I welcome the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, and his officials. I also welcome members of the select committee. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the Estimates falling within the remit of the Department of Defence, namely, Vote 36 — Defence, and Vote 37 — Army Pensions.
2007 Output Statement for Department of Defence.
I am pleased to appear before the committee to put forward for its consideration the Defence and Army pensions Estimates for 2007 and the first annual output statement for my Department. The combined Estimates provide for gross expenditure of more than €1 billion.
An important new development in the Estimates process this year is the inclusion of the annual output statement. The development of output statements is a key element of the budget and Estimates reform measures announced by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in budget 2006. The output statements are designed to match key outputs and strategic impacts to financial and staffing resources for the financial year. The production of an output statement aligning defence strategic goals and objectives with expenditure programmes and listing high level outputs to be achieved for the year has presented a particular challenge to the defence organisation. This challenge arises because many defence outputs consist of preparing to meet possible emergencies rather than providing services for individual customers. The Defence Forces are engaged in developing and maintaining capabilities, both for contingencies and ongoing deployments. The White Paper on Defence states:
Defence provision is to a significant extent about preparing for and dealing with contingency: it has been likened to insurance. The Defence organisation must seek to provide capabilities appropriate to the anticipated risks — the risk to the security of the State in its broadest sense ... To a significant extent, defence is about preparing and maintaining a capability to respond to contingencies and threats. When not actually engaged in operations, any defence organisation concentrates on training and preparation, and not on the provision of identifiable services to individual citizens ... However, it is important to stress that the Defence Forces continue to provide services to the general public, for example, aid to the civil power, search and rescue, emergencies, fishery protection and air ambulance.
In drawing up the first ever output statement we have grouped outputs under five distinct programmes so as to provide better information on Defence spending. The five programmes are: contingent capabilities; on-island security and support to other agencies; international peace and security; defence policy, military advice and corporate services; and military pensions and gratuities.
The estimated programme expenditure represents the costs for the anticipated levels of activity for the current year and the associated outputs under each of the programme headings. It must be borne in mind, however, that much of the expenditure in programmes 1 to 3 will be incurred regardless of changing levels of activity. The cost of being ready must be incurred whether the requirement is actually called out. For example, the costs of employing, training and equipping a bomb disposal team must be met in full, even if there are no call-outs. Further details of the five programmes are contained in the output statement circulated to members.
Turning now to details of the Estimates, the Defence Estimate includes provision for the pay and allowances of 10,500 Permanent Defence Force personnel, 880 civilians employed with the Defence Forces throughout the country and some 400 Civil Service staff. It also provides for the pay of 7,500 members of the reserve while on full-time training. The Army pensions Estimate provides for the payment of almost 9,800 service related pensions and over 1,100 disability related benefits to former members of the Defence Forces and their spouses and children.
The allocation for 2007 in the Defence Estimate will allow us to continue the programmes of investment in equipment and infrastructure which have taken place in recent years. These modernisation programmes have brought about enormous improvements for all areas of the Defence Forces. For example, equipment delivered in 2006 included 8,000 units of body armour for the individual soldier on operational duties — the new body armour provides significantly greater protection, comfort and coverage than the old model and the total cost was €8 million; 12,000 helmets at a cost of €2.5 million; 400 general purpose machine guns which were acquired from FN Herstal in Belgium at a cost of €4.4 million; 1,400 pistols purchased from Heckler and Koch to replace the FN 9mm Browning automatic at a cost of €800,000; six field deployable command post containers acquired at a cost of €4.4 million — two of the containers are deployed in Lebanon; 800 nuclear biological and chemical, NBC, suits, bringing the total stock to about 9,500.
