Written Answers Nos. 94-116
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Written Answers Nos. 94-116
94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in the evaluation of naturalisation application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; when the procedures will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13546/13]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation were received from the persons referred to by the Deputy in October, 2011.
The applications are at an advanced stage of processing and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed to facilitate an application for asylum or refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13547/13]
View answerApplications for refugee status from persons already in the State are made in the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, 79/83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. A comprehensive Information Leaflet for applicants for refugee status in Ireland is available on the website of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner at www.orac.ie.
96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures to date and that still remain outstanding in the matter of determination of eligibility for naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13548/13]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the first named person referred to by the Deputy in December, 2011.
The application is being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
There is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second named person referred to by the Deputy. Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures followed and progress made to date in the determination of entitlement to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13549/13]
View answerThe person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State for an initial 2 year period on Stamp 4 conditions from 11 July, 2005, under the revised arrangements for the non-EEA national parents of children born in Ireland prior to January, 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. The grant of permission to remain was renewed regularly and is currently valid until 11 July, 2013.
Officials in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must
- be of full age
- be of good character
- have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years
- intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation
- have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows -
(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
A foreign national who is married to, or is the Civil Partner of, an Irish citizen for at least three years may apply for naturalisation under section 15A of the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, where they have been continuously resident in the island of Ireland for the year immediately prior to the date of their application and for two out of the four years prior to that year. The marriage or civil partnership must be subsisting and recognised under Irish law. Section 15A provides that the Minister may waive certain conditions for naturalisation if satisfied that the applicant would suffer serious consequences in respect of his or her bodily integrity or liberty if not granted Irish citizenship.
Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, waive some or all of the statutory conditions in certain circumstances i.e. where an applicant is of Irish descent or of Irish associations; where an applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; or where an applicant is a Stateless person within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless persons.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to date and still remaining in the determination of eligibility for residency-naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13550/13]
View answerThe person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State in September, 2001 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland. This permission was renewed on a regular basis and is currently valid until 30 September, 2014.
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in February, 2012. The application is being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency entitlement and-or eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13551/13]
View answerThe person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State on 27 September, 2001 under the arrangements then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish born citizen children. This permission was renewed on a regular basis and is currently valid until 7 January, 2015.
There is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must:
- be of full age
- be of good character
- have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years
- intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation
- have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows -
(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
A foreign national who is married to, or is the Civil Partner of, an Irish citizen for at least three years may apply for naturalisation under section 15A of the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, where they have been continuously resident in the island of Ireland for the year immediately prior to the date of their application and for two out of the four years prior to that year. The marriage or civil partnership must be subsisting and recognised under Irish law. Section 15A provides that the Minister may waive certain conditions for naturalisation if satisfied that the applicant would suffer serious consequences in respect of his or her bodily integrity or liberty if not granted Irish citizenship.
Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, waive some or all of the statutory conditions in certain circumstances i.e. where an applicant is of Irish descent or of Irish associations; where an applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; or where an applicant is a Stateless person within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless persons.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency-entitlement to naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) ion County Kildare; if update of Stamp 4 will issue in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13552/13]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that applications for a certificate of naturalisation were received from the persons referred to by the Deputy in April 2012.
The applications are currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
The first and second persons concerned were granted permission to remain in the State for an initial 2 year period on Stamp 4 conditions from 22 September, 2005 under the revised arrangements for the non-EEA national parents of children born in Ireland prior to January, 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. The grant of permission to remain was renewed regularly and is currently valid until 12 April, 2013.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding determination of eligibility of residency-naturalisation arising from the Zambrano judgment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if the case is likely to be impeded in any way in view of the fact that the child's passport is in their homeland and in respect of which application has been made but the applicants cannot travel there for obvious reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13553/13]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No 190 of Thursday, 28th February, 2013, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply which is copied beneath (in italics).
As stated in that Reply, all representations submitted by and on behalf of the person concerned will be considered before a final decision is made. In the event that documentary evidence is submitted which suggests that the terms of the Zambrano Judgment are applicable to the case of the person concerned then any such documentary evidence will be fully considered. The Deputy will appreciate that the Zambrano Judgment, in an Irish context, applies to certain third country national parents of an Irish born minor citizen child. As such, in the event that the person concerned is the parent of such a child, and that child is the holder of an Irish Passport, then it would be in his interests to have the child's Irish Passport, together with all the other relevant documentation, forwarded to my Department for consideration without delay.
Given that the person concerned has no current right of residency in the State, the issue of an application for naturalisation does not arise at this time.
