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Tuesday, 18 Jun 2013

Written Answers Nos. 418-435

Defence Forces Training

Questions (418)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

418. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the most modern training methods remain available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29315/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Defence Forces has a robust and comprehensive training system which incorporates a wide variety of modern training methods. Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice. Participation in ongoing overseas operations also necessitates multilateral training and assessment. This facilitates ongoing review of Defence Forces training methods and standards within an international military context. I am advised that Defence Forces personnel continue to have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available for their training and day-to-day roles.

I am satisfied that Naval Service training techniques and technologies are up to date in all respects, with the most up to date equipment, including modern technology and IT equipment available to Naval Service personnel. Preparations for the construction of two new offshore Patrol Vessels are advancing with the first ship due for delivery in early 2014. These modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair on the other vessels in the fleet, will ensure the Naval Service continues to meet the required operational capability. A considerable training effort is also involved with the new ships programme to allow for a smooth entry of the first ship into operational service in 2014 and the second ship in 2015.

The Air Corps keeps abreast of all developments in modern aviation. It will continue to conduct 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, using the most modern methods and equipment available.

The budgetary situation, in the context of the current difficult economic 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.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Questions (419)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

419. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotions throughout the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in each of the past four years to date; the number of any such positions remaining to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29316/13]

View answer

Written answers

The following tabular statement (Annex A) sets out the number of promotions which have occurred or are in train in the Army, Air Corps (AC) and Naval Service (NS) in each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 2012 and to 31 May 2013, as advised by the Military Authorities. The following table (Annex B) outlines the number serving, by rank, as advised by the Military Authorities for 30 April 2013, the latest date for which figures are available. In relation to the figures provided I would like to point out to the Deputy that the Military Authorities have implemented a revised policy of reporting strength figures from 1st January 2013. With effect from this date the strength figures for the Permanent Defence Force are being calculated on the basis of actual numbers serving on the date i.e. excluding those on career breaks or leave of absence for periods exceeding eight weeks. This change in how strengths are calculated brings the strength returns for the Permanent Defence Force in line with the remainder of the Public Service.

Competitions to establish panels to fill outstanding vacancies were held last year. Promotions from the panels are currently ongoing within the Permanent Defence Force in order to fill rank vacancies. It is my intention that promotions will be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.

Annex B PDF Strength by rank as at 30 April 2013 versus PDF Rank Establishment of 9,500

9,500 Rank Establishment

Strength at 30 April 2013

Lieutenant General

1

1

Major General

2

2

Brigadier General

8

8

Colonel

41

39

Lieutenant Colonel

137

134

Commandant

336

321

Captain

452

411

Lieutenant

256

337

Sergeant Major

43

43

Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant

44

44

Company Sergeant

245

225

Company Quartermaster Sergeant

199

197

Sergeant

1,330

1,187

Corporal

1,800

1,580

Private (including Cadet)

4,606

4,634

Total

9,500

9,163

*Within the establishment figures there is provision for 10 Colonel positions overseas, however, at end of April only 8 of these were filled by Colonels, while 1 was filled by a Lt Colonel acting in the rank of Colonel, with no requirement to fill the remaining position.

Note: Equivalent Naval Service Ranks

Brigadier General/Commodore

Colonel/Captain

Lieutenant Colonel/Commander

Commandant/Lieutenant Commander

Captain/Lieutenant (NS)

Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant

Sergeant Mayor/Warrant Officer

Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer

Company Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Petty Officer

Company Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer

Sergeant/Petty Officer

Corporal/Leading Seaman Private/Able Seaman.

Promotions in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service: 2009 to 31 May 2013

Annex A

 