In the period from 2001 to 2004 the Defence Forces acquired a total of 65 Mowag APCs at a cost of €84 million. Of these, 34 are on operational duties with our troops in Kosovo, Liberia and Lebanon. The vehicles have worked extremely well in these environments. In December 2005 a further contract was signed with Mowag for the supply of 15 additional Piranha armoured vehicles for delivery this year. The contract value is €36.5 million. Of these vehicles, nine will be fitted with a Kongsberg remote weapon station with a 12.7 mm machine gun, while six will be fitted with an Oto Melara turret armed with a 30 mm cannon. The 15 vehicles, the first four of which were delivered in March, will be used mainly in surveillance and reconnaissance roles on overseas missions.
A tender competition for light tactical armoured vehicles was cancelled in 2005 on foot of a recommendation by 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 the time that a suitably configured armoured personnel carrier platform would meet their needs in the interim. It was in that context that the contract for the supply of 15 additional Piranha armoured vehicles was placed in December 2005. The military authorities have now advised that the market for light tactical armoured vehicles has developed considerably since 2005. Accordingly, it is proposed to run a fresh tender competition for the purchase of this class of vehicle in the latter part of this year.
A tender competition for the acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles for use in reconnaissance is in progress. The competition was carried out in two stages. The first stage, a request for proposals, was followed by a restricted tender competition involving those companies which came through the first stage. The evaluation process is ongoing and it is expected that a contract will be placed later this year. The equipment which will cost about €750,000 will be of significant benefit to the Defence Forces in the performance of duties overseas.
There has been major investment in new aircraft for the Air Corps. Some eight Pilatus turbo propeller aircraft were delivered in 2004, at a total cost of €60 million, to replace the Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role; two light utility EC 135 helicopters which were delivered in late 2005 at a cost of about €13 million are used for pilot training, instructor training and instrument flight training, while six utility AW 139 helicopters are being acquired from Agusta S.p.A. at a cost of €75 million. The helicopters are being built at the Agusta facility near Milan, Italy. The first two were delivered in November 2006, two will be delivered later this year and the final two will be delivered in 2008. Payments for the helicopters are spread over a number of years from 2004 to 2008. The six utility helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps in a general purpose military operational and training role. Primary taskings for the helicopters will include training and operations with special forces, aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport. They will also be used to perform air ambulance, inland search and rescue and aid to the civil community tasks. The first two helicopters are expected to enter operational service in the coming weeks.
A contract has been signed with EADS, Spain, for a major mid-life upgrade for the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. The contract value is in the region of €16 million. The upgrade on the first aircraft will be carried out in the latter part of this year and the second in 2008. A number of old aircraft were sold by public tender in 2006. Six Marchettis were sold for €600,000, while four Dauphin helicopters and one Gazelle were sold for €517,000.
The replacement programme for Naval Service vessels is under active consideration. As a general guide, the objective would be to replace vessels after approximately 30 years service, on which basis three ships will fall due for replacement in the next few years. These are the LE Emer, commissioned in 1978, LE Aoife, commissioned in 1979, and LE Aisling, commissioned in 1980. A departmental study group comprising civilian and Naval Service personnel was established in 2006 to examine and report on a vessel replacement programme having regard to imminent replacement requirements. The group has submitted its report, on foot of which I will bring proposals to the Government in the coming weeks. All going well, the tender process will commence within the next few months with the expectation of placing a contract for the first of three ships early in 2008.
In the past ten years there has been substantial investment in providing first class accommodation and facilities for the Defence Forces. From 1997 to the end of 2006, capital expenditure on the upgrade of barracks accommodation and facilities amounted to more than €240 million. During the same period expenditure on non-capital maintenance works came to over €90 million. The results of this expenditure can now be seen at barracks throughout the country. Major projects have recently been completed at Custume Barracks, Athlone; Collins Barracks, Cork; Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick and Dún Uí Mhaolíosa in Galway. The provision for capital building works in this year's Estimate is €25.6 million, plus a carryover of €2.6 million from 2006. Significant projects are under way or due to start this year at Cathal Brugha and McKee Barracks, Dublin; Dún Uí Mhaolíosa, Galway; Aiken Barracks, Dundalk; the Defence Forces training centre at the Curragh; Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and Naval Service headquarters, Haulbowline, Cork.
