Written Answers Nos. 153 - 163
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Air Corps at all ranks has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; the way he sees the future strength of the force developing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5978/14]
View answerThe attached table contains the strength, of the Air Corps by rank for each of the years 2009 to 2013. I wish to advise the Deputy that the strength figures for the period 2009 - 2012 include personnel who were on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. The 31 December 2013 strength figures have been calculated on the basis of actual numbers serving on that date, excluding those members who are on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. All future strength figures will be calculated on this basis. Recruitment of personnel to the Air Corps is determined in line with the operational requirements of the service. It is my intention that targeted recruitment to the Air Corps will continue within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
Strength of the Defence Forces
|
|
LT |
MAJ |
BRIG |
COL |
LT |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
TOTAL |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
GEN |
GEN |
GEN |
|
COL |
|
|
|
OFFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCOS |
|
|
|
|
31 December 2009 |
1 |
1 |
13 |
29 |
66 |
32 |
142 |
7 |
4 |
50 |
13 |
130 |
167 |
371 |
282 |
6 |
801 |
||
|
31 December 2010 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
28 |
69 |
37 |
149 |
5 |
3 |
42 |
12 |
129 |
158 |
349 |
263 |
5 |
766 |
||
|
31 December 2011 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
25 |
62 |
35 |
140 |
6 |
3 |
35 |
9 |
121 |
174 |
348 |
297 |
6 |
791 |
|
|
31 December 2012 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
14 |
32 |
56 |
32 |
137 |
8 |
4 |
35 |
13 |
107 |
180 |
347 |
299 |
8 |
791 |
|
|
31 December 2013 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
32 |
53 |
32 |
134 |
8 |
4 |
48 |
13 |
126 |
160 |
359 |
269 |
17 |
779 |
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the current strength of the Defence Forces including the Reserve at Army, Navy and Air Corps level; if any particular weaknesses have been brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5979/14]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 December 2013, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,236, comprising 7,434 Army, 779 Air Corps and 1,023 Naval Service personnel. This is against the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500. No specific weaknesses have been brought to my attention.
I am satisfied that the required operational strength and command structures of the Army, Navy and Air Corps remain adequate at all installations throughout the country. In this regard I am satisfied that the Permanent Defence Force is sufficiently resourced from a strength perspective to continue to deliver required operational outputs for all approved Aid to the Civil Power and approved Aid to the Civil Authority requests and that it can continue to meet Government requirements for overseas peace support operations. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment is also available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises.
However, having regard to the fact that the current strength of the Permanent Defence Force is below the agreed stabilised strength, it is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue in 2014 within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. For example, 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.
As regards the Reserve Defence Force, work is continuing on the implementation of the reorganisation and the development of the single force concept and a review of the number of active members of the RDF is currently being compiled. In addition, the criteria for participation in the RDF are being reviewed and updated and a recruitment plan is being developed. I anticipate that consideration of these issues will be completed in the near future.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the ability of the Defence Forces to meet the challenge of any emergency that might arise of a security or natural disaster nature; the degree to which the Army, Navy and Air Corps can meet the challenge of such situations; if the necessary telecommunications and logistical equipment is adequately available in the event of such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5980/14]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible. Primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order including the protection of the internal security of the State rests with An Garda Síochána. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2000) is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. A wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
Whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or severe weather emergency in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role under the multi-agency Framework. At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency. The Defence Forces are also represented on the eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework and, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities. The effectiveness of these arrangements was demonstrated positively in recent days when, at the request of the local authority, the Defence Forces were deployed in Limerick where they assisted with the evacuation of flooded homes, the distribution of supplies, and the filling and distribution of sandbags.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises. I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment, including telecommunications and logistical equipment, needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise.
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of women in the Defence Forces; the extent to which this number has fluctuated in the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5982/14]
View answerThe attached tables contain the strength of Women in the Permanent Defence Force, broken down into Army, Air Corps and Naval Service for each of the years 2009 to 2013.
The 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. 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. All promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.The Defence Forces 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.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the strength figures for the period 2009 - 2012 include personnel who were on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. The 31 December 2013 strength figures have been calculated on the basis of actual numbers serving on that date, excluding those members who are on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. All future strength figures will be calculated on this basis.
Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Force
|
31/12/09 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
- |
LT |
MAJ |
BRIG |
COL |
LT |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
TOTAL |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
- |
GEN |
GEN |
GEN |
|
COL |
|
|
|
OFFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCOS |
|
|
|
|
ARMY |
|
|
|
|
2 |
19 |
43 |
47 |
111 |
|
|
3 |
1 |
32 |
109 |
145 |
194 |
12 |
462 |
|
AIR CORPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
|
1 |
|
4 |
10 |
15 |
12 |
1 |
33 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
10 |
11 |
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
9 |
34 |
6 |
72 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
2 |
21 |
57 |
59 |
139 |
|
|
4 |
1 |
36 |
128 |
169 |
240 |
19 |
567 |
Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Force
|
31/12/10 |
LT |
MAJ |
BRIG |
COL |
LT |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
TOTAL |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
GEN |
GEN |
GEN |
|
COL |
|
|
|
OFFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCOS |
|
|
|
|
ARMY |
|
|
|
|
1 |
18 |
41 |
51 |
111 |
|
|
2 |
1 |
33 |
109 |
145 |
200 |
11 |
467 |
|
AIR CORPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
2 |
6 |
|
|
1 |
|
4 |
9 |
14 |
12 |
32 |
|
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
10 |
14 |
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
8 |
34 |
2 |
70 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
1 |
20 |
55 |
67 |
143 |
|
|
3 |
1 |
37 |
126 |
167 |
346 |
13 |
569 |
Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Force
|
31/12/11 |
LT |
MAJ |
BRIG |
COL |
LT |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
TOTAL |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
GEN |
GEN |
GEN |
|
COL |
|
|
|
OFFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCOS |
|
|
|
|
ARMY |
|
|
|
|
2 |
19 |
46 |
45 |
112 |
|
|
2 |
1 |
35 |
119 |
157 |
194 |
4 |
467 |
|
AIR CORPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
|
1 |
|
4 |
13 |
18 |
7 |
1 |
30 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
13 |
12 |
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
11 |
11 |
28 |
1 |
68 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
2 |
22 |
61 |
60 |
145 |
|
|
3 |
1 |
39 |
143 |
186 |
229 |
5 |
565 |
Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Force
|
31/12/12 |
LT |
MAJ |
BRIG |
COL |
LT |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
TOTAL |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
GEN |
GEN |
GEN |
|
COL |
|
|
|
OFFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCOS |
|
|
|
|
ARMY |
|
|
|
|
2 |
26 |
43 |
43 |
114 |
|
|
2 |
|
33 |
120 |
155 |
209 |
4 |
482 |
|
AIR CORPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
|
4 |
13 |
18 |
8 |
|
30 |
|
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
12 |
10 |
28 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
10 |
12 |
28 |
2 |
70 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
2 |
32 |
57 |
55 |
146 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
39 |
143 |
185 |
245 |
6 |
582 |
Strength of Females in the Permanent Defence Forces
|
31/12/13 |
LT |
MAJ |
BRIG |
COL |
LT |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
TOTAL |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
GEN |
GEN |
GEN |
|
COL |
|
|
|
OFFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCOS |
|
|
|
|
ARMY |
|
|
|
|
2 |
27 |
32 |
42 |
103 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
43 |
118 |
163 |
182 |
3 |
450 |
|
AIR CORPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
2 |
7 |
1 |
|
|
6 |
10 |
17 |
7 |
|
31 |
|
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
9 |
11 |
26 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
10 |
12 |
26 |
1 |
65 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
2 |
33 |
46 |
55 |
136 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
51 |
138 |
192 |
214 |
4 |
546 |
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of promotions, male and female, at all ranks that have taken place within the Naval Service within the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/14]
View answerThe attached table at Annex A outlines the total number of promotions, male and female, at all ranks that have taken place within the Naval Service within the past three years to date as advised by the Military Authorities. Please note that the 2012 figures have been updated and differ slightly from those given in reply to Question Number 419 of 18 June 2013.
