Written Answers Nos. 1-24
11. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which any further consideration has been given to the submission made by the relevant representative bodies in respect of members of the Defence Forces due to retire on foot of previous service agreements; if any extension or revision is likely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25788/14]
View answer12. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will be bringing forward any new proposals to enable members of the Defence Forces with 21 years' service who are willing and able to continue in service to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25807/14]
View answer26. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider reviewing the upper service limit of 21 years in respect of privates and corporals in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25794/14]
View answer123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had further discussions with representatives of the Defences Forces with particular reference to retirement on foot of service; if he is amenable to accepting the basis of any such submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26331/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 12, 26 and 123 together.
The unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) was an issue of serious concern during the 1990’s and was the subject of severe criticism by a series of external reports, mainly Price Waterhouse Consultants and the Efficiency Audit Group (EAG). One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the EAG was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of PDF personnel. The EAG's report was accepted by Government in 1995.
In an effort to alleviate the situation, the Government had already decided in 1993 to enlist personnel on a five year contract basis, following consultation with Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA). In 1997 agreement was reached with PDFORRA on a new manpower policy for the Defence Forces. This policy, applying to personnel enlisted after 1 January 1994, provided that service for Private Soldiers would initially be for five years with the option to be extended to a maximum of twelve years, subject to meeting standards of medical and physical fitness and conduct. Longer periods of service were envisaged for Non Commissioned Officers.
In 2004 PDFORRA submitted a claim under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the PDF after 1 January, 1994. A set of criteria was agreed with PDFORRA to provide longer careers for those who enlisted post 1 January 1994 while continuing to address the Government’s objective of having an appropriate age profile to meet the challenges of a modern Defence Forces.
The criteria require that any person re-engaging after 12 years service must be able to continue to operate at their current level both at home and overseas on an ongoing basis. Re-engagement is subject to the individual soldier meeting specified criteria in regard to physical fitness, medical category, successful completion of military courses of instruction, service overseas and conduct ratings.
The maximum service period for these personnel is as follows:
- Enlisted Personnel, up to and including the rank of Corporal (and equivalent Naval Service rank), may not serve beyond 21 years service.
- Enlisted Personnel, in the rank of Sergeant (and equivalent Naval Service rank), may be permitted to continue in service up to the age of fifty years.
- Enlisted Personnel in all higher ranks may serve to the age of fifty-six.
With the approach of 2015 the first effects of the agreement, whereby Privates and Corporals may not serve beyond 21 years, will be felt by Permanent Defence Force members in those ranks. A claim has been received from PDFORRA for a further review in relation to this matter. In accordance with normal procedures the Association’s claim is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. I understand that discussions are taking place with the Representative Association under a special Subcommittee of Conciliation Council. As discussions are confidential to the parties involved in accordance with the terms of the Scheme, I do not in any way want to prejudice them or impact on their outcome.
However, I do understand the concerns it raises for enlisted personnel due to be discharged in terms of their personal circumstances and the impact on their families. I am sure that all matters raised by PDFORRA on behalf of their members are being comprehensively examined at Conciliation Council. I am also cognisant of the need for continuing recruitment to the Defence Forces of young and fit men and women so that the Defence Forces can discharge all the roles assigned to them by Government, both at home and overseas. It was for this very reason that this policy was introduced in the first place.
As the negotiation process with the Representative Association is very much ongoing, I would not like to pre-empt or second guess the outcome of current discussions at Conciliation Council, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this issue publicly at this time.
13. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence his views regarding compulsory random drug testing of Defence Forces personnel; and his plans to amend the penalty of dismissal which has been considered disproportionate, particularly in relation to problems with the reliability of the test. [25796/14]
View answerIn October 2002 the Defence Forces introduced a Compulsory Random Drug Testing programme. The primary objective of Compulsory Random Drug Testing is deterrence. The Defence Forces policy on drug and substance abuse or misuse is based on the premise that unlawful possession, supply or use of a controlled drug is incompatible with membership of the Defence Forces. Drug and substance abuse, because of its insidious nature, and because of the possible residual effects on the abuser, is particularly dangerous in the military environment and incompatible with military life. Military personnel are entrusted with the responsibility of using firearms and other lethal equipment. Drug misuse has serious implications for the safety of members of the public as well as fellow soldiers. The nature of military service, therefore, requires that military personnel are free from the presence or influence of any controlled drug or substance. All members of the Defence Forces are aware that they are liable for testing. Any member who tests positive is liable to be removed from the Defence Forces.
The compulsory random drug testing process focuses on providing a credible and robust deterrent. The random nature of testing ensures that there is a fair system of monitoring members of the Defence Forces and involves the provision of a urine sample. Any sample that initially tests unclear is sent to accredited drug testing laboratories for more detailed analysis. I am advised by the military authorities that there are no issues with regard to the reliability of the testing.
