I welcome the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, his officials and Deputies Timmins and Costello, spokespersons on defence for Fine Gael and the Labour Party, respectively.
Vote 37 — Army Pensions (Revised).
I am pleased to put forward for consideration the defence and Army pensions Estimates for 2006. The combined Estimates provide for gross expenditure of €958 million.
The defence Estimate includes provision for the pay and allowances of 10,500 Permanent Defence Force personnel, 900 civilians employed with the Defence Forces throughout the country and 420 Civil Service staff. It also provides for the pay of 7,500 members of the Reserve while on full-time training.
A policy of continuous recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force has been in operation in recent years and this will continue in 2006 to maintain the strength at the approved level of 10,500.
Significant progress is being made on the programmes of investment in modern equipment and facilities for the Defence Forces. The programmes of investment in equipment during recent years have clearly benefited all sections of the Defence Forces and enabled them to discharge their roles at home and abroad in an effective manner.
In the period from 2001 to 2004, the Defence Forces acquired a total of 65 Mowag APCs at a total cost of €84 million, inclusive of VAT, and 28 of these are on operational duties with our troops in Kosovo and Liberia. The vehicles continue to work well in these sometimes challenging overseas environments. In December 2005 a contract was signed with Mowag for the supply of 15 additional Piranha armoured vehicles which will be delivered in 2007. Nine of the vehicles will be fitted with a Kongsberg remote weapon station with 12.7 mm machine guns and six will be fitted with Oto Melara turrets armed with 30 mm cannons. The 15 vehicles will be used mainly in surveillance and reconnaissance roles on overseas missions. The contract value is €36.5 million, including VAT. A down payment of €15 million was made in December 2005 and further payments will extend to January 2008.
The tender competition for light tactical armoured vehicles was cancelled in July 2005 on foot of a recommendation from the military project evaluation team that the procurement project be deferred until the market for such vehicles was more mature. The military authorities indicated at that time that a suitable configured armoured personnel carrier platform would meet their needs in the interim and it was in that context that the contract for the supply of 15 additional Piranha armoured vehicles was signed in December 2005.
Another significant contract that came to fruition in 2005 was the Javelin medium range anti-tank guided weapon system which was acquired from Raytheon Lockheed Martin in the US at a cost of €13 million, inclusive of VAT. This provides Defence Forces personnel with an effective, anti-armour capability while on peace support missions.
Programmes for the acquisition of nuclear, biological and chemical, NBC, equipment will continue. The Defence Forces have available to them equipment for monitoring and protecting their members in dealing with NBC threats identified from time to time. This range includes approximately 9,500 NBC suits, 800 of which were delivered earlier this year. The Defence Forces have a sufficient stock of respirators for each individual soldier and also have 98 of the most technologically up-to-date chemical agent monitors. Other equipment on hand includes biological agent detector and screening kits, group decontamination equipment and personal decontamination equipment.
Good progress has been made in the past four years in the purchase of night vision equipment with the acquisition of weapon sights and observation goggles. A tender competition was initiated in 2005 to replace the existing FN 9 mm Browning automatic pistol within the Defence Forces. The requirement is for up to 1,400 new pistols. It is likely that a contract for the acquisition of the pistols will be placed in the near future and that they will be delivered by the end of this year. An order was placed in 2005 for the provision of 400 general purpose machine guns for delivery this year at a cost of €4.4 million.
Individual soldiers are required to carry an array of equipment on operational duties. In that regard, one of the essential ongoing equipment acquisition projects relates to the provision of a modern integrated protection and load-carrying system for members of the Defence Forces on operational duties. This involves, inter alia, personal protective equipment consisting of body armour and helmet. The requirement for new helmets and body armour was driven by the need to provide members of the Defence Forces with the best available protection during their operational deployments both at home and abroad.
An order was recently placed for 6,000 units of body armour for delivery later this year. The new body armour will provide significantly greater protection, comfort and coverage than the old model, as well as a doubling of the range of sizes available. The value of this order is approximately €6 million. In addition, an order was placed recently for 12,000 helmets which will also be delivered this year, at a cost of €2.5 million. A tender competition was held in 2005 and a contract has now been placed for the delivery of six field-deployable command post containers in 2006. The value of the order is approximately €3 million.
Regarding general transport, the focus in 2006 is on the purchase of 6x6 trucks and replacement EOD vehicles. Regarding the acquisition of aircraft for the Air Corps, the eight Pilatus aircraft delivered in 2004, at a total cost of €60 million, replaced the seven Marchetti aircraft used to provide pilot training. These aircraft can be armed, giving them a limited defensive capability. Arrangements have been made for the disposal of the seven Marchetti aircraft by tender competition.
Two light utility EC 135 helicopters were acquired from Eurocopter SAS at a cost of €12.8 million, inclusive of VAT. The two helicopters were built at Eurocopter's facility in Germany. They were delivered in the latter part of 2005 and are used primarily to provide training for military pilots and air crews.
Four utility AW 139 helicopters will be acquired from Agusta SpA at a cost of €48.4 million, inclusive of VAT. The four helicopters will be built at the Agusta facility near Milan, Italy. Two AW 139s will be delivered in November 2006 and the other two will be delivered in 2007. Payments for the helicopters are spread over a number of years from 2004 to 2008. The four AW 139 helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps in a general purpose military operational and training role. They will also be used to perform air ambulance, inland search and rescue and aid to the civil community tasks.
