Written Answers Nos. 94-102
94. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence to set out the process used for selecting anti-malaria drugs for use in the Defence Forces and the precise reason Lariam was selected despite the obvious faults in the drug with regard to the dangers of increased risk of suicide for users. [43330/14]
View answerThe Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA) formerly the Irish Medicines Board is the statutory authority with responsibility for the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland.
The Defence Forces Medical Corps is advised that the three anti-malarial medications licensed by the HPRA – Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline – can all have significant side effects and protocols are in place to control the risk of side effects in individuals.
Each of the three drugs has been used by the Defence Forces, depending on individual circumstances including the type of malaria in the destination, the duration of travel, etc. 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 on the basis of best international practice having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
I am advised that the Defence Forces follow policy in line with current HPRA guidelines, in prescribing Lariam. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis. This is intended to rule out personnel from overseas service with certain conditions, e.g. depression, anxiety, pregnancy, neurodegenerative disorders etc. which, as has been indicated by the Health Product Regulatory Authority, are more likely to precipitate serious adverse reactions to Lariam.
I am advised that the allegation of a link between Lariam and suicide / suicide ideation has been examined. Of 156 non-service related deaths among members of the Defence Forces in the period January 2000 to December 2010, 25 were apparently from self-inflicted injuries, although only one is recorded by a coroner as “suicide”. Of these 25 deaths, 16 had never been prescribed Lariam. Of the remaining 9, given the limited period of time during which Lariam remains in the bloodstream, according to our expert advice, it is extremely unlikely that Lariam could have been a contributory factor in practically all of these cases. There is no evidence in any of the coroners’ inquests linking any deaths to Lariam.
The death rate in the Defence Forces from self-inflicted injuries in the period 2000 to 2010, when Lariam was being prescribed, was 0.24%. The death rate from self-inflicted injuries in the period 1989 – to 1999, when Lariam was not being prescribed, was 0.32% which is higher than the death rate in the period when Lariam was being prescribed.
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various concerns 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.
95. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence to outline his views regarding the operation of Defence Forces overseas missions in the context of being involved in missions that have run for decades and failed to deliver peace and have in fact enabled the conflict participants to avoid making peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43331/14]
View answerParticipation in overseas peacekeeping missions is a key element of Ireland’s foreign policy and has been an important dimension in meeting Ireland’s international obligations as a member of the UN and the EU. Irish foreign policy is directed at supporting co-operative arrangements for collective security through the development of international organisations, especially the United Nations, and supporting effective international action in areas such as disarmament, peacekeeping, development and human rights. This approach continues to define Irish priorities within the UN system and Ireland remains willing to play a full role in contributing to the security of Europe and the world. The Defence Forces are currently primarily deployed on overseas missions in support of international peace and security under UN mandates. However, with the increased use of more robust Chapter VII missions, the UN has turned to regional organisations such as the EU, the African Union and NATO to manage operations on its behalf and under its authority. This is one of the most significant changes in relation to UN efforts at maintaining international peace and security. In effect the EU and NATO, together with other similar such organisations, are now major players in UN peacekeeping.
Peacekeeping also adds to Ireland’s national security by containing conflicts and reducing the threat of conflicts spreading. UN peacekeeping missions, such as UNIFIL, have made a real difference in countries such as Lebanon. The UNIFIL operation has supported political transitions and helped the region to close the chapter of conflict and open a path to normal development, even if major peace building challenges remain.
96. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he has had talks with the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform with regards to improving the conditions of the lower ranks of the Defence Forces as they are finding difficult to manage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43515/14]
View answerI have not held talks with the Minister for Finance, or the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform regarding remuneration or conditions of employment in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).
Rates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. In this regard, the level of remuneration in the Defence sector has maintained relativity with the levels available in other related public sector employments. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2013 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (Haddington Road Agreement) define current pay policy.
