Written Answers Nos. 143-163
143. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to examine a query regarding the retirement age in the Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17343/24]
View answerAs of 29 March 2024, all Permanent Defence Forces personnel who previously had 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.
As announced on 5 March 2024, in tandem with the changes made to the mandatory retirement age, 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. This revised mandatory retirement age of 62 will apply to personnel who previously had a mandatory retirement age of less than 62. Until the point at which the legislation is enacted, the mandatory retirement age remains at 60. I will work closely with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as his Department works to progress the legislative changes required to finalise the new framework.
144. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline, in relation to the ongoing investigation into historic abuse allegations in the Defence Forces, how those who now wish to engage in the process for the first time can do so; and if legal representation is required. [17348/24]
View answerThe Government recently approved the Terms of Reference for a Tribunal of Inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 (as amended). The Tribunal will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The motions to establish the Tribunal of Inquiry were subsequently approved by both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.
The logistical and administrative arrangements are currently being put in place to allow the Tribunal to commence its work as soon as possible. When the Tribunal is up and running, the Chairperson will publicise details of how persons who wish to engage in the process may do so including issues around legal representation.
145. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his Department's capital underspend, if any, in 2023; and his Department's projected spend in 2024. [17418/24]
View answerThe total allocation provided for Vote 36 – Defence in 2023 was €915 million, which included the significant capital allocation of €176 million. The provisional outturn for 2023 indicates a total capital spend of €209 million, amounting to 119% of the allocation.
The principal demand drivers of Defence capital requirements are the ongoing acquisition and renewal of military equipment, along with the development and upgrade of Defence Forces built infrastructure and ICT capacity. These capital projects are often atypical, with long lead-in times and are usually pursued over a multi-annual timeframe.
Equipment and Infrastructural priorities for the Defence Forces are considered in the context of the established Equipment Development Plan (EDP) and Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) frameworks operating within my Department. This approach ensures that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles, both at home and overseas.
For 2023, the capital expenditure of €209 million provided to Vote 36 – Defence facilitated the progression of a significant number of Defence equipment projects, such as:
• the acquisition of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft;
• the acquisition of a C295 Transport Aircraft;
• the acquisition of two Inshore Patrol Vessels from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara;
• the acquisition of Software Defined Radio;
• the ongoing midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of Mowag Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carriers.
Aligned with the progression of Defence Equipment projects, the Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) has enabled ongoing modernising and upgrading of the Defence built infrastructure portfolio.
Multiple projects are progressing at different stages of development, such as:
• the construction of the Cadet School HQ, Defence Forces Training Centre (completed in 2023);
• the McKee Block H upgrade (completed in 2023);
• the construction of a new Military Medical Facility at Casement Aerodrome;
• the upgrade of the former University Students Administrative Complement (USAC), Student Facility in Galway;
• the upgrade of Accommodation Block 4 at the Naval Base, Haulbowline;
• the construction of a new CIS Workshop Facility and a purpose built ARW facility at the Defence Forces Training Centre;
• the development of a broad range of facility improvements and upgrades in military locations across the country.
For 2024, the Defence capital allocation remains at its highest ever level of €176 million and it is expected that the entire allocation will be expended by year-end. In addition, following the recent review of NDP multi-annual allocations, the capital allocations for the Defence Vote for 2025 and 2026 have been significantly increased, to €215 million and €220 million respectively.
The primary return on Defence capital investment is the maintenance and development of necessary military capabilities, and in that regard, the increased capital funding now available to Defence will accelerate the transformation of the Defence Forces in line with the objectives and timeframes set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF).
146. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of unpublished military air accident investigation reports that exist covering the years 1990 to date in 2024. [17604/24]
View answerI am advised that the information sought by the Deputy is not held in my Department and as such my officials have requested the numbers of same from the military authorities. I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information is submitted to my Department.
147. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his further plans to increase the retirement age for members of the Defence Forces and the Reserve Defence Force beyond the current age limit; when will the age be increased to 62 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17684/24]
View answerAs of 29 March 2024, all Permanent Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces personnel who previously had 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.
As announced on 5 March 2024, in tandem with the changes made to the mandatory retirement age, 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. I will work closely with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as his Department works to progress the legislative changes required to finalise the new framework. It is anticipated that the same revised mandatory retirement age will apply to the Reserve Defence Forces.
148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the mechanisms by which a person who is court martialled may have their rank reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17756/24]
View answerThe Defence Act 1954 (as amended) provides the principle statutory basis for the Court-Martial system, which administers military justice in the Irish Defence Forces.
The main purpose of the Court-Martial system is to provide a mechanism for the enforcement of Military Law in the Defence Forces.
The fundamental principle of Military Law is the regulation of behaviour of military personnel, having regard to the unique requirements and demands of military life, in order to ensure that the required standard of discipline is maintained at all times.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force are subject to Military Law at all times. Chapter II of Part V of the Act, sections 124 to 169A (inclusive) provide for the various offences against Military Law for which persons subject to Military Law may be tried and punished by Courts-Martial.
