Written Answers Nos. 528 - 555
528. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Defence the amount the Defence Forces have spent on purchasing arms and equipment from Israeli companies in the past 15 years; if he will provide a breakdown of the figures according to year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33030/14]
View answerThe primary purpose for the procurement of defensive equipment by the Department of Defence is to enhance the capability of the Irish Defence Forces on overseas Peace Support Operations and to afford the greatest possible force protection to Irish troops whilst on such missions.
A number of Israeli companies have won orders for defensive equipment over the last decade as a result of tender competitions. Since 2005, the Department has purchased small arms ammunition, X-Ray equipment for Explosive Ordnance Disposal duties (EOD), helmets for personal protection, an Artillery Fire Control System, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly referred to as UAVs, a Surveillance and Target Acquisition Suite for four Light Tactical Armoured vehicles and Ground Surveillance Radars from Israeli suppliers.
The total value of defensive equipment involved since 2005 is in the region of €14.7m, exclusive of VAT. In each case, the main contract was awarded by tender competition, conducted impartially on the basis that the company concerned had submitted the best tender. The attached Tabular Statement contains a list of all contracts awarded for defensive equipment by the Department of Defence’s Contracts Branch to Israeli companies since 2005. The information sought in relation to the previous six years is not readily available within the Department.
Tender competitions for defensive equipment for the Defence Forces are conducted by the Department of Defence in accordance with EU procurement guidelines and with the EU Code of Conduct on Export Controls. Accordingly, competitions are open to any individual or country in accordance with the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargoes or restrictions. To properly follow these guidelines and codes, the Department of Defence must deal impartially with all companies that are entitled to enter its procurement competitions and must evaluate tenders on the basis of objective criteria.
Tabular Statement: Goods ordered from Israeli Companies from 2005 to 2014
|
Year |
Item |
Company |
Value (ex vat) € |
|
2005 |
Ammunition |
IMI |
1,932,000.00 |
|
2005 |
X-Ray Equipment |
Vidisco |
247,653.94 |
|
2005 |
Helmets |
Rabintex |
2,069,060.00 |
|
2005 |
Fire Control Computer System |
Elbit Systems |
2,705,000.00 |
|
2007 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems and Spares |
Aeronautics Defence Systems |
930,965.88 |
|
2009 |
Surveillance & Target Acquisition Equipment |
Elbit Systems |
1,966,350.00 |
|
2009 |
Equipment Software Updates |
Elbit Systems |
444,950.00 |
|
2009 |
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
Aeronautics Defence Systems |
1,444,461.00 |
|
2009 |
Maintenance Agreement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
Aeronautics Defence Systems |
610,140.00 |
|
2010 |
Maintenance Agreement for Fire Control Computer System |
Elbit Systems |
180,000.00 |
|
2012 |
Helmets |
Rabintex |
26,678.70 |
|
2013 |
Cables |
Elbit Systems |
4,500.00 |
|
2013 |
Batteries for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems |
Aeronautics Defence System |
23,274.00 |
|
2013 |
Maintenance Agreement (Surveillance & Target Acquisition Fire Control Computer System) |
Elbit Systems |
130,000.00 |
|
2013 |
Ground Surveillance Radars |
Elbit Systems |
1,941,226.00 |
|
- |
- |
TOTAL |
14,656,259.52 |
529. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the extent of the State's involvement with the Five Eyes intelligence sharing community; if the State has provided information to this organisation; if the State intends to become more involved; if his attention has been drawn to any instances of illegal surveillance or data-gathering on Irish citizens here; if his attention has been drawn to any instances where information held about Irish or other nationals on servers located in the State have been illegally intercepted or otherwise accessed by the intelligence services of another nation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33033/14]
View answerThe Department of Defence and the Defence Forces has not had any involvement with the organization referred to and has no plans to do so. Furthermore, my Department and the Defence Forces do not have any information in relation to instances of illegal surveillance or where information held about Irish citizens or other nationalities has been illegally intercepted or accessed by the intelligence services of another State.
530. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Defence the reason persons with any history of a psychiatric illness cannot join the Irish Defence Forces; his views that this discriminates against those who may have had mental health issues; the reason persons who are refused entry on these grounds are not offered the opportunity of an independent psychological assessment; his plans to change this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33134/14]
View answerThe Defence Forces are committed to the principles of equal opportunity in all employment policies, procedures and regulations. The Defence Forces operate in an environment which is free from discrimination as provided for by the Equality Acts. However, the Defence Forces have a derogation from the provisions of the Employment Equality Acts, 1998 to 2011 in respect of criteria of disability and age. Accordingly, recruitment criteria based on physiological and age requirements are permitted by legislation. Similar derogations apply to An Garda Síochána and the Prison Service.
All applicants for recruitment to the Defence Forces are required to undergo a medical examination, the purpose of which is to detect conditions which could interfere with a candidate’s ability to perform the duties expected of them in the future. It is also a review of their past medical history in order to determine whether there is evidence of any condition, though dormant at the time of examination, which could be precipitated again by the robust nature of life in the Permanent Defence Force, with all its associated stresses.
Medical evidence reveals that a history of a psychiatric illness may be of a recurring nature. The employer in taking on an individual with a history of psychiatric illness incurs an additional duty of care to ensure the individual is not exposed within the work environment to any factor which could precipitate a recurrence of the condition. This imposes restrictions on the employer with regard to placements which would not be appropriate in the context of military service, which can be both physically and mentally demanding. Physical and medical standards for entry to the Permanent Defence Force are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and have regard to the challenging nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Permanent Defence Force. I am advised by the Military Authorities that within the context of the operational needs and demands of the Defence Forces, that medical decisions are arrived at with the well being of the candidate being the primary concern.
All potential recruits are advised when they are called for their medical examination that they can bring relevant medical reports to their medical examination if they so wish. I am satisfied with the current recruitment arrangements in the Permanent Defence Force and I have no plans to change them.
531. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff who retired, left or otherwise departed from their employment from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013, and the expected annual savings arising therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2014, and the annual expected savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2015, and the annual savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2016, and the annual savings therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33201/14]
View answer532. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the number of new staff employed since 1 July 2013 up to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual costs arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2014 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2015 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2016 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33218/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 532 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, there is a moratorium in place on recruitment across the civil and public service since 2009. Against this backdrop my Department continues to source staff to fill vacancies arising from retirements and transfers through a combination of redeployment, the lateral transfer of staff from other Government Departments and agencies or internal promotion when appropriate. In doing so regard is always had to the Department’s authorised staffing level set out under the Employment Control Framework (ECF) as determined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
While no new civil servants have been recruited to my Department from outside the public service in the period since 2011, plans are in place to recruit 2 Administrative Officers, one in the final quarter of 2014 and a second in early 2015, from existing competition panels organised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The estimated salary cost arising from this recruitment is approximately €9,000 in 2014 and €70,000 in 2015.
The table below sets out the number of civil servants from my Department who retired or left the Department and replacement staff engaged since July 2013. It is not possible to say how many staff will retire or leave in 2015 and 2016 other than departures by way of compulsory retirements.
|
Year |
Retirement / Resignation |
Transfers Out |
Career Break |
Transfers In |
Return from Career Break |
|
01/07/2013 -31/12/2013 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
Nil |
|
2014 |
7 |
3 |
Nil |
9 |
1 |
|
2015 |
3 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2016 |
2 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
It is not possible to accurately calculate net savings arising from staff leaving over and above those recruited as there are many factors which affect the payroll outturn including the timing of departures and replacement, staff being replaced by others on different starting salary points etc. In addition, when staff of this Department leave by way of transfer to another Department, their salary details transfer with them.
533. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence his plans in relation to army personnel who are on post 1994 employment contracts, who have not reached the rank of sergeant, and have not served overseas, when they reach 21 years of service. [33413/14]
View answerThe unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) was an issue of serious concern during the 1990s 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 under the Scheme are confidential to the parties involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter at this time, other than to emphasise that in dealing with this issue the manpower and operational needs of the Defence Forces must be the primary consideration.