A tender competition is now in train for the disposal of four Dauphin and one Gazelle helicopters. It is expected that the sale of these aircraft will be completed by the end of 2006. A contract has been signed with EADS, Spain, for a major mid-life upgrade for the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a total cost of more than €16 million. The upgrade on the first aircraft will be carried out in 2007 and the second in 2008.
The replacement programme for Naval Service vessels is under consideration. As a general guide, the objective is to replace vessels after approximately 30 years service. On this basis, two vessels are due for replacement in the period from 2007 to 2009.
From 1997 to the end of 2005, capital expenditure on the upgrade of barracks accommodation and facilities amounted to more than €220 million. During the same period expenditure on non-capital maintenance works amounted to more than €80 million. Major projects were recently completed at: McKee Barracks and Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin; Coolmoney Camp, County Wicklow; Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick; Kickham Barracks, Clonmel; the Naval Base, Haulbowline; Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel; Kilworth Camp, County Cork; Custume Barracks, Athlone; and Dún Uí Mhaoilísa, Galway. Other major projects will be undertaken at: the Defence Forces training centre at the Curragh; Custume Barracks, Athlone; Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick; Monaghan Barracks; Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, and Collins Barracks, Cork.
Regarding our overseas commitments, approximately 680 Defence Forces personnel are serving on 19 missions throughout the world. The main commitments are 334 personnel to the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL, 213 personnel to the NATO-led international security presence, KFOR, in Kosovo and 60 personnel to EUFOR, the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In respect of UNMIL, Irish personnel, together with an infantry company group from Sweden, provide the quick reaction force to the UNMIL force commander. In addition to conducting normal patrolling and security operations in Liberia, the Irish contingent, at the request of the UN, also conducts limited operations in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in support of the special court for Sierra Leone.
It was intended that Ireland would withdraw its contingent from UNMIL in November 2006. However, following a request by the UN Secretary General to the Taoiseach to postpone Ireland's withdrawal and consultations with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York, the Taoiseach advised the UN Secretary General on 19 May 2006 that I would recommend to the Government that there should be one further rotation of Irish personnel beyond November 2006 to May 2007. This will give the UN time to find a suitable replacement for the quick reaction force capability. The extension is the maximum that could be countenanced by the Government, taking account of factors such as the sustainability of personnel and equipment. However, the Government remains committed to UN peacekeeping in Africa and will consider further operations in consultation with the UN once we complete our deployment in Liberia.
On 9 May 2006 the Government authorised me to despatch members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the EU military operation in support of the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUC. The main purpose of the proposed EU operation is to be available to support MONUC for a four month period during the upcoming election process, which is due to take place under UN supervision in July. Seven members of the Defence Forces will serve in this mission, five at the operational headquarters in Potsdam, Germany, and two at the force headquarters in Kinshasa. Two Defence Forces officers have already taken up duty in Potsdam and the remaining personnel will be deployed in the coming weeks.
I will now discuss defence and security developments within the EU. The ability of the EU to contribute to peacekeeping and crisis management continues to be of primary importance to member states and is carried out within the context of the European security and defence policy, ESDP. The ESDP forms an integral part of the common foreign and security policy and is aimed primarily at conflict prevention, peacekeeping, humanitarian missions and crisis management. Ireland's participation in the development of ESDP is fully consistent with our policy of neutrality and our commitment to international peace and security.
At present the main priority for the ESDP is the continued improvement of the EU's capability to undertake the agreed range of tasks to meet the objectives of the 2010 headline goal. A key element of the goal is the ability, by 2007, of the EU to deploy, with full operational capability, force packages at high readiness, commonly known as battle groups, in response to a crisis. A battle group can act either as a stand-alone force or as an initial part of a larger operation, enabling follow-on phases. Following a detailed review of the battle groups concept, I announced on 9 March, that Ireland will participate in EU battle groups and will contribute Defence Forces capabilities to them, subject to final Government approval. Discussions in this regard are ongoing with Sweden, the framework nation for the Nordic battle group. Informal exploratory discussions have also taken place with Finland and Austria. As of now, 23 of the 25 member states have signalled their intention to participate in battle groups. Denmark has an opt out clause and Malta is not currently participating.
Ireland will seek to contribute effectively to ESDP operations, military and civil, within the context of our available resources. We will also continue to encourage and foster the ongoing development of EU-UN co-operation in the areas of humanitarian action, crisis management, peacekeeping and conflict prevention, with a particular emphasis on EU action in support of UN operations.
When announcing proposals for the Defence Forces to participate in battle groups, I also announced my intention to amend and update legislation for the despatch of the Defence Forces outside the State. On 16 May 2006 the Government approved the draft heads of a Bill dealing with these amendments to the Defence Acts. The legislation will provide for training and exercises by Defence Forces personnel overseas, participation by Defence Forces personnel in humanitarian operations, and, for the avoidance of doubt, the wording in the Defence Act will be updated to more closely reflect current practice in the formulation of UN Security Council resolutions endorsing peace support operations. I expect to have the necessary legislation enacted before the summer recess.
The Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan which was officially launched in July 2004 sets out an ambitious programme of reform and modernisation for the Reserve Defence Force for the period until the end of 2009. The primary goals of the plan are to significantly enhance the capabilities of the RDF and improve interoperability with the Permanent Defence Force, while retaining the traditional strengths of voluntary commitment, strong links with local communities and a nationwide geographical spread. Work has been completed to target on the reorganisation. On 1 October 2005 the Reserve Defence Force was reorganised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force and the Army reserve is now organised into three brigades and a Reserve Defence Force training authority. Each reserve brigade comprises combat, combat support and combat service support units, mirroring the Permanent Defence Force structure. In addition to the Army reserve, there is also a dedicated Naval Service Reserve.
The newly reorganised RDF provides an essential platform for further implementation of the plan. Work is ongoing on the development of the integrated element of the RDF which will comprise approximately 2,650 personnel who can integrate with Permanent Defence Force units in contingency situations. These personnel will receive additional training which will be conducted by the PDF and extra equipment. It is planned that the first elements of the integrated reserve will be established on a pilot basis in 2007 across all units. The plan provides for all elements of the integrated reserve to be established by the end of 2009.
In addition to the reorganisation and integrated element of the Reserve Defence Force, other aspects of the plan are also proceeding on schedule. The equipment programme is being implemented, with the Steyr rifle programme ahead of schedule and the support weapons programme on target. The RDF has received issues of new clothing as provided for in the plan. The establishment of the Reserve Defence Force training authority alongside the Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh which was provided for in the reorganised reserve plan represents an important development that facilitates further enhancement of the quality of training available to the RDF.
The twinning of reserve units with their PDF counterparts has also improved the availability of specialised equipment and expertise and will further contribute to the quality of training. The revised organisational structures, the development of the integrated element and the improvements in training and equipment are significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force. These factors are key enablers in facilitating future participation by RDF personnel in overseas missions. In other countries service by reservists on overseas missions is common, although, as specified in the plan, such participation by Irish reservists is likely to be in specialised areas. While there are no immediate plans for participation by members of the RDF in overseas missions, policies to support the selection of suitably qualified personnel for overseas duties will also be developed over the lifetime of the plan.
As Minister for Defence, I chair the Government task force on emergency planning, which was established in October 2001. The task force is assisted in its work by the interdepartmental working group on emergency planning and the office of emergency planning in my Department. The task force continues to meet on a frequent basis with the aim of promoting the best possible use of resources and compatibility between different planning requirements. The main recent issues which the task force addressed include a review of the framework for co-ordinated responses to major emergencies, planning for the provision of a national emergency co-ordination centre, promoting the value of structured exercise programmes and discussing lessons learned from the London terrorist attacks of 7 July 2005. State bodies aim to react quickly and effectively to any large-scale emergency. Response arrangements must continue to be characterised by effective management of all aspects of emergency planning, thereby ensuring a high level of public confidence in such arrangements.
The task force is briefed on an ongoing basis by the Department of Agriculture and Food on avian flu and the Department of Health and Children on a possible human flu pandemic. Avian flu, or H5N1, is primarily a disease of birds and, to date, a very small number of human cases of H5N1 have been documented in situations where there has been very close contact with infected birds. There is no evidence of human to human transmission. A detailed plan for a response to an influenza pandemic was prepared in 2004. This plan is being refined to reflect the most up-to-date advice of the influenza pandemic expert group and the World Health Organisation.
The lead responsibility for specific emergency planning functions remains with the relevant Departments, as do the budgetary and resource management requirements. Emergency plans are co-ordinated by the various lead Departments at a national level and through the local authorities, including the fire service, the Health Service Executive and Garda divisions at local and regional level.
The current assessment by the Garda Síochána is that the risk to Ireland from international terrorism is low. However, this does not mean that there is cause for complacency as the situation can change rapidly. Potential threats to the State are continuously monitored and those involved in this work continue to be vigilant. The objective is to confine and control threats before they can be brought to destructive effect.
I am conscious of the need to keep the public fully informed of developments in the emergency planning area. My Department recently commissioned market research to ascertain, among other matters, the extent to which the public knew about emergency planning and what additional information they would like to receive. Based on the results of the market research, a communications strategy is being devised at present to decide what is the best way to keep the public informed on emergency planning matters.
The new Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, as provided for under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, was established with effect from 31 August 2005. Ms Paulyn Marrinan Quinn, SC, was appointed by the President as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces with effect from 19 September 2005. ln accordance with the terms of the Act, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is independent in the performance of her duties. The Ombudsman provides an ultimate and independent statutory point of appeal for all members of the Defence Forces within the context of the military redress of wrongs-grievance process. ln general terms, the Ombudsman has the power to investigate complaints made to her in respect of actions and decisions which date from 1 December 2005 onward, subject only to a few limited categories of exclusion as provided for in the legislation. The Ombudsman will produce an annual report for the Houses of the Oireachtas, in accordance with the requirements of the 2004 Act.
The White Paper of 2000 sets out the Govemment's policy on defence for the period up to 2010 with a view to ensuring an appropriate level of defence capability, having regard to the changing defence and security environment at home and abroad. While I am satisfied with the progress made in implementing the vision set out in the White Paper, particularly in terms of improved equipment and infrastructure, I am not complacent. The review of White Paper implementation under way by a joint civil and military group will give us an opportunity to take stock of where we are and to focus on the key priorities in the next couple of years. There is a small number of important issues that I want to see brought to fruition quickly, in particular the completion of the new Army organisation structures consequent on the reduction in overall numbers and the publication of the human resources strategy for the Defence Forces.
