Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:23. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on his recent trip to the NATO summit in Wales. [34541/14]
View answerOfficial Engagements
Questions (23)
Written answers
As Ireland is not a member of NATO, the question of attendance at the NATO summit in Wales 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. I 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.
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.
Ministerial Meetings
Questions (24)
Clare Daly
Question:24. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding his visit to the fringe meetings at the NATO summit in Wales under the auspices of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the Partnership for Peace; if Irish neutrality would not be better served by Ireland's non-attendance at these events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34550/14]
View answerWritten answers
As Ireland is not a member of NATO, the question of attendance at the NATO summit in Wales 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. I 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.
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.
Defence Forces Properties
Questions (25)
Robert Troy
Question:25. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34555/14]
View answerWritten answers
Custume Barracks is and will continue to be an important operational military barracks. The military authorities have confirmed that the current strength of personnel in Custume Barracks, Athlone is 1,038. This includes personnel attending training courses in Custume Barracks. I am advised that the establishment for units based in Custume Barracks is 995. Within a strength figure for the Permanent Defence Force as a whole of 9,500, the number of personnel serving in Custume Barracks will remain in the order of 1,000 personnel. The Department is engaged in an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. Under this programme there has been considerable capital investment at Custume Barracks, Athlone in recent years. The most recent major projects undertaken include the construction of Armoured Vehicle Garaging facilities, a Gymnasium and an upgrading of gas and water main facilities including the provision of new underground services and associated works. Nearly €5 million has been invested on capital projects at Custume Barracks over the last five years.
Defence Forces Operations
Questions (26)
Eoghan Murphy
Question:26. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Defence in view of recent hostilities in eastern Europe, his plans to review the resources allocated to the Defence Forces for peacekeeping operations, either in relation to equipment or the recruitment of additional personnel into the forces for possible future peacekeeping operations along Europe’s border with Russia. [34544/14]
View answerWritten answers
The development of a new White Paper on Defence is underway. The White Paper will provide the future policy framework for Defence and Defence provision for the next decade. A key part of the development of the White Paper is the consideration of potential challenges to our defence and security environment that may emerge into the future. As recent events have highlighted the defence and security environment can be volatile and unpredictable.
Future capability requirements, including those in relation to overseas peace support missions, are being considered in the drafting of the new White Paper on Defence. Working Groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are currently considering future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet projected future operational requirements.
In the course of their deliberations, the Working Groups are taking into consideration the inputs received from a wide variety of stakeholders. This includes the views of international organisations which have been sought with a particular focus on likely future trends in international peace support operations.
Discussions have also been held with a range of other Government Departments on cross-cutting policy issues and likely future demands from Government bodies and State agencies. This includes the ongoing review of Ireland’s Foreign Policy and External Relations. These discussions are continuing, as required, throughout the White Paper process.
This ongoing work will underpin recommendations regarding future defence provision at home and overseas.
Defence Forces Deployment
Questions (27)
Mick Wallace
Question:27. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the Irish contingent of peacekeepers on the Syrian Golan Heights in view of the changed and deteriorating situation and multiplicity of armed groups in the area of operations, and also in view of the fact that this UNDOF mission has been in place for over 40 years without having facilitated the resolution of the Syrian-Israeli conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34547/14]
View answerWritten answers
A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force was deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in September 2013 at the request of the United Nations. The current deployment, the 44th Irish Infantry Group UNDOF, comprises 130 troops and consists of a Force Reserve Company and support elements. Their role includes the provision of a Quick Reaction Force which is on standby to assist with on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. Since its establishment in 1974, UNDOF has successfully supervised the implementation of the Disengagement Agreement between the Israeli and Syrian forces, maintaining an area of separation between the forces which is over 75 kilometres long. The mission has also been successful in supporting the efforts of the international community both in the Golan Heights region of Syria and in the broader Middle-East region.
Since 1974, the mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months. Over the years, while recommending the next extension of the mandate, the UN Secretary-General has repeatedly observed that unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem was reached, he considered the continued presence of UNDOF in the area to be essential.
The escalation of the present conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic has affected the UNDOF area of operations significantly. In light of the evolving security situation in the mission area, I have requested the UN to review the capacity of the mission to fulfil its mandate. The UN Security Council will be briefed later today on UNDOF and how the mission can respond to the changed circumstances. Already, there has been fundamental realignment of the mission over the weekend reflecting the situation on the ground. The Force Headquarters, including the Irish contingent, have been redeployed from Camp Faouar to Camp Ziouani, which is on the Israeli side of the separation zone, in response to developments on the ground.
