I welcome the Minister for Defence, Deputy Willie O'Dea, and his officials. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the Annual Output Statement and revised Estimate for the Department of Defence group of Votes. I propose that we consider the Annual Output Statement first and then the revised Estimates. Is that agreed? Agreed. The Dáil ordered that the following revised Estimates for public services, inter alia, be referred to this committee for consideration: Vote 36 — Department of Defence; and Vote 37 — Army Pensions.
Annual Output Statement 2008.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss with the committee the defence and Army pensions Estimates and the annual output statement for my Department for 2008. An important new development in the Estimates process introduced last year is the inclusion of the Annual Output Statement. The output statement is designed to match key outputs and strategic impacts to financial and staffing resources for the financial year. Information on performance against targets for 2007 is contained within that statement. The defence output statement describes the joint outputs of the military and civil elements of the defence organisation.
As Members will be aware many defence outputs consist of preparing to meet possible emergencies. The Defence Forces are engaged in developing and maintaining capabilities both for contingencies and for ongoing deployments. In the output statement, outputs are grouped under five distinct programmes, as follows: 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 cost for the anticipated level of activity for the current year and the associated outputs under each of the programme headings.
In that regard, I am pleased to say that the outputs set in last year's statement were, in general, achieved to a high standard. Further details of the five programmes are contained in the output statement which was circulated to Members.
The combined Estimates for my Department provide for gross expenditure of €1,082 million in 2008, including a carryover of €3 million capital savings from 2007. This represents an increase of over 7% in last year's spend. Some €37 million of the increase is additional funding to ensure that our troops have all the equipment and facilities necessary for the Chad mission. The extra funding is spread over a number of subheads of the defence Estimate, the main ones being as follows: subhead P, travel and freight services — €19 million; subhead I, military transport — €8 million; subhead M, ordnance, clothing and catering — €4.5 million; and subhead K, barrack expenses and engineering equipment — €2.5 million. This extra funding ensures the cost of the Chad mission does not impact on other areas of the Defence Forces. I will have more to say about the Chad mission.
The defence Estimate includes provision for the pay and allowances of 10,500 Permanent Defence Force personnel, 845 civilians employed by the Defence Forces throughout the country and 400 Civil Service staff. It also provides for the pay of members of the Reserve Defence Force while on full-time training. The Army pensions Estimate provides for the payment of almost 10,000 service related pensions and more than 1,100 disability related benefits to former members of the Defence Forces and their spouses and children. The allocation in the defence Estimate will allow us to make further substantial progress on the investment in modern equipment, training and infrastructure which has taken place in recent years.
The equipment programmes have been instrumental in ensuring Defence Forces personnel have the most modern equipment to undertake tasks assigned to them by Government. Significant developments have taken place on the equipment front in recent years that have spanned across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. For the Army, the major investment has been the contracts for Mowag armoured personnel carriers, APCs, which in 2007 saw the delivery of the final 15 vehicles at a cost of €36.5 million. The 15 vehicles will be used mainly in surveillance and reconnaissance roles on overseas missions. A total of 80 APCs have been acquired since 2001 at an overall cost of €120 million. Some 22 of the APCs are now based in Chad and nine in Kosovo. A tender competition for light tactical armoured vehicles, LTAVs, is under way, with tenders due back in July. The intention is that the LTAVs will complement the Mowag APCs in the conduct of conventional and peace support operations and will fill a gap that has emerged between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowags. The LTAV will provide a protected and discrete platform for the conduct of reconnaissance and surveillance by Defence Forces personnel.
The proposal is to acquire an initial 27 vehicles — 17 for overseas missions and ten for training at home. A sum of €6 million is provided in this year's Estimate as a downpayment on an LTAV contract. In recent years, significant work has been carried out on the acquisition of an integrated protection and load carrying system for the individual soldier. This system includes body armour, helmets, rucksacks and battle vests. Some 8,000 units of body armour, 12,000 helmets and 12,000 rucksacks have been delivered in recent years at a combined total cost of €13.5 million.
To complete the modern integrated protection and load carrying system, an order has been placed for the supply of 12,000 battle vests at a cost of some €2.2 million. The battle vests are used for the carriage of essential items such as ammunition, personal radio, water and ancillary equipment. Delivery of the battle vests will be completed by the second half of 2008. The completion of the integrated protection and load carrying system will be a significant milestone for the Defence Forces as it puts the personal equipment available to the individual soldier at the very highest standard. Later this year, 500 general purpose machine guns will be delivered at a cost of €5.7 million. The 500 new weapons will complement the 400 delivered in 2006 at a cost of €4.4 million and completes the Defence Forces' requirements for such weapons.
With regard to the Air Corps, the most recent developments relate to the acquisition of six utility AW139 helicopters from Agusta SpA, Italy at a cost of €75 million. Two AW139s were delivered in November 2006, two in 2007 and the final two will be delivered later this year. A sum of €14 million is provided in the Estimate for the final stage payment on the helicopter contract.
