I move:
That a sum not exceeding £240,633,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1985, 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 Defence Estimates for the year ending 31 December 1985 is for a net sum of £240,633,000 of which £178,957,000 or 74 per cent provides for pay and allowances. This represents an increase of 7 per cent on the net provisional outturn for 1984. The gross provision in the 1985 Estimate is £253,433,000. It includes £74,476,000 for non-pay items. The provision of £12,800,000 for appropriationsin-aid shows an increase of £2,593,000 on the 1984 provisional outturn.
The Estimate is based on an average strength of 1,590 officers, 60 cadets and 12,050 other ranks — a total of 13,700 in the Permanent Defence Force.
Heavy demands continue to be made on the Defence Forces, particularly in regard to security matters. While the Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for internal security the involvement of the Defence Forces in this field derives from their role of rendering aid to the civil power. The duties undertaken by the Defence Forces in support of the Garda Síochána are necessary to help in upholding security and the maintenance of the rule of law. These impose a heavy burden on the officers and men of the Defence Forces as will be evidenced from the following summary of such duties carried out in 1984—
Over 12,000 military parties were supplied in Border areas for operational duties, about 13,500 checkpoints were set up and about 16,000 patrols were sent out into the road network along the Border and in other areas; escorts for explosives and blasting operations were provided on about 1,000 occasions; over 3,500 escorts for movements of cash were provided and about 100 requests for bomb disposal teams were handled.
The Defence Forces also provide guards for the movement of prisoners and assist in searches for arms, ammunition and explosives. In addition certain vital non-military installations are protected either by permanent military guards or by military patrols. These difficult and sensitive duties call for a high degree of efficiency and discretion and I am pleased to record that the officers and men acquitted themselves very well indeed in the performance of their duties. This reflects great credit on the standards of training and instruction maintained and I should like to express my appreciation to all concerned on a job well done.
I should like to refer also to the high level of efficiency shown by the Naval Service in carrying out their tasks and in particular the operation at sea which resulted in the capture of a large cargo of arms and ammunition consigned to a subversive organisation. This incident is a salutary reminder of what we as a community are up against in regard to subversive activity.
Deputies will realise full well the threat posed to democratic government throughout Ireland by subversive organisations. In recent times the right of our citizens to live in peace has been increasingly challenged by criminal elements. I saw a graphic example of that when I visited the town of Lifford yesterday when a large area of the town was devastated by an outrage committed by savage criminals. The Government are determined, however, to eliminate violence from whatever source it may come and to take every measure necessary to counteract the activities of these organisations.
It is almost inevitable, in the times in which we live, that members of the Defence Forces find themselves confronted in the course of their duties by dangerous situations. On occasions they are placed in situations where life is seriously at risk. The duties undertaken by the Defence Forces demand dedication and courage, qualities which personnel are required to display on a daily basis. I think it is appropriate here to pay tribute to the officers and men of the Defence Forces and to acknowledge the contribution they make, in co-operation with the Garda Síochána, in providing security for the community and in ensuring the preservation of law and order.
Deputies will be aware of developments in South Lebanon in recent times and of the significant contribution to the cause of peace which the Defence Forces continue to make through participation in the United Nations peace-keeping force in that country. At the present time an Irish contingent of about 735 all ranks is serving with the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon — UNIFIL. This force is commanded by Lieutenant-General William Callaghan, whose appointment as Force Commander is a tribute to Ireland's long commitment and dedication to the cause of international peace-keeping.
This record of peace-keeping began in 1958 when Irish officers first served as observers in Lebanon. Since that time officers and men of the Defence Forces have contributed actively and continuously to United Nations peace-keeping missions in many parts of the world. In addition to participation in UNIFIL, an Irish contingent of eight personnel is currently serving with the United Nations Force in Cyprus — UNFICYP — and 21 Irish officers are serving with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation — UNTSO — in the Middle East. The Government have been following with concern the recent events in South Lebanon in connection with the withdrawal of Israeli defence forces from that country. That withdrawal was characterised by increasing attacks on the Israeli defence forces by Shi'ite resistance groups and by harsh Israeli countermeasures.
The new situation which has developed in southern Lebanon has made the position of contingents serving with UNIFIL increasingly difficult. Troops of the Irish contingent have had to contend with a number of serious confrontations arising mainly from the activities of Israeli-backed militia in the area and occasionally Israeli defence forces themselves. The incidents in question were the subject of strenuous protests by us through diplomatic channels to the Israeli authorities and were also taken up with the Israeli authorities through the United Nations.
