Written Answers Nos. 476-491
476. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a payment; the reason for the delay when changes to maps were provided in May 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42261/14]
View answerThe person named applied for the Single Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Schemes on 13th May 2014. Processing of the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme applications of the person named has recently been finalised. Payments will issue shortly directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
477. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date including details of the briefs that they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42508/14]
View answerMy Department has not established any quasi-Governmental organisation or agency, since March 2011.
478. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding reviews of eligibility criteria for a candidate's eyesight who has previously had corrective laser eye surgery, in view of eligibility criteria in other countries' defence forces that admit candidates with previous corrective surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41021/14]
View answerThere are a number of physical and medical standards laid down by the Military Authorities, including specified vision requirements, for entry to all branches of the Defence Forces. These requirements are based on the professional advice of the Medical Corps and having regard to the nature of the job, the duties of military service and the training exercises undertaken by members of the Defence Forces.
The Medical Corps regularly reviews the medical standards for entry to the Defence Forces. The question of the suitability for military service of persons who have had laser eye surgery to correct their visual acuity is complex. It depends on a number of factors including the exact type of surgery and the amount of visual correction effected. A report on this matter has been prepared by the Defence Forces Medical Corps and is currently under review.
479. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if the 21 year rule for Permanent Defence Force personnel enlisted after 1994 will be reviewed; his views that many of those affected by this rule are very anxious to remain in the Defence Forces as they have the required fitness levels and have gained very valuable experience over the years which will continue to be of assistance in their duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41515/14]
View answerAs I have outlined previously to the House, a claim has been received from the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) in relation to this matter and it is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Discussions have been taking place with the Representative Association, with regards to their claim, 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.
I can assure you that in examining this claim from PDFORRA, all pertinent facts have been considered. However, while there was significant progress made in discussions between PDFORRA and Civil and Military Management it was not possible to reach full agreement. As a result, the issue is being referred to third party adjudication for a ruling. It is expected that the adjudication hearing will take place in the next few weeks following the exchange of submissions between the parties and the appointment of an Adjudicator.
480. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Defence if colour blindness debars applications for the Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces; the criteria used in debarring members having regard to the fact that colour blindness does not debar admission for application to An Garda Síochána and other military forces such as the British Army and United States Army. [41571/14]
View answer481. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Defence if the military authorities will accept medical tests for colour blindness other than the Ishihara test plates such as the Holmes-Wright lantern and City University vision test, having regard to the fact that An Garda Síochána accepts applicants who have failed the Ishihara test plates but passed the City University vision test. [41572/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 481 together.
Candidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific medical criteria for military service. The vision standards required for entry to the Defence Forces are laid down by the Military Authorities. Under Defence Force Regulation, normal colour vision is a requirement for enlistment or commissioning into the Defence Forces, for operational and safety reasons. The Ishihara test plates are the only accepted method of screening colour vision for entry to the Defence Forces.
482. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a request to send personnel from the Irish Defence Forces to West Africa to help in the effort to deal with the Ebola crisis; his views on the way the Irish Defence Forces might assist in future international efforts to address the crisis. [41575/14]
View answerThe Department of Defence has received requests for assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Irish Aid agencies for possible Defence Forces participation in the response to the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.
The Department in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Health and a number of Irish NGOs are currently considering the matter.
483. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding non-payment of Defence Forces' salary in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42099/14]
View answerThe Military Authorities have advised me that the officer referred to by the Deputy did not receive payment from 25 August 2003 until 24 January 2005 as she had exceeded the sick leave limits for which she was entitled to be paid.
In accordance with Defence Force Regulations an officer on sick leave is entitled to full pay for up to 365 days over the aggregate period of the last 4 years. When that limit is reached the officer is entitled to half pay for another 183 sick days provided the total sick days taken by the officer does not exceed the limit of 548 days over the previous four years. On reaching the limit of 548 days the officer is not entitled to any pay and allowances. The officer concerned reached the 548 days limit with effect from 25 August 2003 and her pay was stopped accordingly from that date.
