Written Answers Nos. 256-279
256. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the third-party adjudication into the review of the 21-year limit on contracts for certain members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48934/14]
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.
While there was significant progress made in recent discussions between PDFORRA and Civil and Military Management on this issue, 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 as soon as possible following the exchange of submissions between the parties.
In the meantime work is continuing on exit support measures to support those due to be discharged. A number of military courses and other skills courses are already accredited with various Third Level Institutions and Professional Bodies. In addition, a comprehensive training course to aid Transition to Civilian Life for these personnel, which involves a skills appraisal and review of a person’s service history and training already provided, is currently being piloted.
257. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the priorities in his Department for the remainder of the term of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49020/14]
View answerThe Department is continuing to work closely with the Defence Forces to ensure that they retain the capabilities to fulfil all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas. In this context, and within the available resource envelope, decisions to replace equipment and ongoing recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force will prioritise the maintenance of required operational outputs. 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. I anticipate receipt of an initial draft outline of the White Paper by the end of this year. The final draft of the White Paper will be fully considered by Government in due course.
In line with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, a new Strategy Statement is being prepared. The draft Strategy Statement will be submitted to me for my consideration in the near future.
258. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the total use and total cost per annum of the Government jet in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014. [49118/14]
View answerDetails of usage by Government of the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) for 2011, 2012, 2013 and up to the end of November 2014 are set out in the tabular statement.
The Deputy may wish to note that, in line with a commitment made in the Programme for Government, information relating to the MATS is now published on my Department’s website and is updated on a monthly basis.
In relation to the costs, my Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under each of two headings:
(a) The variable cost, which comprises costs incurred only when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services i.e. it does not include costs associated with having the aircraft; and
(b) The total cost, which comprises the variable cost plus the fixed cost associated with having the aircraft. The latter comprises personnel costs and depreciation.
These average hourly costs, per each aircraft type deployed for MATS missions in the period covered by your question, are set out in the following tables. For clarity, an additional average fixed cost per hour column has been included in the following tables showing the cost associated with having the aircraft. These costs will be the same regardless of how frequently the aircraft is flown.
These average hourly rates were updated and published in 2013 (the previous revisions were in 2009 and 2011) to reflect changes in the elements used to calculate the hourly rates, such as fuel costs, personnel costs, depreciation, support costs and flying hours.
Costs per flying hour published in 2013:
|
Aircraft |
Average Fixed Cost per Hour € |
Average Variable Cost Per Hour € |
Average Total Cost Per Hour € |
|
Gulfstream |
620 |
4,140 |
4,760 |
|
Learjet |
2,370 |
2,570 |
4,940 |
|
CASA |
1,380 |
2,380 |
3,760 |
|
AW 139 |
2,060 |
1,500 |
3,560 |
Costs per flying hour published in 2011:
|
Aircraft |
Average Fixed Cost per Hour € |
Average Variable Cost Per Hour € |
Average Total Cost Per Hour € |
|
Gulfstream |
520 |
3,270 |
3,790 |
|
Learjet |
2,260 |
1,940 |
4,200 |
|
CASA |
1,410 |
2,800 |
4,210 |
|
AW 139 |
2,000 |
1,410 |
3,410 |
Gulfstream IV
|
- |
Gulfstream IV |
|||
|
Date |
Return Date |
Min. Time On Board |
Route |
Minister |
|
04/02/2011 |
04/02/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS Foreign Affairs |
|
10/03/2011 |
12/03/2011 |
185 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Knock - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
15/03/2011 |
18/03/2011 |
825 |
Baldonnel - Washington - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
|
24/03/2011 |
25/03/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
12/04/2011 |
12/04/2011 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste Foreign Affairs / Justice & Equality / MOS Foreign Affairs |
|
17/04/2011 |
18/04/2011 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
04/05/2011 |
06/05/2011 |
810 |
Baldonnel - Teteboro - White Plains - Teteboro - Knock - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
09/06/2011 |
10/06/2011 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Justice & Equality |