The outcome of the review by the UN may result in significant changes to the mission that will permit Ireland’s continued support and participation. The Irish contribution to UNDOF is an important element of the Force. In this regard, I would like to pay tribute to the members of the 44th Infantry Group in their role as UNDOF’s Quick Reaction Force in discharging their duties effectively in the challenging operating conditions they face in the region.
Overseas Missions
Questions (28)
Seán Kyne
Question:28. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence the number of Permanent Defence Forces personnel currently serving on overseas missions; the type and location of each mission, including the lead organisation; if authorisation for participation is kept under review in view of the changing security context at various locations; if he will provide the procedures that would be followed for the withdrawal of personnel if the risks involved exceeded acceptable levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34554/14]
View answerWritten answers
As of 8 September 2014, Ireland is contributing approximately 422 Defence Forces personnel to 14 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas including the lead organisation for each mission are listed in the following tabular statement.
The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 197 personnel, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 135 Defence Forces personnel.
Other missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with eight (8) personnel; the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with seven (7) personnel; the NATO-led international security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with twelve (12) personnel; the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan with seven (7) personnel, and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in South Sudan with two (2) personnel. Ireland also contributes 26 observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions, 14 personnel to the Nordic Battle group headquarters in Sweden and 15 other personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU and OSCE headquarters.
Defence Forces participation in all overseas missions is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. A decision to withdraw Irish personnel from a mission would be taken by the Government in consultation with the lead organisation for the mission. The procedures for the withdrawal of personnel would be a military operation, the responsibility of which would lie with the relevant Force Commander of the mission in question.
The current contribution of some 422 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
AS OF 01 July 2014
|
NUMBER |
||
|
1. |
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
9 |
|
|
UNIFIL 45th Infantry Group |
184 |
|
|
UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
4 |
|
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel, Syria & Lebanon |
13 |
|
|
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
4 |
|
|
UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
|
UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) Golan Heights Syria |
135 |
|
|
UNMAS (United Nations Mine Action Service ) South Sudan |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
356 |
|
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
||
|
EUFOR (EU led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
7 |
|
|
EUTM Mali (EU led Training Mission) |
8 |
|
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
12 |
|
|
ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
390 |
|
|
2. |
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
2 |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group Vienna |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE |
3 |
|
|
3. |
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
5 |
|
|
4. |
NORDIC BATTLE GROUP 2015 |
|
|
FHQ Sweden |
14 |
|
|
5. |
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
|
Military Adviser Irish delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
|
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
422 |
White Paper on Defence
Questions (29)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:29. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence when the White Paper on Defence will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34578/14]
View answerWritten answers
The development of the new White Paper on Defence is progressing well. The Green Paper on Defence, published in July 2013 set out a range of policy focused questions and initiated a broad public consultation process. This has generated 122 written submissions and civil and military personnel from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have engaged in follow on meetings with a number of those that made submissions. A key part of the process is the consideration of potential challenges to our security as these may emerge into the future. As recent events have highlighted the defence and security environment can be volatile and unpredictable and this remains a key challenge in the preparation of any White Paper on Defence. The identification of policy options for the defence aspects of the Government’s response to these challenges and the associated capability implications is another key part of the process. There must also be consideration of other demands that will be made of the Defence Organisation over the coming decade and the broad roles that Government may assign to the Defence Forces.
Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are considering likely future operational demands and the types of defence capabilities required to meet these demands. In the course of their deliberations, the Working Groups are taking into consideration the inputs received from a wide variety of stakeholders. This includes the views of international organisations which have been sought with a particular focus on likely future trends in international peace support operations.
Discussions have also been held with a range of other Government Departments on cross-cutting policy issues and likely future demands from Government bodies and State agencies. These discussions are continuing, as required, throughout the White Paper process.
This ongoing work will underpin recommendations regarding defence provision for the next decade. It is necessary to ensure the development of an effective policy framework for defence and I am satisfied with the progress that has been made to date in this important work.
I anticipate that an initial draft White Paper will be submitted to me for my consideration by the end of 2014. I will subsequently bring the draft to Government for their consideration and approval.
