I move
That a sum not exceeding £48,946,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1975, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Defence, including certain services administered by that Office; for the pay and expenses of the Defence Forces; and for payment of certain grants-in-aid.
The Estimate for Defence for the financial year ending on 31st December, 1975, is for a net sum of £48,946,000. It is based on an average strength of 1,211 officers, 146 cadets and 11,000 men. The total provision for the nine months' financial period ended on 31st December, 1974, amounted to £31,490,000, which included a Supplementary Estimate of £3,263,000 and £1,186,000 transferred from the Vote for Remuneration to cover the cost of pay increases under the 1974 national pay agreement, 15th round. The 1974 Estimate was based on an average strength of 1,150 officers, 162 cadets and 10,500 men in the Permanent Defence Force.
I am glad to say that the recruiting campaign for the Permanent Defence Force, which commenced towards the end of 1973 and continued throughout 1974, has been very successful. On the 28th February, 1975, the actual strength stood at 1,235 officers, 153 cadets and 10,515 men—an increase of 646 all ranks in 12 months. But we have plenty of room for more men and a fresh recruiting drive is now starting. I would again exhort all Deputies to encourage suitable young men in their constituencies to join the Army, where they will be doing a worthwhile job of national importance, with pay and conditions which compare very favourably with those obtainable in civilian life.
At over 11,900 the strength of the Permanent Defence Force is at its highest for more than 25 years; indeed, it is much higher than what it was at the outbreak of the second world war when the strength was less than 7,500. A basic concept of the defence organisation is that the Permanent Defence Force should be capable of rapid expansion in the event of an emergency and would be able to absorb and prepare for action the many thousands who would offer their services in time of grave emergency. Voluntary enlistment is the basis on which the Defence Forces are maintained. It has always been so, even during the critical years of the second world war.
The pay provisions in the Estimate amount to £35,936,000. The first and second phases of the 15th round pay increases under the national agreement, 1974, have been applied to the pay of all ranks in the Defence Forces. The "threshold" increase of 10 per cent has also been implemented as from 1st March, 1975, in accord with its application in the public service generally. In addition considerable progress, in line with what has been taking place in the public service, has been made in the matter of equalisation of the pay of single and married personnel.
The special allowances payable for duty on the Border have again been substantially increased and the special payment which was introduced last May in respect of security duties in locations other than the Border area has also been improved. As well as ensuring that service in the Defence Force is reasonably rewarded, I hope that these measures will help in retaining trained men in service and in attracting recruits.
Facilities continue to be provided for a number of non-commissioned officers and privates of the Permanent Defence Force to attend courses leading to the Department of Education day group certificate and leaving certificate examinations. Others have been registered as apprentices for courses in the trades of fitter, motor mechanic, sheet metal worker, bricklayer, painter/decorator and plasterer and are following courses at AnCO centres. Some of these latter are attending full-time off-the-job training courses; others are attending day release courses. In the academic year 1974-75 over 100 men are participating in these educational and training activities.
Because of the demands of the present security situation, Deputies will appreciate that we cannot release as many men as we would wish to attend these courses. However, we shall avail ourselves of every opportunity to raise the general and technical education standards of the men so as to enable them to attain the high standards necessary in a modern army and to find suitable employment when their Army service has ended.
Competitions for the appointment of cadets in the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service were held in 1974 and as a result 87 cadets were appointed. Including intakes from earlier competitions, there is a total of 153 cadets at present. About 100 of these will, it is expected, be commissioned during the present year. The scheme under which Army cadets and young officers who have the necessary qualifications are sent to University College, Galway, is now a well established feature and is continuing satisfactorily. There are currently 110 officers and cadets doing degree courses at the university.
It is some five years now since commissions were last awarded to a group of non-commissioned officers. I am having arrangements made so that a further group of about 20 non-commissioned officers can be commissioned. This will involve special selection procedures and the holding of a potential officers' course lasting about a year. I shall consider very carefully whether it would be practicable to have more frequent intakes of officers from this source.