Before concluding, I will refer briefly to the Army pensions Estimate. The Estimate provides for the payment of over 9,600 service pensions and approximately 1,200 disability pensions to former members of the Defence Forces and their spouses and children. It also provides for the payment of pensions and allowances to surviving veterans of the War of Independence and their spouses. ln that regard, I was pleased to be able to announce recently a substantial increase in the War of Independence pensions. I felt that the 90th anniversary of the Easter 1916 Rising was an appropriate time to show the country's appreciation of the major part played by veterans in the foundation of the State. These pensions are being increased by 50% retrospectively to 1 April, having been last increased in mid-2004 when a 50% increase was also applied. The revised rates and arrears will be paid later this month.
Details of individual subheads for both the defence and Army pensions Estimates have been circulated to the committee. I will be pleased to answer any queries from committee members and to assist in any way I can.
I thank the Minister for his detailed submission. I will go through a few of the subheads and refer to some of the issues raised by the Minister.
Subhead G covers Mowag APCs. Between 2001 and 2004 we bought 65 at a cost of €84 million and we will acquire a further 15 this year. Can the Minister confirm that he, the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence are satisfied with the Mowags? Sometimes I hear whispers that all is not well with them, although I do not have any definite information to that effect. Are there any difficulties with them and are there any regrets about their purchase?
I want our explosive ordnance and bomb disposal teams to have all the necessary equipment. Is the Minister satisfied that those units have the necessary equipment to carry out their functions? They are called out regularly, although mostly to minor incidents, and it is important they have the up-to-date equipment they require.
Subhead J makes reference to an additional €1.8 million spent on marine fuel at the end of 2005. Was this to pre-empt a possible increase in fuel prices? How has the increase in oil and petrol prices impacted on the Estimates for the Defence Forces? Has it made a big dent in the budget? How do they purchase fuel? Do they pay a varying price or an annual contract price?
Subhead L relates to buildings. Will the OPW or the Department of Defence pay for the site earmarked for the Department under decentralisation? I have raised this issue in the past and I am sure Deputy Ó Fearghaíl will agree that a lot of money is being spent on a site in Newbridge when the Department could have access to land in the Curragh Camp which would be very suitable to its needs. It does not make any sense to have a site in Newbridge and one in Curragh Camp. I do not know what stage decentralisation in the Department of Defence has reached but this may be an opportunity to save the State money. Moving the Army headquarters will not be difficult but how many in the Department of Defence itself have signed up for decentralisation? Are any difficulties envisaged?
Subhead T relates to deafness. There have been in excess of 15,605 claims at a cost of €281 million. The legal costs are almost €95 million, approximately 30% of the claims, which seems a very high figure. The Minister expressed concern about double charging by some law firms. Has he established whether it took place and, if so, what steps are being taken to recoup the money from the legal profession?
Subhead U deals with national advertising and was mentioned by the Minister in his speech. I cannot remember seeing a reference to a survey on the extent of public knowledge about emergency planning. Was it published and, if not, what were the results? I imagine the level of public knowledge of the subject is low. What information did it emerge the public would like to receive? How does the Minister envisage carrying out the advertising campaign? I believe the cost will be approximately €1 million.
The Minister referred to property sales in his speech. Did the Department sell part of St. Bricin's in Dublin to the local authority? If so, what did it receive for it? All property disbursements should go back into the purchase of military equipment and the refurbishment of buildings.
The Minister also spoke about Reserve training. When does he envisage that members of the Reserve Defence Force will be able to train overseas? He rightly said that many, if not all, forces abroad use reservists and that we are an exception. What legislation, if any, would be necessary? Will it emanate from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment? When is it envisaged that members of the Reserve Defence Force will train overseas?
Reference is also made to the national emergency co-ordinartion centre. Will the Minister elaborate on this and of what it will consist? Will the public be able to access information from it? With regard to the national emergency planning group, I will not question the Minister. I often have reservations with regard to how seriously we take the issue of emergency planning. There is no real major funding being invested in that regard. It was stated that lessons are to be learned from the London terrorist attacks in July 2005. What lessons did we learn from those attacks? Will the Minister elaborate in that regard?
I raised the human resources strategy in the past. There is a concept relating to people retiring. For example, somebody with the rank of commandant may be obliged to retire at 56. We are talking about increasing the retirement age. There is a drain on certain ranks within the Defence Forces due to our increased overseas commitments. It does not make sense to allow people with expertise to retire at 56. Perhaps such people can be kept on until they reach 60. We are discussing extending the retirement age. The latter will not lead to the imposition of great costs because most of these people will be on pensions in any event. It seems a practical way to proceed, although there may be a reluctance in some sections in the Department of Finance or the Department of Defence. It is common sense to utilise this human resource rather than allow skills to be lost.
I welcome the Minister and thank him for the comprehensive presentation of the Estimates. I will comment first on the Minister's remarks and then on the subheads relating to the Estimates.
The Minister stated that continuous recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing. How is that proceeding and what has been the response? Is there a surplus of applicants when advertisements are run? Is there any great difficulty in maintaining the number of 10,500?