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, is an issue of which I need to be cognisant. It was for this very reason that this policy was introduced in the first place.
However, 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 publicly on the matter at this time.
534. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the numbers of Irish politicians or public officials attending the NATO summit, including Army officers as observers; and the cost of the attendance which will be borne by the Irish Exchequer. [33875/14]
View answerAs Ireland is not a member of NATO, the question of attendance at the NATO Summit did not arise.
In accordance with usual practice, an invitation was extended to the Taoiseach to attend a meeting which took place on 4 September between NATO Heads of State and Government and non-NATO countries that contribute to the UN mandated and NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. I attended this meeting accompanied by a senior official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
A total of four officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade attended meetings for Partners which were held in advance of the Summit. The total cost of their flights, accommodation and local transport costs amounted to €2308.86. In addition, subsistence is payable in accordance with the rates set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
I, along with two officials from the Department of Defence and one member of the Defence Forces also attended the meeting of 52 Defence Ministers, representing NATO members and partners. The main purpose of this meeting was to reaffirm the relationship with NATO and to discuss improvements to interoperability between NATO Member Countries and Partners. The cost to be incurred by the Department of Defence, includes the cost for the use of the Ministerial Air Transport Service, the Lear Jet and some subsistence, which is payable to officials in accordance with the rates set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Ireland will never deploy alone on peacekeeping missions. Interoperability with partners is central to the efficiency of such deployments. More importantly, the protection of our troops when deployed depends on interoperability with partners. This is achieved through membership of Partnership for Peace. Ireland’s involvement in Partnership for Peace has delivered significant improvements for the Defence Forces in terms of capability development and operational deployment. Training in this environment has been very beneficial in equipping Defence Forces personnel to comfortably operate alongside our European partners and troops from NATO countries and make a positive impact in contributing to international peace.
Ireland’s relations with NATO are conducted within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and Partnership for Peace (PfP), which we joined in 1999. The EAPC is a forum for consultation involving all PfP participants on a wide range of issues, from peacekeeping, gender issues, peace and security to disaster relief.
535. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the number of administrative arrangements, as opposed to contracts for service his Department is a party to; if he will provide in tabular form the party or parties to the administrative arrangement; the duration of these administrative arrangements; the cost recovery value of these administrative arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34000/14]
View answerWhilst there are no instances where an administrative arrangement is imposed by or on my Department, the tabular statement below contains details of agreements that my Department has entered into administratively with other Government departments and agencies. These are in the form of Service Level Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding and relate to supports provided by the Defence Forces, although in some instances they also provide for reciprocal benefits. The duration of these agreements vary, but all are ongoing and are reviewed periodically as required, or as specified.
In relation to cost recovery, specific arrangements are in place with the Department of Health in relation to the pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support service, whereby the full costs of operating this dedicated service are recovered. The costs recovered in respect of 2013 were €1,237,999. The various other arrangements listed are provided on an “as available basis” and in these circumstances costs are not recovered.