Over the past five years increasing demands have been made on the Defence Forces. Internal security continues to dominate their activities. In discharge of this duty the Permanent Defence Force has the valuable assistance of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, whose members have responded admirably to the demands made on them for week-end and other forms of part-time service. The First Line Reserve is also helping by having some of its members on full-time service. To all components of the Defence Forces— the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service, the Army Nursing Service, the First Line Reserve, the FCA and the Slua Muirí—I again pay tribute for the excellent manner in which they have performed their various duties, which very often are tedious and difficult as well as demanding discipline and motivation of a high order. They have the gratitude and appreciation of the Government and, I feel sure, of the House also.
As Members are aware, internal security is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. The current involvement of the Defence Forces on a daily and continuous basis is indicative of the serious nature of the security situation confronting us. Continuous support is given to the Garda at their request and covers a wide field of activity. The combined operations have resulted in a close and harmonious liaison between the Army and the Garda at all levels, built on a common commitment and mutual understanding and co-operation.
A few statistics may help Members to appreciate the extent of the Army's involvement in security duties. During the 12 months ended on 31st December, 1974, over 6,000 military parties were supplied for check-point duties and participated with the Garda Síochána in setting up nearly 16,000 joint Garda/Army check-points. More than 3,000 patrols were sent out into the road network along the Border from the military posts which are being maintained in that area. These patrols have instructions to detain any persons found carrying arms illegally. They are equipped with radio and can be diverted to the scene of a Border incident by radio instructions. During the same period escorts for explosives and blasting operations were provided on upwards of 850 occasions and more than 500 requests for bomb disposal teams were dealt with. Several vital non-military installations are under permanent military guard, while others are protected by military patrols. There are also duties in connection with the custody and escorting of civilian prisoners and the conduct of searches for arms, ammunition and explosives. The list is not exhaustive but these activities are the main ones with which the Defence Forces are concerned in the internal security field. They represent a very considerable demand on the manpower of the Defence Forces.
Every true Irish man and woman will work and pray for an end to the organised violence and the terrible deeds that have plagued this country, North and South, these last years. We dare hope that peace will be restored before long. Until then the Defence Forces will continue to aid the civil power in the maintenance of law and order and in the preservation of the institutions of the State. The Government are determined that the Defence Forces will be adequately supplied and equipped for the task. For law and order are basic and are the first responsibility of government; they are the prerequisites for ordinary, decent, everyday living and for the stability which is so essential for social and economic progress.
In May of last year the Government decided with great regret to withdraw the officers and men of the Irish contingent serving with the United Nations Emergency Force in the Middle East. After long and careful deliberation, following the bomb outrages in Dublin and Monaghan, the Government felt that the exceptional strains imposed on the security forces of the State warranted this step. When conveying the decision to the United Nations the Government intimated that they would be happy, when the present need had passed, to send again an Irish contingent to the Middle East should the United Nations feel this desirable.
Happily, our military participation in UN activities did not end with this withdrawal. Twenty-one Irish officers are at present serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation in the Middle East. Six of these officers have been transferred on a temporary basis to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force which was established in June, 1974, following the agreement on disengagement between the Israeli and Syrian forces. Two officers and four NCOs are serving in staff appointments with the United Nations peace-keeping force in Cyprus. The Irish troops serving with the United Nations continue to maintain the proud record and high reputation built up over the years in difficult and hazardous circumstances.
While on the question of commitments to the United Nations, there are still outstanding claims for the costs of supplying the contingents to the forces in Cyprus and the Middle East. Of claims amounting to £3.75 million presented to the United Nations in respect of the extra costs of the Irish contingents which served in Cyprus, £3.17 million has been recovered, leaving a balance of £0.58 million outstanding. In the case of the Middle East operation, claims in respect of the provision of the Irish contingent are being finalised and it is hoped to present them to the United Nations in the near future. Interim payments totalling some £160,000 have, however, been received from the United Nations in respect of this operation.
The increased level of expenditure on stores and equipment in the past few years is indicative of the Government's determination to strengthen the capability of the Defence Forces. This capability will receive a further boost from the substantial purchases for which provision is made in the present Estimate.