In the Haddington Road Agreement the Government reaffirmed its commitment that public service pay and any related issues will not be revisited over the lifetime of the Agreement, subject to compliance with the terms of the Agreement. Crucially, there was no cut to the basic pay of any enlisted personnel under the Agreement. Of the measures applying to the Defence Forces in the Haddington Road Agreement, the following may apply to enlisted personnel depending on their duties:
- Incorporation of duties attracting Technical Group 1 pay into standard duties for new enlisted personnel.
- Flat rating Security Duty Allowance and related payments at the standard weekday rate.
- A 10% Reduction in certain Defence Forces Allowances.
- Voluntary buyout of Border Duty Allowance for enlisted personnel.
- Implementation of additional incremental points in pay scales for new enlisted personnel post 01 July 2013.
The Deputy will be aware that a Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for members of the PDF provides a formal mechanism for the PDF Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a means for the determination of claims and proposals from the Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service. Since 1993, there have been significant developments and improvements in the pay and conditions of military personnel. The Representative Associations have been to the fore in advancing the interests of their members in this regard, bringing them in line generally with the pay and conditions available in other public service employments.
It is of course open to the Representative Associations of the members of the PDF, subject to the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme and the Haddington Road Agreement, 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.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 21 October 2014 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare with particular reference to the decision by the High Court to quash the decision to reduce the disability pension in the person's case, whether it is in order in the context of the subsequent review to disregard the decision of the court and reinstate the original decision notwithstanding the findings of the court; if the current position in respect of the case remains in conflict with the court's decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43644/14]
View answerThe original decision of March 1987, to take the total compensation into consideration in deciding the rate of disability pension applicable in this case, was quashed on foot of a High Court Order of 23 November 1987, and a new review of the case was ordered to be undertaken.
The individual’s solicitors were invited to make representations on his behalf and detailed representations were subsequently made. A fresh examination of the matter was undertaken and all aspects of the case including, in particular, the representations made by the solicitors were fully considered by the then Minister for Defence and a new bona fide decision was made. It was decided to take the total civil compensation received by the person in question into consideration and the disability pension was accordingly reduced.
While the High Court Order quashed the original decision of March 1987 and ordered that a new review of the case be undertaken, the court did not express any view as to the outcome of the review. The Order did not preclude the then Minister for Defence from arriving at the same decision and I do not believe that the decision made was in conflict with the High Court Order.
I am satisfied that the disability pension in this case has been properly determined in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to indicate the extent to which the strength of the Defence Forces at Army, Navy and Air Corps level has fluctuated in the past four years; the extent to which numbers remain within projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43727/14]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table. In relation to the figures in the table, the serving strength figures for 2013 and 2014 are the Whole Time Equivalent strengths of Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. The fluctuation in strength is based on the serving strength at the end of the preceding year.
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.
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 441 Recruits enlisted to the Permanent Defence Force (both Army and Navy) since then 385 remain in training. There are 37 cadets in training and 15 Apprentice Aircraft Technicians have been recruited 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 assigned by Government both at home and overseas.
|
- |
31-Dec-10 |
31-Dec-11 |
31-Dec-12 |
31-Dec-13 |
30-Sep-14 |
|
SERVING ARMY STRENGTH |
7752 |
7650 |
7510 |
7434 |
7413 |
|
SERVING AIR CORPS STRENGTH |
766 |
791 |
791 |
779 |
757 |
|
- |
|||||
|
SERVING NAVAL SERVICE STRENGTH |
1032 |
997 |
1058 |
1023 |
1030 |
|
TOTAL |
9,550 |
9,438 |
9,359 |
9,236 |
9,200 |
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to indicate the extent to which gender balance continues to be maintained throughout the Defence Forces at Army, Navy and Air Corps in all ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43728/14]
View answerThe strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 30 September 2014, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,200. This comprises 7,413 Army, 757 Air Corps and 1030 Naval Service. 556 (6.04%) 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 establishment ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force is 9,500. Recruitment campaigns are under way in order to reach this establishment. Current and future recruitment campaigns have sought to target potential female candidates.