The AW139 helicopter will be operated by the Air Corps in a general purpose military operational and training role. Primary taskings for the helicopter include training and operations with special forces, security and aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport. It can also be used to perform air ambulance, inland search and rescue and aid to the civil community tasks. The four helicopters which are in operational service have made a significant impact all round with their impressive capabilities in different areas. A tender competition was recently held for the sale of six Alouette helicopters, special tools and spare parts. The process in still in train and it is anticipated that a sales agreement will be completed within the next three months.
In relation to the fixed wing CASA maritime patrol aircraft, a contract was signed in late 2006 with EADS, Spain, for a major mid-life upgrade for the two aircraft at a cost of €16.5 million. The upgrade on the first aircraft was completed in 2007 while the upgrade on the second is being carried out in Spain at present and will be completed later this year. A sum of €5.5 million is provided in this year's Estimate for the project.
Turning to the Naval Service, an issue of very significant importance over the next few years is the replacement of a number of vessels. Three of the older vessels will, in the period to 2010, reach 30 years' service and will need to be replaced. The cost of replacement vessels is likely to be in excess of €180 million. Planning for this has been under way for some time and requests for proposals, RFPs, for new ships issued in 2007. The closing date for the receipt of responses to the RFPs was 26 October 2007. Evaluation of the responses is now complete and a number of companies will shortly be invited to participate in stage two of the process which initially will be for two offshore patrol vessels, OPVs, and later in the year for an extended patrol vessel. It is expected that a contract for the OPVs will be placed in late 2008. A nominal provision of €1 million for the initial downpayment is included in the Estimate for this project.
A programme to provide modern accommodation and facilities for the Defence Forces has been ongoing over recent years and this will continue in 2008. The provision for capital building works this year is €25.6 million plus a carryover of €3 million from 2007. Major projects will be completed shortly in the naval base, Cork, Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, the Defence Forces' training centre at the Curragh, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and Custume Barracks, Athlone. Major projects are under way or due to start this year at McKee Barracks, Dublin, the Defence Forces' training centre, the Curragh, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Custume Barracks, Athlone, and Finner Camp, County Donegal.
This is a special year in the history of the Defence Forces in that it marks the 50th anniversary of Ireland's first participation in a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Ireland's record of service in UN authorised peace support operations is second to none. The Defence Forces have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to such operations throughout the world.
Currently, Ireland's main overseas commitment is to the UN mandated EU-led operation in Chad and the Central African Republic. Since the beginning of this week the number deployed on this mission is 517, including 18 at the operation headquarters. On 9 June, 58 members of the advance party and 51 members of the Army ranger wing will return home, leaving approximately 430 personnel deployed on the mission. Given the difficult environmental and operating conditions in Goz Beida, the standard tour of duty for personnel deployed there will be four months rather than the usual six months.
This mission was established under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 of 2007 and in accordance with the Council of the European Union decision of 15 October 2007 to protect civilians in danger, particularly an estimated 400,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and protect UN personnel. It was formally launched at a meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the EU in Brussels on 28 January 2008. The operation commander, Lieutenant General Pat Nash, declared initial operational capability on 15 March 2008, which marks the start date for the 12-month duration of the operation.
The EUFOR mission is the most multinational military operation conducted in Africa by the EU so far. Some 18 EU member states have deployed to the mission area and 22 EU member states are represented at the operational headquarters in Paris. To date there are approximately 2,600 troops deployed to this mission and these are located in operational headquarters, force headquarters and in theatre and represent 23 countries. When the full EU force is deployed, it will comprise 3,700 personnel.
In the case of EU operations, all costs relating to the deployment, operations and sustainment of the contingent are met directly by the relevant troop-contributing nation. It is estimated that the cost to the Defence Vote arising from the Defence Forces' participation in this mission for 12 months will amount to approximately €57 million. As I mentioned earlier, the defence Estimate includes additional funding of €37 million for the mission. The balance of the cost will be met from the normal provisions in the Estimate.
The main Defence Forces overseas commitments are to the UN-authorised, NATO-led international security presence in Kosovo, KFOR, with 280 personnel and to the EU-led operation in Bosnia with 45 personnel. In Kosovo, some 220 Irish personnel comprising an infantry group serve as part of a multinational task force. In August 2007, Ireland assumed the role of framework nation for the multinational task force centre for a period 12 months. Some 60 additional personnel are currently deployed to KFOR for the duration of the framework nation period which ends on 31 July 2008. This is the first time Ireland has participated at this level in a NATO-PfP-led peace support operation.
Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty from the Defence Forces commands 1,800 troops from six nations. The EU recently decided to downsize the EU-led, UN-mandated mission in Bosnia during the coming months. When this downsizing is completed, the Defence Forces' contribution will be reduced from 45 to approximately 24 personnel.
