Wednesday, 7 Nov 2012

Written Answers Nos. 10-17

EU Battlegroups

Questions (10)

Niall Collins

Question:

10. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on Ireland's participation in the Austro-German Battlegroup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48476/12]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Ireland is currently participating in the Austro-German led Battlegroup, which will be on stand-by until 31 December 2012. In 2010, the then Government approved Ireland’s participation in this Battlegroup. The other members of the Austro-German Battlegroup are Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Our contribution is a Reconnaissance Company together with staff posts at both the Operational and Force Headquarters. Should the Battlegroup be deployed, Ireland’s contribution would amount to approximately 175 personnel. During the stand-by period one officer has been deployed to the Battlegroup Headquarters in Ulm, Germany. This officer is engaged in training and planning activities.

Under the Battlegroup Concept, Battlegroups are designed to be operational within 5-10 days of approval of an operation by the Council of the European Union. Battlegroup operations must be sustainable for at least 30 days which can be extended to a maximum of 120 days.

Training of the manoeuvre elements of the Austro-German Battlegroup took place in the contributing Member States - Irish troops were trained in Ireland. There were no joint field exercises or manoeuvre training with other elements in the Austro-German Battlegroup.

Any decision to deploy the Austro-German Battlegroup will continue to be taken by unanimity by the Council of the European Union. In addition, any decision by Ireland to participate in a specific Battlegroup operation is subject to our national sovereign decision-making procedures - “Triple Lock”, i.e. UN mandate, Government and Dáil approval. At this time, there are no proposals under consideration for the deployment of the Austro/German Battlegroup.

White Paper on Defence

Questions (11)

Micheál Martin

Question:

11. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Defence his plans for a new White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48487/12]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The White Paper on Defence has provided the policy framework and development strategy for Defence since 2000. The planning certainty arising from the policy provisions of the current White Paper underpinned the modernisation process within the Defence Organisation. It also afforded the requisite flexibility to develop appropriate capabilities in response to changes in the defence and security environment. Having considered the preliminary work undertaken on the preparation of a new White Paper on Defence, I decided to expand the planned consultative process by initiating the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. In April 2012, a Memorandum for Government setting out the proposed approach and timeframe was approved by Government. The purpose of the Green Paper will be to elicit an informed debate regarding Ireland’s defence policy.

The process of preparing a Green Paper on Defence has commenced. Following Government approval for the process for the development of a new Green/White Paper on Defence, an interdepartmental group was convened to prepare a current assessment of the defence and security environment. The assessment will form the basis of the policy questions to be raised in the Green Paper.

The Green Paper is expected to be published at the end of 2012. When published, the Green Paper will initiate and inform a broad consultative process as part of the development of a new White Paper on Defence. The views of members of the public and other interested parties on Defence policy and Defence provision will be welcomed.

The new White Paper on Defence is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013 and will address Defence Policy and inform long term capability requirements.

Overseas Missions

Questions (12, 32, 168)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

12. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he expects the Defence Forces to undertake any new United Nations missions in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48470/12]

Seán Crowe

Question:

32. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the number of countries across the world in which members of the Defence Forces are serving; and the requests he may be considering in other countries and new missions. [48466/12]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of military personnel serving overseas on various missions UN or otherwise in each of the past four years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49032/12]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 32 and 168 together.

Ireland has offered, through the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations. with smaller contributions in Kosovo, Bosnia Herzegovina, Afghanistan and EUTM Somalia.

Ireland is also currently participating in the Austro-German led Battlegroup which is on stand-by from 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012. Defence Forces personnel are currently serving in peacekeeping operations in 11 countries throughout the world.

The average monthly figures for Defence Forces personnel involved in UN-led and UN mandated missions for the years 2008 -2011 breaks down as follows:

Year	Average Number
2008	660 personnel
2009	744 personnel
2010	412 personnel
2011	337 personnel

The average monthly figure so far for 2012 is 477 personnel. This does not include the 175 personnel currently assigned to the EU Battlegroup.

As regards future deployment of Defence Forces overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.

