Vol. 685 No. 3
27 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence his plans in view of the medical service review report conclusions (details supplied) for the implementation of the report; the resources he proposes to devote to the implementation of the report; the timeline he is working to in order to implement the recommendations of the report; his views on the report’s conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25226/09]
The development of the medical corps in the Defence Forces forms part of the agreed programme for Government. I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services has been ongoing as part of the modernisation agenda for the Defence Forces. In view of the complexity of the challenge facing the Defence Forces in this area, I decided to engage PA Consulting to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. To meet this objective PA Consulting reviewed the medical services required for the Defence Forces in light of its roles and operations as required by Government, assessed the current arrangements for the provision of medical services and proposed a model for future delivery of medical services.
The consultants recommended a programme of major change. Their report makes a number of recommendations, including a centralised command structure and the creation of a medical services management and administrative function. This structure will provide strategic planning, resource allocation and overall responsibility for the management and delivery of the medical service. They also propose the development of medical officer lead care teams together with a refocusing of medical staff on appropriate clinical tasks. The report also recommends steps leading to a reduction in the number of doctor interventions and medical assessments and better management of health services outsourcing. The structure and systems recommended have been designed to meet the needs and demands of modern Defence Forces at home and overseas and provide medical officers with a fulfilling and rewarding career.
The report reaffirms the need for a dedicated medical corps and addresses the challenges facing the Defence Forces in the recruitment and retention of medical officers. Implementation of the recommendations will result in major change at both strategic and operational levels in the Defence Forces. Thankfully in these difficult times, the report shows that major additional investment is not needed to meet the medical needs of the Defence Forces. Change will be achieved in the main through better use of the available resources. The PA report is an important milestone in addressing the challenges to the provision of medical services in the Defence Forces. Implementation will take time and commitment. This will be achieved in consultation with the representative associations. I have asked that implementation of the recommendations of the report proceed immediately.
The report makes a number of recommendations regarding a governance structure for change delivery in this area. The structure recommended, including a high level steering group composed of both military and civilian personnel, will be used. At a lower level a dedicated programme group with civilian and military representatives will manage the delivery of a suite of projects identified by the consultants. I welcome the recommendations and fully support their implementation. Implementation by the military authorities will commence immediately. Certain recommendations will require further elaboration. Consultation with the representative associations will also take place.
I welcome the report. I remind the Minister this was the first question I put when I became an Opposition spokesperson on defence. I am pleased the Minister has responded and set up and appointed a group of consultants to draw up a very comprehensive report. I believe the Minister would agree this is a damning report on the present level of health services to which our Defence Forces are exposed.
We have a very professional Defence Force which has responded very positively to the White Paper. It is now very well equipped, the command structure is streamlined and, overall, it is an extremely fit, lean force. However, in the medical area the Department has fallen down and it has taken several years for the Minister to realise as much.
Let us consider the findings of the report. For example, there is a 60% shortfall in medical assessment in the Defence Forces, which is damning and puts the lives of personnel at risk. There are chronic difficulties in recruiting medical personnel, especially for overseas missions. A very basic service such as physiotherapy is outsourced. Given the large number of physiotherapists available at present, it should be easy to recruit several to work within the Defence Forces in some fashion. Some 30% of dental care is outsourced. Referrals to HSE, Health Service Executive, secondary and acute care are not tracked or monitored hence there are potentially dangerous gaps in medical reports.
Overall this is a very critical report. I realise the Minister has given some assurances today that the findings of the report will be implemented immediately. Specific health care teams comprising doctors, nurses and physiotherapists could be set up immediately by the Minister. Will he give a commitment to the House that he will begin to implement the recommendations in this report immediately? Is the funding ring-fenced? He said there would be very little financial commitment. Is funding available to implement these proposals immediately?
I do not accept the report is a damning indictment of the Defence Forces medical services. It is clear from the report that medical treatment is available to members of the Defence Forces when they need it, whether that be from within the Defence Forces or from outside.
I agree with Deputy Deenihan that there is considerable outsourcing, particularly in the physiotherapy area, and 30% of dental care work is outsourced. It must be borne in mind that there will always be outsourcing of medical facilities available to the Defence Forces because the Defence Forces medical services are not equipped to carry out certain procedures. A better management of outsourcing is required and it would be preferable to have as little outsourcing as possible. Good work has been done by the Army medical staff, but the model does not meet the needs of a modern army. The Department appointed consultants to advise on how to resolve that issue and we will take their recommendations on board.