Currently, 812 Defence Forces personnel are serving in 17 missions throughout the world. The main commitments are to the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL, with 325 personnel; the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, with 165 personnel; the NATO-led international security presence in Kosovo, KFOR, with 215 personnel and EUFOR, the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 45 personnel. The Defence Forces have served with UNMIL in Liberia since December 2003 and will complete service with this mission in May. Defence Forces personnel provide the quick reaction force for the force commander. A Swedish contingent which partnered Ireland in the quick reaction force withdrew in December 2006 and was replaced by a company from Pakistan which will assume the reaction force role on Ireland's withdrawal. In addition to conducting normal patrolling and security operations in Liberia, the Irish contingent conducts at the request of the United Nations limited operations in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in support of the special court for Sierra Leone.
In October 2006 a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 158 personnel, was deployed for service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon under its expanded mandate. A further seven personnel are deployed in UNIFIL staff posts. The main Irish contribution forms part of a joint Finnish-Irish engineering battalion which conducts construction and maintenance tasks in support of UNIFIL. The primary role of the Irish contingent is to provide protection and security for personnel of the Finnish engineer company who undertake the clearance of designated sites prior to the commencement of engineering works. In addition, the Irish contingent can be tasked to conduct independent security operations such as guaranteeing freedom of movement, escorts and patrols, at the request of the UNIFIL force commander. We are committed to UNIFIL for a period of 12 months to the end of this year when a review of the mission will be conducted in association with our Finnish partners.
The Defence Forces continue to contribute to the UN authorised, NATO-led peace support operation in Kosovo. Some 215 personnel comprising an infantry company group service a multinational task force. In August Ireland will take on the role of framework nation for KFOR's multinational task force centre for a period of 12 months. Approximately 54 additional personnel will be deployed to KFOR during the framework nation period. It will be the first time Ireland will have participated at this level in a NATO-PfP peace support operation. A brigadier general from the Defence Forces will assume command of 1,200 soldiers from six nations. The estimated additional cost of our participation as framework nation will amount to approximately €6 million over the period August 2007 to July 2008. Currently, 45 members of the Defence Forces are serving in EUFOR, the EU-led, UN-mandated mission in Bosnia. The European Union recently decided to downsize the mission in the coming months. When downsizing is complete, the Defence Forces contribution will be reduced to approximately 24 personnel.
I turn now to EU security and defence developments. The ability of the European Union to contribute to peacekeeping and crisis management continues to be of primary importance to member states. EU contributions to peacekeeping and crisis management are dealt with under the European Security and Defence Policy. Ireland's participation in the development of the ESDP is fully consistent with our policy of neutrality and commitment to international peace and security. Participation enhances our position on the international stage, as it is aimed primarily at conflict prevention, peacekeeping, humanitarian missions and crisis management. The main priority of the ESDP is the continued improvement of the European Union's ability to undertake the agreed range of tasks to meet the objectives of the 2010 headline goal. The most high profile aspect of the goal has been the decision of the European Union to develop the capacity to deploy force packages at high readiness, commonly known as battle groups, in response to crises. At the battle group co-ordination conference on 27 October 2006, member states committed packages to battle groups until the end of 2009. On 1 January the European Union achieved full operational capacity to undertake two battle group sized rapid response operations concurrently.
In November 2006 the Government formally approved the arrangements for Ireland's participation in the Nordic battle group. It was agreed to provide a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force to participate in that battle group and for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to sign a memorandum of understanding subject to the approval of the Dáil. The memorandum which was approved by the committee last week defines the terms of our participation within the battle group. Any operation, other than one which is clearly humanitarian, is subject to the triple lock. Discussions on our participation in the Nordic battle group are continuing with Sweden, the current framework nation. Our potential participation in future battle groups with other EU partners remains under active consideration.