|
Nature of administrative arrangements |
Dept/Agency involved: |
|
Provision of services between the Naval Service and the Marine Institute |
Marine Institute |
|
Provision of services between the Naval Service and MEDICO - Cork |
HSE/MEDICO - Cork |
|
Provision of services by the Defence Forces to the AAIU |
Air Accident Investigation Unit (Dept of Transport) |
|
Provision of services by the Defence Forces to IRCG |
Irish Coast Guard |
|
Provision of meteorological observations between the Naval Service and Met Eireann |
Met Eireann |
|
Provision of an Air Ambulance Service by the Air Corps |
Dept of Health |
|
Provision of assistance in routine or emergency situations to the Marine Surveyors Office |
Marine Surveyors Office (Dept of Transport) |
|
Provision of Air Transport Service by the Air Corps to the Office of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission |
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission |
|
Co-ordination procedures to ensure the efficient and flexible use of Irish airspace |
Irish Aviation Authority |
|
Provision of Aviation Services by the Air Corps for Garda Air Support Unit |
An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice & Equality |
|
Provision of services by the Air Corps to OPW |
Office of Public Works |
|
Provision of a range of support services by the Defence Forces regarding the Rapid Response Initiative. |
Dept of Foreign Affairs & Trade (Irish Aid) |
|
Provision of support services by the Air Corps to Dublin Airport Authority at Dublin Airport |
Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport |
|
Provision of services to assist SFPA in securing an efficient & effective enforcement of SFPA legislation |
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
|
Provision of assistance in routine or emergency situations to the Dept of Agriculture, Food & the Marine |
Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
|
Provision of assistance in routine or emergency situations to the Dept of Transport |
Dept of Transport, Tourism & Sport |
|
Provision of assistance in routine or emergency situations to the Dept of Health and the HSE |
Dept of Health |
|
Provision of assistance by the Department and the Defence Forces to the Dept of Foreign Affairs in routine or emergency situations |
Dept of Foreign Affairs & Trade |
|
Provision of assistance in routine or emergency situations to the Dept of Environment, Community & Local Government |
Dept of Environment, Community & Local Government |
|
Provision of a pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support service (EAS) |
Dept of Health |
|
Terms of Service between Civil Defence and the Irish Coast Guard in relation to emergency incidents on the waters of Ireland |
Irish Coast Guard |
|
Terms of Service between Civil Defence and An Garda Síochána in relation to emergency incidents |
An Garda Síochána |
In addition, my Department also has agreements in place with various parties relating to day to day payroll administration. The agreements cover deductions from salary and the transmission of such deductions (charitable, insurance, union subscriptions, etc) to the relevant body.
536. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence when his attention was drawn to plans to have a military air display by the United States military in Dublin on 30 August 2014; and the role his Department and the Defence Forces played in facilitating this display. [34055/14]
View answerOn the 21st August 2014, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade sought observations from my Department and the Defence Forces in relation to the overflight and the radio frequencies to be used by the US aircraft that participated in the opening ceremony of the Croke Park Classic American football game. Having consulted with the Military authorities, my Department replied with no observations. My Department and the Defence Forces had no other role in the matter.
537. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the last year in which the reserve first line carried out full-time training. [34391/14]
View answerThe military authorities advise that four members of the first Line Naval Service Reserve were called up for annual training in 2008. No member of the First Line Army Reserve has been called up for annual training since 1984.
538. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces for each of the years from 1971 to 1993 in tabular form broken down by figures for both the permanent Defence Force and the Reserve First Line and FCA. [34392/14]
View answerIt was not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. My Department is currently seeking to compile an accurate reply and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
539. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of the strength of the Defence Forces for each of the past 20 years in tabular form, broken down by figures for both the permanent Defence Force, the Reserve First Line and FCA. [34393/14]
View answerIt was not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. My Department is currently seeking to compile an accurate reply and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
540. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions that Óglaigh na hÉireann took part in commemoration ceremonies and other ceremonial events with other armies in the last year; the occasions and armies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34504/14]
View answer541. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the criteria used for the participation of Oglaigh na hÉireann in commemoration ceremonies here and abroad; the details of the decision making process in relation to these matters; if he was consulted on such participation; the occasions that Oglaigh na hÉireann participated in such ceremonies in the last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34505/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 540 and 541 together.
The Defence Forces participated in a number of commemorative ceremonies both here and abroad in the last year. The level of participation is determined by my Department in consultation with the Military authorities and is dependent on the scale of the event in question and the availability of Military resources. The following are State commemorations where the Defence Forces provide significant ceremonial support annually.
The Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising,
The 1916 Commemoration Ceremony, Arbour Hill,
The National Famine Memorial Day Commemoration,
The National Day of Commemoration.
Furthermore, in November, 2013, the Department and the Defence Forces organised a special commemoration to mark the Centenary of the Foundation of the Irish Volunteers.
In addition to these ceremonies, the Defence Forces also participated, as outlined below, in a number of centenary events as organised by, or co-ordinated through, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as part of the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2022.
The Centenary of the Foundation of Cumann na mBan,
The Kilcoole Gunrunning commemorative event,
The Asgard (Howth) Gunrunning commemorative event,
Commemorations to mark the outbreak of World War I (both at home and abroad).