In answer to Deputy Deenihan's question as to the timeframe for the implementation of the report's recommendations, we must first talk to the representative associations and a number of stakeholders must be consulted. I have asked the Department to begin implementing what can be done immediately.
28 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if concerns have been expressed to him from inside or outside his Department in regard to the alleged underperformance of the Irish Red Cross both in Ireland and overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25004/09]
The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous charitable body with full powers to manage and administer its affairs through its governing body, the central council. I have no function in the day-to-day administration of the Irish Red Cross and, as such, I am not involved in the day-to-day running of its affairs.
I am not aware of any allegations of underperformance of the Irish Red Cross in Ireland and overseas. I received correspondence earlier this year from a member of the central council, who informed me of her decision to resign from the council of the society. In the letter, the council member expressed concerns to me about governance, accountability and transparency issues within the society. I forwarded the letter, with the consent of the person concerned, to the chairman of the society.
I understand that a range of issues relating to the governance, organisational structures and electoral arrangements of the society are currently the subject of consideration by a governance committee within the society. That committee is expected to report to the executive committee and the central council before the end of this year.
The contents of the report will be subject to discussion between the Departments of the Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Irish Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
I thank the Minister for his reply. He will recall that when I raised this with him previously the issues that had been described to me included an appalling industrial relations record, high turnover of staff and a history of general secretaries being dismissed. I understand the last general secretary was dismissed in 2007 during the course of a dispute and that she was the fifth or sixth general secretary to have been dismissed. The current general secretary is a career civil servant on loan from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The Minister states he does not interfere in the day-to-day running of the organisation. The issue that has been raised with me, and which was raised in the letter sent to the Minister by that person earlier in the year, relates to governance. One of the main allegations is that the chairperson has been reappointed for the fourth time for a three-year tenure and that this reappointment was not greeted internally with any great enthusiasm. The Minister also appoints 14 members to the council of the society. One of the allegations is that these people and the chairman are political appointees to an independent organisation whose work is both national and international.
The Minister referred this letter to the chairman of the society. The alleged issues of governance relate to the board and the chairman and the Minister appoints the board. Has he considered the fact that many of these people have been on the board for a long time and have been reappointed many times? It appears to me that the Minister's hands-off attitude is not appropriate in light of the letter he received earlier this year and the issues I am raising today. He said at the committee meeting that he would reply to me.
I apologise to the Deputy and I will reply to his query.
The governance committee of the Irish Red Cross Society is currently examining various issues of governance and I will await the outcome of its deliberations. The chairman is appointed for a three-year term and this is the fourth time he has been reappointed. However, I have been informed that the general view, except for one or two people, is that he has been a very good chairman. I noted much enthusiasm within the society when I reappointed the existing chairman.
As regards the reappointment of the members of the council, the legislation stipulates that the Government must appoint a number of people which is not less than one third of the total membership. This means the Government must appoint at least 14 people because the society's local branches elect 28 people.
As Minister for Defence, I stand over everyone I have appointed. I have taken some pains to ensure that those being appointed would have some contribution to make. I spoke personally to everyone I appointed and I discussed with them their functions and what problems needed to be dealt with. I have tried to ensure that people appointed to these positions would have a contribution to make and they are making that contribution. I will await the report of the governance committee.
I do not wish to deal with the specific allegations Deputy O'Shea has raised. I know the contents of the letter, which has been passed on. Over the years there have been one or two other complaints of an anonymous nature to which we did not lend too much credence. I have received one or two complaints about governance but these are matters for the governance committee. I have not received any specific complaint about underperformance, either at home or abroad.
I understand that an officer of the Department is a member of the council of the society. Have all the reports from this person been positive or does the Minister receive reports from that person with regard to the conduct of affairs in the Irish Red Cross Society?
No communication I have received from that person has indicated to me that there are problems. There are problems in every organisation but no problems on the scale referred to by the Deputy have been indicated to me.