Each case involving a positive drug test is individually considered on its merits. An effective appeals mechanism is in place. Only in appropriate circumstances is an administrative discharge decided upon. Because of the Defence Forces' duty of care not just to its members but also to the wider public it is not considered that the administrative discharge in appropriate cases is excessive and there are no plans to amend this option.
14. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions that Defence Forces personnel were present at Shannon Airport in April, May and June at the request of An Garda Síochána in relation to visiting military aircraft; the country of origin of these aircraft; and if the personnel carried out searches of these aircraft, and if not, the reason for same. [25798/14]
View answerAn Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters. The Defence Forces have deployed personnel to Shannon Airport, in response to requests for support from An Garda Síochána, since 5 February 2003.
There were 32 security deployments carried out by the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport in April of this year, 35 in May and 16 up to 12 June last. The length of each such deployment and the number of relevant aircraft that land and take off during each deployment can vary. For example, if a single aircraft is on the ground for an extended period, perhaps overnight, or over a number of days, this would involve more than one deployment of troops as each shift is generally of 12 hours duration.
The Defence Forces have no responsibility for searching foreign Military aircraft that land at Shannon and there is no record kept by the Military of the country of origin of each aircraft. I understand these records are kept by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as foreign Military aircraft are provided with diplomatic clearance to land in Ireland by that Department.
With regard to inspections of aircraft being carried out by An Garda Síochána, I would advise that this is a matter that should be addressed to the Minister for Justice and Equality but my understanding is that An Garda Síochána does not carry out searches of foreign Military aircraft.
15. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which recruitment throughout the Defence Forces is likely to affect the strength respectively in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; if this will be sufficient to replenish the numbers following retirement or on completion of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25787/14]
View answer130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date in respect of proposed recruitment to the Defence Forces; the way each branch of the Defence Forces are likely to benefit from the recruitment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26338/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 130 together.
The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, 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 30 April 2014, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,110, comprising, 7,338 Army, 764 Air Corps and, 1,008 Naval Service personnel.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis. 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. In line with HR policy there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force. Targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the level of 9,500 trained personnel and to ensure the ongoing deployable capacity of the Defence Forces on operations.
To this end, a new General Service recruitment competition was launched in March 2014. The Defence Forces plan to induct up to 400 enlisted personnel to the Permanent Defence Force in 2014 within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
In addition, a Cadetship Competition for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is currently under way. It is planned to award a total of 40 Cadetships from this competition comprising of 20 Army, 9 Air Corps and 11 Naval Service Cadetships. An Air Corps Apprentice Trainee Technician competition was also launched in May 2014, from which it is planned to recruit 20 Apprentice Trainee Technicians this year.
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.
16. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the way he proposes to improve gender balance in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25803/14]
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. While some progress has been made by the Military Authorities in addressing gaps between male and female participation in the Defence Forces, 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 at 30 April 2014, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 555 women out of a total strength of 9,110 serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). This represents 6.1% of the overall strength of the Defence Forces.
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 Adviser 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. However, a key impediment in achieving the target gender balance is the lack of female applicants relative to males.
I believe that there is a need to continue to develop and promote strategies that not alone support increased female participation in the Defence Forces but also support increased diversity. The personnel profile of the Defence Forces should reflect the changing demographic and multicultural nature of Irish Society. To this end, as part of the recent recruitment campaign for enlisted personnel and the Reserve, specific efforts were made to increase the number of female applicants. This was part of a wider campaign aimed at improving gender and ethnic representation and diversity in the Defence Forces. In the case of female participation, these efforts included school visits, media engagement including national and local radio, targeting sports clubs and use of social media. At the closing date for this recruitment campaign on 9 April 2014 there were 755 Female applicants or 10.3% out of a total of 7,295 applicants for the Permanent Defence Force and 320 female applicants or 14.9% out of a total of 2,146 applicants for the Reserve Defence Force. On the face of it these figures appear to be disappointing. However, I believe that a key issue in recruiting and retaining female personnel lies in societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers. Much of the solution to this lies outside the control and influence of the Defence Forces.
17. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Defence the consideration that has been given by his Department to additional replacements and further modernisation of the naval fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25609/14]
View answerA Defence Forces vessel replacement strategy has been in progress since 2007. This investment strategy was underscored by the commitment in the 2000 White Paper on Defence to ensure an eight ship flotilla. As the Deputy may be aware, the first of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels was commissioned last month, as the LE Samuel Beckett. and has been deployed and is now on its maiden patrol in Irish waters.
A second purpose built Off Shore Patrol Vessel, the LE James Joyce, is scheduled for delivery in early 2015. This will be similar in design to the LE Samuel Beckett.