In relation to the latter, a ceremony to mark the laying of the foundation stone for the Cross of Sacrifice was held in Glasnevin Cemetery in March, 2014 and this was followed by a State ceremony to mark the unveiling of the Cross on the 31st July, 2014.
One of the key events abroad where the Defence Forces participated was in Messines last December when the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister laid wreaths in remembrance of the Irish who lost their lives in World War I.
Other World War I commemorative events were held in France, Scotland, and Northern Ireland during the months of July and August, at which the Defence Forces were represented. The Defence Forces also participated in a number of local events held to mark the outbreak of World War I.
In 2013, as part of the Defence Forces contribution to “The Gathering Ireland 2013” initiative, a Military Guard Ceremony, was held at the site of the National Memorial to members of the Defence Forces who died in service of the State at Archbishop Ryan Park, Merrion Square, Dublin on Saturdays during the months of July and August. Units from the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service participated in the Military Guard Ceremony in solemn remembrance of their fallen comrades. Given the interest that these ceremonies attracted from members of the public, tourists and retired Defence Forces personnel, they were held again this summer.
The table below details the occasions that the Defence Forces participated in commemorative and other ceremonial events with other armies from the 31st August, 2013 to date:
|
Date |
Commemoration |
Other Armies Involved |
|
Dec 2013 |
Battle of Messines - Belgium |
British Army |
|
July 2014 |
Bastille Day – France |
French Army |
|
July 2014 |
Dedication of the Cross of Sacrifice, WW1 Commemoration - Glasnevin Cemetery |
British Army |
|
Aug 2014 |
WWI Commemoration – Northern Ireland |
British Army |
|
Aug 2014 |
Glasgow Cathedral, WWI Commemoration - Glasgow |
British Army |
|
Sept 2014 |
Opening of NATO Summit in Wales |
ISAF operational partners plus other armies |
542. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in relation to Columb Barracks being made available to army reserves and veterans groups. [34579/14]
View answerA portion of the former barracks in Mullingar has been licensed by my Department to Westmeath GAA Board for use as a training centre. Discussions are at an advanced stage with the Board in relation to the possible lease of a more substantial part of the facility and these discussions should be completed soon.
The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and these arrangements will remain in place.
My Department has had communication with the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) as to their possible use of Columb Barracks and is also aware that the Association has written to Westmeath GAA Board. In this regard the Department has also written to the Board asking that the local branch of IUNVA be facilitated within the barracks when the new arrangements are put in place. It is understood that Westmeath GAA Board have responded positively to IUNVA regarding their request.
The position in relation to the local Reserve Defence Force will be reviewed once the discussions on a lease arrangement with Westmeath GAA Board are completed.
543. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence the joint military training operations that the Irish Defence Forces have been involved in the past twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34693/14]
View answerThe Defence Forces were involved in a number of joint military training exercises in the past 12 months. For operational and security reasons the Defence Forces has advised they are not at liberty to divulge the nature of these training exercises.
544. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of new appointments made in his Department and those under his remit since March 2011 to date in 2014, with a breakdown of the grade to which they were appointed during the period. [35118/14]
View answerThe Defence Organisation includes civil servants, military personnel and civilian employees.
The tables below show the total number of new appointments made from March 2011 to date in 2014. The new appointments listed below include the filling of vacancies through open external competitions.
Civil Service Staff of the Department
|
Grade |
01/03/2011 – 31/12/2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
01/01/2014 – 12/09/2014 |
|
Secretary General |
Nil |
Nil |
1 |
Nil |
|
Services Officers |
Nil |
2 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Personal Assistant to Minister Shatter |
1* |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Civilian Driver |
2* |
1* |
Nil |
Nil |
*Temporary positions in the Civil Service on a fixed term basis.