Although the transport fleet still includes a fair proportion of old vehicles, the overall position has steadily improved due to substantial purchases of landrovers and lorries of troop-carrying capacity to meet urgent commitments on escort and patrol duties. Purchases of saloon cars, station wagons, motorcycles and specialised types of vehicles were also made. Further purchases of a variety of vehicles are to be made this year.
Partial provision has been made for the procurement of a second fishery protection vessel on the lines generally of L.E. Deirdre. The plans and specifications are completed and I expect that the process of arranging a contract will be commenced at an early date. I want now to acknowledge the expert assistance given by Irish Shipping in the preparation of plans for the old Deirdre if one may so describe it, and I am glad that assistance will also be available in the future. I am glad to say that L.E. Deirdre which has been in service for two-and-a-half years and the three coastal minesweepers for almost four years have all proved very satisfactory.
Last year a contract was placed for six jet trainer aircraft as replacements for the Vampires which are at the end of their useful life. These new aircraft, which will also have an operational capability, are expected to be delivered in the first half of this year. After delivery the aircraft will be equipped with an up-to-date avionics system which will be supplied and installed by Aer Lingus.
A modernisation programme to update the air traffic control facilities at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, is also to be initiated this year.
The helicopter service, which has been providing rescue, ambulance and other services for over ten years, now consists of eight Alouette III helicopters. Members, I am sure, are aware of the very fine and worthwhile service the Air Corps is providing to the community by this means, apart altogether from its important security role.
In search and rescue alone, the helicopters flew 36 missions last year and were directly responsible for the saving of 14 lives. On the 22nd October, 1974, I had great pleasure in presenting to three brave young men at Baldonnel the Distinguished Service Medal, which I had awarded them on the recommendation of the military authorities. This was in recognition of a daring mission they performed on 5th August, 1972, when, as the crew of an Air Corps helicopter, they effected, under very adverse weather conditions, the rescue of a boy trapped on a ledge on the waterfall face at Powerscourt, County Wicklow.
The number of helicopter ambulance missions flown in 1974 was 75. These consisted, in the main, of the transporting of critically ill patients from all over the country to specialist medical hospitals in Dublin.
On six different occasions during 1974 the Air Corps performed mercy missions to islands off the western seaboard, making a total of 37 round trips. These missions usually involved the transporting of essential supplies when inclement weather prevented the normal boat service. Often on these occasions there are stranded people to be transported also.
The Estimate includes a provision of £2 million approximately for the continuation of the Army building programme. As in the previous financial period, priority is being given to requirements in Border areas. The construction of a new billet block for 105 troops at Dundalk Military Barracks has been commenced and this building should be available by December next. The planning of further improvements at this location is proceeding.
Tenders for the erection of a new barracks at Monaghan, a major work, have been invited and I expect that a contract will be placed about July next. A number of lesser works at other Border locations were completed during the past year.
Elsewhere, the programme of building works designed to improve accommodation for the Defence Forces is continuing. Among the larger works completed in 1974 were new premises for cadets and young officers attending University College, Galway, a 20-house scheme for married soldiers in Athlone, and new billet accommodation for apprentices at the Army Apprentice School, Naas. Work on the erection of a new dining-hall and cookhouse at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, is well advanced and a new FCA headquarters building at Navan has been completed. Arrangements for the provision of a similar building at Westport are in the final stages.
The current provision will allow the present high level of activity on Army building works to be maintained. Miscellaneous works designed to improve living conditions within the Army are provided for and there is provision for the commencement of a further scheme of 50 houses for married soldiers at the Curragh Training Camp. The planning of this scheme is at an advanced stage.
The programme for refurbishing the Equitation School was continued in 1974 and 15 horses were purchased at a total cost of £157,247. Provision of £60,000 has been made for further purchases of horses in 1975.