|
19/06/2011 |
19/06/2011 |
100 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
|
21/06/2011 |
22/06/2011 |
300 |
Baldonnel - Vienna - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
|
20/06/2011 |
20/06/2011 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Stansted - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
|
23/06/2011 |
24/06/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
|
21/07/2011 |
21/07/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
|
25/09/2011 |
26/09/2011 |
420 |
Baldonnel - Algiers - Oran - Baldonnel |
Agriculture, Marine & Food |
|
29/09/2011 |
30/09/2011 |
330 |
Baldonnel - Warsaw - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
12/10/2011 |
13/10/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
|
22/10/2011 |
23/10/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Dublin |
An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
|
06/11/2011 |
07/11/2011 |
455 |
Baldonnel - Moscow - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
|
16/11/2011 |
16/11/2011 |
275 |
Baldonnel - Berlin - Frankfurt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
30/11/2011 |
30/11/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Defence |
|
07/12/2011 |
07/12/2011 |
345 |
Baldonnel - Vilnius - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
|
09/12/2011 |
09/12/2011 |
90 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
|
12/01/2012 |
12/01/2012 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
25/01/2012 |
27/01/2012 |
240 |
Baldonnel - Zurich - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
30/01/2012 |
30/01/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
|
08/02/2012 |
09/02/2012 |
790 |
Baldonnel - Teteboro - Whiteplains - Teteboro - Dublin |
An Taoiseach / Enterprise/Trade & Innovation |
|
15/02/2012 |
17/02/2012 |
835 |
Baldonnel - Teteboro - White Plains - Teteboro - Boston - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
23/02/2012 |
24/02/2012 |
385 |
Baldonnel - Berlin - Rome - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
29/02/2012 |
02/03/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Finance / MOS Taoiseach |
|
15/03/2012 |
21/03/2012 |
1050 |
Baldonnel - Chicago - Southbend - Whiteplains - Washington - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
12/03/2012 |
12/03/2012 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
26/04/2012 |
27/04/2012 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Agriculture, Marine & Food / Justice & Equality |
|
23/05/2012 |
24/05/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) |
|
11/06/2012 |
14/06/2012 |
840 |
Baldonnel - Yerevan - Tbilisi - Batumi - Baku - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) |
|
Gulfstream IV |
||||
|
Date |
Return Date |
Min. Time On Board |
Route |
Minister |
|
22/06/2012 |
22/06/2012 |
185 |
Baldonnel - Edinburgh - Cork - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
|
25/06/2012 |
25/06/2012 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) |
|
28/06/2012 |
29/06/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / MOS Taoiseach |
|
09/07/2012 |
11/07/2012 |
680 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Larnaca - Baldonnel |
Finance/Health |
|
17/07/2012 |
17/07/2012 |
210 |
Baldonnel - Frankfurt - Baldonnel |
Finance |
|
23/07/2012 |
24/07/2012 |
495 |
Baldonnel - Berlin - Rome - Budapest - Baldonnel |
Agriculture, Marine & Food |
|
27/07/2012 |
28/07/2012 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
11/09/2012 |
15/09/2012 |
775 |
Baldonnel - Paris - Berlin - Rome - Larnaca - Baldonnel |
Finance |
|
21/09/2012 |
22/09/2012 |
340 |
Baldonnel - Rome - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
03/10/2012 |
03/10/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / Finance / Public Expenditure & Reform / Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation / Social Protection / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources / Environment, Community & Local Government / Agriculture, Food & Marine / Transport, Tourism & Sport / MOS European Affairs |
|
09/10/2012 |
09/10/2012 |
190 |
Baldonnel - Paris - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) |
|
11/10/2012 |
14/10/2012 |
905 |
Baldonnel - Philadelphia - Cleveland - Knock - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
18/10/2012 |
19/10/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS European Affairs |
|
22/10/2012 |
22/10/2012 |
190 |
Baldonnel - Paris - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS Food, Horticulture & Food Safety |
|
25/10/2012 |
26/10/2012 |
250 |
Baldonnel - Berlin - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) |
|
01/11/2012 |
01/11/2012 |
250 |
Baldonnel - Berlin - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
07/11/2012 |
08/11/2012 |
395 |
Baldonnel - Budapest - Vienna - Berlin - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
19/11/2012 |
20/11/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / MOS European Affairs |
|
22/11/2012 |
23/11/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / Agriculture, Food & Marine / MOS European Affairs |
|
26/11/2012 |
26/11/2012 |
100 |
Baldonnel - Cardiff - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Children & Youth Affairs |
|
28/11/2012 |
29/11/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Agriculture, Food & Marine / Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation |
|
10/12/2012 |
10/12/2012 |
260 |
Baldonnel - Oslo - Balddonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
13/12/2012 |
14/12/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS European Affairs |
|
16/12/2012 |
17/12/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (Foreign Affairs & Trade) / MOS European Affairs |
|
20/12/2012 |
20/12/2012 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Dublin |
Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
|
30/01/2013 |
31/01/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Tánaiste (DFAT) / Public Expenditure & Reform / MOS European Affairs |
|
Gulfstream IV |
||||
|
Date |
Return Date |
Min. Time On Board |
Route |
Minister |
|
07/02/2013 |
08/02/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Agriculture, Food & Marine / MOS European Affairs |
|
14/02/2013 |
16/02/2013 |
465 |
Baldonnel - Moscow - Baldonnel |
Finance |
|
21/02/2013 |
22/02/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Communications, Energy & Natural Resources / MOS Communications |
|
26/02/2013 |
27/02/2013 |
360 |
Baldonnel - Geneva - Rome - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
03/03/2013 |
05/03/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Finance / MOS Public Expenditure |
|
09/03/2013 |
12/03/2013 |
390 |
Baldonnel - Beirut - Larnaca - Tel Aviv - Baldonnel |
Defence |
|
07/03/2013 |
07/03/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
15/03/2013 |
23/03/2013 |
1600 |
Baldonnel - White Plains - Washington - Orange County - Burnabk - Moffett - Seattle - Edmonton - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
13/03/2013 |
15/03/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation / MOS European Affairs |
|
07/04/2013 |
10/04/2013 |
690 |
Baldonnel - Istanbul - Gaziantep - Ankara - Istanbul - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
11/04/2013 |
11/04/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) / MOS European Affairs |
|
18/04/2013 |
19/04/2013 |
420 |
Baldonnel - Kiev - Baldonnel |
MOS Public Expenditure & Reform |
|
21/04/2013 |
22/04/2013 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) / Agriculture, Food & Marine / MOS European Affairs |
|
25/04/2013 |
25/04/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
28/04/2013 |
29/04/2013 |
370 |
Baldonnel - Granada - Lisbon - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
06/05/2013 |
06/05/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
12/05/2013 |
13/05/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) / Finance / Public Expenditure & Reform / MOS Public Expenditure / MOS European Affairs |
|
18/05/2013 |
20/05/2013 |
765 |
Baldonnel - Boston - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
16/05/2013 |
17/05/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Communications , Energy & Natural Resources/ Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht / MOS Tourism |
|
22/05/2013 |
23/05/2013 |
505 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Athens - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
26/05/2013 |
29/05/2013 |
230 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Paris - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
06/06/2013 |
08/06/2013 |
475 |
Baldonnel - Vilnius - Riga - Helsinki - Northolt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
04/06/2013 |
04/06/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) / MOS European Affairs |
|
10/06/2013 |
10/06/2013 |
385 |
Baldonnel - San Damiano Air Base (Piacenza) - Rome - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
19/06/2013 |
21/06/2013 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Finance / Social Protection / MOS Public Expenditure |
|
23/06/2013 |
25/06/2013 |
230 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
26/06/2013 |
28/06/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
22/06/2013 |
22/06/2013 |
100 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Agriculture, Marine & Food |
|
26/06/2013 |
26/06/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Communications , Energy & Natural Resources/ Children & Youth Affairs |
|
Gulfstream IV |
||||
|
Date |
Return Date |
Min. Time On Board |
Route |
Minister |
|
01/07/2013 |
02/07/2013 |
210 |
Baldonnel - Strasbourg - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS European Affairs |
|
10/07/2013 |
13/07/2013 |
930 |
Baldonnel - Washington - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
17/07/2013 |
19/07/2013 |
360 |
Baldonnel - Vilnius - Baldonnel |
Justice, Equality & Reform |
|
12/09/2013 |
14/09/2013 |
390 |
Baldonnel - Vilnius - Baldonnel |
Public Expenditure & Reform |
|
24/09/2013 |
29/09/2013 |
765 |
Baldonnel - White Plains - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
07/10/2013 |
07/10/2013 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Justice & Equality |
|
10/10/2013 |
10/10/2013 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Transport, Tourism & Sport |
|
24/10/2013 |
25/10/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS European Affairs |
|
12/11/2013 |
12/11/2013 |
190 |
Baldonnel - Paris - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach/Social Protection |
|
15/11/2013 |
15/11/2013 |
130 |
Baldonnel - Jersey - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach/Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht Affairs |