As Minister for Defence, I am particularly concerned regarding the welfare and safety of our troops in Lebanon and these matters are kept under constant review. In this regard troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. I am satisfied that their training, and the weapons and equipment which they are issued, are adequate to ensure the maximum safety of our personnel consistent with the discharge of their duties. I should also mention that a proportion of personnel serving with each contingent have completed previous tours of peacekeeping duty overseas and have acquired experience and expertise in coping with the many difficult situations which arise on such missions.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first involvement of units of the Defence Forces with the United Nations peace-keeping operations. As a nation we can take justifiable pride in the contribution our personnel have made to restoring and preserving peace in many troubled areas in that quarter of a century.
From the beginning the role of UNIFIL has not been an easy one. While the objectives of the original UNIFIL mandate have not been totally achieved, nevertheless UNIFIL has played a valuable and vital role in bringing peace to its area of operations and in protecting the local population. In the course of a visit to UNIFIL in October last I had the opportunity to see at first hand the prosperity and stability which had returned to the area and which, it is true to say, can be largely attributed to the UN presence. More recently in connection with the Israeli withdrawal, UNIFIL has provided security for the civilian population and has been effective in monitoring and restraining the activities of local militia and of the Israeli Defence Forces.
There is no easy solution to the difficulties which face UNIFIL in southern Lebanon and troop-contributing countries must be careful not to take any steps, such as a premature withdrawal of personnel, which would be harmful to the interests of the people of Lebanon or of the United Nations itself. In consultation with troop-contributing countries and the United Nations we are continuing to monitor closely the situation in Lebanon with a view to ensuring the security and standing of UNIFIL, and to enabling the Force to fulfil its role effectively. Despite the difficulties, we can be assured that UNIFIL will continue to carry out its functions to the utmost of its abilities in this very important United Nations mission.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Force commander and the personnel of the Irish contingent for their steadfastness and bearing in an extremely difficult peace-keeping operation.
As regards pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces, these continue to be maintained at a high standard. The Government are concerned to ensure that the remuneration of the Defence Forces keeps step with that of other sectors of the public service. To this end the pay of all ranks has attracted the increase provided for in the recent revision of pay of certain civil servants which is payable in two phases — 3 per cent with effect from 1 January 1985 and 3 per cent with effect from 1 July 1985. The cost of pay increases will be provided for in the Vote for Increases in Remuneration and Pensions as required. As I indicated in my speech on the Estimate for Defence last year, the pay of all personnel from private 2 star up to and including commandant has received the benefit of a 6 per cent arbitration award to certain grades in the Civil Service, the first phase of which — in the region of 2 per cent — has been paid with effect from 1 October 1983. The second phase of this arbitration award, about 2.5 per cent, was paid with effect from 1 December 1984 and the remaining balance of this award is due to be paid on 1 September 1985.
The current rate of pay of a recruit is almost £121 a week, rising after about 14 weeks basic training to just under £140. On advancement to private 3 star which usually takes place during the first year of service, gross pay rises to over £145, while after three years service, the gross pay of a private is over £158. I am sure the House will agree that these rates of pay are reasonable.
In addition, appropriate allowances are payable to officers and men who perform duties of a security nature. The rates of these allowances are kept constantly under review to ensure that personnel are adequately compensated for the duties which they are required to undertake. The rates of allowance for service in the Border area currently amount to £18.55 per week for officers and £16.10 per week for men. Personnel outside the Border area involved in rendering aid to the civil power such as guard duties on vital installations, cash escorts and prisoner escorts, are now paid a daily allowance of £7.90 for any such duties undertaken on weekdays and at the rate of £15.80 for duties undertaken on a Sunday or Army holiday.
While general recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force is in abeyance at the moment, I am pleased to say that, in addition to the usual recruitment of cadets and apprentices, 679 recruits were enlisted during 1984, — 581 for general service to fill vacancies in highly operational units and 98 for the Naval Service. A further 50 recruits were enlisted for the Naval Service during January 1985. During the present period of restricted recruitment the names of individuals who apply to join the Permanent Defence Force are placed on waiting lists in the various commands. As vacancies are being filled applicants will be called for interview from the waiting lists which are compiled in date order of application for enlistment.
Competitions for the award of cadetships in the Army and Air Corps were held in 1984 and 32 cadetships were awarded. A competition was advertised in May 1985 for further cadetships in the Army and Air Corps. Twenty-four cadetships in the Army and ten in the Air Corps will be awarded and the cadets will commence training in November of this year.
There used to be a belief, and it may still be held residually, that canvassing could assist an applicant in obtaining a cadetship. I am satisfied that such belief was totally without foundation but in order to try to eliminate it completely, I introduced last year a rule against canvassing under penalty of disqualification. This rule has been imposed again this year and I would like to draw it to the attention of the House in the confident expectation that Members, being aware of it, will ensure that they will not have the embarrassment of disqualifying any young man from a military career.
