Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Sep 2016

Vol. 922 No. 1

Other Questions

Overseas Missions

Mick Wallace

Question:

26. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 579 of 21 June 2016, if he will provide details on the criteria involved in periodic reviews by his Department of the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas and the way these reviews are carried out; if he will provide details on the recent announcement that a new contingent of Irish troops will be joining the UNDOF mission in the Golan Heights; if he is satisfied that this UN mission and the support for it are making a positive contribution to peace in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27139/16]

Clare Daly

Question:

45. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who will be deployed to the Golan Heights in the coming weeks, following the announcement on 19 September 2016 that a new contingent of troops would be joining the UNDOF mission in the near future; and his views on whether this deployment is a good use of Defence Forces capability. [27098/16]

Deputy Mick Wallace

My question is a basic one. What criteria are examined in the periodic reviews by the Department on the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas? How are the reviews carried out? Will the Minister of State provide details on the recent announcement that a new contingent of Irish troops will be joining the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, mission to the Golan Heights? Is he satisfied with the mission and that it is making a positive contribution to peace in the Middle East?

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 45 together.

A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, UNDOF, on the Golan Heights since 2013. The next Irish contingent, the 54th infantry group, comprising 130 personnel, is due to be deployed in the coming weeks and will replace personnel of the 52nd infantry group. Irish personnel will be based in UNDOF headquarters in Camp Ziouani. The Irish contingent operates as a quick reaction force, which is on standby to assist with ongoing operations within the UNDOF area of responsibility. An additional seven Defence Forces personnel are deployed in UNDOF headquarters.

Since its temporary relocation from a number of positions in September 2014 and pending the time when it will return fully to the area of separation, UNDOF has continued to maintain a credible presence in the Golan Heights and use its best efforts to implement its mandate. In this context, UNDOF continues to engage with the parties on practical arrangements to allow the force to continue to maintain the ceasefire, monitor, verify and report on violations of the agreement on the disengagement of forces and exercise its crucial liaison functions with the parties in order to implement its mandate.

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas and these missions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The continued participation in overseas operations, such as the UNDOF mission, is subject to Government decision on an annual basis. The presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability in the Golan Heights and Middle East. On 21 June 2016, the Government approved continued participation by the Defence Forces in UNDOF for a further 12 months.

I am satisfied that the work carried out by the Irish personnel serving with UNDOF represents an important contribution to this UN mission.

Deputy Mick Wallace

The former Minister responsible for defence, Deputy Simon Coveney, always contended that the purpose of the mission is to keep Syria and Israel apart. It has been successful in achieving that objective but the truth is that the original objective was to oversee the eventual return of the Golan Heights to Syria. Some 40 years later, the objective has not been achieved. If one wanted a more striking demonstration of that failure, one would need look no further than at the fact that the objective has been forgotten and there is no sign that the illegal occupation of the Golan Heights by Israel will ever end. The Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, recently said the Golan Heights will remain in the hands of Israel forever. Israel is not afraid to flout international law in hammering home the point.

Genie Energy, an American oil company whose main investors include Dick Cheney, Rupert Murdoch, James Woolsey, a fromer CIA director, Larry Summers, former head of the US Treasury, and a cabal of current and former US politicians, has recently been granted permission to drill in the Golan Heights, posing a massive danger to water resources in the region. This is hardly a worthwhile exercise warranting the involvement of Irish troops when we could be doing something really fruitful in Africa, in places such as Darfur, Congo and South Sudan, as argued by Mr. Ed Horgan.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I assure the Deputy that the continued presence of UNDOF in the area remains essential. The UN Secretary General has reported to the Security Council that both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic have stated their continued commitment to the disengagement of forces agreement and to support the presence of UNDOF in calling for a return to vacated positions in the area of separation. The UN Security Council has generally agreed that UNDOF contributes to stability in the region in the absence of a peace agreement between Israel and Syria.

