Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:16. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence when he expects to publish the White Paper on Defence. [43266/14]
View answerWhite Paper on Defence
Questions (16)
Written answers
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. Work on the new White Paper is progressing well. 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. This includes discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade including on their ongoing review of Ireland’s foreign policy and external relations. These discussions are continuing, as required, throughout the White Paper process.
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.
Defence Forces Funding
Questions (17)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:17. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence his plans to seek a ring-fencing of Army, Navy and Air Corps funding over the next decade. [43270/14]
View answerWritten answers
In late 2013, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced that a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE) would commence in 2014 to review all elements of Government spending and inform decisions on expenditure allocations for the years 2015–2017. The Department of Defence made a submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in June, 2014, as part of the CRE process. Following on from the CRE, Budget 2015 set out the overall financial envelope for the 2015-2017 period. Within this envelope, decisions on resource allocation are made on a prioritised basis in accordance with assessed operational requirements. The Department is also preparing a new White Paper on Defence and this provides an opportunity to critically assess future demands and associated operational requirements. Working groups, which include both civil and military members, are considering likely future operational demands and the capabilities and resources required to meet these demands.
The White Paper on Defence will inform key decisions regarding defence provision for the next decade. I look forward to receiving an initial draft by the end of the year and it is my intention to present a final draft for consideration by Government, in due course. My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the Defence Forces retain the capabilities to fulfil all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas. In this regard, it will be important that future funding provision is consistent with the policy requirements determined by the Government.
Defence Forces Medical Services
Questions (18)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:18. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his plans to make changes in the provision of medical services to members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43291/14]
View answerWritten answers
In 2009 PA Consultants recommended a programme of major change in relation to Defence Forces Medical Services. As recommended by the consultants, a number of working groups were set up to progress the various change projects identified. The working groups were tasked with identifying the practical steps which needed to be taken to achieve implementation of the PA report recommendations for the medical service. Following the completion of the work of the Working Groups an implementation plan was drawn up to implement their recommendations. Arising from the implementation plan the Central Medical Unit was formally established in 2012 to enable the detailed structures, processes and personnel to be put in place to provide for the support, management and delivery of modern medical services for the Defence Forces. This new Central Medical Unit brings all medical personnel under one central command. It has responsibility for the management and delivery of medical services, including the allocation of medical resources across the system based on operational requirements and demands.
In relation to specific medical services, it was necessary to undertake a further exercise to identify the optimal options for service provision. A joint civilian/ military Standing Committee has been set up and tasked with advancing the development of a sustainable integrated medical service involving both internal and outsourced service provision to meet the needs of the Defence Forces as outlined in the PA Report. The Standing Committee is reviewing each medical service individually e.g. physiotherapy services, laboratory services, mental health services etc. in order to evaluate and make a recommendation regarding the most appropriate means of delivering the medical capability to the Defence Forces. For example a service that is currently delivered by staff in house may be outsourced or vice versa. The Standing Committee is focussed on ensuring that medical services are delivered in an optimum and sustainable manner.
I would like to take this opportunity to assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need and that I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad.
Defence Forces Deployment
Questions (19)
Clare Daly
Question:19. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions that members of the Defence Forces have been called to undertake aid to the civil power ATCP duties at Dublin, Cork, and Shannon airports, respectively, in the past 12 months; and the way these operations are funded. [41264/14]
View answerWritten answers
An Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters. The Defence Forces were not deployed in an ATCP role to Dublin or Cork airports during the period in question. There were 362 ATCP deployments carried out by the Defence Forces to Shannon Airport during the 12 month period from the 6th November 2013 to the 6th of November 2014. The length of each such deployment and the number of relevant aircraft that land and take off during each deployment can vary. For example, if a single aircraft is on the ground for an extended period, perhaps overnight, or over a number of days, this would involve more than one deployment of troops as each shift is generally of 12 hours duration.
The costs of these operations, which include Security Duty Allowance, rations and fuel, are met from the Defence Vote.
Defence Forces Deployment
Questions (20)
Lucinda Creighton
Question:20. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence his views that the triple lock system is still a suitable mechanism to determine our peacekeeping operations in view of the dysfunctional nature of the UN Security Council; his plans to ensure Ireland has greater level of control on our peacekeeping missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41254/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Green Paper on Defence, which was published in 2013, considered the relevance of the “triple lock” mechanism in a world where defence and security threats are becoming more interconnected, more diverse, less visible and less predictable than heretofore. The Green Paper noted the requirement for a UN resolution as part of the “triple lock” reflects the central importance of the UN in granting legitimacy to peace support and crisis management missions. The Green Paper also noted that at the same time, the “triple lock” also constitutes a self imposed, legal constraint on the State’s sovereignty in making decisions about the use of its armed forces. The Green Paper recognised that on balance the advantages of retaining the “triple lock” mechanism can be seen as outweighing the disadvantages. Nonetheless it is an issue worthy of discussion in advance of the adoption of the next White Paper on Defence which will include an updated assessment of the future defence and security environment.