CPL

SGT

CQMS

CS

BQMS

BSM

TOTAL NCO

LT

CAPT

COMDT

LT COL

COL

BRIG GEN

MAJ GEN

LT GEN

TOTAL OFFR

TOTAL

2009

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 -

 -

-

-

-

Army

54

23

10

2

 0

1

90

26

3

9

4

4

3

1

0

50

140

AC

5

5

1

5

 0

 0

16

3

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

4

20

NS

2

4

 0

 0

 0

0

6

0

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

3

9

Total

61

32

11

7

0

1

112

29

4

10

6

4

3

1

0

57

169

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

 -

-

-

-

 -

-

-

-

-

-

-

Army

1

17

8

1

 0

 0

27

19

53

10

6

5

0

0

1

94

121

AC

3

6

0

1

 0

 0

10

1

5

0

0

1

0

1

0

8

18

NS

0

9

 0

 0

 0

0

9

13

3

0

2

2

0

0

0

20

29

Total

4

32

8

2

0

0

46

33

61

10

8

8

0

1

1

122

168

2011

 -

-

-

-

 -

 -

-

-

-

-

-

-

 -

-

-

-

 -

Army

122

3

0

1

7

8

141

0

44

21

23

7

0

0

0

95

236

AC

29

4

 0

 0

1

2

36

0

5

6

3

1

1

0

0

16

52

NS

36

1

0

 0

2

1

40

0

17

4

5

1

1

0

0

28

68

Total

187

8

0

1

10

11

217

0

66

31

31

9

2

0

0

139

356

2012

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Army

92

6

4

26

10

7

145

34

60

66

28

14

4

1

0

207

352

AC

17

0

3

5

0

0

25

3

4

7

0

0

0

0

0

14

39

NS

30

48

8

33

3

2

124

1

6

14

2

0

0

0

0

23

147

Total

139

54

15

64

13

9

294

38

70

87

30

14

4

1

0

244

538

2013 to 31 May

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Army

30

179

23

23

0

0

255

6

0

6

2

1

0

0

0

15

270

AC

14

37

1

15

0

2

69

2

0

2

1

1

0

0

0

6

75

NS

0

5

1

2

0

0

8

3

6

3

0

0

0

0

0

12

20

Total

44

221

25

40

0

2

332

11

6

11

3

2

0

0

0

33

365

Overseas Missions

Questions (420)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

420. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions or communication with EU or UN sources in the matter of further deployment of Irish troops overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29317/13]

View answer

Written answers

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 has also contributed eight Defence Forces personnel to the 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 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.

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 445 Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.

In response to a request from the United Nations to deploy personnel to the headquarters of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria, three personnel are expected to deploy to the mission shortly. A fourth member of the Permanent Defence Force will deploy to the mission in the coming weeks.

In April 2013 a request was received from the United Nations to deploy additional Military Observers to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation in the Middle East to the Headquarters of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria. This request is currently receiving consideration and a decision is expected shortly.

We have also received a request from the UN to deploy a specialist training team on Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD), mine and specialist search awareness to South Sudan to support the work of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). I will shortly be bringing proposals to Government to seek approval for the deployment of a training team of four (4) personnel to South Sudan.

As regards future deployments of Defence Forces personnel 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.

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.

Defence Forces Properties

Questions (421)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

421. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure the retention of existing military installations throughout the country notwithstanding the economic situation arising from the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the troika by his predecessors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29318/13]

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Written answers

The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. The Department has been engaged on an ongoing programme of barrack consolidation since 1998. This programme has brought to fourteen the number of barracks closed during that time. In addition to the main barracks a number of other smaller properties have also been identified as surplus to military requirements. Some of these have already been disposed of whilst others are in the process of being prepared for disposal. These mainly consist of married quarters and Reserve Defence Force premises. Earlier this year as part of the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force a number of additional properties became surplus to requirements and these will also be disposed of.

The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. Notwithstanding this, the overall priority is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.

As the Deputy is aware I have indicated to the House previously there are no plans for further barrack closures.

Overseas Missions

Questions (422)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

422. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which payment from the UN in respect of deployment of Irish troops overseas remains up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29319/13]

View answer

Written answers

The UN reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owned Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The only mission for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs, is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Since 1 January 2012, the total amount received from the United Nations in respect of contributions towards troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Forces personnel in UNIFIL is calculated at €13.4m. The amount currently owing to the Department of Defence by the United Nations is calculated at €10.8 million approximately. This amount includes €4.4 million in respect of the current UNIFIL mission which we would expect to receive in the coming weeks and €6.4 million in respect of repatriation costs of equipment from the MINURCAT mission in Chad. The amount owing in relation to the MINURCAT mission is currently the subject of ongoing negotiations with the UN. Ireland is not entitled to any reimbursement in respect of Defence Forces participation in EU-led missions as all troop contributors to such missions are responsible for their own costs.