I will now deal with EU security and defence developments. The ability of the Union to contribute to peacekeeping and crisis management continues to be of primary importance to member states and is carried out within the context of a European security and defence policy, ESDP. Ireland's participation in the development of ESDP is fully consistent with its policy of military neutrality and its commitment to international peace and security. It also enhances our position on the international stage as it is aimed primarily at conflict prevention, peacekeeping, humanitarian missions and crisis management.
The main priority in the area of ESDP is the continued improvement of the EU's capability to undertake the agreed range of tasks to meet the objective of the 2010 headline goal. The most high profile aspect of this headline goal was undoubtedly the decision of the EU to acquire the capacity to deploy force packages at high readiness, commonly known as battle groups, in response to a crisis. The EU achieved full operational capacity to undertake two battle group-sized rapid response operations concurrently on 1 January 2007.
In November 2006, the Government formally approved the arrangements for Ireland's participation in the 2008 Nordic battle group. The Nordic battle group is currently on standby for deployment until 30 June 2008. The other members of the Nordic battle group are Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia. The Irish contribution amounts to 100 personnel who are involved in an explosive ordnance and improvised explosive device disposal capacity.
With regard to Ireland's participation in future battle groups, we are committed in principle to participation in the Nordic battle group in 2011. The contributors are the same as for the 2008 Nordic battle group with Sweden again acting as the framework nation. This battle group will be on standby for the first six months of 2011. The contribution which Ireland will make to this battle group has not been finalised. Preliminary discussions have taken place regarding Ireland's possible participation in the proposed Austrian-German battle group which will be on standby during the second half of 2012.
The capacity of the Union to deploy military forces is but one element in the full range of policy instruments available to the EU which includes diplomatic, political, financial and economic instruments. Ireland continues to contribute efficiently and effectively to ESDP operations, military and civil. We also aim to encourage and foster the ongoing development of EU-UN co-operation in the area of humanitarian action, crisis management, peacekeeping and conflict prevention.
In 2007, the EU conducted ten operations across three continents only one of which was a military crisis management operation. Of the 28 operations launched to date by the European Union under the European security and defence policy, 22 were civilian missions and only six were military operations. This factor alone gives the lie to the suggestion that there is any plan or policy to militarise the European Union.
On the homefront, progress continues to be made in regard to the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force. The coming year will see a continued focus on the development of the integrated element of the reserve. The integrated reserve will receive enhanced training and extra equipment and is being established on a pilot basis in all brigades across the majority of PDF units. Lessons learned from the pilot programme will be used to enhance the further development of the integrated reserve.
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. These factors are key enablers in facilitating further participation by reserve personnel in overseas missions. Participation by members of the reserve is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. Policies to support the selection of suitably qualified personnel for overseas duties are being developed. It is hoped to have a small number of reservists available for overseas service by the end of 2009. The number of personnel serving in the Reserve Defence Force has decreased in recent years. In an effort to boost recruitment levels, arrangements are in train to commence a publicity campaign in September next.
As Minister for Defence, I chair the Government taskforce on emergency planning. There have been 56 meetings of the taskforce since its establishment in 2001. Membership of the taskforce includes Ministers, senior officials from all Departments and senior officers from the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces provide at each meeting an assessment of the current risk to Ireland from international terrorism. Potential threats to the State are continuously monitored and assessed.
The taskforce receives briefings on a range of other issues, including the outbreaks internationally of avian flu or any potential threat of a human influenza pandemic and updates in regard to outbreaks abroad of foot and mouth disease and blue tongue disease. The taskforce also receives updates from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the implementation of the major emergency development plan. The establishment of the national emergency co-ordination centre during the past year was a significant development. The primary function of the centre is the provision of a dedicated facility in which Ministers and civil servants can convene to co-ordinate a response in the event of a major emergency. The centre is also available for exercise and training purposes.
The Government launched its public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning on 14 April 2008. The campaign was designed to reassure the public that Government and State agencies have well thought-out plans in place in the event of a major emergency. As a central focus of the campaign, a handbook providing an introduction to these plans was delivered to every household. The public information and awareness campaign is a response to the findings of market research commissioned by the Office of Emergency Planning which showed that members of the public wanted reassurance that the Government had in place plans to deal with any emergency. The handbook which was produced in association with all Departments and relevant State agencies explains what constitutes a major emergency, provides information on different aspects of emergency planning and outlines key steps and very practical advice for dealing with and handling some of the more common emergency situations. I believe the handbook is a positive initiative that can be built on by all Departments.
As chairman of the taskforce, 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 work closely with all involved in emergency planning. I am pleased to report to the select committee that there continues to be excellent co-operation between all the stakeholders and the lead agencies.
I wish to refer to the commitment in the agreed programme for Government to prepare a second White Paper on defence for the period 2011-20. It is widely acknowledged that the first White Paper in 2000 played a vital role in shaping the development of the defence organisation and contributing to the positive advances that have taken place since then. The new White Paper is an important project for my Department and the Defence Forces.
I commend the Defence and Army pensions Estimates to the select committee and will be happy to respond to questions which Members may have.