29 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if the lifting of the moratorium on recruitment in the Reserve Defence Forces will be extended to the Permanent Defence Force; if this will include the intake of a cadet class in 2009; the promotions within the PDF which have been agreed upon following his negotiations with the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25227/09]
In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment to the Reserve Defence Forces had been suspended. Following a review and examination of Reserve Defence Force personnel numbers and budget, I am satisfied that there is sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve this year. Accordingly, I have recently approved the commencement of limited recruitment to fill vacancies which may arise due to existing Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve members resigning or being discharged during 2009, in the normal manner.
The numbers that may be recruited will depend on the numbers leaving and any such vacancies will be filled over the coming weeks and months, drawing from the current list of applicants. This limited recruitment will be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the Reserve Defence Force and the future budgetary provision. The savings measures are being implemented in the Permanent Defence Force. I am in contact with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, about the implications of the measures for the Permanent Defence Force. My focus is on the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces. The question of limited exceptions to the application of the measures arises in this regard. It is therefore too early to confirm if there will be a cadet class this year.
I can confirm that normal advancements within the Permanent Defence Force do not fall within the scope of the savings measures. This includes such categories as existing cadets being commissioned following cadet training and general service recruits who have already been enlisted and who are completing their course of training. Consequently, such advancements are now proceeding in the normal way.
Approval has been granted in respect of the appointment, by promotion, of a successor to the incumbent director of military prosecutions, who is due to retire next month. The appointment will be filled by way of competition. The competition process is underway at present.
The Defence Forces have improved in every respect since 2000 through the implementation of the White Paper. This represents a significant public service success story. The organisation is therefore in a healthy state both in terms of personnel and equipment. The economic reality is such that the Government decision must be implemented. It can be anticipated that further flexibility and restructuring will be required arising from the implementation of these measures. I intend, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles. This will represent a significant challenge in the coming years and one in respect of which I will work closely with the Chief of Staff.
I am advised that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas.
I welcome the fact that the Minister has confirmed that promotions will take place within the Defence Forces and that the moratorium does not affect promotions. As the Permanent Defence Force is a hierarchical organisation promotions are very important in the chain of command.
Given that approximately 350 members of the Defence Forces will retire this year and others, because of uncertainty regarding taxation of the retirement gratuity, may retire before their time, there will be an outflow of people from the Permanent Defence Force. This will affect our capacity to carry out overseas missions and other duties. The Minister has lifted the moratorium on recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force. Why can he not do the same for the Permanent Defence Force? Why can those who will leave the Defence Forces this year not be replaced?
Young blood is particularly essential for the Defence Forces. It is important that young, energetic and fit people are recruited. Otherwise the force could go stale.
I am glad the Minister clarified the matter of promotion. In the interest of the Defence Forces and their future, can he give a commitment that, at the very least, those who leave the Defence Forces will be replaced?
I repeat what I stated regarding promotions:
I can confirm that normal advancements within the Permanent Defence Force do not fall within the scope of the savings measures. This includes such categories as existing cadets being commissioned following cadet training, and general service recruits who have already been enlisted and who are completing their course of training. Consequently, such advancements are now proceeding in the normal way.
With regard to other promotions and Deputy Deenihan's question about the replacement of people who will retire this year, the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force are quite different. The Reserve Defence Force is a voluntary organisation. The Department of Defence pays for a number of training days per annum for the Reserve Defence Force. Membership of the Permanent Defence Force is something else entirely. We must observe the moratorium on recruitment.
I have written to the Minister for Finance and I will speak to him shortly with regard to that correspondence. I have asked for various matters to be clarified and for exceptions to the moratorium to be made. I expect to meet the Minister shortly to discuss my request.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform succeeded in having three chief superintendents and ten superintendents of the Garda appointed, as a concession. Surely the Minister for Defence has the capability to achieve similar treatment for the Defence Forces. Surely he can use the Garda concession as a bargaining tool with the Minister for Finance.
I am gratified by Deputy Deenihan's confidence in my negotiating abilities. I will use the bargaining tool, as he suggests.