Ireland continues to contribute efficiently and effectively to operations, both military and civil, in the ESDP arena. We also aim to encourage and foster the ongoing development of EU-UN co-operation on humanitarian action, crisis management, peacekeeping and conflict prevention. In 2006 the European Union conducted ten operations across three continents, two of which are purely military crisis management operations. We will continue to place particular emphasis on EU action in support of UN operations.
A review of progress on implementation of the White Paper of 2000 has been completed by a civil-military working group and will be published later this week. Particularly noteworthy findings from the review are the improvements in equipment, infrastructure, training and human resources management. The emphasis on the development of military capabilities and improving interoperability has delivered results and continues to improve the Defence Forces contribution to peace and security at home and internationally. The review recognises the significant developments in the national and international defence and security environments that have occurred since 2000. I am pleased that the new defence organisation has proven sufficiently flexible to meet the challenges presented by these developments. Further work will be carried out on the resolution of issues impacting on Army structures and organisation. Progress needs to be made on the civilianisation of some military jobs to maximise the number of soldiers available for operational activities. These matters will be progressed within the period envisaged in the White Paper.
Progress continues to be made on the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force. The coming year will see a particular focus on the development of the integrated element of the reserve. This will comprise approximately 2,650 personnel who will integrate with Permanent Defence Force units in contingency situations. These personnel will receive enhanced training and extra equipment. The integrated reserve is being established on a pilot basis in all units. The Reserve Defence Force implementation plan provides for all elements of the integrated reserve to be established by the end of 2009. The revised organisational structures, the development of the integrated element of the reserve and the improvements in training and equipment are significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Forces. These factors are key enablers in facilitating future participation by reserve personnel in overseas missions. In other countries, service by reservists on overseas missions is quite common. As envisaged in the plan, participation by members of the reserve is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. While there are no immediate plans for participation by members of the reserve in overseas missions, policies to support the selection of suitably qualified personnel for overseas duties will be developed. These policies will include consideration of the impact of overseas duties on the civilian employment of reserve personnel. The question of legislation will also be considered in this context.
As Minister for Defence, I chair the Government task force on emergency planning established in October 2001. The task force continues to meet on a regular basis and more than 50 meetings have been held to date. Membership of the task force includes Ministers, senior departmental officials, and senior officers of the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána. Last year saw an increase in the membership of the task force. I am pleased to say all Departments are now participating in its work.
The main issues the task force has dealt with recently include the outbreaks internationally of avian flu and any potential threat of a human influenza pandemic, the finalisation of a framework for major emergency management, the preparation of a public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning and the development of the national emergency co-ordination centre.
I assure the committee there has been significant progress in these areas. The building work for the national emergency co-ordination centre is complete. The technical and communications needs of the centre are also nearing completion and I expect the centre will be ready to open shortly. The necessary preparatory work for the launch of a public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning is well advanced. It is my intention this campaign will be rolled out nationally over the coming weeks and months.
The task force continues to be briefed on an ongoing basis by both the Department of Agriculture and Food, in regard to avian flu, and the Department of Health and Children in regard to a possible human influenza pandemic. In January 2007, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive launched the national pandemic influenza plan. This plan provides information on pandemic influenza and explains what the Government and the health services are doing to prepare for a possible pandemic. In May 2006, the Government approved the implementation of a new framework for major emergency management, which will be a significant undertaking for the principal response agencies involved, namely, the Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and local authorities.
The Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces provide each meeting of the task force with an assessment of the current risk to this country from international terrorism. Any potential threats to the State are continuously monitored and those involved in this work continue to be vigilant. As part of my role as chair of the task force, I present a confidential annual report to Government on emergency planning issues. This report provides a summary of the main issues that have arisen during the year and provides an analysis of each Department's progress across a range of emergency planning spheres.