Defence Forces Expenditure

Questions (423)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

423. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which savings throughout the Defence Forces in line with targets have been achieved in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29320/13]

View answer

Written answers

The gross expenditure outturn position for Defence (Vote 36) from 2008 to 2012 is as follows:

Defence (Vote 36) – Gross Outturn 2008 to 2012

-

2008 €m

2009 €m

2010 €m

2011 €m

2012 €m

Outturn

880

804

744

704

657

The outturn figures show a saving of €223m in the period from 2008 to 2012. This represents a saving of some 25% from the 2008 position. The current economic conditions have necessitated reductions in public sector expenditure in Ireland, including Defence expenditure. Having regard to these resource constraints, I have initiated a broad range of measures aimed at maintaining the operational capacity of the Defence Forces.

Following a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, I have secured the agreement of Government to accept my recommendation to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. Within this strength ceiling, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces was initiated. This has prioritised operational capability and re-deployed PDF personnel from administrative and support tasks to operational Units. In addition, equipment procurement continues to prioritise Defence Forces operational requirements. This has all been achieved within the reduced resource envelope allocated to Defence. The Chief of Staff has confirmed that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all operational requirements, at home and overseas.

Departmental Agencies Issues

Questions (424)

Denis Naughten

Question:

424. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he will list the regulators which are accountable to his Department; the administrative cost of operating each regulator in 2012; the accommodation costs and the number of staff employed; the total income and expenditure in 2012 for each regulator; his plans to amalgamate some regulatory offices and to amalgamate some regulatory processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29420/13]

View answer

Written answers

There are no regulators or regulatory offices accountable to my Department.

Departmental Agencies Issues

Questions (425, 426)

Dara Calleary

Question:

425. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline in tabular form the number of semi-State organisations currently in operation under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29811/13]

View answer

Dara Calleary

Question:

426. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the number of new semi-State organisations under his aegis which have been established since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29824/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 and 426 together.

The State Boards under the aegis of the Department of Defence when the Government took office were the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard and the Army Pensions Board. The Civil Defence Board was identified in the Public Service Reform Plan as a body to be abolished and legislation was passed by the Oireachtas in December 2012 for the dissolution of the Board. Its functions have now transferred back to the Department of Defence.

In the context of settling the Estimates for the Department of Defence for 2010, the Government decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure. The formal wind up of the Company including voluntary strike off with the Companies Registration Office was completed in early 2013.

The only body remaining under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board, which is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act, 1927. Its principal function under the Army Pensions Acts is to investigate applications for pensions, allowances and gratuities arising from the death or disablement of members of the Defence Forces in the course of their military service. No new semi- State organisations have been established under the aegis of my Department since March 2011.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Questions (427)

Pat Breen

Question:

427. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason persons (details supplied) in County Clare were refused the agri-environment option scheme 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28723/13]

View answer

Written answers

An application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 29th November 2012.

The process of ranking and selecting all AEOS applicants was clearly set out in the scheme documentation. Acceptance into the scheme was established using the pre-determined selection criteria as follows:

1 farmers in the Boora region of Co. Offaly who chose Wild Bird Cover Option B (Grey Partridge) as one of their selected options,

2 farmers with a minimum of 0.5 hectares of designated land,

3 farm partnerships,

4 farmers who previously participated in REPS commencing with smallest farms. and

5 others based on farm size (again favouring smaller holdings).

The person named was a previous participant in REPS. Based on the funding available farmers in category 4 with 22.06 hectares of utilisable agricultural area and below were successful. As the farm size of the person named is 25.18 the application was unsuccessful. On 27th May 2013, a letter issued to the person named informing him that he was not successful and setting out the reasons.

Animal Welfare Issues

Questions (428)

Clare Daly

Question:

428. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that action is taken against a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim for cruelty to animals in the feeding of live pigeons to training dogs,ensuring that all animals are taken from them and that they are prevented from posing as a trainer or trial judge with the Irish Kennel Club or any other animal organisations here. [28654/13]

View answer

Written answers

I have referred this matter for investigation to An Garda Síochána.

