Written Answers Nos. 1-22
11. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money spent on an annual basis on maintaining family quarters in the Curragh Camp; the amount of rent collected from these properties; and the number of any such units in any other location. [52902/13]
View answer17. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence in relation to the Curragh Camp, the number of accommodation units occupied by serving members of the Defence Forces and their families; the number of units occupied by ex-servicemen and-or their families; and the number of empty units previously occupied by families. [52910/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 17 together.
Overall there are 75 properties occupied as Married Quarters across the Defence Forces. Fifty four (54) of the properties are located at the Curragh Camp. The properties located at the Curragh Camp include 25 occupied by serving personnel and their families and 29 occupied by overholders. Presently, it is understood from the military authorities that there are a further 47 vacant properties at the Camp which were formerly occupied as married quarters. However none of these are habitable.
The general upkeep and maintenance of occupied properties is a matter for the occupant. Routine repairs of an emergency nature are, however, undertaken by the military authorities from time to time as required. In respect of the properties located at the Curragh Camp, it is understood from the military authorities that the cost of these repairs to date in 2013 amounted to €28,500 and the corresponding amount spent in 2012 was €32,000. These figures include both military personnel time and materials and the use of external contractors where necessary. The requirement for more extensive remedial works to properties is overseen by the Department. It has been found that over time the properties in general would require a significant and disproportionate investment in order to ensure compliance with regulations regarding rental properties. In light of this it was decided to withdraw the properties from use as Married Quarters due to Health and Safety concerns.
The total rent collected in respect of those occupying married quarters at the Curragh Camp was €150,729.36 for 2012, and a total of €144,772.54 has been collected to the end of November 2013.
12. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence the basis upon which members of the Defence Forces, a declared neutral country under the rules of the Hague Convention, can participate in military alliances such as the NATO Partnership for Peace and EU battle groups. [52909/13]
View answerIreland is not a party to the Hague Convention (V) respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land, and there are no plans for it to become one. Ireland's policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. This policy has been underpinned by a set of complementary values which include, inter alia, the protection of human rights; support for development, participation in international peacekeeping operations under UN mandates; and the promotion of disarmament and the elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
Partnership for Peace (PfP) is a programme of practical bilateral cooperation between individual Euro-Atlantic partner countries and NATO. It allows partners to build up an individual relationship with NATO, choosing their own priorities for cooperation. Participation in PfP is entirely voluntary and is based on the principle of self-differentiation, that is, a State selects for itself the nature and scope of its participation in PfP activities. The PfP programme focuses on defence related cooperation and is designed to help increased stability, diminish threats to peace and build strengthened security relationships. The principal benefit of our participation is that it has allowed us to enhance the capabilities of Ireland's Defence Forces for peacekeeping, preventative and crisis management operations under UN mandates. It should be noted that a number of like minded, militarily neutral countries also participate in NATO/PfP such as Switzerland, Finland and Austria.
In relation to EU Battlegroups, again these are not military alliances. They are a fundamental aspect of the EU's capability to react rapidly to developing crises around the globe. Battlegroups are made available by Member States to the EU Council and there must be unanimity for their deployment. Within the EU Battlegroup concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup, as a rapid response capability, includes the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, similar to the deployment of EU forces in the UN operation in the Congo; and to respond to humanitarian crises. It should be stressed that any deployment of an Irish contingent in a Battlegroup context would be subject to the requirements of the "triple-lock".
In 1999, Dáil Éireann approved Ireland's participation in Partnership for Peace. In 2007 Dáil Éireann approved the Memorandum of Understanding to participate in the Nordic Battlegroup 2008 and again, in 2012, approved the Memorandum of Understanding for the Austro-German Battlegroup 2012.
13. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if the Government has approved Defence Forces participation in any future battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52903/13]
View answerThe Government has not yet approved Ireland's proposed participation in the Nordic Battlegroup in 2015 and the German led Battlegroup in 2016. The Nordic Battlegroup will comprise Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway, Estonia and possibly Lithuania and Latvia. The German led Battlegroup will comprise Germany, acting as Framework Nation, Luxembourg, Austria, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. The proposed Defence Forces contribution to each Battlegroup will be a Reconnaissance Company and related combat support elements. It is proposed that Ireland will also take command of a multinational Reconnaissance Group Headquarters, providing Ireland with a more significant role within these battlegroups.
Ireland has previously participated in the Nordic Battlegroup in 2008 and 2011 and in a German led EU Battlegroup in 2012. The other members of the Nordic Battlegroup were Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia and Croatia (2011 only). The members of the German led EU Battlegroup were Germany, acting as Framework Nation, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Macedonia.
Discussions have been ongoing with the Framework Nations and participating States to finalise details on the configuration of the Battlegroups along with operational and training details and standby arrangements. As this work has now been completed I expect to bring the matter to Government shortly.
14. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have a target for gender balance among members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52906/13]
View answerThe Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Significant progress has been made by the Military Authorities in addressing gaps between male and female participation in the Defence Forces, with an increase of 23% of female participation in the PDF since 2002. However, it is recognised that more work needs to be done to meet the gender target for recruitment of females of 20% which was set by the Military Authorities in 2007.
As of 31 October 2013, there are currently 558 women out of a total strength of 9,222 serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). This represents 6% of the overall strength of the Defence Forces and a 23 % increase of female representation in the PDF since 2002. A key impediment in achieving the target gender balance is the lack of female applicants relative to males. A number of specific initiatives have been implemented to increase female participation in the Defence Forces including:
- the introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants,
- special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment,
- there is balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards.
- all promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit,
- a Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. Women, therefore, play a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence Forces operations at home and overseas. The Defence Forces also prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner when it arises.
While Defence Forces policies have been developed to support greater female participation, a key issue in recruiting and retaining female personnel lies in societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers, how such careers are presented through the education and career guidance systems in our schools and colleges, and how society views the role of women in a fully inclusive and equal workplace where all soldiers and officers, irrespective of gender, are required to be available for duties on a 24/7 basis and are required to serve overseas. To a large extent, the solution to these societal issues lies outside the Defence Forces. That said, I believe that there is a need to continue to develop and promote strategies to increase female participation in the Defence Forces. To this end, I have requested the Chief of Staff to establish a Working Group to examine levels of participation of women in the organisation at all levels. The data gathered as part of this review will inform current recruitment policies aimed at increasing participation by women in the Defence Forces.
15. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a report on the most recent meeting of the European Foreign Affairs Council of Defence Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52907/13]
View answerI attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers format on the 18th and 19th November in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Baroness Catherine Ashton. NATO Secretary General Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen joined the meeting for some working sessions. On Monday evening, during the first working session, Defence and Foreign Ministers discussed the High Representative's Report on Common Security and Defence Policy and had an exchange of views. The focus was on agreeing Council Conclusions, which will feed into conclusions on Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) which will be considered by Heads of State and Government at the European Council meeting on 19th and 20th December.
There was general support for the HR's Report and the associated Council Conclusions, in particular, the emphasis that was placed on a strong and effective Common Security and Defence Policy for the Union. Ministers agreed that CSDP needs to be reinvigorated and that it is timely for the European Council to engage on CSDP and provide political direction. On Tuesday morning, Defence Ministers continued their discussion on the upcoming European Council on Defence, in particular, capability development and the defence industry aspects of the Council Conclusions. Ministers discussed the growing importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and in this regard, stressed the need for a level playing field to avoid market distortions combined with security of supply. Other issues discussed included research and innovation, specifically dual use technologies. There was also broad agreement on the need for increased flexibility, including the modular approach, on the use of EU Battlegroups (EUBGs). The need for cooperation and non-duplication with NATO, in the area of capability development, was underlined by HR Ashton, SG Rasmussen and by several Member States.
In my intervention I welcomed the intention to have security and defence on European Council agenda regularly. I outlined four issues, which I believe warrant more detailed discussion and endorsement at the European Council meeting. These include, the use of EU Battlegroups, the reinvigoration of CSDP, the need for the European Council to fully support the ongoing development and maintenance of capabilities, both civil and military, and the need for an efficient and effective defence industry where SMEs can play a full role and which can deliver capabilities, jobs, growth and innovation.
Two military operations currently being conducted by the European Union under the Common Security and Defence Policy were also discussed. These were Operation Atalanta, which is a naval counter-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa, and EU Training Mission Mali, which is training Malian Defence Forces.
I also attended the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board meeting. The Chief Executive of the EDA briefed Ministers on the EDA's Work Programme for 2014. This programme identifies many projects and initiatives in areas such as, Communications and Information Systems; Cyber Defence; Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear detection; Counter Improvised Explosive Devices; Maritime Surveillance; Naval Training. The EDA agreed that they would cooperate closely with the European Commission on research and innovation, particularly in the area of dual use technological developments. It was also agreed that the EDA would cooperate with the European Commission in areas such as Maritime and Cyber security and energy efficiency.
16. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if, in the wake of the recent violent attack on Irish troops serving in the Golan Heights, he believes that Irish troops are now being viewed as a legitimate target for anti-government rebel attacks; if the attack has changed any security procedures on the ground; and if he will now review his decision to send troops to serve on this mission. [52775/13]
View answer21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered withdrawing Irish troops from Syria following the recent firefight in which they were caught up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52912/13]
View answer24. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a report on the investigation carried out by the Defence Forces into the recent firefight involving Irish troops in Syria; if his attention has been drawn to any casualties as a result of the incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52908/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 21 and 24 together.