I now invite Deputy Deenihan to make his opening statement. We must conclude our discussions on this Estimate within one hour.
I welcome the Minister and his officials to the committee. I am delighted to have an opportunity to ask the Minister a series of questions about various aspects of the Defence Forces.
The Minister referred in his speech to new facilities and expenditure for the Air Corps. I have asked the Minister on a number of occasions if he would consider improving the air transport capability of the Air Corps to ensure, for example, that we can provide a transport service for our personnel to Chad. I understand the transport costs for that mission will exceed €20 million. One can purchase a mini-Hercules aircraft for this sum. On numerous occasions, I made the point that when it would not be used for Irish missions it could be used for humanitarian aid and other purposes such as transporting large numbers of Ministers and civil servants when they travel abroad. The occasion last year when a large number of Ministers went to Paris for a famous rugby game in which Ireland was involved comes to mind. Many strong arguments can be made for having our own capability. The Minister mentioned he will review this in the White Paper. I urge him to engage in immediate discussions with the Chief of Staff and the overseas aid agencies to make a decision soon on providing our own capability.
Another aspect of this is that we now provide approximately €1 billion in overseas humanitarian aid to various parts of the world. This aid is transported by various means which are not marked as Irish and in several destination countries people are not aware the aid is Irish. However, if it arrived in a plane clearly marked as being Irish it would make a larger impact. This is another reason our own air transport capability would be welcome. Will the Minister respond to this? Has he had any discussions since I raised this issue in the Dáil last October? It was one of the first questions I addressed to him.
Will the Minister advise us as to the exact cost of the air transport arrangements of our troops to Chad? I am delighted the Minister listens to people. I read in one of today's national newspapers that two helicopters will be located at Goz Beida. I made a strong case for this at the most recent Question Time. It now appears the Minister has acceded to this request and I welcome it. He has yet to make an official decision but a reputable journalist who is usually accurate had a story in a newspaper today. He is well briefed by people in the Department.
Having this facility available to them will reassure the forces serving in Chad. The medevac service will allay some of the concerns of members of the mission and their families with regard to the provision of immediate back-up medical services for someone who gets seriously injured on patrol. It is one hour from Goz Beida to Abeche, which is the headquarters of the mission. It could be another hour to the extremity of the Irish sector. It is important that people receive immediate medical attention in the "golden hour" after injury. I am delighted these two helicopters will be located at Goz Beida and that, as the Minister stated, no expense will be spared in this mission.
Will the Minister refer to the overall cost of this mission on an annual basis? A recent newspaper article stated it would cost €77 million, or €200,000 per soldier. These figures were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. Will the Minister expand on this? This is supposed to be a 12-month mission. However, because it has been so slow to get established, I am sure the Irish mission will be there for more than 12 months. Will the Minister confirm whether the mission will remain in Chad for two years and clarify whether it is likely the mission will be there for longer than one year? It is reasonable that having established a structure which will only begin to take effect at the end of the mission next year, the mission would be extended for a longer period. Is this possible?
I do not want to dwell too much on Chad because we had a number of discussions on it during Question Time in the Dáil. However, I raised a number of issues last week to which I would like the Minister to respond further. Our forces receive only 11 minutes' free telephone call time per month. Because of the difficulty of this mission and the fact that people will feel extreme pressure being based in the centre of Africa where climatic conditions will be hostile and could reach 55° Celsius, the members will need all the contact they can have with home. They should receive 11 minutes per week. Will one of the Minister's officials respond to this? It should be possible for the re-supply lines to transport Christmas parcels through the various barracks to the mission. Only a few barracks will be involved. What availability will the mission have to contact home through the Internet and other modern means of communication? Will the Minister take this opportunity to expand on these issues prior to the summer recess?
The Minister referred to the integrated element of the Reserve Defence Force. I understand integration between the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force is not going as well as expected. I know it is being piloted at present. What is the Minister's view on the fact that this is proving difficult? What are the obstacles? When will it be possible for someone in the Reserve Defence Force to accompany the Permanent Defence Force on an overseas mission? The fact that no member of the Reserve Defence Force is in Chad makes a statement in itself. How ready are people in the Reserve Defence Force to go on serious missions abroad? A case can be made for mechanics, engineers or medical back-up but are they available?
I refer to the issue of Reserve Defence Force members serving abroad and how this affects their jobs. In England, legislation states that if a reserve defence force member travels with the permanent defence force, he or she can return to his or her job following a mission but no such legislation is in place in Ireland. As job creation tightens, should a similar provision be introduced here in order that the jobs of RDF personnel are guaranteed when they return from a mission?
A report issued in March 2007 about the Minister's female recruitment initiative stating it was not successful and the number of females entering the Reserve and Permanent Defence Forces was not meeting expectations. How many have joined both forces? Why is the number falling short of expectations? What measures is the Minister taking to make it more attractive for females to join the Defence Forces? An improved gender balance at all levels would be welcome. The Minister set up a committee to examine this issue and, for example, to review initiatives such as the crèche at the Curragh? Has progress been made on that? Has the committee reported?