The office of emergency planning, which is a joint civil-military office within my Department, continues to be proactive in working with all those involved in emergency planning. I am pleased to report to the committee that there continues to be excellent co-operation between the office of emergency planning and all Departments and public authorities in co-ordinating and improving their emergency planning and response.
The committee has received details of individual subheads for both the Defence and Army pensions Estimates which are presented today for approval. I will be pleased to supply further information or clarify any matters members may request.
I thank the Minister for a comprehensive report.
I thank the Minister for his report and apologise for my slightly late arrival.
I wish to inquire about the purchase of the six AW 139 helicopters. Various taskings were assigned to them, including that of search and rescue. Will all of these aircraft be adapted to allow them to carry out search and rescue operations in line with the capabilities of commercial companies? Does the Minister envisage the Air Corps will be in a position to tender for this work? It is important the Air Corps would be able to compete with civilian aircraft in this area. If that is not the case, will the Minister ensure the helicopters are adapted so that the Air Corps can tender for this type of activity?
I note some older aircraft were sold by public tender. Were they bought by private individuals or military forces in other countries? A meeting took place of the review body to consider the three ships that are due for replacement. Does the Minister have any plans to ensure at least one of the ships would have a medical capability to assist in humanitarian operations? It is my understanding that there is an impetus to have such facilities on one of these vessels so it could operate as a field hospital, for example, off the African continent should a natural disaster, or otherwise, occur.
It is important we put in place legislation to enable the reserve to serve overseas. This is something that has long been mooted. The suggestion was contained in the most recent White Paper which is already several years old. Is it proving more difficult than was envisaged to introduce the necessary legislation?
Another issue I raised recently at Question Time is the concept of providing an adequate radar system around the country. It is my understanding there are shortcomings in this area. It would not be too expensive to put a radar system in place, whereby we could detect aircraft that had turned off their transponders. This could assist in the fight against the importation of illegal drugs or possible terrorist attacks. Notwithstanding the fact the Minister stated this has not been requested by the military authorities, as chairman of the task force on emergency planning, does he have any concerns that we are not adequately catered for in this area?
Subhead A4 relates to telecommunications and postal services. I note there has been an increase in this area, which is the general perception. People are aware of it and, as politicians, we are aware of it too in terms of correspondence costs. A dramatic increase of 25% is also evident in regard to the spend on heat, light and fuel. Has any attempt been made by the Defence Forces to find a way of cutting down on these bills, by using alternative forms of energy? Barracks expenses in regard to electricity and gas are up by almost 20%. These are significant increases.
I thank the Chairman and the Minister for his comprehensive account of all the figures in regard to upgrading and equipping the Defence Forces.
In his address, the Minister indicated 880 civilians are employed with the Defence Forces throughout the country. Will he please outline the distribution of these staff? It was stated 7,500 members of the Reserve Defence Force are on full-time training. It was also stated special training and equipment would be provided for 2,650 members of the reserve who would integrate with Permanent Defence Force units in a contingency. Are we talking about a two-tier Reserve Defence Force composed of one third of members who would integrate directly with the Permanent Defence Force and two thirds who would not be involved at that level? Does the Minister envisage the 2,650 members to whom he referred as becoming part of overseas missions with the Permanent Defence Force?
I previously inquired of the Minister about requests from members of the Reserve Defence Force that some form of recognition would be given to them on their retirement. They operate on a voluntary basis. The only time they are paid is when they are engaged in full-time training activity, which is for a short period each year. Could they be granted an honorarium in recognition of the service given to their country at the end of their years of service?
I wish to raise a number of questions on the 9,800 service related pensions. I appreciate that the Minister may not have the figures with him, but it would be interesting to see a profile of the intake and output from the Army. Will he provide a breakdown of the service records of members, for example, the number who serve for one month or two, those who serve for one year or two, the members with 21 years service and those who give lifetime service? What period of service is required to be entitled to a pension?