Ireland has received an invitation from the Operational Commander of Operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA to contribute an Autonomous Vessel Protection Detachment (AVPD) to the Operation. This operation is the EU’s first maritime operation which contributes to improving maritime security off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean. The Defence organisation is currently considering whether it will be in a position to contribute an AVPD to this operation.

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. However, following the deployment of a Battalion to UNIFIL since mid-2011, it is not anticipated that there will be any major deployments of troops to further missions in the foreseeable future. However, the potential for deploying smaller groups of personnel and military observers in support of UN mandated operations will continue to be examined positively, as such requests arise.

Defence Forces Ombudsman

Questions (13, 31)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

13. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that his decision to change the role of the Defence Forces Ombudsman from full time to part time is adequate for the duties entailed in the role. [48464/12]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

31. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the recent decision to downgrade the post of Defence Forces Ombudsman from a full-time to a part-time post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48456/12]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 31 together.

The primary role of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, which is provided for in the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, is to provide an independent appeals process for members of the Defence Forces. Such appeals arise where a complaint has been processed through the internal Defence Forces “Redress of Wrongs” process but the member remains dissatisfied with the outcome or the manner in which the complaint was handled.

The 2004 Act also provides that, subject to certain conditions, the Ombudsman may accept complaints directly from former members of the Defence Forces.

The office of the Ombudsman is now well established and a number of administrative and systemic issues identified by the outgoing Ombudsman have been addressed. This has contributed to improvements in procedures and policies within the Defence Forces.

Recent trends show a significant increase in the number of redress of wrongs complaints being resolved within the military system, thus reducing the number of cases being referred to the Ombudsman for investigation, a fact I very much welcome. In addition, it is anticipated that the new and comprehensive promotion system for NCOs agreed and introduced earlier this year will eliminate the many complaint referrals to the Ombudsman relating to promotion. Such referrals currently account for about a third of the caseload in the Ombudsman’s office. Against this background, the post of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is being filled on a part time, three day week basis, subject to ongoing review of caseload and referrals.

I can now inform the House that yesterday the Government decided, on foot of a recommendation from me, that it would advise the President to appoint Mr. Patrick Anthony McCourt as Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for a period of three years. The Warrant appointing Mr. McCourt to the post is currently with the President for signature. Mr. McCourt was recommended for the post by the Public Appointments Service following an open competition.

There are no plans currently for changes in the role of the Ombudsman or to amend the legislation in relation to the powers or functions of the Ombudsman.

Question No. 14 answered with Question No. 6.

Defence Forces Expenditure

Questions (15)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

15. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the cost-cutting measures adopted by his Department in respect of each of the Defence Forces in each of the past three years to date; the net benefit in terms of actual savings in respect of each cost-cutting measure; the actual loss in terms of capability arising from such measures; the way this compares with previous cost-cutting in the Defence Forces; if he is satisfied that cost-cutting measures to date do not have a fundamental negative impact on the capability of the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48506/12]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The depth and gravity of the current economic difficulties means that all areas of the public sector must deliver greater efficiencies and operate within a reduced resource envelope. All elements of Defence expenditure have been critically reviewed in order to deliver the required savings. Some of the measures to reduce costs in the past three years have included reductions in the number of military and civilian personnel, the further rationalisation and consolidation of the Defence property portfolio and reductions in paid training for members of the Reserve.

Equipment procurement has been curtailed in line with priority operational requirements and the Defence Organisation is fully participating in central initiatives to deliver further efficiencies such as procurement reform and shared services initiatives.

Arising from the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. A major reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing and this will ensure that within the reduced strength, the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force is maintained. This is being achieved through the rationalising of headquarters, administrative and support functions and re-balancing force elements in favour of “front line” operational Units.

The Defence Organisation is a leader in public sector reform and has acquired experience and a proven track record for successful reform and ongoing modernisation. The required savings of recent years, in both pay and non-pay, have necessitated a flexible and adaptive approach from the Defence Organisation. A key focus has been the prioritisation and maintenance of Permanent Defence Force operational capacity in order to ensure that the Permanent Defence Force retain the capacity to fulfil all roles assigned.

In total, these measures have facilitated a reduction in the Gross Provision for the Defence Vote (36) from €756m in 2010 to €727m in 2011 and €688m in 2012.