With regard to people who may or may not apply, I have come across many youngsters in inner city Dublin who have, in their teenage years, been in trouble with, for example, the Garda. They may have been involved in inflicting criminal damage done, joyriding or something of that nature. They receive letters from the Defence Forces stating they cannot be considered because they have previous convictions. This would relate to something relatively trivial that would have occurred when these people were 16, 17 or 18. I always understood that there was a certain amount of flexibility with regard to a youngster making good and having the opportunity of a career in the Army. Perhaps the Minister will clarify the position in that regard?
With regard to nuclear, biological and chemical equipment, I note that almost the entire number of Army personnel, 9,500, have NBC suits. I imagine the Garda, and possibly the public, will be envious when the advertising and communications programme begins. Those people could also do with nuclear, biological and chemical suits. Does the provision of these suits relate to the Sellafield threat or is it more relevant to a possible terrorist nuclear attack? What is the effectiveness of this equipment? I presume it to be of a higher grade than the iodine tablets for which we were waiting. Is the purpose of this equipment just to protect Army personnel or will it have a broader use?
An impressive amount of new equipment is being purchased over a number of years. What will happen to the old equipment? There were references to the disposal of helicopters, etc. Are auctions held, inviting the military in other countries to purchase equipment? Is the public invited to attend such auctions? How does the process work or does the Department tender for the larger items and dispose of smaller ones? Some of the equipment would be Land Rovers and other equipment suitable for civilian purposes. It would clearly not be possible to put weapons, etc., in a public auction. What amount of money would be expected to accrue from such a process?
With regard to the upgrading of barracks, €220 million is a great deal in the space of a few years. It is no doubt very welcome. Will the Minister give us an idea of the numbers of personnel accommodated in the barracks?
The Minister referred to battle groups, a European Union initiative in the context of the European security and defence policy. He indicated that Irish involvement will be strictly on the basis of the triple lock mechanism and the United Nations mandate. How does the Minister envisage this happening with regard to rapid response and reaction? The Security Council of the United Nations does not meet every day and any member of the Security Council could veto a proposal relating to a particular area.
With the logistics of getting the United Nations mandate, there is not much sense in having a rapid response force in place and waiting for the Irish section to arrive if the mandate has not come about. I presume the Minister will clarify that in amending legislation. There is not much time between now and the Dáil entering recess. Will the Minister put the legislation through before the summer?
The Reserve Defence Force is an interesting option, in the context of integration, with regard to training and organisation with the Permanent Defence Force. There should be the option of overseas service. How seriously is that being considered? It would be an interesting new function for the Reserve Defence Force.
With regard to security, there is a Border duty allowance of €5 million. Do we still have troops on the Border? How many troops are there and where are they located? There is a security allowance of €11.6 million. To what does this refer? There is a patrol allowance of €3.6 million. What is the difference between these, as they all come under the security heading? Does this tie in to cash escorts from banks? In 2005, the amount received from banks was €3.857 million. In 2006, the banks will pay the escort cost in their entirety. That is a welcome development. Similar action has not yet been taken with the Garda but the Minister is ahead of the posse in that regard. What amount will come from the banks for the escorts?
Deputy Timmins referred to hearing loss claims and the sizable chunk of money obtained by the legal profession in respect of matters of this nature. The figure is €95 million from €281 million. Will the Minister give us an idea of whether the Comptroller and Auditor General has examined the figures? I assume he would examine figures on an annual basis. Has he done a specific analysis of the loss in hearing claims and can he tell us how many outstanding claims there are?
While relatives and dependants of participants in the War of Independence still have pension entitlements it seems there are only two actual veterans of the war still alive. Is that the case? There were two in 2005 and 2006 and the special war allowance pension is down to two this year but there are 779 dependents of veterans of the War of Independence listed.
A sum of €1.5 million is designated for chaplain services. How many chaplains are employed by the Army and where are they located?
How often does the task force on emergency planning, the purpose of which is to deal with terrorism attacks and so on, meet and what issues has it been discussing? I presume avian flu has taken up some time. There is a threefold increase in the advertising bill for 2006. Does this relate to communicating matters under the auspices of this task force or does it have a wider brief?
I welcome the Minister for Defence and his staff and compliment them on the recent military display in Dublin commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising. This gave the public the opportunity to view Defence Forces personnel and the enhanced equipment that has been provided for our Defence Forces in recent years.
I raised the issue of the number of women in the Defence Forces some time ago as a parliamentary question. Some 9% of applicants were women and 9% of the entire Defence Forces consists of women. I mentioned that the height restriction was one of the reasons so few women applied to join the Defence Forces and the Minister informed me at the time that a report was under way reviewing this requirement. Can he supply an update? I understand Department of Defence medical personnel have indicated that people must be of a certain height in order to carry the required equipment.
I believe there is not enough communication between the Reserve Defence Force and post-primary schools. New members of the Defence Forces are often recruited through word of mouth and family connections, which has worked well. However, there are many people who would like to become members if they were recruited and informed in time. I believe the schools are a natural channel of communication in this regard. How does the Reserve Defence Force initiate recruitment of new members?
I echo Deputy Hoctor's comments on the Minister for Defence's overview and the commemoration of the Easter Rising, both of which illustrated the huge level of investment there has been in equipment and infrastructure and the pride in the Defence Forces resulting from recent investment.