|
25/11/2013 |
29/11/2013 |
810 |
Baldonnel - Beirut - Amman - Tel Aviv - Baldonnel |
Defence |
|
13/11/2013 |
13/11/2013 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Gatwick - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
14/11/2013 |
14/11/2013 |
60 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
15/12/2013 |
16/12/2013 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
18/12/2013 |
20/12/2013 |
190 |
Baldonnel - Wevelgem - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS European Affairs |
|
04/01/2014 |
10/01/2014 |
1025 |
Baldonnel - Riyadh - Doha - Abu Dhabi - Dubai - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Taoiseach / Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation |
|
22/01/2014 |
24/01/2014 |
240 |
Baldonnel - Zurich - Baldonnel |
Taoiseach / Finance |
|
07/02/2014 |
07/02/2014 |
190 |
Baldonnel - Paris - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (DFAT) / Education & Skills / Environment, Community & Local Government / Social Protection / Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation |
|
12/03/2014 |
18/03/2014 |
1010 |
Baldonnel - Washington - Boston - White Plains - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
10/03/2014 |
11/03/2014 |
150 |
Baldonnel - Manchester - Northolt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
06/03/2014 |
06/03/2014 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
20/03/2014 |
21/03/2014 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS European Affairs |
|
08/04/2014 |
09/04/2014 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
|
10/04/2014 |
11/04/2014 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Northolt - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
14/04/2014 |
14/04/2014 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
An Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
05/05/2014 |
06/05/2014 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Finance |
|
27/05/2014 |
27/05/2014 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Taoiseach / Tánaiste (DFAT) / MOS European Affairs |
|
05/06/2014 |
06/06/2014 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Justice & Equality / Transport, Tourism & Sport |
|
06/06/2014 |
07/06/2014 |
430 |
Baldonnel - Kiev - Baldonnel |
Environment, Community & Local Government |
|
15/06/2014 |
16/06/2014 |
650 |
Baldonnel - Beirut - Baldonnel |
Taoiseach & Defence / MOS Defence |
|
13/06/2014 |
13/06/2014 |
120 |
Baldonnel - Guernsey - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
19/06/2014 |
20/06/2014 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
Finance / Health |
|
22/06/2014 |
23/06/2014 |
200 |
Baldonnel - Luxembourg - Baldonnel |
An Tánaiste (DFAT) |
|
26/06/2014 |
27/06/2014 |
170 |
Baldonnel - Wevelgem - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste (DFAT) / MOS European Affairs |
|
03/07/2014 |
03/07/2014 |
250 |
Baldonnel - Berlin - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
07/07/2014 |
07/07/2014 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
Finance |
|
16/07/2014 |
17/07/2014 |
180 |
Baldonnel - Brussels - Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS European Affairs |
|
14/07/2014 |
15/07/2014 |
250 |
Baldonnel - Geneva - Baldonnel |
Justice & Equality |
|
17/07/2014 |
18/07/2014 |
290 |
Baldonnel - Milan - Baldonnel |
An Tánaiste (Social Protection) |
Table continuing
Lear Jet 45
CASA
Helicopter
259. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by zero to six months, six to 12 months, one to two years, two to three years, four to five years and more than five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49123/14]
View answerCivil Service policy on leave without pay is decided centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There are a range of options open to staff wishing to avail of periods of unpaid leave. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of staff in my Department currently on sabbatical/career breaks/Carers leave is set out in the table.
|
Duration |
Number of Staff |
|
0-6 months |
Nil |
|
6-12 months |
Nil |
|
1-2 years |
2 |
|
2-3 years |
1 |
|
4-5 years |
2 |
|
5 years plus |
1 |
260. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49138/14]
View answerThe total costs for photography paid by the Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 to date is set out in the table.
|
Date |
Company |
Cost |
|
25/3/2011 |
Maxwell Photography |
€393.25 (Including VAT) |
|
9/11/2011 |
Maxwell Photography |
€849.42 (Including VAT) |
|
21/11/2012 |
Fennell Photography |
€116.85 (including VAT) |
|
10/07/2013 |
Maxwell Photography |
€17.22 (including VAT) |
|
21/11/2014 |
Maxwell Photography |
€713.40(including VAT) |
In a reply to Parliamentary Question numbers 264 of 16th January 2014 and 566 of 8th July 2014 it was incorrectly stated that there were no costs for photography for 2013. The figure now provided above is the corrected figure.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, following an EU-level advertised procurement process, has established a Framework Agreement comprising five firms for the provision of photography services. The Framework was established in February 2012 and is open for use by all Government Departments and Offices. My Department avails of this Framework Agreement for photography needs.
261. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming to office; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49153/14]
View answer269. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the total external public relations costs incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and estimated in 2014. [49378/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 269 together.
My Department has not incurred any expenditure on external public relations since March 2011.
262. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the total amount spent on external IT consultants by his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49168/14]
View answer263. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has renegotiated external IT consultancy contracts and costs since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49183/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the total amount of expenditure on external IT consultants by my Department, for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 is set out in the table.
My Department is always mindful of the costs involved in engaging consultants. External consultants are engaged only when there is a clear need for specialised expertise and following a rigorous examination of skills and resources available in-house. The objective of using outside consultants is to ensure that my Department achieves value for money by implementing recommendations for improvements in order to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.
My Department adheres to the standards set out in the Public Procurement rules & guidelines in awarding contracts. My Department has not re-negotiated any external IT consultancy contracts or costs since March 2011. Multi-annual contracts are regularly reviewed to ensure best value for money and are extended, within the terms of the contract awarded, provided that the quality of service required by my Department is being met.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2010 |
€82,770 |
|
2011 |
€22,009 |
|
2012 |
€201,224 |
|
2013 |
€93,977 |
|
To date in 2014 |
€71,562 |
264. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide the number of appointments to State boards under his Department's remit made since March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under his Department's remit since March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under his Department's remit publicly advertised since March 2011 to date; and the number of appointments to State boards under his remit drawn directly from the public advertisement process. [49198/14]
View answerThe State Boards under the aegis of the Department of Defence in March 2011 were the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard and the Army Pensions Board.
The Civil Defence Board was identified in the Public Service Reform Plan as a body to be abolished. The then Minister for Defence appointed a 14 person interim Board as a temporary measure in 2011 and in this context none of the positions were advertised. Legislation to dissolve the Board was passed by the Oireachtas in December 2012. Its functions have now transferred back to the Department of Defence.
There were no appointments to the Board of Coiste an Asgard from 2009. In the context of settling the Estimates for the Department of Defence for 2010, the Government decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure. The formal wind up of the Company including voluntary strike off with the Companies Registration Office was completed in early 2013.
The only body currently under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act, 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non-military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
There have been three appointments to the Army Pensions Board since March 2011. A serving officer was appointed to the position of Army Medical Corps member of the Board in December 2011. This position became vacant in October 2014 due to the officer’s deployment overseas. On the recommendation of the Chief of Staff a temporary appointment to the Board was made to cover the absence period of October 2014 to May 2015. As the Army Pensions Act 1927 specifies that one of the ordinary members must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps, the position was not publicly advertised on either occasion that it was filled. Details of these appointments to the Army Pensions Board were published in the Iris Oifigiúil on 13 January 2012 and 4 November 2014 respectively.
A civilian doctor was appointed as ordinary member of the Army Pensions Board in November 2013. The civilian doctor vacancy was advertised on the Department of Defence website and the Public Appointments Service website. A number of expressions of interest in the position were received and an appointment to the Board was made on foot of this public advertisement process.
265. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, per annum from 2009 to date in 2014 the total number of freedom of information requests received by his Department; the total refused; total granted; total part-granted; total appealed; total successful appeals; total part-successful appeals; total refusals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49241/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables.
FOI Requests:
|
Year |
Number of Requests * |
Refused |
Granted |
Part Granted |
|
2009 |
62 |
10 |
30 |
10 |
|
2010 |
63 |
8 |
12 |
20 |
|
2011 |
40 |
5 |
20 |
7 |
|
2012 |
50 |
5 |
15 |
11 |
|
2013 |
40 |
5 |
7 |
11 |
|
2014 to date |
29 |
2 |
8 |
9 |
*Please note that this figure includes requests received which were subsequently withdrawn, withdrawn and handled outside FOI and requests transferred to another body.
