Written Answers Nos. 122-132
122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to set out the extent to which agreement has been reached with military personnel who were due to retire on foot of service in the current year but who are agreeable to remain on with the Defence Forces for a specific period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35064/14]
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 have been 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.
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.
123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to outline the extent to which the army recruitment campaign has progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35065/14]
View answerThe Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 July 2014, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,019, comprising, 7,270 Army, 755 Air Corps and 994 Naval Service personnel.
Targeted recruitment has been, and is currently, taking place so as to maintain the level of 9,500 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. Recruitment from the panels established under this competition commenced on 18 August, 2014. Of the 254 Recruits enlisted to the Permanent Defence Force (both Army and Navy) since then 236 remain in training. These are additional to the 9,019 personnel serving at the end of July 2014. The Defence Forces plan to enlist an additional 160 Recruits by the end of this year. It is also planned to award 39 Cadetships and to recruit up to 20 Apprentice Aircraft Technicians to the Air Corps.
Targeted General Service recruitment will continue in 2015 from the recruitment panels formed from the current competition. It is planned that these panels will remain in place until they are exhausted in 2015.
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.
124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to outline the extent to which gender balance continues to be achieved at various ranks throughout the Defence Forces in the Army, Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35066/14]
View answerThe strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 31 July 2014, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,019, broken down into 7,270 Army, 755 Air Corps and 994 Naval Service. 554 (or 6.14%) are women. The following tables contain the above mentioned strength, broken down into Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by gender and rank groupings. 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.
A number of specific initiatives have been implemented to increase female participation in the Defence Forces including:
- the introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants.
- special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment.
- there is balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards.
- all promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit.
- A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
I am advised that 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 support increased female participation in the Defence Forces. 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. 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. I am hopeful that through continued engagement and communication, this perception will change over time.
Army (PDF)
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lt Gen |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Maj Gen |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Brig Gen |
5 |
5 |
|
|
Col |
34 |
34 |
|
|
Lt Col |
102 |
3 |
105 |
|
Comdt |
215 |
25 |
240 |
|
Captain |
256 |
43 |
299 |
|
LT |
190 |
36 |
226 |
|
SM |
28 |
28 |
|
|
BQMS |
33 |
33 |
|
|
CS |
109 |
1 |
110 |
|
CQMS |
164 |
1 |
165 |
|
Sgt |
835 |
54 |
889 |
|
Cpl |
1,228 |
114 |
1,342 |
|
Pte |
3,593 |
178 |
3,771 |
|
Cadets |
17 |
3 |
20 |
|
Total |
6,812 |
458 |
7,270 |
Air Corps (PDF)
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lt Gen |
|||
|
Maj Gen |
|||
|
Brig Gen |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Col |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Lt Col |
13 |
13 |
|
|
Comdt |
32 |
32 |
|
|
Captain |
45 |
6 |
51 |
|
LT |
29 |
1 |
30 |
|
SM |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
BQMS |
2 |
2 |
|
|
CS |
49 |
49 |
|
|
CQMS |
14 |
14 |
|
|
Sgt |
119 |
6 |
125 |
|
Cpl |
144 |
12 |
156 |
|
Pte |
249 |
9 |
258 |
|
Cadets |
14 |
14 |
|
|
Total |
720 |
35 |
755 |
Naval Service (PDF)
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lt Gen |
|||
|
Maj Gen |
|||
|
Brig Gen |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Col |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Lt Col |
13 |
13 |
|
|
Comdt |
39 |
6 |
45 |
|
Captain |
38 |
10 |
48 |
|
LT |
31 |
12 |
43 |
|
SM |
6 |
6 |
|
|
BQMS |
7 |
7 |
|
|
CS |
66 |
66 |
|
|
CQMS |
15 |
15 |
|
|
Sgt |
169 |
3 |
172 |
|
Cpl |
164 |
11 |
175 |
|
Pte |
367 |
19 |
386 |
|
Cadets |
15 |
15 |
|
|
Total |
933 |
61 |
994 |
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to outline the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the resources and facilities available to the Army, Navy and Air Corps with particular reference to modern technology and equipment as required for air and sea surveillance for rescue operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35067/14]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard has primary responsibility for the provision of search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard which sets out, inter alia, the search and rescue support that the Air Corps and Naval Service can provide to the Coast Guard. The provision of onshore assistance by Air Corps helicopters for mountain rescue operations is also covered in the Agreement, as is provision by Air Corps aircraft of fixed wing ‘top cover’ to Coast Guard helicopters operating offshore. The Air Corps Maritime Patrol 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.
126. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence whether it is the practice of his Department to employ an archivist to examine records and archives once records are deemed appropriate for archiving to determine the quality of the records, the importance, and the estimated care and attention needed to preserve the records; if not, if he will consider this option in order to best capture the most valuable records before they potentially deteriorate in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35392/14]
View answerMilitary archivists are assigned to Military Archives which has the role of acquiring, preserving and making available to the public, the documentary heritage of the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence. The Military Archives also provides advice and other services to the Defence Organisation, assisting in the administration and management of its records. From as early as 1924, the Defence Forces undertook to preserve historical documents from that time and since 1990 the Military Archives has been the official place of deposit for such material, including that of the Army Pensions Board, under the terms of the National Archives Act, 1986. In addition, associated with the Military Archives is the Military Service Pensions Collection (MSPC) which is a cornerstone of the Government’s Centenary Programme. Civilian archivists have been employed by the Department of Defence to process the Collection which contains approximately 300,000 files relating to the period from Easter Week 1916, through the War of Independence and Civil War.
Military Archives is located at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin and a building project is currently underway which will ensure that these important archives will continue to be stored and preserved in the best possible manner.
127. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence to set out the total cost to the Department and those agencies under the aegis for the storage of records and archives that are ultimately intended to be forwarded to the National Archives in time; if he will provide this cost for 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35415/14]
View answerThe Military Archives is the place of deposit for the archives of the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Army Pensions Board under the terms of the National Archives Act 1986. The total cost for the storage of Departmental records and archives that are ultimately intended to be forwarded to the Military Archives is set out in the following table:-
|
Costs |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Retrieval, Delivery etc. |
€ 7,914.68 |
€ 7,465.05 |
|
Storage Costs |
€ 12,236.58 |
€ 11,951.50 |
|
Total Cost |
€ 20,151.26 |
€ 19,416.55 |
These costs are paid by the Office of Public Works.
The role of the Military Archives is to acquire, preserve and make available to the public the documentary heritage of the Defence Forces, the Department of Defence and the Army Pensions Board. The Military Archives also provides advice and other services to the Defence Organisation, assisting in the administration and management of its records.
I am satisfied that the costs incurred in the storage of records for the Defence organisation are kept to a minimum while ensuring that such records are retained for the purposes of compliance with National Archives legislation.
128. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the action she and the National Transport Authority will take to deal with the illegal parking of coaches on Nassau Street and at other Dublin city centre locations. [34927/14]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the National Transport Authority does not come under my Department's aegis and that I have no direct role in relation to road traffic enforcement. I have however requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy and will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
129. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality whether there is an upper age limit for an applicant for a firearm licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34883/14]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that there is no upper age limit for an application for a firearms licence. Section 4 of the Firearms 1925 Act, as amended, outlines the conditions subject to which a firearm certificate may be granted. These include the applicant being permitted to possess, use and carry a firearm without danger to the public safety and the provision of secure accommodation for the firearm and ammunition. An applicant for a firearm certificate is also required to supply in writing to the issuing person the information requested in the application form, including proof of competence in the use of the firearm concerned and written consent for any enquiries in relation to the applicant's medical history to be made from a health professional.
130. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the number of persons currently residing in all direct provision centres; if she will provide a breakdown on the number of males and females and also the number of children in this figure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34885/14]
View answer131. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the duration of stay of persons residing in direct provision centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34886/14]
View answer132. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the family size of those residing in direct provision centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34887/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 to 132, inclusive.
The Direct Provision system is managed by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department. For the most part, this represents a cashless system with the State assuming responsibility for providing suitable accommodation for asylum seekers on a full board basis. RIA currently provides full board accommodation and ancillary services to just over 4,300 persons in 34 centres across the State.
In relation to statistical queries such as these, it is important to state that RIA is keen to provide as much detail as is practicable on the system which it is charged with operating. Extensive statistical information is on its website - www.ria.gov.ie including Annual Reports covering the years from 2007 to 2013 inclusive. These Annual Reports provide a variety of information, including a breakdown of the numbers of adults and children in each direct provision centre and the length of time persons, overall, have been residing in the direct provision system. This is also provided on a centre by centre basis, and the counties in which these centres are located are identified in these reports. The latest 2013 Report has all of the latest available information sought in these questions.
More generally, I acknowledge that the length of time that residents spend in Direct Provision is an issue to be addressed. The Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 includes a commitment to reduce the length of time the applicant spends in the system through the establishment of a single applications procedure, to be introduced by way of a Protection Bill as a matter of priority. Moreover, there is a further commitment to establish an Independent Working Group to report to Government on improvements with the protection process, including direct provision and supports for asylum seekers. My intention is to proceed with the establishment of that Working Group in the near future whose mandate will include reporting back to Government on improvements to direct provision. I am, in advance of establishing the Working Group, holding a round table on 19 September to provide non-governmental organisations active in the field of asylum the opportunity to outline the key issues for them in relation to the State's current arrangements for asylum seekers. I also intend to use the outcome of that meeting to inform the terms of reference of the Working Group.