The Government committed to withdraw from Liberia in 2006 and now we are told that will be extended to 2007. The Minister mentioned the sustainability of personnel and equipment, why is it that we are so anxious to disengage from the mission in Liberia? This mission, when first mooted, was considered highly dangerous and there was great concern regarding the risks our personnel were undertaking in embarking on it. However, it has been very successful and, thankfully, much of what was feared did not occur. Perhaps the Minister could explain why we are now anxious to disengage?
Battle groups will present an interesting challenge for us. Can the Minister tell us how they will be configured and the benefits of links with Nordic countries and Austria?
On the Reserve Defence Force, when I was in school in Kildare the lads involved in the FCA had huge pride in that organisation. How is recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force progressing, what is the methodology behind recruitment and, as Deputy Hoctor suggested, are we involving post-primary schools as we might? Can the Minister explain the difference between the integrated and non-integrated elements of the Reserve and how the numbers break down?
The establishment of the Defence Forces Ombudsman is a very positive development. Can the Minister tell us how this office working out and the level of activity it is experiencing?
I support Deputy Hoctor on the need to encourage women to join the Defence Forces and I appreciate the point she makes about height restrictions. However, it is not only women who might be challenged in that area, some of us here are not exactly six-footers. In this day and age a height restriction is not fair and should not be a criterion in selecting suitable candidates.
Our society has become very cosmopolitan and includes many ethnic groups. Do the Department and the Defence Forces have a strategy to encourage the Traveller community and other ethnic groups in society to join and become fully involved?
I welcome the Minister and echo my colleagues' words in thanking the Defence Forces for their work at home and abroad especially in areas of major conflict such as Liberia.
With regard to the EU and UN co-operation, the Minister has spoken on humanitarian action and conflict prevention and this is a positive development. I ask the Minister to ensure that this is the agenda he pushes rather than getting involved in other situations.
There are 7,500 members of the Army Reserve. In light of the recent debate on the Garda reserve, what is the relationship like between the Permanent Defence Force and the Army Reserve? Does the Permanent Defence Force consider itself undermined in any way or does it have a positive outlook on the Army Reserve regarding defence issues?
There are many questions facing the Minister.
I will do my best to answer as many as I can. If anyone requires information that I do not have to hand, they can let me know and I will communicate with them later.
Deputy Timmins asked if we are satisfied with the Mowag armoured personnel carriers that were acquired for considerable cost. There were teething problems but I am satisfied that everything is in order and that they are state-of-the-art and serving very well the purpose for which they were acquired.
Deputy Timmins also asked about the equipment for the bomb disposal teams which perform an essential function. I am satisfied they are fully and adequately equipped with all the latest gear.
The Deputy also raised a question regarding fuel. I do not know whether it is possible to obtain figures regarding the impact on the defence budget of fuel price increases from last year to this year. Obviously, however, as fuel is purchased in large amounts, it has had some impact. I am informed that the general practice is to purchase fuel in bulk at the going rate.
Deputy Timmins further inquired whether the Office of Public Works or the Department of Defence paid for the Newbridge decentralisation site. It was purchased by the Office of Public Works. As for the progress of decentralisation, the Department's transfer to Newbridge is oversubscribed. Obviously, not all of the 420 personnel who serve in the Department of Defence will remove themselves to Newbridge. Some of them will do so and offers have been received from other Departments. Hence, the Department's transfer is effectively oversubscribed.
Deputies Timmins and Costello raised an interesting point in respect of Army hearing impairment claims and how the legal profession is benefiting from them. I have contacted the Law Society of Ireland to point out that I have received allegations to the effect that people were double charged. It has been alleged that after the Department had paid the solicitors involved, the solicitors then deducted a certain amount from the cost payable. The Law Society informed me that it has a mechanism for dealing with such cases and advised me to refer interested parties to it. I have done so and, in some cases, solicitors have made repayments to people. I have also noticed that, increasingly, the response to such cases is that as the events in question occurred more than five years ago, nothing can be done about them. I am dissatisfied with this state of affairs and, possibly later today, I intend to contact the Law Society in respect of it. Such behaviour is not acceptable.
Deputies Costello and Timmins also referred to the cost of emergency planning. Confusion arises in this regard because Ireland's system of emergency planning differs from that of certain other countries such as the United Kingdom. The Department of Defence heads the emergency planning group which is the co-ordinating group for the response to an emergency. However, the relevant Department will take the lead in respect of any emergency, be it agricultural, health-related or whatever. For example, the Department of Agriculture and Food would take the lead with regard to outbreaks of foot and mouth disease or avian influenza and would incur most of the costs. In the case of an outbreak of an influenza pandemic, the Department of Health and Children would act as the lead Department, while the response to nuclear emergencies would be led by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Hence, lead Departments bear the brunt of the considerable costs involved, which may be found in those Departments' Estimates.
Deputy Timmins asked whether part of St. Bricin's Hospital has been sold. While the land in question was not sold, it was handed over to the local authority as part of the affordable housing initiative. I am informed that the space in question amounted to approximately two acres.
A question was asked as to when the Defence Forces will be in a position to send reservists overseas. The Department envisages this will happen within the lifetime of the Army reserve plan, which is due to conclude in 2009. An amendment to defence legislation will be necessary for this purpose. The Department envisages sending people with particular specialties such as engineers or those with communications skills, rather than ordinary reservists.