Will the Minister refer to the reserve first line, as little is happening in this area? A large number of qualified officers are ready to serve. Why is this important source of expertise not being used to increase interest in the RFL, which has not taken off?
I have raised on a number of occasions the issue of the Army's medical corps. The number of native personnel is on the decline and the Army is being forced to look elsewhere to recruit medical staff. The Minister set up a consultancy group. When will the consultants report? Have they produced proposals to make it more attractive for Irish doctors to enter the Defence Forces? Deputy Varadkar made a worthwhile proposal during Question Time recently to permit undergraduates to take up internships in the Army, which might popularise the positions. Perhaps those who take up an internship might become excited about joining the medical corps. Did the Minister explore this proposal when it was suggested by the Deputy, given he seemed interested in it? It is important that doctors serving in the Army are native, where possible. The White Paper and the PricewaterhouseCoopers report suggested the corps should comprise 47 members but currently it has only 23, which is inadequate. The issue of medical support for the Army and strengthening the medical corps should be one of the Minister's priorities.
The dentist travelling to Chad serves in the Curragh. How will the needs of the personnel stationed in the Curragh be serviced while that person is abroad? I assume outsiders will be brought in to do that person's work. What is the breakdown of the costs of outside medical attention sourced by the Army last year? I refer to medical expenses for personnel attending doctors, dentists and local chemists.
I refer to the allocation to the Army equitation school under subhead S. The Olympic Games are approaching and there will be significant expectation that a member of the equitation school will win a medal if Ireland is to win one. The allocation for leasing and purchasing horses is derisory at approximately €300,000. This is totally inadequate to purchase the type of animal that would guarantee Olympic Games success. I visited the equitation school last autumn and I am delighted the Minister and former Minister, Joe Walsh, visited a few weeks later. I stated following my visit that we need a proper breeding policy. Most of the horses used by the school are foreign bred. Our breeding stock has been sold off over the years but that is not the Minister's fault. He participated in a good photo call with Joe Walsh at the school following my visit, which was covered by a number of racing magazines, and this raised the profile of the school. However, I would prefer if he provided more funding next year to enable the school's administrators to buy and lease better horses of quality breeds. A national breeding policy is an issue but nothing is happening. Ireland has lost the great advantage it had in the past, which is highlighted by the success of Aidan O'Brien and Ballydoyle in horse-racing. The Army equitation school was set up in 1926 by William T. Cosgrave and his son still visits it on a regular basis. This aspect of the Army has been neglected and I appeal to the Minister to enhance it.
I read a worrying report in a newspaper earlier relating to subhead U, the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. I noticed that the 2007 outturn was €598,000. The estimate for 2008 is €567,000, which strikes me as being a reduction of €32,000. In an article in a newspaper today, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, Pauline Marrinan Quinn, was quoted as saying that her office dealt with almost three times as many complaints from both serving and former personnel last year as it received in its first year of operation in 2006. Given that her office is becoming more accessible, it seems there will be more complaints this year with less funding.
Launching her second annual report, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces highlighted the limited resources available to her office and said more funding was needed. She told reporters that the situation in respect of funding was very irritating and warned that the work of her office risked being undermined if she had to go with a begging bowl looking for resources.
This statement by the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is quite serious. If we are serious about resourcing this office, it should be resourced properly. It is important for the Minister to respond to what she said because it is quite serious. Owing to the fact that more military personnel, both retired and serving, are now aware of the existence of the office, more people will use it. As a result, it needs to be better resourced.
Is it the Minister's opinion that the office is adequately resourced? Does he agree with the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces that she does not have enough resources to do her job properly? In her report, I noticed that other countries are looking at the structure of what we have in Ireland, namely, a defence ombudsman. If we want it to be an example for other countries, it is very important that it operates successfully. The concept is very good but it must be resourced. I look forward to the Minister's response to the statement by the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.
I recently noticed in the national media that the widows of veterans of the War of Independence were very concerned about their level of allowances. They were dissatisfied with the increases they were given, which were maybe €2 or €3 per week. A total of 544 such women are still living who should get preferential treatment. Obviously, their husbands made major sacrifices during the War of Independence and, in many cases, the Easter Rising. They should be given special treatment. The Minister might respond in respect of the increase in their level of allowance, the adequacy of the existing allowance or whether he intends to increase it.
I have asked the Minister a large number of questions and could ask several more. I would appreciate it if he could respond to the questions I raised.
I also welcome the Minister and his officials here today and thank him for a very comprehensive statement. As he went through his presentation, it occurred to me that 1,100 disability related benefits are being paid to former members and their spouses and children, which is a high number. Could the Minister give the committee a breakdown of the nature of the disabilities? Would these be serious or very serious injuries? What are we talking about in terms of the kind of disabilities that are being looked after?