In June 2016, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of UNDOF for a further six months, until 31 December 2016, since its temporary relocation in September 2014 from a number of positions in the area of separation. UNDOF has continued to use its best efforts to implement its mandate. The mission continues to be supported by the United Nations through a military supervision organisation, Observer Group Golan, in which five Irish officers are serving.

The deputy chief of staff, Major Kieran Brennan, was in the Golan Heights last week. I will receive a full brief from him later this week on his visit. I am happy with and have witnessed the work of the Irish Defence Forces in the Golan Heights. We should all be very proud of the Defence Forces in this regard.

Deputy Clare Daly

I am not sure what way the Leas-Cheann Comhairle is doing this.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy has a question.

Deputy Clare Daly

I thought we had done away with groupings.

Can I add to the topic? We are very clear as to the excellent peacekeeping role played by Irish Defence Forces personnel in many parts around the globe. The point, however, is that this reputation is being used to legitimise the illegal occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights and the illegal activities of Israel. That land is now being used for oil drilling and profiteering.

Rather than focusing on a region blighted by problems, we could be doing a lot better in other areas. It is just not on. It is disrespectful to the Defence Forces personnel, who really do not engage in any serious peacekeeping in the region. They are really just there as a cover for the illegal activity. There are many parts around the globe where their expertise could really be used, such as the Congo, as referred to by Deputy Wallace. There are other areas where they could make a serious difference. I am really concerned that we are continuing with our policy in this regard.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

When Ireland or the Government sends any members of the Irish Defence Forces on any mission, the decision is not taken lightly. I do not accept the Deputy's views on this, although I agree with her absolutely that we should be very proud of the work of the Defence Forces. The Irish peacekeepers currently in the region will be replaced next week. They are doing a great job holding the peace in a very difficult and volatile part of the world.

Following the agreed disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights in May 1974, under supervised implementation of the engagement agreement, they have been maintaining the area of separation between Israel and the Syrian forces which, as the Deputy knows, is small but very volatile. The resources of the Defence Forces on the Golan Heights are being utilised to the very best extent possible.

Deputy Mick Wallace

The Minister of State referred to the need for stability and observation, but how can stability be brought to a situation where one country illegally occupies another? That is called picking sides. There are enough problems in the region caused by picking sides, between the United States and its allies and Russia and its allies. Some 250,000 people have died in Syria as a result of their taking sides. If they all fell out with each other, the place would be better off.

Likewise, we do not have a real role to play on the Golan Heights. The Minister of State referred to the need for observation. What we are observing is an ongoing illegal occupation and we will now observe the theft of natural resources and, effectively, multiple breaches of international law.

I again refer the Minister of State to the UN peacekeeper Ed Horgan who is a very proud member of the Defence Forces. He has pointed out that it would be much more sensible and worthwhile for our very excellent forces to engage in Darfur, the Congo and South Sudan.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

The mandate and role of UNDOF are pursued under the supervised implementation of the disengagement agreement in maintaining an area of separation of over 75 km between Israeli and Syrian forces. I have spoken on numerous occasions to quite a number of Irish personnel serving on the Golan Heights. They have told me at first hand about the important work they are carrying out on a daily basis on each and every mission. I understand the work they are carrying out and I am very proud of the work they are doing. They go there as peacekeepers. That is exactly the work our troops are doing on a daily basis in carrying out their duties.

Deputy Clare Daly

The Minister of State has said their mission is to keep the sides apart. There is no doubt that the area has been relatively quiet. However, does the Minister of State agree that that is beginning to change? There have been tensions along the border. Words on alleged mortar attacks from Syria are being spoken and published in the Israeli press. There has been retaliation by the Israeli air force. The situation is likely to change, given the instability in the region. On that basis, what would the Minister of State say about the recent mission?

Deputy Paul Kehoe

A decision by the Government to send troops overseas is not taken lightly. As I stated, the deputy chief of staff, Mr. Kieran Brennan, has just returned from the Golan Heights and I will receive a full briefing from him later this week. No absolute guarantees can be given about the safety of troops travelling abroad on any mission. I refer to the work of the Defence Forces in their role as peacekeepers on the Golan Heights where I accept that there is now a little more activity. I believe our troops who are working as peacekeepers are doing a fine job.

Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

27. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the former head of the British army (details supplied) has apologised to British troops who were given the controversial anti-malarial drug Lariam; his views on Irish troops continuing to be prescribed Lariam; and if he will apologise to serving and former members of the Defence Forces who were prescribed Lariam. [27135/16]

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

It is only very rarely that one hears me comment - it is usually in the negative - on British army officers, especially those who served in the North. However, given the comments last month of a former commander-in-chief of the British Army, Mr. Richard Dannatt, who apologised to British soldiers for being in charge when Lariam was prescribed for those operating in sub-Saharan Africa, will the Minister of State consider taking a similar stance, given that former Ministers for Defence, including Tony Killeen, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, Mr. Brian Cowen, Mr. Alan Shatter and Deputy Simon Coveney, as well as the Taoiseach, did not do so when I raised the matter with them?

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I am aware of newspaper reports that a former senior UK military officer has apologised to British troops who were given the anti-malarial drug Lariam. The choice of malaria drugs in use by other armed forces is an internal matter for those forces. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the policy and practices of other states in this regard or to engage in discussion on the merit of those policies and practices. The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces are high priorities for me and the Defence Forces. Malaria is a serious disease which killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of the deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, as reported by the World Health Organization.

The choice of medication for overseas deployment is a medical decision made by medical officers in the Defence Forces having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and individual member involved. Lariam remains in the formulary of medications prescribed by the medical corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions to ensure our military personnel can have effective protection against the very serious risks posed by malaria. It is notable that in the period of deployment to malarious areas not a single member of the Defence Forces has died from malaria. Significant precautions are taken by Defence Forces medical officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any anti-malarial medication. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability. There are no plans at this time to withdraw Lariam from the range of anti-malarial medications available to the Defence Forces. The use of and information on medications is kept under ongoing review.

In 2013 a working group investigated all of the various issues surrounding the use of Lariam and obtained advice from leading medical experts. These experts concurred with the practices followed by the Defence Forces in prescribing Lariam. This was outlined in the working group's report which remains legally privileged.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Nobody has died from malaria on operations, but how many have died by suicide because of the effects of Lariam? A study has been conducted of suicides in the Defence Forces.

I have a note taken from the medical records of one of the soldiers who operated overseas. It states the evidence presented in the report establishes a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the person's earlier symptoms of depression were the result of the person's initial intoxication by Lariam and that the person is now suffering from a range of chronic neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including seizure disorder, as well as persistent symptoms of disordered balance, dizziness, anxiety, paranoia, trouble in sleeping and cognitive dysfunction that, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, were caused as a direct result of the neurotoxic effects of Lariam. The Minister of State cannot have soldiers operating while being prescribed Lariam in the way that has happened in the Defence Forces. Will he instruct the military authorities to re-examine this matter and concentrate on using more expensive drugs such as Malarone or dioxolane which are available in abundance but which seem to be issued to officers rather than non-commissioned officers?

Deputy Paul Kehoe

While it is hoped the risk of developing an adverse reaction to a medication will diminish with time, there is no guarantee that this will happen.

One could certainly develop an adverse reaction to penicillin for no obvious reasons, having taken it for years. Where the medical officer forms the opinion that an individual has developed a sensitivity to Lariam while overseas, the individual will be advised to cease taking the medication and substitute it with another agent. The individual would be monitored to ensure that symptoms subside. Appropriate anti-systemic medication may be required in the interim and appropriate restrictions would be placed on duties. Ultimately, if serious enough, repatriation may be necessary if the medical officer felt that the individual was either not responding satisfactorily or that the symptoms are so severe as to require treatment not readily available in the mission area. An individual's file will indicate that the individual has developed sensitivity to Lariam so that it should not be prescribed again. If the individual's circumstances permit completion of the tour of duty, monitoring can be arranged on return to Ireland if required.

Choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by the medical officer in the Defence Forces. I am satisfied, as Minister of State with responsibility for defence, that Lariam is the most suitable drug for overseas missions.

Naval Service Operations

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

28. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the ongoing operations of the Naval Service in the Mediterranean Sea; when the LE James Joyce will finish its current tour of duty; and if it will be replaced by a new ship and crew. [27134/16]

Brendan Ryan

Question:

48. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of refugees who have been rescued by the Defence Forces in the Mediterranean Sea since the beginning of the humanitarian mission in the region; the length of time he envisages this humanitarian mission will go on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27102/16]

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

The operations of the Naval Service obviously have quite an effect in the Mediterranean Sea. Its deployment in the Mediterranean Sea is due to come to an end quite soon and perhaps the Minister of State will indicate if he is considering extending the current deployment or swapping the current ship with another one.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 48 together.

LE James Joyce was deployed on 8 July 2016 to assist the Italian authorities in the continuing search and rescue humanitarian operation in the Mediterranean Sea. Since deployment, LE James Joyce has conducted a number of search and rescue operations which, to date, has led to the rescue of 2,678 migrants from unseaworthy craft. LE James Joyce has recovered 21 deceased migrants which again highlights the bleak circumstances in which many migrants find themselves. LE James Joyce is scheduled to return to Ireland on the 30 September 2016.

On 23 September 2016, LE Samuel Beckett departed Haulbowline, with a crew of approximately 60, to replace LE James Joyce on the mission in the Mediterranean Sea. It is anticipated that LE Samuel Beckett will be deployed until the end of November 2016.

To date, Irish participation in the humanitarian mission has resulted in the recovery of more than 12,500 migrants, which clearly demonstrates the value of Ireland’s involvement in this important humanitarian response.

The question of further deployment to the operation in the Mediterranean Sea in 2017 will be considered in the context of the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean Sea and the overall EU response thereto, the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

The House needs to congratulate the Naval Service not only for the deployment of LE James Joyce but for all the work it has done in the Mediterranean Sea since it was first deployed and for the many lives it has saved. It must be tremendously difficult for many of those on board to see what they see virtually on a daily basis in the Mediterranean Sea. I welcome the news that the LE Samuel Beckett is to replace the LE James Joyce on the humanitarian mission. It is hugely valuable work, the results of which are seen on our television screens.

We also need to consider whether there is an increase in the number of boats trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea given the recent deal between the EU and Turkey. Perhaps the Minister of State could indicate if there has been a noticeable increase in rescues in recent weeks in the Mediterranean Sea.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I, too, would like to congratulate all members of the Naval Service for their work since the first deployment. I had the privilege of visiting the crew members of the LE James Joyce last month to witness at first hand the work they carry out on an ongoing basis. The Deputy spoke about the very difficult situations faced by the Naval Service. The week before my visit to the LE James Joyce, the crew had brought on board 16 bodies recovered from under a wooden vessel. There had been women and children on board the vessel and some had lost their lives. It is very difficult for some members of our Naval Service when they come across situations like that. I applaud them for their work.

The reason for the drop in the number of boats crossing the Mediterranean Sea was due to severe weather conditions but over the last month or six weeks, there has been quite a steady flow of migrants crossing in rubber or wooden vessels.

European Defence Capabilities

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

29. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the comments of the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, who recently stated that the EU needs a military headquarters to work towards a common military force; if he shares Mr. Junker’s views; and his views on whether the further militarisation of the EU and the attempts to create a standing EU army undermines and erodes Irish neutrality. [27136/16]

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

This question relates to the statements of the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, seeking to further militarise the EU, something that was anticipated by many of us who argued against this position in various referendums in the State. Is the Minister of State concerned about it and will he oppose it at every juncture?