Deputy Timmins inquired about the location of the proposed emergency co-ordination centre. It will be located within the Department of Agriculture and Food, as space has been found in that Department's Kildare Street office. I understand the Department of Defence will pay one quarter of the costs, with the balance to be spread between the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public Works. The contract is out to tender at present. I do not imagine that the public will have ready access to the building. It will be where the response to a major emergency will be co-ordinated. We need a central point from which we can operate.
Deputy Timmins also inquired about the lessons learned from the London bombings experience. One important lesson was the importance of conducting exercises on the ground. Consequently, I have asked those who attend the emergency planning meetings to prepare a list of the exercises planned for the next six months in order that I can attend some of them and so that my colleagues from more relevant Departments, depending on the type of exercise, can also attend. I already attended a number of such exercises and found them to be extremely informative. No one is qualified to discuss them without having physically attended. This was, therefore, the central lesson learned from the attacks on London.
Deputy Timmins also referred to the retirement age for officers. I will communicate further with him on that matter. As he is aware, a human resources plan, which will take into account the fact that Defence Forces strength now stands at 10,500 personnel, is in preparation for the Department of Defence. I hope to advance it shortly and this issue will be dealt with in that context.
As for recruitment, Deputy Costello asked whether there is a surplus of applicants. I am informed that the response is lively. Like the Deputy, I have been approached by people regarding being disbarred as a result of some minor infraction in their earlier lives. The Army takes the approach that those who apply to join are obliged to obtain security clearance which entails a Garda report. Anything appearing on a person's record is reported by the Garda and those responsible for recruitment must judge such information as they find it.
Deputy Costello also asked what happened to old equipment. The Department does not sell second-hand weapons. I am informed that old tanks, etc., are scrapped and not sold.
What about buses?
The Department sells off helicopters and aeroplanes because there is still a market for them and such sales offset some of the costs of acquiring new helicopters. However, the Department does not sell tanks.
What about other transport equipment?
It is scrapped.
Is it?
While some civilian type vehicles are sold, nothing with a military component is sold.
Does the Department hold auctions?
While I do not deal with the financial minutiae of such matters, I am informed that its sales are conducted by tender.
I have been informed that while the Department had a history of selling buses to community groups, the practice appears to have stopped. I am trying to obtain one.
For Tallaght.
Yes, it is for a Tallaght group.
The Minister should throw one in for each member.
This is a serious question.
In Limerick, Mowags are needed.
This is a serious question.
While it has been suggested to me that parts of Limerick may require Mowags, that is a vicious rumour put about by our enemies. It is a total slur. However, I will look into this matter for Deputy O'Connor.
That would be good. The Minister can bring it out.
The Minister is aware that much Army surplus matériel may be found in shops. Is Army surplus matériel such as uniforms disposed of in this manner?
I am informed that such matériel does not originate from the Defence Forces. It is imported from abroad.
It comes from the US army and so on.
Some of it is probably counterfeit.
Deputy Costello also asked how many personnel are accommodated in individual barracks. While I do not have the figure, I can obtain a list for the Deputy.
What percentage of Army personnel are housed in barracks accommodation?
I will try to acquire the approximate figure and communicate it to the Deputy.
As for battle groups, Deputy Costello expressed concern regarding what could be done if the relevant United Nations resolution was not forthcoming. We cannot operate without a United Nations resolution. As matters stand, if one considers the Nordic battle group, Ireland is the only country with a legal requirement for a United Nations resolution. Politically however, it is regarded as a sine qua non. Most of the countries involved would not move without a United Nations resolution, except in the most extreme circumstances. Moreover, all multinational battle groups will contain a certain amount of built-in redundancy in order to provide for the possibility that one or other of the composite elements cannot function. I will discuss this matter in detail when I introduce the legislation. I hope, with the assistance of members, to have the legislation passed before the summer recess.
We are giving serious consideration to allowing reservists to serve overseas. This would relate mainly to those working in specialised areas such as doctors, communications personnel and engineers. A security allowance is paid to Army personnel, while a patrol allowance is paid to their counterparts in the Naval Service.
I will now address the question of banks and how much we will receive this year.
For what purpose are the allowances in this regard paid?
They are paid for all kinds of security duties such as, for example, protecting banks and public buildings and installations.
Is a Border allowance also still available?
Yes, this allowance is only paid to troops engaging in Border duties.
Are troops engaged in many patrols on the Border?
Much of the Border duty has finished. We estimate that out of the 10,500 troops, 1,000 receive the Border allowance.
Are troops continually engaged in Border patrols?
Yes. In respect of banks, the agreed fixed amount we received from banks for the service provided by the army is approximately €2.7 million. As Deputy Costello is aware, we have concluded a deal with the banks that will oblige them to pay the full costs. I envisage that we will receive approximately €6 million this year.
I am informed that the Defence Forces have approximately 19 chaplains.
Have these chaplains all been nominated?
Yes.
Since I took over as chairman of the task force on emergency planning, I have tried to ensure that it meets once a month. All lead Departments and agencies involved in the task force — the Departments of Transport and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland — have standing representatives on this group. During task force meetings I ask these representatives about the latest state of planning in their areas. We also discuss specific topics such as avian influenza and the possible outbreak of a influenza pandemic. On other occasions experts address the group. One such expert is Dr. Michael Repacholi, co-ordinator of radiation and environmental health at the World Health Organisation, who specialises in nuclear emergencies and gave a very informative talk at one meeting that led to an interesting discussion.