Sections 209 and 210 of the Defence Act 1954 set out the punishments that may be awarded, by a court-martial, to officers and enlisted personnel (respectively).
Pursuant to section 209(1)D, a Commissioned Officer may be reduced to any lower commissioned rank, by a court martial.
Pursuant to section 210(1)E, a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) may be reduced to any lower non-commissioned rank, by a court martial.
Where either of the above has occurred, and, the court-martial punishment has not been quashed by a higher court, the Officer or NCO in question may be promoted again in the future, through the usual promotion mechanisms, laid out in Defence Force Regulations.
149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if authorisation from the Department if necessary for serving members of the Defence Forces to sit on the board of security organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17757/24]
View answerDefence Forces Regulation (DFR) A7 deals with the overarching matter of discipline. Paragraphs 16 to 23 provides for the position of members of the Permanent Defence Force in relation to matters of contracts, sales and purchases, and private trade or employment. Of particular note in this instance is Para 20D which states:
"Where it comes to the notice of Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) that a member of the Permanent Defence Forces is engaged in off-duty employment which is likely to prove detrimental or prejudicial to the best interests of the service, he may take such measures as may appear to him/her necessary and desirable to terminate or limit the scope of such employment".
Unit Commanders are obliged to manage personnel under their command to ensure compliance with DFRs. Any breaches of DFRs are dealt with appropriately through normal Defence Forces administrative and/or disciplinary measures.
150. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update in relation to the strategic defence review and provide a timeline on the publication of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/24]
View answerThe Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published in November 2023 builds on the publication of the Commission Report itself in February 2022, the High Level Action Plan in July 2022 and the Early Actions Update published in March 2023. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA 2) by 2028 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across the Commission’s recommendations approved by Government.
One of the Early Actions identified in the High-Level Action Plan was the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review as part of the regular defence review process set out in the White Paper 2015.
The first stage of this review has been the preparation of a revised security environment assessment (SEA) conducted by an interdepartmental and interagency working group and addresses the significant security environment changes since the White Paper Update in 2019. This assessment has informed the overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing as part of the Strategic Defence Review.
The Department of Defence, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, co-hosted a Consultative Forum on International Security in June 2023. The Forum built a deeper understanding of the threats faced by the State, and the links to, and between, our foreign, security and defence policy. It also provided an opportunity to examine the experiences and policy choices of other partners in responding to the new security environment in Europe.
As well as encompassing the Governments agreed recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Independent Review Group, the Strategic Defence Review will consider the reflections of the Consultative Forum on International Security and the future role of the Defence Forces both nationally and internationally.
Work on the Strategic Defence Review is progressing and is expected to be finalised soon.
151. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to deal with increased capacity for traffic at Bray train station in light of BusConnects proposals for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17306/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both the policy and funding areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with the publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
152. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of the assessment for the reopening of Avoca train station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17307/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the feasibility study on the proposed reopening of Avoca train station..
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days
153. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he has been informed of the allocation of new carriages coming on stream in 2024; if carriages will be allocated to Wicklow line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17308/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In 2019, Irish Rail placed the order for 41 InterCity Rail cars with Hyundai Rotem. They were delivered to Inchicore to undergo testing and were due to enter service on the basis of increasing capacity on existing services. Decisions on the deployment of the 41 ICRs will be based on current and projected demand and infrastructure capacity, and subject to approval of the National Transport Authority.
The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to the allocation of new train carriages is a matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the NTA. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.
154. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport when the All-Island Strategic Rail Review be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17382/24]
View answerThe All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities including the potential for higher/high-speed, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July 2023. The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both jurisdictions.
It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions and that the final Review will be published in the Summer.
155. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if changes to legislation will be looked at when it comes to purchasing a boat for tour trips outside of Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17395/24]
View answerThe operation of vessels in Ireland requires compliance with a range of maritime safety and pollution prevention requirements as well as crew welfare and crew qualifications. The carriage of passengers on a vessel in Ireland requires the highest levels of maritime safety to ensure the safety of the travelling public. The purchase of a vessel is a private commercial transaction for an individual and they need to ensure that they comply with applicable Irish legislation. Unfortunately, there have been some previous cases where operators have purchased vessels abroad which appeared to be perfectly certified by the relevant authority abroad but the purchaser subsequently discovered that this was not the case when seeking to operate in Ireland. These cases have caused great financial distress for those involved and potentially placed seafarers at significant maritime risk.
It is for these reasons that any vessel intended for operation in Ireland must comply fully with the relevant Irish requirements. It is recommended that any prospective purchaser should engage competent maritime technical advice before purchase, and they should also contact the Marine Survey Office of my Department who will be able to provide information regarding the regulatory framework and requirements that apply in Ireland.
156. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport if Iarnród Éireann will have onboard catering facilities fully restored on trains in time for the busy summer period. [17408/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The issue raised by the Deputy in relation to onboard catering facilities is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
157. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport the current waiting times for a driving test in Clifden, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17428/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
Regarding the driver testing service more generally, in order to meet unprecedented demand and address testing delays, last year my Department gave approval for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers. By the end of 2023 there was an increase of 41 driver testers allocated across the driver testing service with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting times and highest demand for tests. Sanction remains in place for the Authority to increase the number of testers employed.