During 1984 apprenticeships in the Army and Air Corps totalling 107 were awarded. Further competitions for the award of apprenticeships in both the Army (up to 60) and Air Corps (up to 20) were advertised in February last. The apprentices will commence training in August of this year.
Arrangements to ensure that personnel of the Defence Forces can avail of the best possible educational and training facilities continued during the past year. A total of 133 officers are undergoing various full-time courses at third-level educational institutions at present. The practice of assigning officers to such courses is being continued in 1985 to meet the requirements of the Defence Forces.
Under the scheme, introduced some years ago, to train executive branch cadets of the Naval Service in Ireland, eight cadets trained under this scheme have been commissioned and a further four cadets are undergoing training at present. Also, 15 officers have been commissioned to date under the scheme introduced for the purpose of providing the Naval Service with qualified marine engineer officers.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force who, in their own time, attend approved second level and third level courses of education may be refunded the tuition and examination fees involved.
The scheme whereby personnel are registered with AnCO as apprentices in various trades such as motor mechanic, sheet metal worker and bricklayer, continues to operate very satisfactorily. These personnel attend either full time off-the-job training courses, day-release courses or block-release courses. Selected personnel are also assigned to specialised third level courses in engineering, electronics and catering.
In order that the level of knowledge and expertise may be kept in line with modern developments elsewhere, and to provide for the efficient maintenance and operation of the many sophisticated equipments in use in the Defence Forces, it is intended that a number of personnel attend courses in foreign military and civilian establishments during 1985.
As regards the Reserve (First Line), the FCA and Slua Muirí, I regret that it has again been found necessary to reduce annual training by seven days. The reduction continues to be necessary as part of the Government's programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure. The saving, lest anyone be in doubt, is substantial, being almost £2 million. Notwithstanding the reduced period, however, I have again decided that the gratuity payable to qualified members of the Reserve who complete the maximum permissible period in 1985 will be at the full rates and not at the reduced rates which would normally apply in respect of attendance at training for the shorter period.
The non-pay provisions for this year total almost £74.5 million gross and are required to maintain the capabilities of the Defence Forces and to meet commitments already entered into.
Provision is made for final payments for three of the five twin-engined Dauphin helicopters on order and due for delivery this year. Two of the helicopters are for use in conjunction with the new patrol vessel — LE Eithne— which was delivered to the Naval Service late last year. The other helicopter is the first of three which will enable more effective search-and-rescue, air ambulance and transport services to be provided. The additional two helicopters are due for delivery in 1986. These Dauphin helicopters are larger and more advanced than the existing Alouettes and will be capable of flying at night and in reduced visibility. An extensive training programme associated with the introduction of these aircraft has already commenced. The incorporation of advanced avionics in these aircraft to permit of all-weather operations has meant that we have had to wait longer to bring them into service than would otherwise have been the case, but I am glad to say that the state of the art equipment specified by us will give them a navigational capability essential for safe operations in the hostile conditions to be encountered off our south and west coasts.
A new radar installation was recently put into commission at Casement Aerodrome. This provides air traffic control surveillance of the surrounding air space and assists landings in conditions of reduced visibility.
A sum of £8.35 million is provided in subhead S of the Estimates for building and engineering works as compared with an outturn last year of £6.1 million. This is an increase of 37 per cent and will give added impetus to the ongoing efforts to improve accommodation and develop necessary facilities for the Defence Forces. The provision includes a sum of £5 million for a range of new buildings and a number of major renovations.
The main features of the programme for the improvement of accommodation and facilities include the provision of new billets and the refurbishment of older ones; the building of new catering complexes in some locations and the modernisation of existing facilities in others; the development of recreational areas and the construction of new administrative and operational accommodation where necessary, as well as the renovation of existing accommodation of this nature.
In recent years new billets with central heating and modern amenities have been built at Finner Camp, Dundalk Barracks and Gormanston Camp and at other locations. Plans for new officers quarters at Finner Camp are well advanced. Renovation of older billets has continued at many locations including Collins Barracks, Dublin, where a new central heating system is now in operation. Arrangements are being made for the installation of central heating in Collins Barracks, Cork.
Work is proceeding on the building of new single officers' quarters at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, and on the renovation of the officers' mess there. At Gormanston Camp a newly constructed brigade headquarters and officers' mess are nearing completion.