On 18 January 2005 the officer was examined by a Medical Board and was found to be medically fit for work and was instructed to report for duty on 24 January 2005. The officer returned to duty on 24 January 2005 and her pay was subsequently reinstated with effect from that date.
The Deputy has also made recent representations to me on behalf of the officer concerned following the officer making direct contact with him. General Routine Order 43/1955 requires communications regarding service matters to be transmitted by members of the Defence Forces through recognised official channels and expressly forbids direct contact with members of the Oireachtas in this regard.
484. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence in view of previous statements that ten soldiers were reported as having side effects from Lariam, the number of these that were NCOs and the number that were privates. [42111/14]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities that previous statements provided information referring to 3 members of the Defence Forces, with serious symptomatology which may have been caused or contributed to by Lariam, although there was nothing conclusive. I understand that all personnel have made a full recovery and that their cases were reported to the Irish Medicines Board at the time. In addition there was a further seven personnel with less dramatic symptomatology which were under review. There was no conclusive evidence that Lariam was a factor in any of those cases.
I am further advised that details of Defence Forces personnel’s rank are not provided in association with details of personnel’s medical conditions, as this could possibly lead to identification of the personnel involved. Additionally, in order to identify the ranks of the individuals concerned, this would involve a review of all medical files to be carried out and resources are not available to allow for such an extensive file review.
I am advised that the Defence Forces policy in relation to the prescribing of Lariam is in line with current Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA) guidelines, formerly the Irish Medicines Board. The HPRA is the statutory authority with responsibility for quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness and medical suitability for service overseas including a medical risk assessment for Lariam.
Where malaria has been identified as a risk in a particular mission area, the choice of chemoprophylaxis is dependent on a number of factors including the type of malaria in the destination, resistance to particular drugs, the profile of the traveller (contra-indications, underlying health conditions, purpose of travel) the duration of travel and adherence issues. The choice of medication is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various allegations surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concur with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces. Anti-malarial medications must remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
485. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Ireland’s participation in the UNDOF mission in the Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42167/14]
View answerIn September 2013, a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force was deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) at the request of the United Nations. Since 1974 UNDOF has been a successful mission, supporting the efforts of the international community in maintaining peace and security both in the Golan Heights, and also in the broader region. The mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months. The current mandate, which was renewed last June, expires on 31 December 2014.
The current Defence Forces contingent, the 46th 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 ongoing operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. They are tasked with carrying out patrols and convoy escorts as necessary. The Force Reserve Company is also tasked with being prepared to reinforce vulnerable UN positions in the Golan Heights and to assist in securing, extraction, and evacuation of UN personnel under threat.
In addition to the Force Reserve Company, there are eight (8) other Defence Forces personnel based in UNDOF Headquarters, Camp Ziouani, including the Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Anthony Hanlon, who took up his appointment on 20 September 2014. An Irish officer has also taken on the role of Chief Operations Officer in the force.
Fighting between Syrian Arab Armed Forces and Anti Government Armed Elements has recently escalated in the UNDOF area of responsibility. In August 2014 and in response to the hostilities, the Irish contingent, in its capacity as the Force Reserve Company, dealt with several incidents as requested by the Force Commander UNDOF, including assisting with the safe extraction of members of the Philippine Battalion. In the course of these incidents Irish troops came under fire and returned fire.
Given events on the ground, I called for the UN to undertake a review of the mission, particularly the capacity of the mission to fulfil its mandate in light of the civil war in Syria. I discussed this review of the mission with the Under Secretary General in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Since then there has been a fundamental realignment of the UNDOF mission with a view to minimising unacceptable risks to peacekeepers, while continuing to implement the mission’s mandate. The Headquarters of the UNDOF mission, including the Irish contingent, has now been relocated from Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation to Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation. The UNDOF mission has evacuated all but one of the posts in the southern half of the area of responsibility. Movement in the area of responsibility is also restricted. A Nepalese contingent, of approximately 100 personnel, is still posted in the Mount Hermon area in the zone of separation. The realignment reflects the deteriorating situation on the ground and endeavours to minimize the risk to personnel, while continuing to implement the mission’s mandate.