Deputy Hoctor inquired about the potential effects of height requirements on the recruitment of women. As I am due to receive the report in question, that matter will be quickly addressed.
In respect of the points raised by Deputies Ó Fearghaíl and Hoctor on recruitment to the Reserve, at any particular location, such recruitment is the business of the Permanent Defence Force unit in the area. We must consider introducing a structured recruitment programme because it is a good suggestion.
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl asked why we are so anxious to withdraw from Liberia. The initial agreement was that we would conclude our tour of duty in Liberia by next November. The Taoiseach agreed to extend this by six months. I spoke to the president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, during my most recent visit to Liberia. She informed me that she was seeking an extension of six months. She did not propose an indefinite extension. There is a rapid reaction element in the United Nations Mission in Liberia, the Irish contingent of which is in excess of 400. In addition, it also contains approximately 280 Swedish troops. In order to put an alternative in place, President Johnson-Sirleaf asked me if the Irish troops could remain in situ for a further six months. Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the UN, wrote to the Taoiseach to make the same request. That request was also put to the Swedish component which, regrettably, turned it down. I understand that a possible replacement has been identified for the Swedish component, which we will train.
We are scaling down operations. On the previous occasion on which I appeared before the committee approximately 420 Irish troops were serving in Liberia. The number is now 334. From the reports received by us and what I have seen in the ground in Liberia, it appears that the situation is rapidly coming together. I was pleasantly surprised at how the country had changed since my first two visits, which were separated by approximately ten months. Peace appears to have broken out and democracy appears to be taking root even more rapidly than had been anticipated. We remain committed to the mission, however, and if there is any outbreak of trouble, we will re-examine the situation.
The integrated element of the reserve will consist of approximately 2,650 troops and will integrate with units of the Permanent Defence Force in contingency situations. The reorganisation of the reserve involves having three brigades to mirror the three Army brigades and a Reserve Defence Force training authority to mirror its Army counterpart.
I have covered most of the points raised but if anyone wishes to pose other questions, I will be happy to answer them.
Could the Minister answer my question about the reserve?
I apologise to the Deputy. I was not deliberating ignoring him. The relationship between the Army and the Reserve is very good. The new reforms of the Reserve will bring it and the Army much closer together. As a result of the integration that will take place, the percentage of the Reserve that is being integrated with the Army in contingency situations will have access to better equipment and the top personnel in different Army units. As a result, they will be even better trained. To my knowledge, the Army has never felt that it was being undermined in any way by the Reserve.
Therefore, it was never an issue.
It was never an issue. The Deputy also inquired about overseas commitments in respect of humanitarian aid and conflict prevention. We are committed to the Petersberg tasks. There was an addition to these tasks in 1993, whereby states can become involved in chapter 7 missions, which are essentially concerned with conflict prevention and which, at the far end of the scale, might involve keeping two warring factions apart. We are committed to nothing more than the Petersberg tasks.
A sale of land at Arbour Hill Prison was worth €3.2 million. Is the land in question part of the prison site or is it located outside the prison walls?
To which subhead is Deputy Costello referring?
I am referring to the subhead dealing property sales for this year.
It is subhead 9.
I do not know the answer to the Deputy's question.
It is on the final page, just before pensions.
As the land inside the walls of Arbour Hill Prison is owned by the Office of Public Works, the land in question must be outside the walls. However, I will examine matters and inform Deputy Costello whether this is the case.
The other issue relates to War of Independence veterans. Are there two surviving veterans?
Two survivors who were in active service during the War of Independence receive military service pensions from the Department of Defence. Approximately 730 spouses of deceased veterans also receive pensions.
Could the Minister elaborate on the situation relating to the Law Society? Some people who complained that they were doubly charged have contacted the Law Society. However, the society has informed the individuals in question that it cannot assist them because their cases relate to events that occurred more than five years ago. What are the numbers involved in this affair? Will the Minister contact the Law Society?
I will make contact with the Law Society. From the correspondence I have seen a letter is sent back from the solicitor to the effect that because the person's complaint relates to more than five years ago it cannot be investigated as the files are no longer available.
Is the letter from a solicitor for the Law Society?
No. It is the solicitor's response to the Law Society. The Law Society then sends it to the client who tells me that it is not acceptable, with which I agree.
Plaintiffs' costs amount to €91 million. Is there any quantification of the State's costs?
The Chairman is referring to the Chief State Solicitor's costs.
I realise that. Has a figure been put on the State's costs?
I can get the figures for the committee.
I would like to see the figures all together in order that we could see the total legal costs.
It would be interesting.
Has the Comptroller and Auditor General audited the figures?
I do not know whether he has conducted a specific audit, but the figures are available if he so wishes. My Department's Secretary General informs me that we have answered correspondence from the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Has the Comptroller and Auditor General carried out a value for money examination?
Not a specific one. The Department paid the ordinary scale costs to solicitors. The difficulty is that solicitors have taken amounts from the Department's cheques.
Their clients' money.
Yes. That matter would not be in the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
It has not really gone out of fashion.
Not really.
We have concluded our discussion on the Revised Estimates. At our meeting at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 14 June, we will resume on the Criminal Justice Bill 2004. The Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights will meet at 3.15 p.m. on Tuesday, 13 June to consider an EU motion on justice referred by the Houses. I thank the Minister and his officials.