Deputy Paul Kehoe

The statement by the Commission President is not something new. He has made similar statements in the past.  However, these are matters for the EU member states to decide together and do not fall within the competence of the European Commission. Proposals have been around for some time that the EU should establish a joint operational headquarters to support the planning and conduct of its civil and military operations.  A permanent joint civil-military operational headquarters, appropriately configured, could potentially deliver more effective and responsive CSDP operations in support of the UN and international peace and security, a position which Ireland supports. However, this is a matter which EU member states, including Ireland, will consider in the context of the implementation plan for the recently published EU global strategy of foreign and security policy. Ireland will participate fully in that process and in the ongoing development of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy in support of the UN and international peacekeeping and crisis management.

The Treaty of Lisbon does not provide for the creation of a European army or for conscription of any military formation. The Government’s 2015 review of foreign policy and the Defence White Paper confirmed that Ireland will continue to maintain a policy of military neutrality which is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

I have been down the road of debating this issue with a number of Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministers for Defence and taoisigh. Over the last few years, there has been a growing shift within the EU towards further militarisation by countries which are already quite militarised and which are in NATO and other military alliances. Why should Ireland have anything to do with this? We should be quite categoric in stating that we will have nothing to do with further militarisation and the further co-ordination or concentration of military resources or military policy within the EU. We have already taken a step too far and are involved in the EU battle groups under the British, despite the fact they are withdrawing from the EU. Will Ireland take a very hard public stance against the position taken by Jean-Claude Juncker and other EU Ministers, in particular Defence Ministers?

Deputy Paul Kehoe

Let me repeat to the Deputy what I said in my original reply: the Treaty of Lisbon does not provide for the creation of a European army or conscription of any military formation. Any change to this position would require a treaty change. Let me state absolutely that no change is proposed in any manner or means. As I said in my original statement on the President of the European Commission, it is not something new as we have heard him say this previously in other fora. However, there is no such proposed change.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

While I accept that there is nothing in the Lisbon treaty on the creation of a European army, we have argued during the years that each single treaty that has been voted on in this country has gradually increased the militarisation of the European Union. As is usual for those in positions held by persons such as Jean-Claude Juncker, they are preparing the ground using a soft approach. It is only when a country stands up and forcefully rejects the move or pushes towards that position that they back off. It is very interesting that the recent statements have arrived in the context of the Brexit vote. In the past Britain would have been opposed to the centralisation or concentration of military policy in Europe, other than in NATO. This is an opportunity for those who have previously said such things to try to further the debate. It is only if countries such as Ireland reject it that they will back off. I welcome what the Minister of State has said, but it needs to be said forcefully, not just in this Chamber but also outside it, that Ireland will not countenance this approach and will oppose it in every way. We should be seeking out allies throughout Europe and beyond to ensure a new military alliance will not be founded.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

All member states of the European Union understand Ireland's position on neutrality. As is stated in the White Paper, "Ireland will continue to maintain a policy of military neutrality which is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements". I know that the Deputy might have concerns about the comments made by Mr. Juncker, but I can assure him that what I have said stands. The Government has no plans or proposals to change our neutrality policy in any manner or means.

Military Neutrality

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

30. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he attended the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Bratislava on 26 September 2016; the issues discussed; if he spoke out against any attempt to create a standing EU army; and if he informed his colleagues that Irish neutrality was non-negotiable. [27137/16]

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

This is similar to the last question and has to do with EU Defence Ministers. I wish to find out whether the Minister of State was in attendance, he took the position to which he has just alluded, or it was the Minister for Defence, the Taoiseach, who attended the meeting in Bratislava of EU Defence Ministers.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

Dáil and Government business has precluded my attendance at the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Bratislava which started yesterday, 26 September, and continued into this afternoon. Accordingly, the Minister for Defence is being represented by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence. This is an informal meeting and, as such, no decisions are being taken on any matter. Issues for discussion at the meeting include an exchange of views on the implementation of the EU global strategy and the Commission-led European defence action plan; an exchange of views on the implementation of the joint EU-NATO declaration made recently at the Warsaw summit, including taking stock of the progress achieved; and discussions on Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP, missions and operations, with a focus on Libya, the Mediterranean naval mission Operation Sophia and the CSDP missions in the Sahel.