In the area of safety, could the Minister give the committee an update in respect of the installation of roller bars in Army trucks? What is the status of that project? In light of the fact that AW139 helicopters can be and are being used as air ambulances, could the Minister give the committee some indication of the percentage of requests to which the military authorities respond positively? In which areas can this air ambulance service be provided? Is there scope and a need to extend this service? Is there a real need? I know it could be argued that supplying an air ambulance should be provided elsewhere. Can this be extended? What discussions has the Department had with the Health Service Executive or the relevant officials from the Department of Health and Children as to where this service is at and where it might go?
In respect of the Chad mission, the Minister informed the committee that a complement of 2,600 is there at present and that the full complement will be 3,700. Is that attainable? Will it be reached and, if so, when?
Deputy Deenihan spoke about the office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. I realise the office has been in place since 2005 but when I read the report of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces this morning, I saw that she made a submission to the Department for additional staff and office accommodation and says that she looks forward to achieving progress in respect of these resources during 2008. At what stage are those discussions or negotiations? In principle, is it contemplated that a certain level of resources will be provided? In the opinion of the Department, will there be much development in the number of complaints that will be going in the direction of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces? There has been an increase in 2007 over 2006. Is it contemplated or expected that there will be continued growth in the number of complaints from either former or serving members? At what stage is the review of the operations of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces? I am interested to see whether the Minister envisages a larger office and more staff are needed to meet anticipated demand.
In respect of the handbook issued by the Minister earlier this year, it struck me that this was a bit of a one-off event. In many cases, people may not know if they have retained that handbook or not. I would like more information about the ongoing publicity campaign. I know the development of the services is ongoing. However, there is a need through publicity to get more engagement from the public so that people, in general, know exactly what is happening.
In the context of the Minister's chairmanship of the national committee, are there any trends that would make him more concerned about the security of the State in the terms of a terrorist attack? I know that in any discussion about security what can be said is very limited but it strikes me that while we talk about these issues, there are never any reports on whether there is a greater need to be alert. To what information is the Minister privy in that regard?
I wish to refer to the medical corps which as far as I am aware is only at half its ideal strength. I proposed to the Minister and to his former Minister of State at Question Time that we should examine the possibility of putting in place a grant system in order that medical students or prospective medical students could be given a scholarship with a quid pro quo that they would contract for a certain period with the Army. Something dramatic along those lines is necessary. I accept that strong efforts have been made in recruitment and pay and conditions but they are not working. It is very important that our armed forces have their full complement of medical personnel, particularly when going overseas. In general terms, it is effectively a failure and it requires radical and urgent action to bring about a change for the better. Although what I am proposing would not bring about a change immediately, it would help in obtaining a commitment from doctors to become involved with the armed forces.
With regard to the participation of the military in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin and in other parades throughout the country, the Minister came in for criticism over the deployment of troops in the parade in Limerick. In the real world of politics the fact that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform did a little better in that regard is probably an indication of how things go. Nonetheless, there was criticism that it was overdone a little this year. I would have thought that this would have been a very good year to spread the military presence throughout the country. If our troops, of whom the country is very proud, had taken part widely in St. Patrick's Day parades before they departed for Chad, it would have been a way for the people to show their appreciation of those who were going on a very difficult mission. It would also have been a way of boosting the morale of the Defence Forces if the support and respect of the people could have been expressed at various parades. We should encourage more interaction between the Department, the military and schools. There is a lot that our armed forces do, of which we can feel justifiably proud but I do not believe information on their role is disseminated widely enough. One of the best ways of communicating such information is through the schools. I encourage the Minister to increase the visibility of our armed forces on big civic occasions.
The country is not as strong in show jumping as it once was. Is this an issue that will be dealt with in the White Paper? Unless there is a strategic plan that is well resourced, any progress that can be made by the Army equitation school will be limited.
I met a member of the Reserve Defence Force recently who was very interested in taking part in missions overseas but was concerned about pay. If he left his employment to do so, would he be given a guarantee that he would at least retain the same level of income that he currently enjoys? He understands that no definite arrangements have been made in that regard. From what the Minister said, it appears that the scope for those involved in the Reserve Defence Force to participate in overseas missions is limited. It seems frontline involvement is not envisaged. Is it a possibility in the longer term? The fact that recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force is not at a level we would all like is the impetus behind the new publicity campaign. What will be its focus and when can we expect to see it in operation? To what extent will the focus be on schools? Younger people should be further educated on the important role of the Defence Forces and the fact that they have been doing the country proud in international missions and will continue to do so.
I have dealt with all of the issues concerning me, except to ask about the current position in Chad. There have been indications that relations between Chad and the Sudan are not improving. Does this increase the risk to which our troops will be exposed on that mission? What is the most recent appraisal of the mission and what level of progress can be made? Is there a belief we can achieve objectives? In general terms, what is the current position?
I thank Deputies Deenihan and O'Shea for their contributions. They asked a lot of questions and I will do my best to answer them.