The person concerned is a failed asylum applicant. Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 25th February, 2010, that the then Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before a final decision is made. Once a decision has been made, this decision, and the consequences of the decision, will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
The position in relation to the immigration status of Long Term Residency is that, at the date of application, a person applying for such status must have been legally resident in the State for over five years (60 months) on the basis of work permit, work authorisation or working visa conditions and, as such, must have Stamp 1 or Stamp 4 endorsements on their Passport during such periods. Given that the person concerned has no current right of residency in the State, he would not be in a position to meet the lawful residency criteria applicable to persons applying to my Department for Long Term Residency status.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will urgently review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow with a view to revoking a deportation order in view of the fact that they were in continuous employment with resultant statutory entitlements for more than five years during which time they met all requirements in terms of payment of taxes notwithstanding the finding arising from previous review; if their alleged illegality of their presence in the State has bee examined in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13554/13]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Question Number 8028/13 of 14th February, 2013. The situation is unchanged since then. I would like to add further that the person concerned did not have permission to work in the State.
The person concerned had her case examined in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Refoulement was not found to be an issue here. In addition, no issue arises under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (UN Convention against Torture) Act, 2000. Consideration was also given to private and family rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
I am satisfied that the person concerned had her case fairly and comprehensively examined and, therefore, the decision to make a Deportation Order against her is justified. She is therefore illegally present in the State.
A Deportation Order was signed on 17 January 2013. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the state and remain thereafter outside the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited .
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current position, procedure to date followed and issues outstanding, if any, in regard to residency-entitlement to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 who has been resident here for 15 years, ten of which in permanent employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13555/13]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that applications for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in September 2011.
The application is being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process. The person referred to currently has permission to remain in the State until March 2015.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for naturalisation has been received in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin, only the latter of whose application has been acknowledged; if both applications have been assessed in relation to eligibility for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13556/13]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that applications for a certificate of naturalisation were received from the persons referred to by the Deputy in July 2012.
The applications are currently being further processed with a view to establishing whether the applicants meet the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
As well as being a significant event in the life of its recipient, the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation as provided for in law is also a major step for the State which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the residency status and-or entitlement to naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13557/13]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the application has entered the final stage of processing and I intend to grant citizenship. A letter issued on 7 March 2013 to the person referred to by the Deputy asking her to submit the prescribed certification fee and other documents. Following receipt of the required documentation her application will be finalised and she will be invited in due course to a citizenship ceremony at which the declaration of fidelity to the Irish Nation and loyalty to the State is made and certificate of naturalisation is issued. The person referred to currently has permission to remain in the State until 25 May 2013.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration is likely to be given to the training of cadets for other police forces in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13558/13]
View answerAll training requests from Police Forces in other jurisdictions are given consideration and joint training with other police organisations and An Garda Síochána occur on a regular basis. An Garda Síochána regularly facilitates internships for students/cadets from other police forces. The aim of these internships is for students to work with a range of operational and administrative units within An Garda Síochána with a view to gaining an insight into the organisational framework and work of An Garda Síochána. The benefit to An Garda Síochána from these internships is they enhance the international reputation of An Garda Síochána and provide an insight into the training methods of foreign police forces.
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding residency-entitlement and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13559/13]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the first name person referred to had her application granted and was presented with a Certificate of Naturalisation at a citizenship ceremony on 30 September 2011. There is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second named person referred to by the Deputy.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will revoke the deportation order in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13568/13]
View answerFollowing a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum application in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement the person concerned was informed that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order against him.
A Deportation Order was signed on 17 January, 2013. The effect of Deportation Orders is that the person concerned must leave the state and remain thereafter outside the State. The enforcement of Deportation Orders is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
However, if new information or circumstances have come to light, which have a direct bearing on his case and which has arisen since the original Deportation Order was made, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of the Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
109. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding a barracks (details supplied) in County Donegal; the costs to the State to date in 2013 of associated security; when there will be a transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13502/13]
View answerIn the context of the 2009 Budget, the then Government announced the closure of four barracks including Rockhill House, Letterkenny. Agreement has been reached for the sale of the property to Donegal County Council and my Department has requested a meeting with the County Manager in Donegal to finalise the sale. The amount paid out to date in 2013 in respect of security costs for the property is €15,490.21.