New catering and dining facilities have been provided in recent years at a number of barracks. Arrangements are being made for the provision of similar facilities at other locations, namely, Casement Aerodrome, Ballincollig, Gormanston, Griffith Barracks, Dublin, Fermoy, Haulbowline and Kilkenny. It is hoped to have work commenced soon on the modernisation of the catering arrangements at Ballincollig Barracks, County Cork. New catering facilities are being planned for Casement Aerodrome.
Recreational facilities are also being provided, including TV and reading rooms in Casement Aerodrome and Ballincollig Barracks. A new gymnasium is being planned for Collins Barracks, Cork, and for Custume Barracks, Athlone.
Planning for the proposed new military barracks at Cavan is progressing and it is hoped to be in a position to commence work on the project early in 1986.
Other new works under construction or being planned include the second stage of the rebuilding of Ceannt Barracks, Curragh Camp, the renovation of aircraft hangars at Casement Aerodrome, the provision of a new runway at Gormanston Camp and the construction of new transport facilities at Clancy Barracks, Dublin, and Collins Barracks, Cork. Refuelling facilities for helicopters have been installed at several military posts to improve the operational scope of the helicopters. A new anti-tank range is almost completed in the Glen of Imaal.
I am very pleased indeed that this comprehensive programme of building and renovation is proceeding at installations right throughout the country.
I referred at some length last year to the question of providing married quarters for soldiers. As I indicated then, the provision of family housing is primarily a matter for the local authorities but it has been the policy to augment the measures taken by local authorities in instances where soldiers' housing needs are exceptional. Repairs and renovations to existing married quarters continue to receive attention. Last year agreement was reached with Dublin Corporation in regard to the transfer of the site of the old married quarters at Arbour Hill to the corporation for housing purposes. Arrangements have since been made with Kilkenny Corporation for the transfer of the site of the old married quarters at Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny, to that corporation for similar purposes.
The problem of overholding of married quarters is still with us and is one which does not lend itself to any simple solution. I am, however, having the problem examined with a view to mitigating its effects as far as possible.
Turning to equestrian events, I am glad to report that 1984 has been the most successful year on record for the Army Equitation School. Army riders achieved a total of 140 prizes in competitions both at home and abroad, which yielded prize money in excess of £62,000. The outstanding achievement of the year was that of Captain John Ledingham on Gabhran winning the Hickstead Derby in August which carried the richest showjumping prize in Europe last year. I am sure that riders and horses from the school will continue to enhance their reputation throughout the equestrian world. Indeed, this year already our riders at shows both at home and abroad have notched up a series of firsts against leading civilian competition.
Asgard II completed her full programme of 26 cruises planned for 1984 covering a total distance of nearly 10,000 miles. Almost 600 people, mainly young boys and girls, participated in the cruises, many of them as members of groups. There was a significant increase during the year in the number of groups of students from vocational and community schools who took part in cruises. There was also an increase in the numbers of young people from the inner city areas of Dublin, Cork and Limerick who availed of the cruises. These are trends which Coiste An Asgard are most anxious to encourage.
Among the highlights of the 1984 season was the visit of Asgard II to St. Malo in Brittany in April for a gathering of tall ships in celebration of the 450th anniversary of the voyage of Jacques Cartier from St. Malo to Canada, where he carried out the first exploration of the St. Lawrence. Another notable occasion was the visit of Asgard II to Scheveningen in Holland for the tenth birthday celebrations of her sister sail training vessel Eendracht. Other European tall ships also participated in those celebrations and, in the sporting events that were held between the crews, a number of trophies were won by the young people on Asgard II.
From 1980 to 1984 Irish Shipping Ltd. handled a number of matters in relation to the operation of Asgard II on behalf of Coiste An Asgard and I would like to place on record my gratitude to the personnel of Irish Shipping for their assistance. The liquidation of the company, however, made it necessary to make other arrangements. The work is now being carried out directly by Coiste An Asgard which is to be given corporate status and has the aid of a full time secretary from my Department. Advice and assistance on technical matters are being provided by the Naval Service.
A full programme of cruises on Asgard II is being carried out again this year. The highlight of the season has been the visit to the United States. The visit was undertaken in response to an invitation received from the St. Brendan Cup Committee in America. This committee was organised a few years ago to commemorate the sixth century voyage of Saint Brendan from Ireland to America, to strengthen the bonds of friendship between America and Ireland and to foster greater appreciation of Celtic culture in the United States. Among other things the committee are planning a biennial yachting event between Ireland and America commencing in 1987.
After a voyage by way of Spain, Madeira and Bermuda, during which some extremely rough weather was encountered, Asgard II arrived in the United States in May. The St. Brendan Cup Committee in America organised a programme that took the vessel to a number of American cities. Some of these cities were far from the sea but were reached by a fine system of inland waterways. The visit was very successful and I am sure that the young people who participated will benefit greatly from their experience.