In September 2014, the Presidency of the UN Security Council issued a strong statement, reaffirming the Council’s unconditional support for the UNDOF mission and emphasising the importance of maintaining UNDOF as a vital contributor to peace and security in the Middle East. The Security Council also noted that it was important to maintain UNDOF’s force strength to the level necessary to carry out its important mandate, and to retain the quick reaction and counter-IED capabilities, which are provided by Ireland and which the Council noted have proved indispensable in the face of the changing security environment.
On 12 September, the UN Secretary-General reported to the UN Security Council on activities in the UNDOF mission area during the preceding three months. The mission was further discussed at a meeting of the UN Security Council which was held on 20 October. This meeting addressed possible options for the evolution of the mission, which will include its further reconfiguration, which are dependent on the security situation on the ground. The UN review on the reconfiguration of the mission is an ongoing process and the UN Secretary-General will provide regular updates on the mission to the Security Council in this regard.
486. 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. [42168/14]
View answerWork on the new White Paper on Defence is progressing well. I anticipate that an initial draft White Paper will be submitted to me for my consideration by the end of 2014. The final draft of the White Paper will be submitted to Government in due course.
487. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the way in which Ireland’s defence spending as a share of GDP compares to that of other neutral countries in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42169/14]
View answerThe latest comparable figures on Defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP, obtained from the European Defence Agency, are set out in the table below. The figures show that, in 2012, Ireland’s Defence expenditure, including Army Pensions, at 0.55% of GDP, was the lowest of these countries.
|
Country |
2012 Defence expenditure as a % of GDP |
|
Ireland |
0.55% |
|
Malta |
0.58% |
|
Austria |
0.80% |
|
Sweden |
1.13% |
|
Finland |
1.47% |
Each country pursues a Defence policy that reflects its particular requirements and there can be significant differences in the proportion of funding that differing States allocate to Defence. I am fully committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces can continue to meet this State's defence policy requirements. The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is a key priority as it will provide the defence policy framework for the next decade and beyond. Defence policy is a critical aspect of Government policy and I am determined to ensure that the new White Paper fully addresses the Defence response to future security challenges and related resource requirements in a comprehensive way.
488. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his views on recent claims regarding the standard of living of members of the Defence Forces that were made at the recent PDFORRA annual conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42170/14]
View answerI was made aware of a number of issues for the first time at the recent PDFORRA annual conference and requested a report from my Department on the matters that arose concerning the standard of living of members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). I presume the Deputy is referring to the claim that five members of the PDF were sleeping in cars because they could not afford the cost of commuting to their place of work, and claims that approximately 20% of PDFORRA’s membership are availing of Family Income Supplement.
I am fully committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces as a whole provides a challenging and rewarding career and that it does so in a supportive environment. There is no reason why any member of the PDF should be sleeping in their car. I am advised that military management wrote to the General Secretary of PDFORRA requesting information to facilitate the chain of command addressing any legitimate concerns of PDFORRA. I understand that a response has been received from PDFORRA and that individual issues raised within it are now being appropriately addressed through the normal operational chain of command.
PDFORRA also asserted that approximately 20% of their membership is availing of Family Income Supplement, qualifying for it because their take home pay had fallen owing to various Public Service Agreements and statutory deductions. As the circumstances surrounding an application for Family Income Supplement are a private matter between the applicant and the Department of Social Protection, my Department is not aware of the number of PDF members that may be in receipt of this financial assistance, or their individual circumstances.