Deputy Deenihan asked about improving the capability of the Air Corps. This year we will complete the purchase of six AW139 helicopters, at a cost of €75 million. We will also complete a refit of the two CASA aircraft. Four of the AW139 helicopters in operation have been found to be tremendously useful. They not only have training and troop transport functions, they also have air ambulance and internal search and rescue functions. Offshore search and rescue operations are now co-ordinated by a commercial organisation.
Deputy Deenihan also asked about the cost of transporting troops to Chad and raised the possibility of acquiring our own transport to ferry troops and equipment abroad. I am advised that the cost of transport is in the region of €19 million to €20 million. That includes ships, freight aircraft, transport aircraft, etc. If Ireland had its own aircraft for this operation, it would still require the use of additional aircraft.
It would not just be for transporting supplies to Chad either.
Yes, that is correct. I have discussed the purchase of transport aircraft with the Chief of Staff and other senior personnel in the military and the Department. The view is that it would not be cost effective as it would not be used much and maintenance is expensive.
Deputy Deenihan inquired how aid being delivered by Ireland would be recognised as such if the plane delivering it were not marked as Irish. That is a question for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and I will pass it on to him.
A recent newspaper report ascertained from a freedom of information request that the cost of the Chad mission was €77 million. That is not correct. The correct figure is, as I have told the Dáil on several occasions, €57 million. I do not know how the other figure was calculated.
It was the €57 million cost for the mission plus €20 million for transport.
No, the figure of €57 million includes the €20 million for transport. In these challenging times, €20 million is a lot of money.
Initial operation capacity was declared on 15 March last and the Government has decided the mission will last 12 months from that date. The Cabinet has not had occasion to discuss any continuation of the mission from that date. A mid-term review will take place later in June. In an ideal world, the plan is to have a blue hat-type UN-organised operation in Chad to coincide with the ending of this temporary bridging measure. I cannot say whether that will be possible. If it cannot happen, I have no doubt a request will be made to the contributing nations to continue until such time as a UN-organised operation can be put in place. I cannot pre-empt the Government on this because it will be a matter for discussion at Cabinet. I have no doubt that Ireland will be asked to contribute to the blue-hat UN operation when the time comes. Again, that will be a matter for the Government.
Up to 45 minutes free telephone call credit per tour of duty is provided to personnel on a four-month or less tour of duty. Up to 90 minutes free telephone call credit per tour of duty is provided to personnel on a six-month duty. Internet access is also provided. I am informed that flexibility will be applied in these cases and everything will be done to facilitate personnel when they wish to telephone home. Telephone communication charges from Chad are expensive. I have asked the military to consider if the credits can be increased. I am sure the military will come back to me on this in time for the next Question Time.
Are there any special arrangements made by the military for satellite connections to facilitate telephone calls?
There are for Internet access. It is very good and I will inspect it there myself shortly.
It is not usual practice to be ferrying parcels back and forth.
It is only for Christmas.
I can understand that. I have asked the military to accommodate people at Christmas in fitting parcels on to planes involved in resupply flights. The primary purpose of these planes is to supply what is necessary to keep the operations going and meet the troops' urgent needs.
Deputy Deenihan is correct that progress has not been as good as anticipated for the integrated Reserve Defence Forces. It was planned by 2010 that 2,500 people would be part of the integrated reserve. A pilot scheme was launched for the first time last year but only 180 people participated. It is currently double that figure, lessons having been learned from last year. Further adjustments may be necessary.
Deputies Deenihan and O'Shea asked when the reserve can serve abroad on operations and how reservists can maintain their regular employment. Part of the White Paper involves changing the reserve involving better equipment, training and re-organised structures. The idea of the reserve serving abroad was to be at the end of this reform process. The reforms are supposed to make it easier to have reservists who could be sent abroad. It is hoped the first members of the reserve will serve abroad next year. The Department is currently identifying people who would be suitable for serving in overseas missions. It is hoped the small number to be sent abroad next year will have specialist skills in areas such as information communication, engineering and transport.
The concerns about reservists' regular employment may not arise. I imagine those who will go abroad will be self-employed. They will also be paid for service abroad. The remuneration rates are being examined at present. If ordinary members of the reserve are to be sent on overseas missions as a matter of course, legislation will have to be amended as only members of the Permanent Defence Force can serve abroad. There is a possibility in the case of reservists with specialised skills that they can be enlisted temporarily to the Permanent Defence Force.
The number of female recruits to the Defence Forces is 560 as opposed to 429 ten years ago. Some measures have been taken. In 2006, I reduced the minimum height requirement from 5' 4" to 5' 2", to use the old method of measure. This increased the pool of available females from 60% of the total eligible female population to 90%. In addition, some research was undertaken which was made available to the Army and it will make recommendations based on studies done on that research. I am anxiously awaiting the results of that research.