Following Government and Dáil approval, the deployment of the 43rd Infantry Group to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights was successfully completed on 28 September 2013. The 43rd Infantry Group, comprising 115 personnel, consists of a Force Reserve Company and support elements. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. The Irish Infantry Group is also tasked with carrying out patrols and convoy escorts as necessary. I addressed the question of the incident which occurred on 28 November 2013 involving Defence Forces personnel serving with UNDOF in Syria, in answering a priority PQ earlier.
Irish troops are deployed to the Golan Heights at a time of increased instability in that region. That was the situation pertaining in the region when Dáil Éireann considered this issue last July, when it decided to deploy the contingent to UNDOF. It was never the case that this deployment was going to be easy. Both the political and the security situation in the region is volatile; that is why we are there. Clearly, when we deploy troops to these types of operations, we must also understand and accept that we are putting them in harm's way and that situations, such as the recent attack, can and will happen. My responsibility, as Minister for Defence, is to ensure that our personnel have the resources, equipment and training necessary to deal with such incidents. I am glad to say that the personnel of the Irish Force Mobile Reserve are fully trained and equipped with appropriate force protection assets to undertake their important duties on behalf of the United Nations and that they remain fully committed to this task. The performance of the equipment and personnel in this most recent incident is testament to the standard and quality of the equipment which the Defence Forces have at their disposal and of the commitment and professionalism of our personnel.
There are no indications at this time to suggest that the Anti Government Armed Elements see Irish troops as a target. Given the evolving security situation, the UNDOF mission has continued to reconfigure its operations with a view to ensuring the safety of personnel while continuing to implement the mission's mandate. All necessary Force Protection measures on the ground continue to be implemented by the Irish contingent. In addition, ongoing threat assessments are carried out in the mission area and the Chief of Staff continually reviews both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that those Defence Forces personnel deployed to the mission are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles.
19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if and when further recruitment to the Defence Forces might be contemplated; the degree to which the strength of each sector continues to be monitored with a view to ensuring optimum strength at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52881/13]
View answerThe agreed stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force is 9,500 comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 October 2013, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,222 comprising 7,422 Army, 778 Air Corps and 1,022 Naval Service personnel.
Recruitment of personnel to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps is determined in line with the operational requirements of each of the three services. As a rule there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force. Targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to deliver an ongoing aggregate level of 9,500 trained personnel and to maximise the deployable capacity of the Defence Forces on operations. It is planned to run a new General Service recruitment competition in the first half of 2014. Details will be made available on the Defence Forces website www.military.ie when the competition commences.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
20. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence when the next meeting of the national emergency co-ordination committee will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52904/13]
View answerThe Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair, includes senior officials of Government Departments, senior officers of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces and officials of other key public authorities, which have a lead or support role in Government emergency planning. The Task Force meets on a regular basis. So far this year there have been five meetings of the Task Force and the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, 16 December 2013. While details of matters discussed at meetings of the Task Force are confidential, I can confirm that the Task Force examines current risks and supports coordination arrangements for emergency planning across the whole of Government.
The Task Force is regularly briefed on such matters as the current security threat, which is provided by An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. It also receives regular updates specifically from the lead Government Departments. An example is the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, which chairs the National Steering Group under the Framework for Major Emergency Management, and is the lead Government Department in eleven of the forty two emergency scenarios identified in the Lead, Principal and Other Support roles. The Task Force regularly addresses other emergency planning issues ranging from risk assessment to training and exercises as well as receiving regular briefings on current issues from the various lead Government Departments on their specific roles and responsibilities and their associated work programmes.
The Task Force establishes Subgroups from time to time to specifically look at particular areas of emergency planning that may need to be addressed.
22. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the role of the emergency aeromedical support service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52681/13]
View answer27. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of missions performed by the emergency aeromedical support service to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52682/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 27 together.
There are no plans to expand the role of the Air Corps in the provision of Air Ambulance services. As the Deputy will be aware, a twelve-month pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service, supported by the Air Corps, commenced operating out of Custume Barracks, Athlone on 4th June last year. This pilot service was established by agreement between my Department and the Department of Health in order to assess the level and type, if any, of dedicated emergency aeromedical support needed to assist the National Ambulance Service, primarily in the west of Ireland. The assessment focussed on certain types of patient, particularly on the requirements of the HSE Clinical Care Programmes, such as for Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke.
A full evaluation of the Service was undertaken by an inter-service Audit and Evaluation Group, and in June 2013, a Report was submitted to the Minister for Health for his consideration. The Minister for Health has accepted the Report’s recommendations including for the establishment of a permanent service. The Minister has asked that his Department establish a Working Group to examine options for the provision of an EAS service into the future. While the 12 month pilot period expired on 3rd June 2013, I have agreed to extend the Air Corps’ participation in order for the Evaluation Report to be considered and for the Working Group to complete its work.
There have been 490 missions completed by the EAS service up to the end of November 2013.