Harbour Authority Properties

Questions (429)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

429. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the introduction of paid parking in Howth, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28660/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy is aware that I have been considering the introduction of charges for parking within the Fishery Harbour Centre at Howth for some time. As I have said previously, I have been reviewing all aspects of the matter, taking account of the views of the various harbour users, the potential earnings for the Fishery Harbour Centre Fund, the possible impact on the harbour businesses and recreational users, the impact on the local economy and local jobs, and the impact on overall traffic management within the Fishery Harbour.

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Appeals

Questions (430)

Tom Fleming

Question:

430. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expedite a disadvantaged area scheme appeal that was received on 27 May 2013 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28675/13]

View answer

Written answers

The person named is one of a number of applicants under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, whose cases are impacted by the requirement to have achieved a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011 and who applied for and were refused derogation in this regard.

However, a subsequent appeal was received on 27 May 2013, which, following further examination of the case by my Department was successful. Accordingly, processing of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application was recently finalised, and payment will shortly issue to the nominated bank account.

Coillte Teoranta Lands

Questions (431)

Paudie Coffey

Question:

431. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the sale of land (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28764/13]

View answer

Written answers

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as land transactions, are the responsibility of the company. The company has, however, advised that the area involved is approx 1.2ha (subject to survey) of clearfelled lands and that, prior to sale, full consultation was conducted with local landowners and homeowners notified. I have also been advised that the lands are now ‘sale agreed’ to a local buyer who, as with all such land purchasers, is aware of the Forestry Act 1946. I understand that access routes to the remainder of the property remain unaffected by the proposed disposal.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Questions (432)

Pat Breen

Question:

432. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri-environment options scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28766/13]

View answer

Written answers

An application under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme from the person named was received in my Department on 27th November 2012.

The process of ranking and selecting all AEOS applicants was clearly set out in the scheme documentation. Acceptance into the scheme was established using the pre-determined selection criteria as follows:

1 farmers in the Boora region of Co. Offaly who chose Wild Bird Cover Option B (Grey Partridge) as one of their selected options,

2 farmers with a minimum of 0.5 hectares of designated land,

3 farm partnerships,

4 farmers who previously participated in REPS commencing with smallest farms, and

5 others based on farm size (again favouring smaller holdings).

As the available funding was used up in category 4 no farmers in category 5 were admitted. As the person named fell into category 5 he was unsuccessful. On 27th May 2013, a letter issued to the person named informing him that he was not successful and setting out the reasons.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (433)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

433. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the exact portfolio and responsibility arrangements that are to be transferred from him to the new Minister of State at his Department following their appointment in June 2013; when the legal documentation providing for such transfer will be signed; if a statutory instrument, the delegation of ministerial functions must be enacted before the new Minister of State takes up their role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28776/13]

View answer

Written answers

As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine I retain overall responsibility for all the functions of my Department. Statutory powers and duties in relation to Forestry, Horticulture, the Greyhound Industry and Food Safety will be delegated to the Minister Hayes. A Delegation of Ministerial Functions Order is being prepared.

Public Relations Contracts Expenditure

Questions (434)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

434. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail in tabular form, the names of all external public relations, communications consultants and organisations used by his Department since 9 March 2011; the details of the services supplied by each; the expenditure on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28804/13]

View answer

Written answers

My Department does not employ external public relations communications consultants and organisation. Public relations advice, where required is provided by my Department’s Press Office. It is not possible to provide costs for this service, as the work is carried out as part of the standard duties of the staff involved.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme Applications

Questions (435)

Michael Ring

Question:

435. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 588 of 28 May 2013 if he will explain the delay in the agri-environment option scheme payment to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that on 19 April he stated, in a letter of response, that the Department was currently finalising the application and on 28 May he stated that payment will issue shortly and considering that this application has been on-going for many months and the delay in payment is causing extreme hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28861/13]

View answer

Written answers

The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st November 2010 and full payments totalling €833.33 and €4,999.99 issued in respect of 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During the checking process in respect of the 2012 scheme year, issues were identified in relation to the claimed areas on the Species Rich Grassland action which resulted in a penalty being imposed. Full entitlements in respect of the 2012 scheme year have issued to the person named - 75% payment (Net of Penalty) totalling €3,710.44 issued on the 29th May and the balancing 25% payment totalling €1,249.99 issued on the 30th May 2013.

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