Under the contract with Babcock International for the provision of these two new Vessels, there is an option for a further third ship to be delivered. Following recent negotiations with the shipbuilder, an order has been placed for a third and identical Vessel at a price of €54m, excluding VAT.
By taking up this option the Department has secured that the third ship will be acquired on the basis of the actual build costs of LE Samuel Beckett. This ensures that the vessel replacement programme is conducted in the most cost effective and timely manner. In addition, the Department secures an added advantage of standardising the new Vessels coming into the fleet.
This Third ship, for delivery in mid 2016, will be identical in build to the recently commissioned LE Samuel Beckett and the LE James Joyce.
This vessel replacement strategy combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level.
The acquisition of these new vessels with the very latest equipment suites will ensure that the Naval Service will be fully equipped to carry out its day to day roles in enforcing the State’s sovereign rights over our waters and meeting Ireland’s obligations in the area of maritime safety and security and fisheries protection.
The forthcoming White Paper on Defence will address the future capability requirements for the Defence Forces encompassing the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service.
18. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence his plans to sell the Gulfstream IV aircraft. [25793/14]
View answerThe Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. The Gulfstream IV was acquired in December 1991 and to date has accumulated over 13,100 flying hours. The Service provides the Government and the President with an independent, flexible, and effective air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations. The Service helps Ministers to fulfil their duties, both at home and abroad, to the greatest extent possible and with maximum efficiency. This flexibility was particularly valuable during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union last year. In addition, the availability of the Service for special tasks in times of crisis ensures an independent means of transport on critical occasions which, for an island nation, is very important. In the past 12 months, the Gulfstream IV aircraft has undertaken 43 missions, including long haul flights to destinations such as the United States, the Middle East and Russia.
It is important to point out that both the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft also perform a range of non-MATS taskings, such as humanitarian and air ambulance missions. For example, during 2013, these aircraft were used on eight occasions to transport critically ill patients for life-saving treatment in hospitals in Ireland or the United Kingdom.
While the Gulfstream IV is now 23 years in service, there are no plans to sell the aircraft. However, given its age, the matter is kept under review having regard to its maintenance requirements and other considerations. Any decision to sell this aircraft will ultimately be a matter for Government.
19. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the technical examination which assessed a selection of dwellings at the Curragh Camp; if he will expand the assessment to include all residential units in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25801/14]
View answer22. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the technical examination into some dwellings at the Curragh Camp; if he will expand the examination to all residential dwellings in the area in view of the housing crisis in the State and the fact that serving defence forces personnel are on social housing lists. [25799/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 22 together.
The Department of Defence recently undertook an assessment of vacant former married quarter properties within the Curragh Camp with a view to their potential for future military use. The properties in question comprise a terrace of 16 houses. Three of the houses had previously been reconfigured by combining adjacent houses with the result that there are now 13 individual units in the terrace overall.
The assessment indicates that, in order to be viable for military purposes as multi-occupancy Single-Living-In accommodation, adjacent properties would best be combined to give a smaller number of larger units. The assessment also indicates that the properties are in a very poor state of repair and that the estimated cost of repairs necessary to make them suitable as accommodation is simply prohibitive.
While the outcome of the assessment is still under consideration it is clear that any renovation would be very costly, would only deliver around half the number of viable units and would be very limited in terms of future military needs. At this stage, this is not considered to be a cost effective solution to meeting accommodation needs in the Curragh.
This assessment was undertaken as the block overall appeared to be structurally sound and contained a sizeable number of houses, the majority of which were vacant. Given the outcome of the assessment in this case there appears to be little prospect that the outcome would be much different were other individual or small groups of houses assessed. Consequently there are no plans to expand the assessment to include all residential units in the Camp.
The Curragh Camp is a key military installation. Among its many functions it houses the Defence Forces Training Centre and as such it operates as the main training facility for military personnel from across all formations.
It has been Department policy since 1997 to discontinue the provision of married quarters across all military installations, as they are no longer a requirement of the modern solider. Where personnel are now required for military purposes to be accommodated in barracks this is done on a Single-Living-In basis i.e. the military personnel but not their families are accommodated for the duration of the requirement.
In recent years, some vacated former married quarter properties within the Camp have been retained, refurbished and reallocated for use by the military to provide short-term accommodation on a multi-occupancy basis for those military personnel who are temporarily based at the training centre.
Expenditure from the Defence Vote can only be justified in the context of meeting the needs of the Defence Forces in accordance with Defence policy in a cost effective manner.
It is important to remember that the Department does not have a role in providing housing assistance for military personnel on social housing lists or for members of the public in general.
20. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the cost to his Department of the operation of the Emergency Aeromedical Support Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25608/14]
View answerIn 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding was agreed between the Department of Defence and the Department of Health in relation to the Air Corps' support of a pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service which is operating out of Custume Barracks, Athlone. The purpose of the pilot is to assess the level and type, if any, of a dedicated EAS service needed to support the National Ambulance Service in the west of Ireland for certain types of patient. The pilot is focused particularly on the requirements of the HSE Clinical Care Programmes, such as Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke.
In accordance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Department of Defence recoups from the HSE the costs of the Air Corps' participation in the service. These include fixed costs, which are salaries and related personnel costs, as well as day-to-day operating costs. The total costs arising from the second full year of the EAS pilot i.e. from June 2013 to the end of May 2014, amounted to €1,719,522.
In addition, in accordance with a long-standing agreement between the Departments of Defence and Health, the Air Corps also operates an emergency inter-hospital air ambulance service. The costs incurred by the Air Corps in providing this service are well in excess of €1 million per annum and these costs are absorbed entirely by the Department of Defence without charge to the HSE.
21. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence if a right of way access to a beach in Galway city by Renmore Barracks has been extinguished; the reason for same; if such reasons included those of privacy or security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25785/14]
View answerThe Department is not aware of a right of way access to the beach adjacent to Renmore Barracks. There are no records to indicate that a right of way existed and therefore the question of it being extinguished does not arise.
23. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the number of soldiers that have been discharged on the grounds of mental health problems, per year, over the past ten years; the number of these been given Lariam; and the studies that have been undertaken by his Department of problems experienced by those who were administered this drug. [25795/14]
View answerI am advised that the Medical Module of the Personnel Management System does not provide the specific medical reasons why personnel were discharged from the Defence Forces. Therefore, there is no way of providing this information without examining every medical record of every person discharged. In January 2011 the Department established a working group to examine the use of Lariam and other anti-malarial drugs in the Defence Forces. The Group comprises military and civil officials and representatives from the State Claims Agency and the Chief State Solicitors Office.
The purpose of this Group was to review issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation; to review and confirm the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces; and to ensure that the procedures in relation thereto continue to be appropriate and in accordance with best medical practice as promulgated by the relevant medical authorities. The work of the Group informs the Defence Organisation’s process of ongoing risk assessment and mitigation in the context of a proactive Risk Management Strategy.
The Group reported back to the previous Minister in June 2013. The Report was produced in the context of current and potential litigation and is, therefore, legally privileged. I can confirm that the Group investigated all the various issues surrounding the use of Lariam and obtained advice from leading medical experts. These experts concur with the practices followed by the Defence Forces in prescribing Lariam.
The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is the statutory authority with responsibility for the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces Medical Corps complies with its guidelines on the prescription of medicines, including Lariam. I am advised that Lariam is one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. It continues to be licensed by the IMB. The Defence Forces are fully aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malaria medications. I am advised that protocols are in place to control the risk of side effects in individuals.
The Defence Forces follow best international practice in prescribing Lariam. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis. This is intended to rule out personnel from overseas service with certain conditions, e.g. depression, anxiety, pregnancy, neurodegenerative disorders etc. which, as has been indicated by the IMB, are more likely to precipitate serious adverse reactions to Lariam. Lariam remains licensed by the IMB and must remain in the formulary of medication prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
24. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his plans to allow PDFORRA members in the Defence Forces to take up associate membership of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25804/14]
View answerThere are no plans to allow PDFORRA to take up associate membership of ICTU. Under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act 1990, the Defence Forces Representative Associations are prohibited from being associated with, or affiliated to any trade unions, or any other body without the consent of the Minister. Accordingly, the Representative Association PDFORRA cannot be affiliated to ICTU at present.
The basis for the prohibition is that it would be inappropriate to apply the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to members of the Defence Forces. The taking of any form of industrial action is irreconcilable with military service. The Defence Forces may be called on to contribute to maintaining vital services in times of industrial action. The potential for serious difficulties and conflicts could arise in these circumstances if the Defence Forces Representative Associations were associated with, or affiliated to ICTU, given ICTU rules in relation to such matters. A number of mechanisms have been put in place through the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme to compensate for the prohibition on affiliation to ICTU. These provide the Representative Associations with structures and processes, which enable them to make representations and negotiate on behalf of their members. In addition, a framework exists which facilitates the Associations engaging with the official side in talks parallel to those taking place between ICTU and the official side at National level. This parallel process was successfully operated in respect of last year's rounds of discussions, facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission, on an extension to the ‘Public Service Agreement 2010 – 2014’ leading to the Haddington Road Agreement.
An Taoiseach and Minister for Defence remains satisfied with the present arrangements in place and has no plans to make any changes.