The reason for Family Income Supplement is to support those on lower incomes. In this regard, the members of the PDF are in no different a position than many other employees in the public and private sector on low to middle incomes who are facing difficulties in the current economic environment. Various factors can give rise to Family Income Supplement claims. However, the important point is that, despite the difficult economic environment, the Government has maintained this important safety net for families who by virtue of their particular circumstances require such financial support.
It remains open to PDFORRA, subject to the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the PDF and the Croke Park and Haddington Road Agreements, to avail of the mechanisms in place should they wish to pursue any particular concerns in relation to the pay and conditions of their members.
489. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his views on Lariam being prescribed for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42171/14]
View answerMalaria is a serious disease that kills approximately 1 million people per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area. The anti-malaria regime in place in the Defence Forces – including the use of Lariam – is working. In the decade of deployment to sub-Saharan Africa by the Defence Forces, not a single member of the Defence Forces has died from malaria.
The Defence Forces policy is in line with current Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA) guidelines, formerly the Irish Medicines Board. The HPRA is the statutory authority with responsibility for quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness and medical suitability for service overseas including a medical risk assessment for Lariam.
Where malaria has been identified as a risk in a particular mission area, the choice of chemoprophylaxis is dependent on a number of factors including the type of malaria in the destination, resistance to particular drugs, the profile of the traveller (contra-indications, underlying health conditions, purpose of travel) the duration of travel and adherence issues. The choice of medication is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various assertions surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concur with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces.Anti-malarial medications must remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
490. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if on the 30 November 2012, Defence Force Regulation CS 4 had an allowed establishment for the number of Permanent Defence Force personnel positions in the 14 units in Custume Barracks on that date, and in accordance with that regulation on that date; the permitted number of PDF personnel in the nine PDF units and the PDF personnel in the five reserve units of Custume Barracks. [42172/14]
View answerDefence Forces Regulation CS.4 does not set out the establishment of Units. This level of detail is set out in the Chief of Staff’s Administrative Instruction CS.4. The military authorities have advised that the table below reflects the PDF strength ceiling of Units based in Custume Barracks as at 30th November 2012.
Following the re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force, PDF Cadre are only assigned to RDF Units located outside of PDF installations. There are no PDF Cadre personnel assigned to RDF Units in Custume Barracks.
|
9,500 PDF Establishment |
||
|
UNIT |
STRENGTH CEILING OF UNITS BASED IN CUSTUME Barracks |
REMARKS |
|
6 Infantry Battalion |
474 |
|
|
2 Brigade Training Centre (Athlone) |
17 |
Bi located – 2 Brigade Training Centre Establishment - 36 |
|
2 Brigade Cadre |
9 |
|
|
2 Brigade Artillery Regiment |
257 |
|
|
2 Brigade Field Engineer Company |
103 |
Bi located –2 Brigade Engineer Group Establishment - 128 |
|
2 Brigade Transport Company |
44 |
Bi located –2 Brigade Transport Establishment - 139 |
|
2 Brigade Ordnance Group |
27 |
Bi located – 2 Brigade Ordnance Group Establishment - 93 |
|
2 Brigade Military Police Company |
11 |
Military Police Detachment in all 2 Brigade Barracks locations |
|
Defence Forces School of Music |
36 |
|
|
Medical Detachment – Central Medical Unit |
17 |
Medical Detachment in all 2 Brigade Barracks locations |
|
TOTAL |
995 |
491. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the specific study which underpinned the decision by the former Minister for Defence in 2011 to discontinue the Western Brigade. [42173/14]
View answerFollowing the comprehensive review of expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. Arising from this decision, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces was initiated to provide appropriate structures for the revised strength ceiling for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).
The Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence were tasked with developing detailed proposals for consideration. A joint civil-military group was established to progress this work. Final proposals relating to the reorganisation of the PDF, agreed between the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General, were accepted in full by the then Minister for Defence.
I am satisfied that the current organisational structures have maintained the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to the greatest extent possible, within the available resource envelope. The Defence Forces continue to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