As I outlined in my reply to Question Number 124 of 18 September 2014, 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,
- A balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards,
- All promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit,
- A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces 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 the 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. 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 |
0 |
1 |
|
Maj Gen |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Brig Gen |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Col |
33 |
0 |
33 |
|
Lt Col |
100 |
3 |
103 |
|
Comdt |
219 |
25 |
244 |
|
Captain |
254 |
43 |
297 |
|
LT |
190 |
36 |
226 |
|
SM |
26 |
0 |
26 |
|
BQMS |
33 |
0 |
33 |
|
CS |
106 |
1 |
107 |
|
CQMS |
162 |
1 |
163 |
|
Sgt |
825 |
54 |
879 |
|
Cpl |
1,238 |
115 |
1353 |
|
Pte |
3,745 |
176 |
3921 |
|
Cadets |
16 |
3 |
19 |
|
Total |
6,956 |
457 |
7,413 |
Air Corps (PDF)
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lt Gen |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Maj Gen |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Brig Gen |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Col |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Lt Col |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
Comdt |
32 |
0 |
32 |
|
Captain |
44 |
6 |
50 |
|
LT |
29 |
1 |
30 |
|
SM |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
BQMS |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
CS |
47 |
0 |
47 |
|
CQMS |
14 |
0 |
14 |
|
Sgt |
119 |
6 |
125 |
|
Cpl |
151 |
12 |
163 |
|
Pte |
237 |
9 |
246 |
|
Cadets |
23 |
0 |
23 |
|
Total |
722 |
35 |
757 |
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to set out the extent to which the situation has been resolved in regard to members of the Defence Forces due to retire after specified years of service; if they have had their wishes to continue in the Defence Forces accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43729/14]
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.
As Military life places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals it is necessary that its members be physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations and to undertake their duties on deployment overseas. It is vital the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised. As such, in order to maintain the age profile of the PDF to carry out the operational tasks required by Government, it is necessary to have a constant input of recruits into the PDF. The maximum age for personnel who have enlisted in the PDF post 1 January 1994 provides the mechanism through which a satisfactory age profile can be achieved.
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.
In the meantime work is continuing on measures to support those exiting. A number of military courses are already accredited with various Third Level Institutions. While a comprehensive training course to aid Transition to Civilian Life for these personnel is currently being piloted.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to set out the extent to which any further cause for overseas deployment of Irish peacekeeping missions has been received or is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43730/14]
View answer102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence to detail the number and location of various deployments of the Defence Forces at present; whether these are under EU UN or joint management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43731/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
As of 01 November 2014, Ireland is contributing approximately 418 Defence Forces personnel to 11 missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas 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 191 personnel, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 138 Defence Forces personnel. Small numbers of Defence Forces personnel are also deployed to missions in Mali, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Ireland also contributes observers to various United Nations and OSCE missions, to the Nordic Battle group headquarters in Sweden and other personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU and OSCE headquarters.
The most recent request for the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas was from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Emergency Civilian Assistance Team (ECAT) Initiative to assist in Ireland’s response to the Ebola crisis in West Africa. Three members of the Permanent Defence Force are being deployed to the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone. These personnel will bring key technical skills to enhance the embassy's ability to respond to the crisis.
Consideration is also being given to the possible deployment of a small number of Defence Forces personnel to be embedded as part of a UK Armed Forces Treatment Unit in Kerrytown, Sierra Leone. Discussions are ongoing in this regard between the Irish and UK authorities.
Apart from the above deployments, no other new deployments are planned or envisaged at this time.
The current contribution of some 418 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
AS OF 01 November 2014
|
1. |
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) 45 th Infantry Group |
191 |
|
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel, Syria & Lebanon |
12 |
|
|
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 |
138 |
|
|
TOTAL |
350 |
|
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
||
|
EUFOR (EU led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
7 |
|
|
EUTM Mali (EU led Training Mission) |
10 |
|
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
12 |
|
|
ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
386 |
|
|
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 |
418 |