30 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of projects and programmes entered into by Ireland through the European Defence Agency to date; the number which did not contribute to our ability to participate in United Nations mandated missions; if the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces was consulted prior to his decision to restrict Ireland’s participation in the European Defence Agency; if European Defence Agency projects and programmes to date entered into by Ireland breached Ireland’s neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25228/09]
The European Defence Agency was established under a Joint Action of the Council of Ministers on 12 July 2004, "to support the member states and the Council in their effort to improve European defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the European Security and Defence Policy as it stands now and develops in the future". Following Government approval, Ireland joined the EDA when it was established during the Irish Presidency in 2004. Ireland participates in the framework of the agency and I represent Ireland on the EDA steering board. The steering board acts under the Council's authority and within the framework of guidelines issued by the Council.
Since its inception, the agency has made significant progress on many projects and programmes. Ireland is a contributor to initiatives and the ongoing work programme of the EDA, which includes identifying and overcoming shortfalls in capabilities development to increase the capacity of the Union to undertake appropriate peace support operations. These include initiatives in relation to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives protection, CBRNE, communication and network systems and improved counter-IED, improvised explosive devices, capability to enable military forces to operate safely.
In 2007, Ireland joined the joint investment programme on force protection, which has a budget of €55 million over three years. Ireland's contribution amounts to €700,000 over the three years. Force protection involves measures to protect personnel engaged in peace support and crisis management operations overseas and is one of the main factors considered when undertaking any operation. Ireland's key interest in the programme is in the development of technologies and capabilities to protect troops from threats such as snipers, booby traps and improvised explosive devices. Body armour, sensors and counter explosive devices are all key elements of the programme.
Ireland also participates in the EDA's code of conduct for defence procurement and a code of best practice in the supply chain, developed to ensure transparency in procurement and security of supply of defence equipment. The EDA have also developed a European bulletin board, which acts as a single portal for defence contract opportunities. This has enabled wider advertising of Ireland's defence force contracts so as to achieve better value for money for Ireland's expenditure on defensive equipment.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House.
Participation in the framework of the agency does not breach Ireland's neutrality nor does it impose any other specific obligations or commitments on Ireland, other than a contribution to the operational and functional budget of the agency. Participation in individual projects of the agency is a matter for national decision on a case-by-case basis.
Ireland's participation in the EDA ensures that Ireland's views and particular approach to international security policy is fully represented and that the evolution of EU policy is directed in a manner which meets our concerns and our interests. I have at this time imposed no restriction on Ireland's participation in the EDA.
Ireland's participation in the agency is focused on the development of capabilities for the protection of our troops in particular when they are deployed on UN-led or UN mandated peace support operations. It is essential that the Defence Forces have access to the latest developments in these fields so as we can provide the best protection possible for our troops, which is and must be my primary concern as Minister for Defence.
Can the Minister highlight the benefits to Ireland of EDA membership? This is important in view of the referendum on the Lisbon treaty. Can he also highlight the impact of a possible EDA exit on Ireland's peace keeping missions?
It was recently reported in the national media that the Government is preparing legislation to enable Ireland to opt in or out of the EDA. Could the Minister explain the necessity for this legislation? Will it include the triple lock, which is already provided for? At present, any decision relating to the EDA goes to Government. I understand that under new legislation it would also have to come before the Dáil. Why is that necessary, given that our participation in the EDA is generally for our own benefit, improving the equipment of our armed forces and protecting the lives of our military personnel?
I will clarify the position on the legislation. Basically, the EDA is about developing the capability of EU member states to perform the Petersberg Tasks. Ireland has only engaged in one EDA project, the force protection project. It is about developing communications systems, body armour, sensors and so forth to protect our troops when they go into these dangerous environments. Ireland is a member of the EDA. Under the Lisbon treaty, there is no compulsion on this country to be a member but the Government has decided that membership of the EDA is a good thing for Ireland.
With regard to opting out or in, Ireland can opt out of or into any project in which the EDA engages. The EDA has engaged in a number of research projects and Ireland has opted into one, and made the appropriate contribution. This project is specifically geared towards force protection. Why is legislation required? It is required to make it absolutely clear to people who have doubts — and some doubts were expressed on this in the referendum campaign on the Lisbon treaty — that any project in which Ireland gets involved under the EDA will be simply and solely to advance the capability, capacity and safety of our troops when they are performing the Petersberg Tasks, which EU troops carry out under a United Nations mandate. The legislation will provide that the Government and the Dáil must be satisfied that the project is for that purpose. It will provide similarly with regard to joint structured co-operation.