As regards Civil Defence the specific provision for this year is £1.72 million. It represents an increase of about 15 per cent on the 1984 provision and is indicative of the Government's belief in the value of this organisation.
The provision provides for the continuing recruitment, training and equipping of the local authority based Civil Defence services at their present level and the major items include the balance due in respect of the new stock of radiation dose-rate meters, manufactured at Shannon, and a further phase in the introduction of the new style Civil Defence uniform which was commenced last year. As regards equipment, earlier this year there was a further allocation of equipment to local authorities for Civil Defence use — a fire appliance, six ambulances, ten lighting and rescue sets and five landrovers which were an addition to the existing range of equipment. I consider that the present equipment position is reasonably satisfactory — particularly so in current economic circumstances — and, apart from the major items which I have mentioned, the balance of the equipment provision is intended to initiate purchase action to replace unserviceable vehicles.
Civil Defence is a valuable additional resource available to each local authority to assist the community in peacetime. The extent to which the organisation is developed and used in that capacity is very much a matter for local initiative but such use is encouraged by my Department on the grounds that it contributes to the effectiveness of the organisation in relation to its wartime role. The guidelines on emergency planning issued relatively recently to local authorities by the Department of the Environment and the other promotional action by that Department, directed towards greater readiness to respond to any form of peacetime emergency, should help to foster a climate in which local authorities can consider afresh what further opportunities there are to make better use of Civil Defence and the associated voluntary aid societies. I can assure them of the co-operation of my Department in this regard.
On the wartime role of Civil Defence it is regrettable that there is a good deal of comment which is anything but constructive and which must be very discouraging to those who put in so much effort as members of Civil Defence. It is easy to be critical and the consequences can be damaging. Constructive criticism calls for a much greater effort and a prerequisite is a well-informed and positive attitude. Closer contact between the critics of the concept of Civil Defence and the Civil Defence organisation and more face to face dialogue rather than exchanges through the media would, I believe, lead to a much better understanding of the Civil Defence position and would help to foster those measures which are best for our people against the continuing risk of any war situation which might affect this country. Both centrally and locally Civil Defence has shown itself quite prepared to participate in any such dialogue.
On behalf of the Government, I acknowledge the debt we owe to the members of the Civil Defence organisation who are giving such good example at a time when many disruptive elements prevail and I include in the expression of appreciation the Irish Red Cross Society, the Order of Malta and the St. John Ambulance Brigade for their continuing co-operation with Civil Defence.
I turn now to the Army Pensions Estimate for the year ending 31 December 1985, which is for a net sum of £35,972,000. The net provisional outturn for the year ended 31 December 1984 was £35,745,000. The 1985 Estimate represents an increase of £227,000, less than one per cent, on the 1984 provisional outturn.
Pensions and allowances provided for under this Estimate have attracted the increase by reference to the recent revision of pay of certain Civil Service grades which was payable in two phases — 3 per cent from 1 January 1985 and a further 3 per cent from 1 July 1985. Provision for the increase will be made in the Vote for Increases in Remuneration and Pensions as required.
The main increases in the Estimate in terms of overall cost are: £539,000 in subhead E.1 — Defence Forces (Pensions) Schemes and £258,000 in subhead K — grants in respect of the provision of free travel, electricity, bottled gas, television licences and telephone rental for veterans of the War of Independence.
A token sum of £1,000 is provided in subhead J for compensation payable by way of lump sum to or in respect of members of the Defence Forces who served with the United Nations Force and who were killed or wounded or who died or were disabled as a result of disease contracted during such service. It is customary to make provision for a token sum only as it is not possible to estimate the demand on the subhead. Amounts paid are recoverable from the United Nations.
As regards military service pensions, subhead D, and special allowances, subhead G, the numbers involved continue to decrease. There are now fewer than 1,300 military service pensioners and about 2,800 special allowance holders on pay. There is, however, an increase in the number of ex-members of the Defence Forces on retired pay and on pension for whom provision is made under subhead E.1. The total number of pensioners and allowance holders at present on pay is approximately 19,000.
I commend both Estimates to the favourable consideration of the House. All of us can be proud of the men and women of the Defence Forces and happy in the knowledge that their traditional loyalty to their country and to each other is as strong as ever. It is a great consolation for citizens to know that in an emergency they have the protection and support of a totally disciplined body motivated by a high morale which ensures that duty and not self-interest comes first and which conducts its operation with a professionalism and expertise second to none. I look forward to the debate and I will be happy to supply any further information that Deputies may request in the course of it.