Some 12,000 new helmets were purchased at a cost of €2.5 million. What happens to the old helmets?
Joe's Army.
Could we get a cheap lot for the general election?
Under the heading of aircraft and equipment, I see we are getting an unmanned aerial vehicle. Are these the drones that are traversing the skies in Baghdad and elsewhere? Certainly, it sounds like a bargain if we are getting them for €750,000. With regard to the disposal of six Marchetti aircraft for €600,000, that sounds like a bargain, when one considers that a single Gazelle costs €517,000. I appreciate that equipment must be upgraded and that new helicopters must come on stream. Does the Minister have a figure for the cost of the three new ships it is proposed to purchase?
How many members of the Defence Forces serve abroad? Are the members serving in Liberia due to return shortly? How many others are due to return in the short term? I understand there are no plans at this stage for members of the reserve to participate in the missions overseas. However, I thought this was to come on stream.
In annexe B, all-island security and support, is the cost of €2.271 million recouped directly from the financial organisations for which the escorts are provided? Has thought been given to reviewing the basis for providing an Army escort for the security of cash in transit of private financial institutions, given that it is obligatory for security services to be licensed under the new legislation? Is it time to question whether the Army should support private escorts for cash in transit?
Will the Minister elaborate on the 154 security duties and 26 patrols at Shannon Airport? Has the Army been engaged in a new security operation since the start of the war in Iraq and the transportation of American troops through Shannon Airport? Is the proposal to hold an Easter parade confined to the capital or will parades be held in the major cities?
An announcement was made at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis that PRSI would be reduced by 2%. Would this have a bearing on pensions in the Defence Forces? What steps must be taken to ensure the pension fund has adequate resources to meet outstanding needs?
What struck me is the significant investment in equipping and improving accommodation for the Defence Forces. One could only conclude that to all intents and purposes in terms of equipment the Army was a Dad's army and that in the past ten years we have managed to raise the standard in order that it is equipped to modern standards. We welcome the investment in the Mowags and that another 15 are to be brought on stream at a cost of €1 million per unit. What is the anticipated lifespan of a Mowag?
There is a reference to the potential for up to 2,500 members of the Reserve Defence Force to participate in overseas missions. Is this an arbitrary figure or has the Department arrived at it having regard to the likely availability of personnel from the reserve force to serve? Is it envisaged that the tours of duty would be of similar duration to those of the Defence Forces? Has the Minister considered how long it would take to have the necessary legislation enacted to give effect to this?
I am from Kildare, but anyone with a knowledge of the Defence Forces would be conscious of the major contribution to Army public relations of the Army Equitation School which has been inordinately successful nationally and internationally. The figures suggest there has been a slight reduction in the moneys being made available this year compared to the outturn for 2006. Under subhead O — military training — I notice an increase from an outturn of €644,000 for education and training equipment to €1.9 million for the current year. Is this related to additional investment in resources and equipment for the Reserve Defence Force?
The Minister and his predecessors must be complimented on what they have done in regard to hearing claims. There is an allocation of €7 million. Does this cover all outstanding or anticipated claims in the course of this year?
The sale of Army property has contributed significantly to assisting the Minister in providing additional resources for the Defence Forces. McKee Barracks in my constituency is passing into the hands of the Affordable Homes Partnership. Would the Minister care to comment on whether his Department expects to get some payback or income from that transfer of property?
I will try to deal with the various issues raised. Deputy Timmins asked whether, in respect of the six helicopters to which I referred, the Department can tender against a commercial company in regard to search and rescue services. There is a Government decision that the Air Corps should no longer be involved in full search and rescue operations but should provide only inland search and rescue services. The commercial company provides offshore search and rescue services. Both Deputy Timmins and Deputy Costello wanted to know who purchased the old aircraft. I do not know. It was done by public tender. However, I can find out and let the Deputies know. I appreciate Deputy Costello's point regarding the low cost of the Marchetti. I am told by my officials that it was knackered. That explains much.