During 1974, Army riders and horses participated in international horse shows at Dublin, Wiesbaden, Lucerne, Hickstead, Wembley, Rotterdam, Washington, New York and Toronto and won 28 prizes including four major first prizes at these shows. One Army rider and horse competed in the World Three-Day Event Championship at Burghley and finished fifth overall. In addition, 35 horse shows and gymkhanas in Ireland were attended. The total prize money won in 1974 was £5,376. Prize money in show jumping is much more significant than the actual amount. The successes which carried the £5,376 in prizes were major ones. It is proposed that riders and horses of the school will participate in International Shows again this year including those to be held at Geneva, Rome, Aachen and Dublin.
It is a cause of regret for me that Ireland will not now have the opportunity to sponsor the Equestrian Event of the International Military Sports Council this year. We had looked forward to the event and had done a good deal of groundwork but only three other member nations were prepared to participate, and under the rules of the council the event cannot be held unless a minimum of six nations are participating.
In regard to sail training, the Asgard has regrettably, but definitely, reached the end of her sailing days. Tenders have been invited for the construction of a replacement vessel which the Government have decided will be named Brendan. I am hopeful that the new vessel will be sailing in 1976. To enable sail training to be carried on during the waiting period, I arranged recently for the purchase of a secondhand yacht which has been renamed Creidne. It is approximately the size of Asgard and while it is an excellent yacht and in very good condition, it has not anything like the accommodation planned for Brendan. One way or the other it is our objective to participate in the transatlantic race of the Sail Training Association next year. The Creidne is capable of crossing the Atlantic and being with the sail training ships of the other countries in New York harbour in 1976. I believe that sail training is a very worthwhile pursuit and under the excellent committee that controls it, the facility will be used to the best advantage.
Subhead G of the Estimate, which relates to Civil Defence, provides for a nett expenditure of £335,000, the greater portion of which represents the amount involved in the payment of grants to local authorities at the level of 70 per cent of their outlay on Civil Defence functional administration, on the training of Civil Defence volunteers and on the storage and maintenance of civil defence equipment. I am grateful to the officers of local authorities and regional health boards for the part they play in the promotion of civil defence in their areas. Strengths have been well maintained; training both at local level and at the Civil Defence school in Dublin has continued satisfactorily and I have been most impressed by the dedication and commitment of the volunteer personnel whom I have met during my visits to local centres and to the school.
Provision is included in the subhead for the purchase of new personnel and equipment vehicles, ambulances and mobile fire appliances, which will be issued to local authorities, and for the acquisition of communications equipment, radiac instruments and so on. Delivery has already commenced of the new Civil Defence uniform and the present Estimate includes provision for further deliveries during 1975. I know that this will be welcomed by those who have commented on certain unsatisfactory features of the old uniforms.
Deputies will be aware of the magnificent response which was forthcoming from the Civil Defence services on the occasion of the tragic bomb incidents of 17th May, 1974, in Dublin and Monaghan. But there have been many other times when Civil Defence volunteers assisted, or stood ready to help out, in lesser bomb incidents or bomb scares, fires or floods, in circumstances which attracted little or no publicity. I cannot praise too highly the devotion of these men and women which is so manifest not only on the occasions which I have mentioned but in all the unspectacular work of training and routine duties throughout the year. So that the most effective application can be achieved of this meritorious service to the community, my Department in collaboration with the Department of Health, have sought to promote the maximum co-ordination of Civil Defence with the hospital, medical and ambulance services of the regional health boards, with the other local authority services, with the Garda Síochána and with the voluntary aid societies. This co-ordination extends to the implementation of the disaster plans formulated in each region to cope with emergencies no matter how arising.
I have pleasure in again paying tribute to the Irish Red Cross Society, the Order of Malta and the St. John Ambulance Brigade for the co-operation which exists between their units and the Civil Defence services.
It is my hope that the sterling example of community service which has been set by the volunteers serving in the Civil Defence organisation will be an inspiration to others to join their ranks and an incentive to them to play their part, too, in this praiseworthy work.
Perhaps I might add a brief comment on subhead BB of the Estimate in which provision is made for a grant-in-aid to the Irish Red Cross Society. Included here is an allocation for emergency relief and during 1974 sums amounting to £6,000 were made available to the society to enable them to contribute to the relief of distress in Cyprus.