As I stated in reply to a previous question, there are no proposals to create a standing EU army. This issue did not feature in any discussion and it is not on any agenda. I also reiterate that the Treaty of Lisbon does not provide for the creation of a European army.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

While I accept that it is an informal meeting and welcome the clarification that it is the Secretary General of the Department of Defence who has travelled to represent the Minister of State, has he been specifically instructed to state categorically that Ireland is a neutral country, that we have no interest in the creation of a common army, that we will not countenance any change to the current position and that we would rather look towards reversing some of the common defence strategies the European Union seems to be undertaking? While I accept that there are no decisions to be made, it is at these informal meetings that different views from different countries are sought and they end up forming the basis on which future policy is made. It is very important that Irish representatives are very clear from day one, otherwise there will be situations in which proposals will emerge later that will be contrary to the position taken by the State.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I tried to change the date of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Defence from today in order to be able to attend the meeting in Bratislava. Unfortunately, I was told a motion would have to be tabled in the House to change the date of parliamentary questions. The Dáil was not sitting during the summer months when I realised I would to have to answer parliamentary questions on the same date as the meeting in Bratislava.

I do not believe I have to instruct the Secretary General on our policy. He fully understands our policy of neutrality and I can assure the Deputy that he will defend it. Ireland remains constitutionally debarred from participation in a common EU defence policy. The legally binding Irish protocol to the Lisbon treaty ratified in the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution provides that any decision to move to a common defence will require a unanimous decision of the European Council. It would be a matter for member states, including Ireland, to decide in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon and the respective constitutional requirements whether to adopt a common defence policy. I repeat that Ireland has no plans or proposals to change its policy of neutrality.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

The two main EU Defence Ministers who are publicly seeking to move closer towards EU defence co-operation, having a new military headquarters and swifter deployment on overseas missions are the French and the German Defence Ministers, Ursula von der Leyen and Jean-Yves le Drian. They put forward specific proposals in recent times which, by the looks of it, were to be discussed informally at the conference yesterday and today. The Minister of State may be able to clarify this, but as far as I know, we did not submit our own paper or circulate a brief to journalists on our position which would be in total opposition to the paper produced by them.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

The Deputy will be well aware that there has been a proposal for some time now that the European Union should establish a joint operational headquarters to support the planning and conduct of its civil and military operations. A permanent joint civil and military operational headquarters appropriately configured could potentially deliver more effective and responsive Common Security and Defence Policy operations in support of the United Nations, international peace and security, a position Ireland has supported and does support. This issue will be considered in the context of the implementation plan for the recently published EU global strategy for foreign and security policy until such time as detailed discussions have taken place between member states. It is too early to predict what the actual structure might or might not look like.

I reiterate that everyone in Europe understands Ireland's position on neutrality and no one would welcome me or anyone else questioning it.

Defence Forces Personnel

Lisa Chambers

Question:

31. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a report on the Defence Forces climate survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27129/16]

Deputy Lisa Chambers

I ask the Minister of State to provide a report on the Defence Forces climate survey and to make a statement on the matter.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

The independent monitoring group, IMG, was established in May 2002 to oversee the implementation of recommendations arising from a report on the interpersonal relationships within the Defence Forces. The Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, and the Permanent Defence Forces Representative Association, PDFORRA, are both represented on the IMG.

The third and most recent IMG report was published in September 2014. Among its recommendations was that a climate survey be conducted within 12 months and subsequently at reasonable intervals. A similar survey was conducted in 2008. The aim of the survey, which was conducted by the University of Limerick, was to identify trends to inform best practice in human resources management and training and education within the Defence Forces. As with the 2008 survey, approximately 11% of the workforce - 1,055 personnel in this instance - was sampled.

The report was received in the Department in June. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that, given its importance and wide ranging subject matter, it was important to have the report reviewed in detail by the Department and Defence Forces management to consider the findings and reach a deeper understanding of the report and its implications. I also wished to have an opportunity to discuss and consider the findings of the report in consultation with the Chief of Staff and Secretary General in the first instance.