The number of females vis-à-vis males in the Army is exactly similar to the number who apply. There is no discrimination in favour of males in so far as recruitment is concerned; it is simply that 95% of the applicants are male. One aspect discovered in the research is that the female members of the Army had a good story to tell about their service in the Army. They found it a good place to work and hopefully this will help the chief of staff in implementing the various proposals.
Deputy Deenihan also asked about the number of females in the Reserve Defence Force. The number is about 25% but I will obtain the exact figure for the Deputy. There is a startling disconnect between the percentage of females in the PDF and the RDF, with the percentage in the RDF being 25% and still only 5% or 6% in the PDF. I will come back to the Deputy with the information on the child care crèche in the Curragh Camp.
With regard to the reserve first line, proposals are being developed to get better use from the first line reserve. We will be announcing some proposals shortly.
With regard to Deputy Deenihan's question about the medical corps, members will be aware from their participation in Question Time and debates in the House that a number of actions have been taken to try to meet our complement of staff allowed for a military corps. There have been extensive advertising campaigns and pay has been substantially increased, with the kind permission of the Minister for Finance, but these actions have not been successful in recruiting more personnel. We are just barely managing to fill shortages, even if that. I have informed the House on a number of occasions of my intention to appoint consultants to advise me on how to deal with this problem as it needs a strategic approach. I hope these consultants will be appointed within the next few days and it is my intention that they will report before the end of the year. As I informed Deputy Deenihan in the House I intend to publish the report for discussion when I receive it.
Deputy Varadkar made a number of interesting suggestions at the last meeting as did Deputy O'Shea today. The points they raised are interesting and I invite them to send me further details as I will be delighted to receive them. However, I do not wish to anticipate what the consultants will recommend but all contributions will be gratefully received.
On the question of how much this will cost, because we do not have a full complement of medical staff, last year for civilian doctors we paid €2.4 million and €1.1 million to civilian dentists. A full complement of medical staff would also require to be paid — we are not paying them simply because we do not have them so this is not a net cost.
With regard to the equitation school, I enjoyed my visit to the school in the company of the former Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Joe Walsh. I have stated on a number of occasions that the real problem is acquiring the horses. Successive Ministers from different parties have made it clear to the equitation school that if it can acquire the right horses we will supply the money to purchase the animals.
Is that over and above the €300,000?
Yes. A number of proposals did not pass muster with the veterinary people but the offer has been made and it still stands. I agree with Deputy O'Shea that we need a strategic approach at this stage and it will be a matter for discussion in the forthcoming White Paper.
With regard to the ombudsman, I read the newspaper reports, as did my colleagues. The current position is that the ombudsman has four staff, an ombudsman, investigator, office manager and clerical assistant. The Office of Public Works is handling the question of accommodation for the ombudsman. I wish to make it clear that we support her request for improved accommodation. With regard to her request for additional staff, without commenting one way or the other as to whether additional staff are necessary along the lines she has suggested, we are considering her proposals. We will be reverting to the ombudsman soon about this matter.
Deputy Deenihan mentioned the slight reduction in the amount of the allocation to the ombudsman's office as between this year and next year. Last year's figures included part of the cost of setting up the office; there has been no diminution in the service to the office. The request for further staff is under consideration and if approved, the required funds will be made available. If the ombudsman's request for more staff is taken out of the equation, her other requests were all provided with a budget.
Deputy Deenihan referred to veterans——
The widows of veterans.
It is a reference to the widows of the veterans of the War of Independence. On 1 April 2006, their payments were increased by 50% and their payments have trebled since 2000. In the context of the forthcoming Estimates which I imagine will be fairly tight, I will look at further increases but in the context of——
Is the Minister aware of the particular newspaper article?
Yes, I know what the Deputy is referring to.
Is the newspaper article published today about Goz Beida and the two helicopters accurate?
There is no final decision on that matter yet. I indicated to Deputy Deenihan at Question Time that it was under consideration by the military. A final decision will be made within the next few weeks.
The meeting must finish at 3.30 p.m. as we must vacate the room.
With regard to the installation of roller bars and restraints, the money has been provided and they are being purchased.
The numbers of personnel in Chad will reach 3,700 by the end of June. We will look at proposals for the ongoing publicity campaign in the autumn. We have not decided on a format. On the emergency planning committee and any increased worries about terrorism, we are provided with a threat assessment from both the Army and the Garda Síochána at each meeting of the emergency planning committee and nothing has changed in that regard in the past couple of months. On the question of military parades on St. Patrick's Day, Deputy O'Shea put in a question for written reply and the reply stated that many places requested Army parades on St. Patrick's Day and most of the requests were acceded to. The Army appears in public quite frequently. I take the Deputy's point about more showcasing for the Army and I have no difficulty with that suggestion.
There should be a major Army parade to commemorate Easter Week every year.
In reply to Deputy O'Shea, the new recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Force will be instituted in September and will be wide-ranging.
As it is 3.30 p.m. we are obliged to conclude.
We should have a longer period in future to discuss the Estimates, at least two and a half hours.