FOI Appeals/Internal Review:
|
Year |
Total Appealed |
Successful |
Part Successful |
Unsuccessful |
|
2009 |
3 |
3 |
||
|
2010 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
2011 |
4 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
2012 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
2013 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
2014 to date |
1 |
1 |
FOI Appeals to Office of Information Commissioner:
|
Year |
Total Appealed |
Successful |
Part Successful |
Unsuccessful |
|
2009 |
0 |
|||
|
2010 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
2011 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
2012 |
0 |
|||
|
2013 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
2014 to date |
0 |
266. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide in tabular form per annum all external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date. [49256/14]
View answerMy Department has commissioned two external reports since 9 March 2011. On 19th April 2011, Mr Frank Callanan, SC, was commissioned to carry out an independent review into matters relevant to the deaths of Corporal Fintan Heneghan, Private Mannix Armstrong and Private Thomas Walsh on 21st March 1989 while serving with the 64th Infantry Battalion, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The report was completed in September 2011 at a cost of €51,660.
Arising from one of the recommendations made in the Air Accident Investigation Unit’s report into the crash involving the Air Corps’ Pilatus PC9 aircraft at Cornamona, Co. Galway on 12th of October 2009, the Air Corps reviewed the operation of its Safety Management System and accepted the suggestion made that it include an external source in the auditing process. Accordingly, Mr Jacques Michaud was commissioned by the Air Corps in August 2013 to carry out a review of the Air Corps’ Safety Management System. The report entitled “Irish Air Corps Safety Management Review” was completed in November 2013 at a cost of €20,000.
267. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide, in tabular form, the total amount spent per annum in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 on staff subsistence payments and taxi payments; if his Department has been audited for tax compliance on these payments and other benefits-in-kind; if these processes have been revised in view of the Revenue Commissioners' concerns over practices in other State bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49322/14]
View answerThe details requested in respect of the total amount spent per annum in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 (15th December) on staff subsistence (including foreign subsistence) and taxi payments in respect of Departmental civil servants, members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and civilian employees, is as outlined as follows:
|
Year |
Subsistence Payments |
Taxi Payments |
|
2011 |
€4,208,952 |
€39,189 |
|
2012 |
€3,771,753 |
€35,539 |
|
2013 |
€3,706,508 |
€32,839 |
|
2014 (to 15th December) |
€3,899,997 |
€33,004 |
Arising from a Revenue audit, which was concluded in 2010, the Department of Defence made a settlement of €1,461,965 for the years 2007-2010 and part of 2011, in respect of an allowance payable to members of the PDF attached to the Reserve Defence Force for expenses incurred in the course of their duties. The payment process associated with this allowance was revised and the allowance has been taxed since early 2011. No issues were raised during the audit in relation to subsistence and taxi payments in respect of Departmental civil servants.
In 2012, the Department, as part of its internal tax compliance arrangements, conducted a detailed internal review of the full range of allowances and other arrangements in respect of military and civilian employees. Following the internal review, an unprompted voluntary disclosure was made to the Revenue Commissioners in December 2012 in relation to certain allowances and arrangements, where the Department considered that benefit-in-kind issues might arise, and a payment of €1,090,078 on account was made for the tax years 2011 and 2012. Where necessary, the appropriate processes were revised on the recommendation of the Revenue Commissioners. As part of the unprompted voluntary disclosure process the Department also submitted reviews to the Revenue Commissioners on the provision of accommodation and medical services to members of the Defence Forces and their families. In the case of the unprompted voluntary disclosure made in respect of medical services a payment of €281,255 on account was made in February 2014.
The Revenue Commissioners are currently considering the content of the three reviews submitted by my Department on allowances, accommodation and medical services.
The Department of Defence has comprehensive tax compliance procedures and internal audit structures in place and any relevant taxation issues that arise are followed up with a view to ensuring that the Department is tax compliant.
268. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the total legal costs incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and estimated in 2014. [49337/14]
View answerThe Chief State Solicitor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office and the State Claims Agency deal with all legal matters on behalf of my Department. The main requirement for legal services in my Department is in the context of litigation, usually in the form of administrative law and personal injury proceedings. The Chief State Solicitor’s Office and the State Claims Agency manage and provide legal representation in relation to all cases taken against the Minister for Defence. The Chief State Solicitor’s Office is responsible for the costs of the State’s legal teams in cases that it manages on behalf of the Department. External legal costs incurred by the State Claims Agency arising from the defence of any claims managed by the Agency for the Department are refunded to the Agency by the Department. In addition, the Department may pay plaintiffs’ legal costs as part of awards and settlements. The following table lists the total legal costs incurred in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and to the end of November 2014 in relation to such services.
|
Year |
Legal costs |
|
2011 |
€2,161,956 |
|
2012 |
€1,199,689 |
|
2013 |
€1,441,165 |
|
2014 to end Nov 2014 |
€1,133,031 |
Many factors determine the amount of legal costs estimated for 2014. Such expenditure is subject to a number of unpredictable variables including the timing of court hearings, the progression of cases and number, value and timing of awards and settlements.