A number of promotions are ongoing within the Naval Service in order to fill rank vacancies. It is my intention that promotions will continue to be made in order to fill rank vacancies within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
Promotions in the Naval Service: 2011 to date Annex A
|
31/12/13 |
LT |
MAJ |
BRIG |
COL |
LT |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
TOTAL |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
|
GEN |
GEN |
GEN |
|
COL |
|
|
|
OFFRS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCOS |
|
|
|
|
ARMY |
|
|
|
|
2 |
27 |
32 |
42 |
103 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
43 |
118 |
163 |
182 |
3 |
450 |
|
AIR CORPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
2 |
7 |
1 |
|
|
6 |
10 |
17 |
7 |
|
31 |
|
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
9 |
11 |
26 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
10 |
12 |
26 |
1 |
65 |
|
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
2 |
33 |
46 |
55 |
136 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
51 |
138 |
192 |
214 |
4 |
546 |
Note: Army Service Ranks and Equilavent Navy Service Ranks
|
Army |
Navy |
|
Brigadier General |
Commodore |
|
Colonel |
Captain |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
Commander |
|
Commandent |
Lieutenant Commander |
|
Captain |
Lieutenant (NS) |
|
Lieutenant |
Sub Lieutenant |
|
Sergeant Major |
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 |
159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number and category of aircraft currently available to the Air Corps; the extent to which training, equipment and technology are comparable to that available to other such forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5984/14]
View answerI am advised that there are a total of 27 aircraft operating from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. Of this total, 3 aircraft are operated by the Air Corps for An Garda Siochana related activities, namely two EC 135 Helicopters and 1 Fixed Wing Defender 4000 aircraft. The remaining 24 aircraft, 16 Fixed Wing and 8 Rotary, are available to the Air Corps.
The sixteen Fixed Wing aircraft are made up of the Gulfstream IV, Learjet 45, 2 CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft, 5 Cessna aircraft and 7 Pilatus PC9 aircraft, used in the main for pilot training. The rotary fleet is made up of 6 AW 139 and 2 EC 135 helicopters, one of which is currently out of operational use and is undergoing repairs.
The Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavors to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from aircraft when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of Power by the Hour / Performance Based maintenance contracts assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum. The provision for the Air Corps in 2014 mainly relates to these maintenance and Power by the Hour contracts set up to keep the Air Corps fleet fully operational with specific maintenance work being carried out on the CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft related to the overhaul of engines on the aircraft.
The Air Corps keep 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 and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if sufficient resources are available to the Air Corps and Naval Service to provide sufficient surveillance to prevent drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5985/14]
View answerI am satisfied that both the Air Corps and Naval Service have the necessary resources to meet their operational requirements in this important area.
Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging these missions.
Furthermore, Ireland along with other EU Member States participate in the EU Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N). This Centre has led to a greater focus on intelligence exchange amongst countries to tackle large drug shipments by sea. MAOC-N was set up by seven European countries and is designed as an international co-ordination force.
Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on fishery patrol. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone.
161. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive their AEOS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5924/14]
View answerThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 November 2010 and full payment has issued in respect of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Scheme years. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The 75% payment in respect of the 2013 Scheme year issued to the person named on 27 November 2013. The remaining 25% payment was withheld pending resolution of a LPIS review issue. This issue has now been resolved and the balancing 25% payment will issue shortly.
162. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for extra quota in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5960/14]
View answerAllocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations made by an independent Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota, from individual producers, on the grounds of animal disease. The Tribunal considered an application for additional quota from the person named at its meeting on 14 January 2014. An allocation was not recommended in this case. The person named has been notified of the outcome of his application.
163. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a REP scheme review will be concluded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5988/14]
View answerThe person named commenced REPS 4 in October 2008 and received payments for the entire six years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Following the administrative check in 2013 an area discrepancy was discovered between the REPS Agri-environmental Plan and the Single Farm Payment application in relation to .68 ha .of commonage lands. This has necessitated the claw back of €541.62 from the final Year 6 REPS payment which issued to the person named in December 2013. The person named was notified in writing of the area discrepancy on 7 November 2013 and was given the opportunity to appeal. To date no appeal has been received in my Department.