Civilian Employees attached to Military Installations
|
Grade |
01/03/2011 – 31/12/2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
01/01/2014 – 12/09/2014 |
|
Archivist |
Nil |
1* |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Craft Worker |
2* |
4 |
Nil |
4 |
|
Management Information Framework Administration Officers |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
2 |
|
Senior Pharmaceutical Technician |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
1 |
|
Social Worker (Principal) |
Nil |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Social Worker |
Nil |
Nil |
1* |
2 |
|
Storekeeper Clerk |
Nil |
4 |
Nil |
Nil |
*Temporary fixed term contracts
Defence Forces Personnel
|
Grade |
01/03/2011 – 31/12/2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
01/01/2014 – 12/09/2014 |
|
Apprentice |
Nil |
20 |
7 |
Nil |
|
Private |
476 |
566 |
353 |
254 |
|
Corporal |
Nil |
8 |
9 |
Nil |
|
Cadet |
31 |
37 |
34 |
Nil |
|
Captain |
Nil |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Colonel |
Nil |
1 |
Nil |
Nil |
In addition to the appointments to the Defence Organisation listed above, the President appointed an Ombudsman for the Defence Forces in 2012 on the recommendation of the Government. The person appointed to the post serves on a part-time basis.
All of the above appointments were made in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure & Reform guidelines.
545. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the number of public sector employees under his remit who are subject to a freeze on their increment payment in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35132/14]
View answerThe number of public sector employees in my Department who are subject to a freeze on their increment payment in 2014 is set out in the table below. The table shows both the number of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the number of civilian employees who are affected by the increment freeze.
Numbers on Incremental Pay Freeze: 2014
|
- |
Number of employees |
|
Permanent Defence Force |
896 |
|
Civilian Employees |
28 |
The numbers on incremental pay freeze relate to the period 1 July 2014 – 31 December 2014, as all employees were entitled to receive the first due increment arising after the period of commencement of the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA) on 1 July 2013, without any increment freeze applying.
The low numbers of civilian employees affected by the increment freeze reflect the fact that some 95% of the employees in this category are on the maximum point of their pay scales and the reduced level of recruitment that has taken place in recent years. The figures for the last quarter of 2014 are estimated due to the impact of retirements and any subsequent promotions or recruitment that may arise.
I understand that the figure for civil servants will be provided by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
546. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants, public servants and semi-State employees in his Department on career break at the time of the Haddington Road agreement who lost their right to return to their old positions; of these, the number who have since been offered redeployment opportunities; the number who availed of suitable redeployment opportunities; the number who terminated their employment; the number who have been accommodated with supernumerary positions after being on redeployment lists of over one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35143/14]
View answerThere were no civil servants attached to this Department, members of the Defence Forces or civilian employees of this Department on career break at the time of the Haddington Road Agreement who lost the right to return to their former positions.
547. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Defence his plans for a redundancy package for civilians employed at Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32944/14]
View answerFollowing the receipt of sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), the Department introduced a voluntary redundancy scheme in 2013 targeted towards civilian employees (State industrial grades) attached to military installations arising from the rationalisation of the brigade structure in the Defence Forces and the reduced requirement for particular grades/skills in the civilian workforce. The general terms of this scheme were as set out in the Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants which was agreed between DPER and the Public Services Committee of ICTU. The closing date to apply under this scheme was 29 November 2013. Although the deadline for submitting applications under the 2013 scheme has now expired, consideration would be given to offering voluntary redundancy to civilian employees in cases where there is no longer a requirement for their skills and it is not feasible to redeploy the employees in question to alternative duties either within the Department or the wider public service.
548. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views that the visa application process should be more streamlined thus making Ireland more accessible for non-EU nationals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33064/14]
View answerThe Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department is always seeking ways in which the visa system can be developed to facilitate legitimate travel to the State while, at the same time, maintaining reasonable immigration controls. An example of this was the introduction by the Government in July 2011 of the Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme. This Programme allows nationals of eighteen visa-required countries who are in possession of a UK visa to travel on to Ireland without the need for an Irish visa as well. This initiative has led to an increase in visits from those countries of 68% between 2010, the last full year before its introduction, and 2013.
Building on the success of that Programme, my Department and I are continuing to work with the UK Home Office on the introduction of the British Irish Visa Scheme.