The Department is examining the question of the capacity of one or more of the new ships it is acquiring to get involved in humanitarian missions and it will be discussed in the course of the tender negotiations. We would like to have at least one ship adapted for humanitarian work.
I appreciate Deputy Timmins's point about radar. The Department is examining the radar facilities we have with a view to improving them as resources allow.
On subhead A4, postal and telecommunications, and whether we can be more energy efficient, the Department of Defence has adopted a number of energy saving measures, particularly in regard to new buildings. New buildings put in place by the Department of Defence are energy efficient. In regard to energy saving, protecting the planet, and so on, we will move in tandem with the rest of society.
Deputy Costello asked whether the Reserve Defence Force would now be a two-tier reserve. It could be so described. The 2,650 members who constitute the integrated element of the reserve will get extra training because of their need to integrate with the Army in contingencies. They will, therefore, be in a different category from the rest of the Reserve Defence Force. Deputy Costello raised in the Dáil the issue of recognition for members of the Reserve Defence Force after they leave. I have asked the Army to examine the issue. I do not have to hand figures to illustrate how long people stay in the Army but I will obtain them for the Deputy.
Deputy Costello wanted to know how many civilians are employed in the Defence Forces. As of 31 December last there are 857. The figures break down as follows: craftsmen, 320; general operatives, 284; clerk typists, 81; store keepers, 74; catering staff, ten; and miscellaneous, including professional and specialised staff, 88. The main centres of employment are the Curragh with 270 staff, Dublin with 152 staff and Haulbowline with 153 staff.
Deputy Costello also asked about drones that he heard were flying in disguise over Baghdad. They are approximately the size of a small model plane and are designed to provide over-the-horizon surveillance. The cost of the three new ships ranges from €160 million at the lower end of the scale to €190 million at the upper end. As to when our troops will be returning from Liberia, 325 members are coming back next month.
Deputy Costello requested a review of the practice whereby the Army is used on the streets to protect cash in transit on behalf of financial institutions. This is provided at the request of the Garda Síochána. Regarding what goes on at Shannon, I am advised that the Army provides aid for the civil power, that is, the Garda Síochána, and it does so at the request of the Garda.
This year's Easter parade, unlike last year's, will be short, lasting approximately 40 to 45 minutes, including the lowering of the flag and the playing of the National Anthem and so on.
On the question of whether the reduction to 2% from 4% in the rate of PRSI will affect Army pensions, the intention is that it will not affect any pensions. There is a cut-off point after which PRSI is not charged. That is being removed. The reduction in the rate of PRSI will, therefore, probably be self-financing.
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl asked about the estimated lifespan of Mowags. That depends on the level of usage and the extent to which they are taken abroad. I am advised they can last for anything from 20 to 30 years, which is a fair degree of service. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl also asked about what appears to be a reduction in the provision for the equitation school. The school got extra money last year, so there is no diminution of the resources provided for it. I can obtain the details for the Deputy. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl also asked about the figures for personal injuries cases. They relate to all types of cases, including deafness cases, cases not related to deafness, injuries and so on.
Deputy Costello asked how long one must serve in order to qualify for a pension. In respect of personnel recruited prior to April 2004, the minimum period to qualify for a pension is 21 years for NCOs and privates and 12 years for officers. There is a new pension scheme for personnel recruited after 1 April 2004 under which the minimum service in order to qualify for a pension is two years for all ranks, with the maximum being 30 years. The pension is payable immediately where a member serves to at least 50 years of age. Otherwise the pension is preserved and payable from the age of 60.
Personal injury claims amounted to €7.6 million. Outstanding hearing loss claims amounted to €7 million; such claims are nearly out of the system.
That concludes our consideration of the Estimates. I thank Deputies Ó Fearghaíl, Timmins and Costello and the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, and his officials for attending.