The national average waiting time for invitation to test has been decreasing since last September, when the first tranche of new recruits were deployed, from a peak of 30.4 weeks at the end of August to 15.6 weeks as of the end of March.
My Department is continuing to work closely with the Authority to monitor demand and capacity requirements of the driver testing service to ensure it meets the agreed service level of average wait times of 10 weeks, which the Authority expects to achieve by mid-2024.
158. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the CIÉ pensions 1951 scheme, concerning a potential increase of 2.6%; if he will advise on a specific matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17431/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the CIÉ Group is actively engaged in introducing changes to their pension schemes aimed at rectifying the significant deficit in order to meet the statutory Minimum Funding Standard (MFS) required by the Pensions Authority. The changes also aim to sustain the pension schemes into the long-term. Regarding the 1951 Scheme, CIÉ has prepared and submitted a draft SI to give effect to Labour Court recommendations for the 1951 Scheme, as passed by ballot of trade union members in May 2021. The Department is still in the process of considering the draft SI in conjunction with NewERA. The Deputy may also be aware that the rules governing the 1951 scheme are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings before the Commercial Court. The Hearing commenced on 24 May 2022 for 4 days, and the proceedings are next listed for the 24th of April 2024. Concerning pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, I understand that an increase for pensioners would only be possible when the Schemes are capable of sustaining such increases. Furthermore, any such proposal would be dependent on the advice of the Scheme Actuary at the time an increase is proposed, and is done in agreement with the Trustees of the Schemes. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
159. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if the contract to a company (details supplied) to deliver driver theory tests has been extended; the mechanism under which the contract was extended; if it was open to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17435/24]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service and the information requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct, detailed reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
160. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate Monaghan County Council the additional €5.9 million necessary to restore local roads to an acceptable level of condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17438/24]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources, which are supplemented by State grants for regional and local roads. As outlined in the 2024 Regional and Local Roads programme which I released on the 15th of February this year, the Government is strongly committed to protecting the existing regional and local road network. This network is fundamental in connecting people and places across the country. Ireland's regional and local road network spans over 96,000kms. The network requires significant funding to ensure it remains fit for purpose, safe and resilience. As such, €658 million was allocated to Regional and Local Road Grants in 2024, with approximately 90% of this funding being directed towards maintenance and renewal works. This represents an overall grant funding allocation increase of 5%. Under the 2024 grants allocations, Monaghan County Council was allocated over €17 million for the maintenance and improvement of their regional and local roads network; this represents an increase of nearly €835,000 compared to their 2023 allocation. This funding will support Monaghan County Council in carrying out an extensive 2024 programme of maintenance and restoration works. In addition, the funding is earmarked to support various climate adaptation projects, bridge rehabilitation schemes and vital safety improvement works. Under the National Development Plan, the Government prioritises carrying out targeted improvements to sections of the regional and local road network with €677 million earmarked over the 10-years until 2030. Road improvement projects can be proposed by local authorities for consideration for funding. All projects put forward must comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Transport Appraisal Framework. Each project will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, keeping available resources in mind. My Department continues to work closely with all local authorities.
161. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will allocate TII with additional funding to progress the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road scheme in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17439/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
While it was not possible to provide an allocation to the N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney road scheme in 2024, it remains part of the NDP, and as with all NDP projects will be considered for funding in future years.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
162. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the reasons for the disparity between domestic electric car charging unit prices and the rate per unit charged for on-street charging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17470/24]
View answerHaving an effective and reliable recharging network is essential to enabling drivers to choose electric. Home charging is the primary charging method for most Irish EV owners as it’s convenient and cheaper for the consumer as well assists in the overall management of the national grid. Over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home.
The National EV Infrastructure Strategy identifies four main categories of charging infrastructure. Each serves a different user need and depends on where and when people need to charge their EVs.
• Home/apartment charging
• Residential neighbourhood charging
• Destination charging
• Motorway/en-route charging
Home charging is the most cost effective method of charging and should remain the most common and easiest form of charging for the majority of vehicle users. Residential charging solutions are being developed and should replicate the home-charging pattern of charging vehicles at night, during off-peak periods, and at a lower cost, for citizens who do not have access to a home charge point.
Destination and motorway/en-route charging are installed by charge point operators who operate their own pricing models.
Price setting by electricity suppliers and charge point operators is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned and the Department has no role. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.
Any changes to the cost of charging are subject to the customers home energy costs in the event that they have a home EV charger, or the pricing models implemented by charge point operators in the case of public EV charging.
There are no current plans to introduce regulation on charging costs within the EV charging sector.
163. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if he will allow for a VAT exemption on the purchase of new buses for deployment in passenger transport given the overarching benefits to decarbonising the national fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17510/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the procurement of the national Public Service Obligation bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