While it possibly falls outside of the terms of the question, for completeness, I would like to advise that, in 2011 expenditure of €9,075 was incurred in respect of legal advice provided in 2010 to the Selection Committee established under Section 184K of the Defence Acts 1954-2007 for the purpose of identifying officers of the Permanent Defence Force suitable for appointment as a Military Judge.
270. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the sale and supply of alcohol; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48906/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, I am not in a position in my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality to provide legal advice in answer to a Parliamentary Question.
The general position is that conditions applicable to the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor are set out in the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011. Under section 17(3) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, it is an offence for a licensee, with intent to evade the conditions of the licence, to take intoxicating liquor from the licensed premises for the purpose of its being sold on the account or for the benefit or profit of the licensee, or to permit any other person, including taxi drivers or other individuals, to do so.
The Government Alcohol Advisory Group considered specific issues relating to distance sales of intoxicating liquor in its 2008 Report. The Group drew attention to the requirement that payment must be made as part of the transaction in such cases, e.g. on-line shopping, and not later on delivery of the product. The Group noted that sales of intoxicating liquor which had been ordered by telephone or otherwise and which were paid for on delivery were illegal transactions and recommended that the Gardaí should target such delivery services with a view to prosecuting the offending licensees. Any information concerning transactions of this nature which are contrary to the provisions of the Licensing Acts should, therefore, be brought to the attention of the Gardaí for investigation and possible prosecution.
Moreover, under section 31 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (as amended), it is an offence for a licensee to sell or deliver, or to permit any other person to sell or deliver, alcohol to any person for consumption off his or her premises by a person under the age of 18 years in any place except with the explicit consent of the person's parent or guardian in a private residence in which he or she is present either as of right or with permission.
271. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has published its annual report for 2013. [48775/14]
View answerMy Department's Annual Report was published in September 2014 and is available at www.justice.ie.
272. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide a full list of events where An Garda Síochána charged private organisers for policing events in the years 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014, with a breakdown of the amount An Garda Síochána received per event. [48791/14]
View answerSection 30 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides a statutory basis for the Garda Commissioner, as Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, to charge for police services on a non-public duty basis for commercial events such as sports fixtures and concerts.
In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the monies recouped by An Garda Síochána for policing services at various events in 2012, 2013 and to 16 December 2014 are as shown in the table.
|
Category |
2012 Monies Received |
2013 Monies Received* |
2014 Monies Received (as at 16.12.14) |
|
Sporting Fixtures |
1,954,323 |
972,856 |
1,405,710 |
|
Concerts/Festivals |
738,284 |
1,009,692 |
1,260,830 |
|
Other Events |
1,431,949 |
887,190 |
2,073,863 |
|
Total |
4,124,556 |
2,869,738 |
4,740,403 |
* In 2013 monies recouped for sporting fixtures are reduced, due to a delay in the receipt of payment of fees from a number of sporting organisations.
I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that a more detailed breakdown of the figures above is not readily available and cannot be compiled without using up a disproportionate amount of Garda resources.
273. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 18 September 2014, if she will provide an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48853/14]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána liaise with all relevant Government Departments on a regular basis in relation to road traffic matters, including question of public and professional driver safety. In particular, An Garda Síochána has provided advice to the Taxi Regulation Directorate of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in relation to crime perpetrated against Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Operators, in addition to the general crime prevention information which is available and relevant to such drivers. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána has provided assistance to the NTA in their development of a Skills Development Programme for SPSV Operators. This programme includes steps SPSV Operators can take to improve safety, security and compliance with current health and safety legislation, and incorporates a section on personal security. The fourth edition of this programme was issued by the NTA in May 2013.
I am also advised that a Taxi Advisory Committee advises the NTA and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to such vehicles and their drivers. The Advisory Committee holds periodic meetings at which An Garda Síochána is represented along with small public service vehicle drivers, local authority representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
274. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prosecutions for fuel laundering that took place over the past year; and if she will provide a county breakdown of the location where the offences took place. [48909/14]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and I will be in contact with the Deputy again when the information is to hand.
275. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to review mandatory sentencing (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48945/14]
View answerThe mandatory sentence for murder is life imprisonment, as provided by section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1990. A sentence of life imprisonment means that the prisoner is subject to that sentence for the rest of his or her life. Such a prisoner has no right to be released early at any stage. If granted temporary release, the prisoner remains subject to the life sentence and can be recalled to prison at any stage. Currently a person sentenced to life is, on average, likely to spend 17-18 years in prison before receiving any extended period of temporary release. The offence of manslaughter does not attract a mandatory sentence but is punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the courts are independent in the matter of sentencing, as in other matters concerning the exercise of judicial functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law. The approach of the Oireachtas has generally been to specify in statute a maximum penalty for an offence, so that a court, having considered all the circumstances of a case, may impose an appropriate penalty up to that maximum. The court is required to impose a sentence which is proportionate not only to the crime but to the individual offender, in that process identifying where on the sentencing range the particular case should lie and then applying any mitigating factors which may be present.
The prescription of mandatory prison terms in legislation is an exception to this general approach. I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Law Reform Commission 2013 Report on Mandatory Sentences, which recommends the repeal of existing presumptive mandatory minimum sentence provisions for various drugs and firearms offences. I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the Report on the Strategic Review of Penal Policy, published in September, which recommended that no further mandatory sentences or presumptive minimum sentences should be introduced.
276. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to review the parole system (details supplied) in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48946/14]
View answerI published the Report of the Penal Policy Review Group on 17 September, 2014.
The Report contains 43 recommendations, some of which can be implemented in the short to medium term, while others will require a more long term approach. As an initial step, I recently obtained the agreement, in principle, of Government to proceed immediately with the implementation of a number of key recommendations including bringing forward legislative proposals to establish the Parole Board on an independent statutory basis.
I believe this will help to strengthen the Board and improve its functions. My Department is currently considering the matter in more detail ahead of presenting proposal for legislation.
277. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to amend section 120 of the Succession Act 1965 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48947/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, I am not in a position in my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality to make reference to a specific case in answer to a Parliamentary Question.
Shortcomings in the scope of the succession rules applicable in cases where a spouse has been found guilty of the unlawful killing of the other spouse have been revealed in a number of high profile cases. I share the concerns that any person might benefit from their participation in the unlawful killing of another and I welcome therefore the Law Reform Commission's decision to examine the issues raised in the context of section 120 of the Succession Act 1965, and to make any necessary recommendations for amendment of the legislation.
The Commission has already published an issues paper which examines the rule in section 120 of the 1965 Act which precludes such a person from inheriting from his or her victim's estate and forfeits any inheritance that he or she would otherwise receive under the victim's will or on intestacy. I understand that the Commission is inviting submissions from interested parties in relation to the specific questions raised in the paper before 26 January 2015. I look forward to receiving the Commission's recommendations for reform in due course and I intend to proceed quickly thereafter with the enactment of any necessary legislative changes.
278. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of warrants outstanding for the different Garda districts in Dublin for the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48964/14]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as the report is to hand.
279. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an update regarding the Garda's work in dealing with cash-for-gold signs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48967/14]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that Dublin City Council has advised An Garda Síochána that the issue of 'cars for cash signs' is being dealt with by them as a litter problem and that it continues to remove these signs across the city on a regular basis. Where such businesses are identified, Gardaí conduct enquiries to establish their bona fides and where there are suspicions of criminality the matter is fully investigated and appropriate action taken. In May 2014, a targeted operation entitled 'Metal Theft Day of Action' was instigated wherein Dublin Metropolitan Region North personnel, specifically targeted private tow truck operators with links to criminal activity and 'cash for cars' operators within the Division. As part of this operation searches were conducted in premises involved in the breaking of vehicles. Further, in August 2014 a targeted Regional operation to deal with targets associated with the 'cash for cars' businesses and persons operating towing equipment was coordinated by Dublin Metropolitan Region, Regional Traffic and local Divisional Garda resources.
With regard to 'Cash for Gold' businesses, I have been informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána investigates all reports where persons suspected of being involved in burglaries are using cash for gold outlets to liquidate stolen property. Where any ongoing issues are highlighted, investigations are conducted to target any criminality.