The benefits of a formal legislative requirement for UN authorisation must be weighed against the possibility that this constraint may lead to an inability to act on occasions where there is a pressing moral or security imperative and overwhelming international support to do so, but where UN sanction is not forthcoming, in circumstances where a veto is exercised by a permanent member of the Security Council acting in its own national interests.
It is acknowledged that there is substantial public support for the triple lock mechanism and that, in practical terms, due to the size of our Defence Forces, the State only has a limited capacity to contribute to UN Missions. In real terms Ireland has, in the context of its size, punched above its weight and made a valuable, disproportionate contribution and, save for the example of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, has not been excluded from peace keeping engagements by the triple lock. On balance, the advantages of retaining the mechanism can be seen as outweighing the disadvantages. Having said that, it is an issue worthy of discussion in advance of the adoption of a new White Paper.
Overseas Missions
Questions (21)
Mick Wallace
Question:21. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details on the involvement of Irish Defence Forces personnel in ongoing overseas missions; their role and effectiveness in achieving peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41253/14]
View answerWritten answers
As of 1 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. United Nations peacekeeping operations are deployed on the basis of mandates from the United Nations Security Council. Their roles differ from situation to situation, depending on the nature of the conflict and the specific challenges it presents. Their effectiveness is a matter for the United Nations.
Participation 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.
Peacekeeping also adds to our national security by containing conflicts and reducing the threat of conflicts spreading.
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
|
1. |
UN MISSIONS |
Defence Forces personnel |
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) 45th 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 |
Military Aircraft Landings
Questions (22)
Clare Daly
Question:22. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the steps taken by the Irish Defence Forces, and in particular the Air Corps in monitoring US military aircraft while on Irish territory and in Irish air space to ensure that they comply with Irish neutrality regulations. [41266/14]
View answerWritten answers
Primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland rests with the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade in accordance with the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952. The Air Corps do not have a monitoring role with regard to foreign military aircraft on Irish territory and in Irish air space.
I understand from my colleague, Mr. Charlie Flanagan, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade that arrangements under which permission is granted for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports are governed by strict conditions. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.
Requests to permit the landing of military aircraft are considered by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade on the basis of these conditions. Permission is not granted for the conduct of foreign military operations in Irish airspace.
White Paper on Defence
Questions (23)
Terence Flanagan
Question:23. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the White Paper for Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43239/14]
View answerWritten answers
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. Work on the White Paper on Defence is progressing well. 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. This includes discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade including on their ongoing review of Ireland’s foreign policy and external relations. These discussions are continuing, as required, throughout the White Paper process.
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.
Overseas Missions
Questions (24)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:24. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the small number of Irish troops based in Afghanistan; and the timeframe they will be based there. [43268/14]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has participated in the NATO–led UN mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 5 July 2002. The Government has reviewed and approved, on an annual basis, the continued participation of the Permanent Defence Force in ISAF. The re are currently seven (7) personnel serving with the force and they are all located in ISAF HQ, Kabul and work in staff appointments in planning and administrative roles. The overall drawdown of ISAF personnel is currently underway and the withdrawal of the Defence Forces personnel will be coordinated in this context. Irish personnel will complete their service with the mission in December 2014.
The proposed NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, post 2014, will be a follow on training advisory and assistance mission in support of the Afghan National Security Forces capacity building . The question of Ireland contributing to the follow on mission in Afghanistan is currently being considered in the context of what other contributing countries are planning. Any participation by Ireland in the follow on training mission will be subject to Government approval.
Defence Forces Personnel
Questions (25)
Gabrielle McFadden
Question:25. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence if there have been developments in respect of addressing the 21-year limit; this service limit is causing serious difficulties for many serving members who have mortgage and family commitments and who have the necessary skills and fitness levels to continue to serve beyond the 21-year limit; the first group of compulsory exits scheduled to occur next year. [43093/14]
View answerWritten answers
As I have previously outlined in 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 do understand the concerns this issue raises for enlisted personnel due to be discharged in terms of their personal circumstances and the impact on their families. 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.