It is now proper that the Defence Forces representative associations be given an opportunity to engage on the findings of the survey. With this in mind, I have arranged that the representative associations will meet personnel from the University of Limerick who conducted the survey on Thursday next, 29 September. The report will be published within a week of the meeting and I plan to meet representatives of the associations shortly thereafter. My officials are making arrangements in this regard.

My priority in the first instance is to engage with the representative associations who represent the key stakeholders in this process, namely, Defence Forces personnel. As they have yet to see the report, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific detail of the survey pending the briefing scheduled for 29 September. However, I can inform the Deputy that the findings are grouped under topics such as work life balance, peer support, organisational justice within the organisation, procedural justice, organisational fairness, Defence Forces integrity and supervisory justice.

Deputy Lisa Chambers

The Minister of State indicated it would not be appropriate to comment on the findings of the report because the representative associations have not had access to it. The reason they have not had access is that the Minister of State has not given them access to it. He and I had this conversation at a meeting of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence before the summer recess at which he informed me the report was on his desk and he needed time to review, analyse and digest it. I asked him to make the report available to the associations representing the soldiers who were the subject of the survey but he declined to do so at that juncture. It is September and the representative associations have not received a copy of the report. It is grossly inadequate to provide them with copies just before the meeting in Limerick as they will not have sufficient time to digest its contents and give the Minister of State their view on it. Soldiers are supposed to look to the Minister for guidance and leadership. They should be allowed an opportunity to analyse and digest the report in advance of the briefing in Limerick. The Minister of State should be willing to take on board their suggestions. Why has he failed to publish the report and give the representative associations a copy of it given that it has been on his desk since June?

Deputy Paul Kehoe

The report has not been on my desk since June. I did not receive a copy until mid to late July. On my appointment, I met representatives of PDFORRA and RACO who asked me to provide them with a copy prior to publication. I indicated I would do so and I will give them a copy of the report tomorrow prior to the presentation on Thursday in the University of Limerick. I will publish the report in the days after Thursday's meeting and meet representatives of PDFORRA and RACO shortly thereafter. I also assured both organisations that I will take their views on board.

Deputy Chambers is correct that the most important people in the Defence Forces are the soldiers on the ground. I fully respect them and every time I attend a public forum with members of the Defence Forces, they are the first people I recognise. The members on the ground, both enlisted personnel and officers, are the glue that holds the Defence Forces together. We must appreciate their commitment to the organisation and I will do all in my power to ensure they are happy in the Defence Forces. However, I do not have at my disposal a bottomless pit of money to throw at this issue, which is about more than money.

Deputy Lisa Chambers

Nobody mentioned money in this conversation. The Minister described members of the Defence Forces as the most important part of the conversation. He has had since mid-July to analyse and digest the report, yet he is giving RACO one day to do likewise. Is this fair? Is RACO, the representative body of the soldiers who are the subject of the climate survey, being afforded an adequate period to do so considering the time the Minister has had to consider the report?

The general secretary of RACO stated that management had yet to engage with his organisation on the findings of the survey. In his words, it "does little to give confidence to members that senior management are actually interested in addressing genuine service concerns of personnel". I agree with him. The Minister's actions to date have not given any confidence to the representative organisations that he is interested in taking their views on board considering that he will give them a mere 24 hours to analyse the report before the meeting in Limerick. This is highly inadequate given the time the Minister has taken to consider it.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I tried to publish the report at the end of July but unfortunately the staff of the University of Limerick who carried out the review were not available at the time. I wanted those who were at the coalface and carried out the review to be present. I did not want other staff from the university to join me in giving the presentation to RACO and PDFORRA. I wanted those who produced the document to be present at the launch. Unfortunately, I was not available for most of August and I indicated the report would be published some time in September. My diary precluded publication in early September. For this reason, I will meet representatives of PDFORRA and RACO who will be provided with a copy of the climate survey prior to the presentation on Thursday at the University of Limerick. One or two days in the-----

Deputy Lisa Chambers

It matters.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

It does not matter.