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has received communication from his EU colleagues in the context of European defence and or security issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13570/13]
View answerSince the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, now conducts the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy assisted by the European External Action Service. During each European Union Presidency one formal and one informal meeting of Defence Ministers is held. In relation to the Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers that was held in Dublin discussions covered a range of issues including the upcoming European Council on Defence, Mali, the Horn of Africa and Partnerships between the EU and the United Nations.Ministers also had the benefit of the presence of the Under-Secretary General in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations for the first time, at an EU Defence Ministers meeting.
Partnerships, in particular, between the EU and the United Nations, were the final item for discussion at the Informal meeting of Defence Ministers. This afforded EU Ministers of Defence and the Under Secretary General, Department of Peacekeeping Operations in the United Nations, the opportunity to discuss how to foster more effective co-operation and build partnerships in order to enhance the effectiveness of UN Peacekeeping operations.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in regard to the issue of future participation in EU led peace keeping or peace enforcing missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13571/13]
View answer115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions at EU or UN level in the context of Irish participation in further or future overseas deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13575/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 115 together.
During each EU Presidency both formal and informal meetings of Defence Ministers are held. On 12-13 February 2013, I hosted an informal meeting of EU Ministers of Defence in Dublin Castle. The Operational Commanders of three of the four current EU-led missions were also in attendance. Discussions were focused on these current operations and future proposed developments.
Ireland contributes Defence Forces personnel to three of the four current EU military missions. Ireland contributes seven personnel to the Operation ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ireland also contributes ten Defence Forces personnel, including Mission Commander Brigadier General Gerald Aherne, to EUTM Somalia, the EU’s mission to train Somali security forces in Uganda. Ireland will be contributing eight Defence Forces personnel to the new EUTM Mali mission as part of a joint contingent with the UK.
The other EU military mission, Operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, is the EU’s first maritime operation which contributes to improving maritime security off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean. Ireland does not currently contribute personnel to this operation.
As well as these four military operations, the EU has recently launched three new civilian Common Security and Defence Policy civilian missions. These include EUCAP Nestor, a Regional Maritime Capacity Building mission to enhance the capacity of Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region to fight piracy. This mission is complementary to and has close coordination with Operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and EUTM Somalia and international actors. This civilian mission is augmented with military expertise.
Ireland participated in the Austro-German led Battlegroup which was on standby from 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012. The other members of the Austro-German Battlegroup were Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
Regarding UN missions, Ireland currently contributes 361 personnel to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Mission. Following the deployment of a contingent of some 170 personnel of the Armed forces of Finland to UNIFIL, a joint Irish-Finnish Battalion was formed in May 2012. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with several United Nations missions. Overall there are currently 436 Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. However, it is not anticipated that there will be any major deployments of troops to further missions in the foreseeable future.
Within the EU itself, a number of committees, including the Political and Security Committee and the EU Military Committee, keep the issues of troop deployments, including rapid response, under constant review in consultation with all EU Member States.
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Naval Service has access to modern training facilities in line with other Defence Forces throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13572/13]
View answer113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps has access to the modern training services and technology available to other such forces throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13573/13]
View answer114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army can access the full range of training and equipment available to other defence forces throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13574/13]
View answer116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he is satisfied that the entire Defence Forces continue to have adequate access to full technology and training facilities notwithstanding the budgetary reduction requirements arising from the memorandum of understanding entered into by his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13576/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 to 114, inclusive, and 116 together.
I am advised that military training techniques are up to date in all respects. Defence Forces training plans are specifically structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them by Government.
The primary focus of military training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements.
Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice and I am advised that Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available, on a par with the best international practice and requirements, for training purposes and to carry out their day-to-day roles both at home and overseas.
The acquisition of new equipment, including equipment used for training, for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, must take into account the current difficult economic environment we are now operating in. The budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment, training and upgrades. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.
In regard to the Naval Service, a strategy for the replacement of Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessels is currently in train. A contract was signed in October, 2010 with Babcock Marine in the United Kingdom for the provision of two new offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV’s). The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair on the other vessels in the fleet, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level and that the most up to date equipment, including modern technology and IT equipment, is available to Naval Service personnel. Preparations for the construction of the ships have commenced in Appledore, UK and the build of the first ship is well advanced. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second ship will follow one year later.
On the issue of Naval Service training, I am satisfied that Naval Services training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects. A considerable training effort is also involved with the new ships programme to allow for a smooth entry of the two ships into operational service in 2014 and 2015.
The Air Corps keeps abreast of all developments in modern aviation. It conducts its training in accordance with industry best practices and to the highest standards, referencing European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and using the most modern methods and equipment available.
Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 111.
Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 112.
