/24]
View answerMy 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.
Work on capital investment in aircraft continues, a contract with Airbus has been placed at a cost of €57 million excluding 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. In addition, a competitive process to acquire a new mid sized aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport has been published on the Official Journal of the European Union platform.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft has now been completed, following the delivery of the first aircraft in June and the second last month. 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.
The two Inshore Patrol Vessels, purchased from New Zealand to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, are expected to become fully operational during 2024 following a comprehensive programme of works, including crew familiarisation and training. Marine advisors have been appointed by my Department to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV), as provided for in the Government's National Development Plan, and work is progressing in line with the steps in the Public Spending Code. 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. A framework agreement for the supply of a Software Defined Radio system to the Defence Forces has recently been awarded. This complex project has been designed to meet the Defence Forces' requirements and to incorporate systems and equipment platforms, it will support the joint common operational picture.
The Defence allocation is determined within an overarching budgetary framework which encompasses existing NDP multi-annual capital allocations and remains cognisant of the level of resources available, commensurate with defence policy requirements. It is within this context that the Estimates 2024 discussions took place with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform, to include full consideration of Defence capital investment priorities for 2024 and beyond. The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation of €176 million in Budget 2024.
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 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.
135. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of exit and or severance and or redundancy packages granted by his Department, and bodies under his aegis and of bodies he funds in full or in part, of €100,000 and above but less that €200,000, by the amount and by each body in each of the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024. [12345/24]
View answerThe 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. The secretary to the Board is provided from my Department’s staff.
I can confirm there has been no exit, severance or redundancy packages of €100,000 and above but less than €200,000 granted by my Department in any of the years from 2019 to date.
136. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies by rank in the Defence Forces School of Music as of 11 March 2024; the timeframe within each of those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12568/24]
View answerThe military authorities have provided the requested details, in the table below, in relation to the vacancies in the Defence Forces School of Music. Figures are as at 11 March 2024:
|
Rank |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Captain |
Lt |
CS |
CQ |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte |
|
Strength |
1 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
32 |
23 |
47* |
|
Vacancies |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
8 |
0 |
*Private rank is 3 over establishment strength
Vacancies are filled in line with promotional arrangements and by recruitment. The applications for the recent Direct Entry recruitment campaign for the Conductor vacancy (Captain) are being progressed. Additionally a campaign for Instrumentalists is anticipated in 2024.
137. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the locations around the country where military personnel from Ukraine have been trained by the Defence Forces; when the training took place; the number involved; the type of training provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12625/24]
View answerAll training provided by the Defence Forces to the Ukrainian Armed Forces via the EU's Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) has taken place overseas, on the territory of other EU Member States.
Separately, and not linked to EUMAM, as part of Ireland's participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP), a NATO Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) Evaluator Training Course took place in Kilworth Training Camp in November 2023. OCC is an evaluation and feedback process that provides for external evaluation by trained evaluators of declared military capabilities in accordance with NATO standards. Ireland has participated in OCC since 2016.
A key component of OCC is the availability of Evaluators to assess units undergoing OCC. In order to ensure there is a pool of evaluators, OCC Evaluator Training Courses run in tandem with OCC Evaluations. In this case an Engineer Company was undergoing an OCC evaluation and a total of 22 students, from other countries completed the Evaluator Training Course in Kilworth Camp. Included in these students were four personnel from Ukraine. The provision of this training forms part of Ireland's engagement with NATO under Partnership for Peace and allows Irish personnel to benefit in terms of both the provision and receipt of training which strengthens the Defence Forces. It is also fundamental to Ireland being able to meet its obligations in providing professional peacekeepers for international crisis management and peacekeeping operations and in enhancing the Defence Forces’ interoperability with other professional military forces.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland's relationship with NATO is conducted through Partnership for Peace, of which Ireland has been a member since 1999. The relationships between NATO and its partners are based on the principle of self-differentiation, allowing partners to determine the specific elements of cooperation and the closeness of the relationship.
138. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the originating airport that an aircraft (details supplied) took off from before its initial landing at Casement Aerodrome, County Dublin on 10 September 2004; and the time of this landing and any subsequent landings that day. [12645/24]
View answerThe military authorities have advised my Department that the Air Corps visiting aircraft log from 2004 indicates that the G-BSZC landed on 10 September 2004 at 0816hrs and took off again at 0927hrs. The origin airport or destination details have not been recorded by the Air Corps. The purpose of the movement is recorded as “visit”. The aircraft in question landed again at 0958hrs on the same day and appears to have remained at Casement Aerodrome until the 15 September 2004, when it is logged departing for Weston Airport at 1209hrs. The aircraft in question landed in Baldonnel in connection with an event hosted by "The Beech Club" in September 2004. A Hold Harmless Agreement was entered into relation to same; this Agreement has the effect of indemnifying the Minister in relation to any aircraft landing. As my Department was not involved in the charity event, it has no records relating to the matters raised by the Deputy. If the Deputy has concerns in relation to the charity, I would refer the Deputy to the Charity Regulator who, under Section 64 of the Charities Act 2009, has investigation and enforcement powers available to it.
139. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 20 February 2024, if he will provide the name of the charity event run by the Air Corps in conjunction with an aircraft (details supplied) in September 2004; the name registered charity number of the actual charity that ran the event or benefited from the event; the amount that was raised; the name of the individual organisers of the event and the liaison officer; and the reason the civilian aircraft was allowed to visit secure military aviation facilities in view of the fact that the Air Corps kept no record of the pilots or crew. [12653/24]
View answerThe aircraft in question landed in Baldonnel in connection with an event hosted by "The Beech Club" in September 2004. A Hold Harmless Agreement was entered into by Mr Anthony Walsh and Mr Anthony Hodgson in relation to same; this Agreement has the effect of indemnifying the Minister in relation to any aircraft landing. As my Department was not involved in the charity event, it has no records relating to the matters raised by the Deputy. If the Deputy has concerns in relation to the charity, I would refer the Deputy to the Charity Regulator who, under Section 64 of the the Charities Act 2009, has investigation and enforcement powers available to it.
140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will publish a list of the NGOs funded by his Department; and the level the funding each NGO received in the past three years, in tabular form. [12715/24]
View answerMy Department makes an annual grant payment each year from the Defence Vote to the Irish Red Cross Society towards the administrative running costs of its headquarters, with the amount provided over the last three years as follows.
|
Year |
Funding Provided |
|
|
2021 |
Irish Red Cross Society |
€975,000 |
|
2022 |
Irish Red Cross Society |
€975,000 |
|
2023 |
Irish Red Cross Society |
€975,000 |
141. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of engagements, including online meetings, webinars, briefings and in-person meetings that he or officials from his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department have had with an organisation (details supplied) including its representatives from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12735/24]
View answerIn my capacity as Minister for Defence I have not had any engagement with the named organisation during the timeframe provided, however, I have participated in events with the organisation on three occasions during the period concerned and met with them last year in my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Officials from the Department of Defence have not had any engagement with the organisation referred to by the Deputy within the timeframe provided.
142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the details of the new working group to develop a complaints process for civilian employees and civil servants who work with the Defence Forces; the membership of the working group; the number of meetings held to-date by the working group, and the dates of same; if minutes are taken in respect of the meetings of the working group, and if any minutes taken will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12832/24]
View answerThe report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28 March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the recommendations contained in the Report.
One of the IRG’s recommendations called for the establishment of a complaints process for civilian employees and civil servants who work with the Defence Forces, whereby they can have access to redress in respect of complaints concerning grievances or dignity at work issues, where the matters concerned relate to their interactions with members of the Defence Forces.
To this end, the IRG Report called for engagement with all stakeholders and the establishment of a Working Group to consider the issues. Last December, I appointed Mr Kevin Duffy, former chair or the Labour Court, as the independent Chair of the Working Group.
In line with the IRG recommendation, the Working Group which has now been established is comprised of representatives from the Defence Forces’ representative associations, associations and unions representing both civil service and state industrial grades, the HR management functions (both civil and military), and a representative of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. The following is a full list of membership.
|
Name |
Organisation |
Position |
|
Kevin Duffy |
Chair |
|
|
Neil Richardson |
RDFRA |
General Secretary |
|
Martin Bright |
PDFORRA |
Deputy Secretary |
|
Lt Col Derek Priestley |
RACO |
Deputy Secretary |
|
Karan O'Loughlin |
SIPTU |
PAC Divisional Organiser |
|
Gerard Mooney |
Connect |
General Secretary |
|
Brian Hewitt |
Unite the Union |
Regional Industrial Officer |
|
Stephen Hall |
AHCPS |
Defence Branch Secretary |
|
Paul Moyer |
FORSA |
General Secretary |
|
Ronan Mulhall |
Department of Defence |
Principal, HR Branch |
|
Col Daragh McKevitt |
Defence Forces |
Director of Human Resources |
|
Ann Travers |
Department of Public Expenditure, NDP and Reform |
Principal Officer, Public Workforce Division |
The Working Group held its first meeting on Friday 01 March 2024 and its second meeting is planned for Friday 22 March 2024. There will be minutes produced of all meetings of the Group which will be circulated across all members but there are currently no plans to publish these minutes.