Deputy Lisa Chambers

The representative organisations say it matters.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

The most important issue will be to address the detail of the document and make the changes it recommends. It will not make much of a difference if the document is provided 24 or 48 hours in advance. I will meet representatives of PDFORRA and RACO after the document is published and we will go through it in detail. I met both representative organisations in late June or early July and they were surprised to have a Minister seeking a meeting with them rather than vice versa.

Defence Forces Training

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

32. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to provide public adequate notice for closure of roads in the vicinity of the Defence Forces firing ranges on the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27091/16]

Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin

People in County Kildare are very proud that the Curragh is home to the Defence Forces and the military school. It is appropriate that ranges on the Curragh are used rather than wasting time and money transporting troops elsewhere for this purpose. However, a public road known as the Hollow Road, which runs close to the Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh, is frequently closed when firing is under way. As this is a public road, local residents are sometimes required to make a detour. I ask the Minister to outline his plans to give members of the public adequate notice of the closure of roads in the vicinity of the firing ranges on the Curragh and to make a statement on the matter.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

Range No. 3 is a rifle range within the Curragh Camp and since March 2016 the Defence Forces have resumed training on this range. This has resulted in the occasional temporary closure by the Defence Forces of the Hollow Road.

The temporary road closures are required as part of strict control and safety measures put in place by the Defence Forces to ensure public safety during the firing of live ammunition on Range No. 3. These occasional temporary road closures by the Defence Forces are in accordance with the provisions of section 274 of the Defence Act 1954, as amended. This provides the Defence Forces with the powers to temporarily stop all traffic in the vicinity of any place used for rifle practices.

I have been advised by the military authorities that signage is temporarily erected at either end of the Hollow Road and Brownstown on the day prior to the required closure. This gives advance notice of the date and duration of the proposed road closure and alerts local residents and road users of the need to take alternative detour routes. Military officials are on duty at either end of the Hollow Road during the road closures to control the traffic and to advise users of the alternative routes. In addition, the military authorities have advised that red warning flags are flown while firing is being conducted, and warning lights are activated in the centre of the Curragh Camp outside of the water tower, in full view of the public, as further safety and information notification measures.

It is acknowledged that the occasional temporary closure of the Hollow Road may be an inconvenience for some local residents. My officials are engaging with the Defence Forces to identify other additional methods of ensuring that users of the Hollow Road are made aware of the road closures in advance, for example, publication of closure dates on the Defence Forces website and possible announcements on local radio to ensure that any future inconvenience is kept to a minimum.

Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin

I acknowledge this is a safety matter and safety is of primary importance. Surely, however, local people should be paid the courtesy of notice in a suitable manner and it should be one of the aims of the Curragh forum to address that matter. The current signage in use is inappropriate, inadequate, open to vandalism and does not give sufficient notice to users of the road.

The Minister of State referred to the Defence Act 1954. Section 269 of the Act requires that notice be given in at least two local newspapers and, as the Minister of State mentioned, on a local radio station. I understand that section 271 of the Act states that compensation must be paid if rights and privileges are withdrawn as a result of military manoeuvres, all of which is very important. It is good to see there is continuing recruitment and other aspects of training. However, relations between local residents and the Defence Forces should be nurtured and should be mutually beneficial. Adequate notice is incredibly important.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

The occasional temporary road closures at the Hollow Road by the Defence Forces are in accordance with the provisions of section 274 of the Defence Act 1954, as amended. This provides the Defence Forces with the powers to temporarily stop all traffic in the vicinity of any place used for artillery or rifle practice. I take on board the point made by the Deputy and I will bring it to the attention of the General Officer Commanding at the Curragh Camp, Brigadier General Joe Mulligan. I understand it is important that local residents are aware of when the road is to be closed. At the same time, local residents have to take on board that this is an active Army camp and there is military activity in the area. We have to close the roads on occasion due to live firing and I hope the Deputy accepts there is a safety aspect to this.

Written Answers are published on the Oireachtas website.