That concludes my general review of the Estimate for Defence. Before I leave the subject there are a few particular matters I should like to refer to.
One of the major recent incidents involving troops was the attempted escape last month from Portlaoise Prison, which ended tragically for one of the prisoners. The Minister for Justice gave the House an account of the incident at the time. I do not wish to add to that except to say that all the information available to me leads me to believe that the military guards acted with promptitude and restraint, and with proper regard for human life. Since the in-quest has not yet been held, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to say more at this stage.
Another matter I wish to mention is the projected evacuation of Cathal Brugha Barracks and its replacement by a new barracks to be built outside Dublin. This is an undertaking of great magnitude and importance. It is not simply a question of moving a given body of troops with their impedimenta to new buildings at another location. Some of the units and installations in Cathal Brugha Barracks will be redistributed among other Dublin barracks, and this alone will require considerable preparatory work. Griffith Barracks figures in the scheme and we hope to have the full use of that barracks fairly soon, but major building works will be necessary there before it will be suitable for full-time military occupation.
So as to make the best use of all remaining barrack accommodation in the Dublin area and to keep new building to the minimum, a series of complex moves and adjustments will be necessary. These are now in the process of being worked out. The cost of the full project will run to some millions of £s but the stage has not yet been reached where a comprehensive estimate can be made. The actual execution of the work is likely to be spread over a number of years.
I turn now to the Army Pensions Estimate which is also before the House. This is for a net sum of £10,337,000 for the year ending the 31st December, 1975.
The net figure for the nine months ended 31st December 1974, was £6,604,000, that is, the sum of £6,420,000 shown in the Book of Estimates, plus £184,000 transferred from the Vote for Remuneration to enable payment of the increased pensions and allowances to be made from the 1st July, 1974.
Included in the £10,337,000 is a sum of £1,194,000 to cover the increases in the pensions and allowances which will become payable from the 1st July, 1975, in accordance with the principle of maintaining parity in public service pensions.
The other increases arise mainly from: (a) the additional numbers qualifying for allowances under subhead C—allowances and gratuities to dependants; (b) increased provision for pensions and gratuities under subhead E for retired members of the Permanent Defence Force; and (c) increased cost of the concessions for veterans of the War of Independence under subhead M.
In subhead C there are 4,400 widows of military service pensioners in receipt of allowances equal to one-half of their deceased husband's pension at current rates and subject to a minimum amount of £87.84 a year. The average rate of allowance payable is £132.00 a year.
The number of special allowances payable under subhead H continues to show a downward trend, reflecting the excess of deaths over new awards. At present there are more than 10,000 allowances being paid and the average allowance works out at £194 a year.
In subhead M the cost of the scheme for free travel, electricity and television licences shows an increase of £76,000 compared with last year. This is due to increased costs.
I am happy to announce that arrangements are in the process of being completed which will enable certain categories of veterans of the War of Independence to attend an outpatients' clinic at St. Bricin's Hospital, Dublin. This has long been sought. The particular categories are:
(a) persons who were awarded military service pensions under the Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924 and 1934,
(b) persons who were awarded disablement pensions under the Army Pensions Acts in respect of a wound or disease related to military service in the period which commenced on the 23rd April, 1916, and ended on the 30th September, 1924.
The services to be provided at the clinic are mainly such as would be available in a general medical practitioner's surgery, but consultant services covering ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat will also be available. Minor surgery only, not involving retention in hospital, may be carried out at the clinic. Cases requiring major surgery could not be dealt with at St. Bricin's Hospital, but advice would be given. Drugs and medicines, as prescribed at the clinic, would be supplied from the hospital pharmacy. This clinic will not be a substitute for the ordinary health services but rather as a facility to be availed of for the casual medical needs of veterans of the categories mentioned. The extent to which the resources of St. Bricin's Hospital can be made available for the clinic is limited. It would be in everybody's interest, therefore, that the facility should be used only when necessary. Details of the scheme will be conveyed to the eligible persons as soon as possible.
I commend both Estimates to the favourable consideration of the House. If Deputies require more information on any points, I shall be glad to give it when replying to the debate.