I am satisfied that the Permanent Defence Force will remain a well trained and well equipped military organisation which is capable of meeting the roles laid down by Government both at home and abroad.

Defence Forces Strength

Questions (16)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

16. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he continues to be satisfied regarding the adequacy in terms of equipment, personnel and training of the Defence Forces to adequately respond to any emergency or security issues that might arise in the future including natural disasters; if the capabilities of the Defences Forces are regularly or intermittently assessed regarding their ability to meet such requirements; if the chain of command in respect of either type of emergency is adequately structured to provide a rapid response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48505/12]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies or security issues arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána (as aid to the civil power) or from other agencies of the State (as aid to civil authority). In relation to security, primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2000) is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. A wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.

The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises. The Defence Forces alert system is based on a graduated response, which ensures that the required level of readiness and commitment by the Defence Forces can be readily achieved. As a support agency the Defence Forces deploy capabilities that are integral to their military and contingency roles and training is in relation to these capabilities rather than specific capabilities for natural disasters or possible terrorist attacks.

The Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out the structure enabling the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies and the Defence Forces respond within that framework. The Major Emergency Framework sets out the specific arrangements for coordination and cooperation between the Principal Response Agencies and the Defence Forces. Representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service coordination in responding to both emergency and security issues. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.

Defence Forces Reorganisation

Questions (17, 23, 25, 35, 164, 165)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

17. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the strategic rationale for relocating Defence Forces personnel from McKee Barracks to Cathal Brugha Barracks. [48462/12]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

23. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the way the proposals for the reorganisation of the Defence Forces as applied to Dublin have improved their capacity to discharge their responsibilities to our capital city and the strategic hub of the State. [48463/12]

Denis Naughten

Question:

25. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he will postpone his plans for the restructuring of the Defence Forces until the White Paper on Defence is published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48453/12]

Denis Naughten

Question:

35. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the restructuring of the Defence Forces organisation, including plans to abolish the 4th Western Brigade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48452/12]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the basis for the reorganisation of the Defence Forces such as closure of military barracks, brigade reduction or other similar measures of such policy is deemed to be in line with international trends or for other reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49028/12]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will set out his preferred option for the future development of the Defence Forces; if this is in line with the strategy of senior military authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49029/12]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 23, 25, 35, 164 and 165 together.

The current reorganisation of the Defence Forces was in response to the Government decision to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. At this revised strength ceiling, the existing organisational structures that had been in place for a strength ceiling of 11,500 personnel were no longer viable. Accordingly I initiated a major reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Force. The purpose of the reorganisation is to ensure that within the reduced strength, the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force is prioritised.

In July of this year, the Chief of Staff and Secretary General submitted agreed reorganisation proposals for my consideration, which I accepted. These proposals had due regard to Defence Forces operational requirements and the Chief of Staff confirmed that the proposals would ensure that the Permanent Defence Force could continue to meet all operational requirements within a strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel.

The recommendations outlined a Permanent Defence Force Army structure based on two Brigades with the brigade headquarters located in Cork and Dublin. Other key aspects of this reorganisation included the consolidation of under-strength Units and the disestablishment of certain units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and a re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational Units. As part of this process, the number of Army infantry battalions will reduce from nine under-strength infantry battalions to seven full strength infantry battalions. In Dublin two under-strength infantry battalions are being consolidated into one full strength battalion.

A fundamental and major organisational change such as this one required a holistic approach rather than focusing on local issues and concerns. The proposed future location of Headquarters and Units were contained in the recommendations I received from the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General having regard to Defence Forces capability and operational requirements. I accepted these recommendations in full.

The implementation of the reorganisation is underway and all personnel in the Permanent Defence Force have now been briefed on the reorganisation proposals. They will receive further briefings and advice on the many options available to them as implementation of the reorganisation progresses.

The Green and White Paper process is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. In the context of the immediate financial realities and in order to maintain the operational capabilities of the Permanent Defence Force to the greatest extent possible, it was neither prudent nor practical to delay a reorganisation of the Defence Forces until 2014.

I am firmly committed to maintaining the capacity of the Permanent Defence Force to meet their operational requirements. The current reorganisation is an essential part of that process.