Defence Forces Strength
Questions (30)
Seán Kyne
Question:30. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Permanent Defence Forces across the three main services; if there are plans to recruit new members; if so, the number of personnel to be recruited and when it is envisaged that recruitment will commence. [34553/14]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Defence Forces Personnel Data
Questions (31)
Robert Troy
Question:31. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel permanently and solely based in Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath. [34556/14]
View answerWritten answers
The military authorities have confirmed that the current strength of personnel in Custume Barracks, Athlone is 1,038. This includes personnel attending training courses in Custume Barracks. I am advised that the establishment strength for units based in Custume Barracks is 995. Within a strength figure for the Permanent Defence Force as a whole of 9,500, the number of personnel serving in Custume Barracks will remain in the order of 1,000 personnel. No member of the Defence Forces is exclusively or permanently based in any one location including Custume Barracks. There is a constant through flow of personnel into and out of Custume Barracks and indeed other Barracks. This is because military service involves personnel moving into and out of particular postings as they serve at home and overseas, receive training and undergo educational and career development courses.
Defence Forces Deployment
Questions (32)
Bernard Durkan
Question:32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure that overseas Irish peacekeeping troops are deployed in such numbers as to ensure their safety and sustainability; his views that this applies in all such instances at present such as in the Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34567/14]
View answerWritten answers
The White Paper on Defence, published in February 2000, commits the Government to sustaining the overall level of Ireland's contribution to peacekeeping, while developing a more selective approach to future requests from the United Nations having regard to the number, size, nature and complexity of its current peacekeeping operations.
Requests from the UN for Irish participation in new missions are dealt with under the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System (UNSAS) on a case-by-case basis. Among the factors taken into account by Ireland when considering any particular request are the following:
- The degree of risk involved;
- The extent to which the required skills or characteristics relate to Irish capabilities;
- Whether the operation is adequately resourced;
- The level of existing commitments to peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.
The decision by Government to send troops overseas is never taken lightly. The safety of all Irish Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions is always a concern to me, my Government colleagues and to the military authorities. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. I am satisfied that appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.
Troops selected for overseas service, including those currently deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission, undergo a rigorous programme of mission specific training, which included Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear training. Such training, which is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of increased threat, has been designed to allow Defence Force personnel to carry out their tasks and to provide for their protection. Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the roles assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission.
The Government and I place high importance on the valuable work being done by the Defence Forces serving with UNDOF in the challenging operating conditions they face in the region and in other missions throughout the world.
Naval Service Vessels
Questions (33)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:33. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the presence of asbestos on naval vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34575/14]
View answerWritten answers
The discovery of Asbestos Containing Materials, commonly referred to as ACMs, on Naval Service ships is a matter that is being treated by the Department of Defence and the Naval Service with the upmost seriousness. In that regard, the safety and well-being of all individuals involved, both military and civilian, in the Naval Base is of primary concern. Over the period March 2014 to August 2014 Asbestos Containing Materials have been discovered to varying degrees on the following five Naval Service ships: LE Ciara, LE Orla, LE Aoife, LE Eithne and LE Aisling.
In each instance the Naval Service informed the Health and Safety Authority. The Health and Safety Authority issued an improvement notice under Regulation 17(1) Safety, Health and Welfare At Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations, 2006 and I am advised that the Authority continues to monitor the situation closely.
The Naval Service is following a Fleet Asbestos Management Plan to meet the requirements of the HSA improvement notice. The Naval Service has now put in place rigorous control measures to ensure that all known Asbestos Containing Materials are rendered safe to avoid exposure of personnel to same. Additionally, medical concerns were and will continue to be addressed and a contracted civilian medical advisor on asbestos related illness has provided briefs to all staff. The Naval Service has also trained its personnel in Asbestos awareness and low risk removals of such materials as required.
As part of the Fleet Asbestos Management Plan the Naval Service has contracted an independent specialist company to survey all Naval Service Vessels for the presence of Asbestos Containing Materials. This survey commenced on 1st September 2014 and is anticipated to continue for a number of weeks. In addition, whenever Asbestos Containing Materials are suspected by Naval Service personnel to be present, a specialist advisor is contracted to investigate.
The position regarding the presence of asbestos on Naval Service ships is as follows LE Ciara and LE Orla are undergoing cleaning by a specialist Asbestos cleaning contractor which is due to be completed by the 6th October and the 12th December 2014 respectively. The Naval Service will have to seek a re-occupation certificate for both ships from the HSA when the cleaning is complete.
With regard to LE Aoife, LE Eithne and LE Aisling all identified Asbestos Containing Materials have been removed or rendered safe in accordance with HSA guidelines. No Asbestos Containing Materials have been discovered on the other three ships in the Naval Service fleet, LE Roisin, LE Niamh and the newest addition to the fleet LE Samuel Beckett.