The benefits of the EDA for Ireland are twofold. First, it allows for economies of scale. It will allow us to get much better value for the money we are spending on defence equipment by regularising the market. The market has been very fragmented and the EDA has done much to bring it together. Second, it has enabled Ireland to avail of the same information and research as our potential EU partners in peacekeeping. When Irish troops go into the arena as part of a UN-mandated EU mission, they will have communications equipment, tanks and general military equipment that are compatible with that of their partners. That is designed to make the operation more efficient and to ensure the safety of our troops.
31 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if the problems associated with the supply of fuel to members of the Defence Forces in Chad have been resolved; the steps he has taken to ensure that said problems will not arise again; if the problems are not resolved, the timeline by which he expects them to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25229/09]
On 15 March 2009, MINURCAT, the United Nations-led mission in Chad and the Central African Republic assumed operational control of the United Nations force of 2,085 personnel, including 1,877 troops re-hatted from eight EUFOR contributors. In the weeks following the takeover of the force by MINURCAT, the mission faced a number of challenges, including fuel shortages in Chad. The fuel problems encountered by MINURCAT were common to all of Chad, as there was a countrywide fuel crisis at the time. The fuel situation was exacerbated by the rebel incursion into Chad in early May 2009. The UN was fully exercised on the issue and all possible sources of fuel for MINURCAT contingents were investigated by the UN to meet the mission's needs. This included the airlifting of fuel from a neighbouring UN mission.
Significant progress has been made by the United Nations in the past month and I am pleased to inform the House that the fuel situation as it applies to the Irish infantry battalion in Goz Beida has essentially been resolved. Sufficient stocks are now in place in Camp Ciara to provide for the unit's needs in the future. In addition, extra fuel is stored in the new UN fuel farm adjacent to the Irish camp. The UN also have a facility to fly in quantities of fuel at any stage. The Defence Forces continue to monitor the fuel supply situation and are maintaining close liaison with the UN authorities on the ground. For now, I am satisfied that the necessary measures have been taken by the UN to address the fuel issue.
I welcome the reply. Due to the logistical problems with the transfer of responsibility from the EUFOR mission to the UN the Irish mission was left cruelly exposed. It certainly was unable to carry out the duties for which it was sent to Chad and could not patrol to the same extent. Will the Minister confirm that the Irish mission is able to carry out the required number of patrols and that it is not inhibited or restricted from doing so because of the fuel problem? Will the Minister also confirm that he is satisfied this problem will not recur during the term of this mission?
It is, perhaps, overstating the case to say the troops were left cruelly exposed. Obviously, in a situation where the UN is taking over a EUFOR mission, there will be teething problems. There was a shortage of fuel which affected the entire country as well as the Irish mission. As a result there was some rationing of fuel in the Irish camp. It meant, for example, that routine patrols were restricted. That does not mean all routine patrolling stopped, just that it was restricted. However, the troops were always available for emergency work, such as medical evacuation and so forth. The reason they had to conserve fuel was that they had to concentrate it on the life support systems in the camp, for example, cooking, heating, lighting and so forth.
The problem has now, by and large, been resolved. The new contract with the United Nations should guarantee fuel for the duration of the mission. In addition to the United Nations contract, there is also a UN fuel farm adjacent to the Irish camp which can supply fuel. The UN retains the capacity to fly in fuel at any time. I cannot absolutely predict what will happen in the future but the advice I have received from the military authorities in the Department is that the situation is resolved for the foreseeable future.
As this is the last Question Time with the Minister before the summer recess, will he confirm that consideration is being given to the extension of the Irish mission in Chad? Given that the logistics are in place, there is a strong case to be made for that. There is also the fact that the Irish mission is performing efficiently and effectively in Chad and I understand it is the wish of the local population that the Irish troops remain for as long as possible. Finally, I hope the fuel issue never arises again. It is essential for any mission that an adequate fuel supply is in place in preparation for such a mission.
I agree with the Deputy that the troops are performing outstandingly in Chad. I appreciate his remarks in that regard, which I will communicate to them. I also agree that there is a wish locally in Chad that the Irish troops be left in place. I am giving careful consideration to an extension of the mission. I do not envisage the mission continuing as long as the mission in Lebanon did, for example, but I am giving serious consideration to an extension.