The overall grant rate for Irish visa applications is 91% which compares very favourably worldwide. The number of visa applications to Ireland has steadily grown over the last four years and is on course to reach 100,000 for the first time this year. For example, applications in our Abu Dhabi Visa Office (which covers the entire Gulf Region) have increased by 139% since 2011. The equivalent figures for our New Delhi and Beijing Visa Offices are 16% and 19% respectively, despite the impact of the Visa Waiver Programme, and the fact that there are no direct flights from either country to Ireland.
In terms of processing times, the average of 9 days for the processing of applications from date of payment of the fee in our overseas visa offices (excluding our Abuja office which deals with a higher proportion of long-stay visa applications which are more complex) also compares favourably with competitor countries. I should also add that in many instances, applications are processed within 2/3 days.
I am satisfied that all of these developments and indicators show that Ireland is readily accessible for legitimate tourism and business visitors and that ease of travel to, and movement around, the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK will improve dramatically in the near future.
549. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will examine the application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33117/14]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy. A final decision on this application has been deferred until July 2016. The person concerned was notified of this decision and the reasons for it in a letter issued on 25 July, 2014.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
550. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide details of the contents of the first interim report of the criminal justice working group established to monitor the fixed charge processing system and related matters. [33648/14]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Criminal Justice (Fixed Charge Processing System) Work Group was established in March 2014 to take forward the recommendations in the Garda Inspectorate report on the operation of the system. I, along with my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, received the Group's first progress report in July. The report sets out substantial progress with respect to the implementation of the Inspectorate's immediate and short term recommendations, particularly with respect to the short term recommendations directed to An Garda Síochána including the introduction of a new Fixed Charge Processing System Manual, which came into effect in June. The report also details the work commenced, mainly via a number of specialised subgroups, to consider and advance the Inspectorate's medium and long term recommendations.
551. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the mutual legal assistance treaties Ireland has signed or ratified that relate to the US case in which a company (details supplied) has been instructed to hand over data stored at its data centre here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34186/14]
View answerThe bilateral treaty between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United States of America on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters signed on 18 January 2001 has been given effect in the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008. A copy of the treaty is contained in Schedule 14 of the Act.
The question of seeking assistance in a particular case is one for the judicial and prosecutorial authorities in the country concerned. I am aware that the case referred to by the Deputy is before the courts in the United States and I do not propose to make any further comment in the matter.
552. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been any prosecutions in relation to truck drivers on the Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 in the past five years. [34279/14]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
553. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32906/14]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the application has entered the final stage of processing and I intend to grant citizenship.
The person concerned has been invited to attend the next citizenship ceremony on 22nd September 2014, at which he will make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish Nation and loyalty to the State and receive his certificate of naturalisation.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
554. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current number of members of An Garda Síochána in the State overall; and the current number and number as of March 2011 of gardaí broken down by rank in tabular form and per district. [32959/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel and vehicles, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 31 July 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 12,905. There were also 1,156 Garda Reserves and over 2,000 Civilians in An Garda Síochána on that date.
The Deputy will be aware that the first intake since 2009 of 100 new recruits entered training at the Garda College in Templemore on Monday 15th September 2014. This marked a positive step forward for policing in Ireland. It is the objective that after a period of financial constraint, seamless ongoing recruitment continues into the future.
The personnel strength of An Garda Síochána broken down by rank and district on 31 March 2011 and on 31 July 2014 is as set out in the tables in the link.
555. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of non-EEA students registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau from 2005 to 2014; and if she will provide a breakdown of this number for each year by non-EEA new student registrations and repeat registrations. [32961/14]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that reliable statistics for the information sought by the Deputy are available from the year 2009. The table below sets out the number of non-EEA national students registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau as at March in each of the years in question.
|
Year |
New Registration |
Registration Renewed |
Total |
|
March 2009 |
10598 |
23959 |
34557 |
|
March 2010 |
8427 |
24466 |
32893 |
|
March 2011 |
9928 |
23296 |
33224 |
|
March 2012 |
10885 |
20512 |
31397 |
|
March 2013 |
15115 |
16341 |
31456 |
|
March 2014 |
18279 |
18509 |
36788 |
