Written Answers Nos. 1-21
10. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the measures that are in place to ensure that the technologies developed following co-operation between the Defence Forces and companies and research institutions involved with the research and development of military capabilities are not used in the violation of human rights. [1222/15]
View answerThere is an ongoing requirement to examine new and innovative means of improving capabilities in the security and the defence domain, so that the Defence Forces are in a position to undertake the roles assigned by Government.
In July 2011, the Government approved arrangements, whereby Enterprise Ireland would support the Department of Defence and Defence Forces capability development, by raising the awareness of and engaging with, Irish-based enterprise and research institutes, including third level colleges that are engaged in relevant and related activities. In turn, the Defence Forces would provide information and knowledge from its own experience on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere.
A policy framework and the requisite procedures to support this co-operation have been agreed between Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Defence.
The Defence Forces now participate with Irish based companies, research and training institutions, which have the capacity to contribute to Defence Forces capability and capacity development. In addition, subject to the provisions of the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions Act) 2010, the Defence Forces also participate in relevant capability development projects at European level under the umbrella of the European Defence Agency.
Defence Forces military capabilities are never used in violation of human rights.
11. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered legislative employment protections of members of the Reserve Defence Force, in order to allows a clear framework through which a reservist could be protected from employment termination due to the demands of carrying out their national duties; his views on the nature of poor retention rates of reservists compared to other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1209/15]
View answerA Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force was published in November 2012 arising from which a major re-organisation was implemented in 2013. The Reserve is now organised alongside the Permanent Defence Force, within a more efficient single force structure. There have been no recommendations relating to the introduction of employment protection legislation for members of the Reserve Defence Force and I can see no basis for such a recommendation. The minimum training requirements Reservists must meet have been in place for many years and there has been no increase in the level of training arising from the implementation of the reorganisation and the introduction of the single force structure.
Ensuring an appropriate balance between voluntary activities and work and home life is a key challenge that is common to individuals involved in many voluntary organisations throughout the State. I am aware that some members of the Reserve have expressed concerns that proposed attendance requirements, including attendance at medical exams and fitness tests, would require them to take excessive time off work. They see employment protection legislation as a way to facilitate this attendance. I believe that such attendance requirements reflect a reasonable level of commitment that is achievable for the vast majority of Reservists. However, any concerns about attendance targets will be considered as part of the process in arranging attendance requirements.
With regard to the issue of retention rates, the Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force identified significant issues relating to the turnover of Reservists. Poor retention rates were found to cause inherent inefficiency in the Reserve training system.
I am informed that whilst a degree of caution must be taken when making comparisons with the armed forces in other jurisdictions owing to wide variances between countries in terms of standards, roles and taskings, poor retention rates are not unique to Ireland. Other countries struggle with retention of Reserve personnel in their Defence Forces and face similar challenges with recruitment, retention and the training of Reservists to appropriate standards.
12. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence regarding the deployment by the Defence Forces of one doctor and three medical NCOs to Sierra Leone if Lariam is being prescribed as an anti-malarial drug for these personnel; the other nations that are sending personnel on this mission; the anti-malaria medication that is being prescribed for personnel from other nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1218/15]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that as of 9th January 2015 the Defence Forces have two personnel deployed to Sierra Leone as part of Ireland’s response to the Ebola crisis. A further five Defence Forces medical personnel, one doctor and four medics recently deployed to the UK on Tuesday 6th of January for mission specific pre-deployment training. These personnel are due in Sierra Leone shortly to commence a three month deployment. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) formerly the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is the statutory authority with responsibility for the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. There are three anti-malarial medications licensed by the HPRA, in use in the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The malaria chemoprophylactic agent of choice by the Irish Defence Forces for use in Sub-Saharan Africa (which includes Sierra Leone) continues to be Lariam.
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 for the particular mission in Sierra Leone is a medical decision made by Defence Forces Medical Officers having regard to the efficacy of particular medications, the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
The deployment by the Irish Defence Forces is in co-operation with the U.K. Defence Forces. The medication being prescribed by the UK Defence Forces for their personnel is Malarone. The choice of malaria chemoprophylaxis for use by other armed forces is an internal matter for those forces. It would be inappropriate for the Irish Defence Forces to comment on other Nations policy in this regard.
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various allegations surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concur with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces. Anti-malarial medications must remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have the most effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
13. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions and cost of Defence Forces personnel being involved in aid to the civil power, ATCP, duties at Shannon airport in 2014; his plans to change same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1207/15]
View answerAn 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.
Since 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport and in 2014 there were a total of 372 such deployments. The costs of these operations, which include Security Duty Allowance, rations and fuel were €180,913 in 2014.
I am satisfied with existing arrangements and I have no plans to recommend any changes.
14. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence in view of the human suffering and human rights abuses taking place in Darfur and in Congo DRC, if this is an area where Irish troops could make a real difference in terms of peace-keeping missions. [1206/15]
View answerThe Defence Forces have a long association with peacekeeping missions in Africa. The work carried out by Irish personnel deployed with such missions represents an important contribution to the peace and security of the region. Ireland is currently contributing four personnel to the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Ireland has participated in MONUSCO since its establishment in 2010. Prior to that, from 2001 to 2010, Defence Forces personnel served with the United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), the first UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In common with all other UN members, Ireland received a general request in 2007 for a range of capabilities for the United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). However, the Defence Forces did not have the required assets (heavy lift equipment etc). Ireland offered to nominate up to eight (8) personnel to staff appointments at the Force HQ. However, the offer was not taken up by the UN at the time.
With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. However, due to Ireland’s own current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, we are not in a position to make any significant commitment to other missions at this time. The current contribution of some 426 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
15. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent the strength of the Defence Forces at all levels remains sufficient to meet any and or all requirements of a security nature now and in the future; if provision continues to be made for emergency situations which might arise in the event of a natural disaster or a threat of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1201/15]
View answerIn common with all areas of the public sector, the priority in recent years has been to ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to meet all operational requirements within a reduced resource envelope. Arising from the comprehensive review of expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel. Resulting from the revised strength ceiling, a major re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force was initiated. Key aspects of the reorganisation included the consolidation of three under-strength Army Brigades into two full strength Brigades, the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated redeployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units.
All of these measures have ensured that the Permanent Defence Force continues to deliver required operational outputs for all approved Aid to the Civil Power and approved Aid to the Civil Authority requests. The Permanent Defence Force also continues to meet Government requirements for overseas peace support operations. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment is also available for deployments in response to emergencies and crises.
Looking to the future, a new White Paper on Defence is currently being prepared. This will set out the Defence policy framework for the next decade having regard to an assessment of the future security environment. The identification of future capability priorities is also a key part of the ongoing process.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfil all roles assigned by the Government.
16. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence when the White Paper on Defence will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1214/15]
View answerThe 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 associated resource requirements in a comprehensive way. Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are considering likely future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet these demands. This work will inform recommendations regarding defence provision.
I have received an initial draft outline of the White Paper and this will be further developed and refined over the coming months.
I have decided to establish an external Advisory Group to further support me in the production of the White Paper. I have recently approved the terms of reference for this group and appointed Mr. John Minihan to act as chairman. I hope to appoint the remaining members of the Group shortly.
I anticipate that the final draft of the White Paper will be submitted to Government for approval by the summer recess. Subject to Government approval, the White Paper on Defence will then be published.
17. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the promised review of pay and remuneration for the Defence Forces; and if improvements are likely in the near future. [1208/15]
View answerThe 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 that Agreement. I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Government Decision on the Department of Expenditure and Reform’s Review of Allowances and Premium Payments which recognised that there are possible weaknesses in the pay structures applicable in the Defence Forces as these structures have evolved over very many years and have become increasingly complex. It was therefore decided that a review of the overall pay structures for the Defence Forces is merited, in the medium term, to ensure that the pay structure is appropriate and cost effective for a modern military force.
It is my intention that such a review of pay structures will take place after the reviews of Security Duty Allowance and Technical Pay, currently being conducted as part of the Defence Sector Action Plan under the Croke Park Agreement, have been completed.
It is of course also 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.
18. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the operational roles of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1202/15]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence (2000) sets out the current defence policy framework. The role of the Air Corps as set out in the White Paper is to provide a range of military and non-military services in support of the State. These supports include maintenance of a general helicopter capability for a variety of tasks, including support to An Garda Síochána, as well as provision of a maritime patrol service, a ministerial air transport service, an air ambulance service on the basis of agreed arrangements with the Department of Health, and the provision of assistance to the principal response agencies, including the Irish Coast Guard, in relation to civil emergencies.
The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is one of my key priorities. The White Paper process, which is ongoing, is intended to provide an opportunity to examine critically future demands and consider how to best meet associated operational requirements across the Defence Forces.
Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are considering likely future operational demands. The question of the future operational roles of the Air Corps is being considered in this context. You will appreciate that I do not wish to second guess any recommendations that may arise from the White Paper process by commenting on specific issues at this point. The final draft of the White Paper will be fully considered by Government in due course.
19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which discussions are ongoing or agreement reached in respect of members of the Defence Forces due to retire on completion of a specific number of years service; if he is satisfied that all options in this regard have been fully examined and satisfactorily resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1200/15]
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 planned that the adjudication hearing will take place on 30 January 2015, 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.
20. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the effectiveness of his Department's interaction with the Departments of Justice and Equality and Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the oversight of foreign military aircraft on Irish territory in relation to our neutrality; if recent interdepartmental discussions have taken place on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1220/15]
View answerPrimary 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. Whilst occasionally observations may be sought from my Department by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade in relation to logistical or technical issues, such as radio frequencies to be used, my Department and the Defence Forces have no further role in this particular regard.
Separately, there is ongoing liaison between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally. This includes such matters as the Defence Forces deployments to Shannon Airport that occur in response to Aid to the Civil Power requests for support from An Garda Síochána who have primary responsibility for the protection of the internal security of the State.
21. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence his views on a change to the State's policy on military neutrality in the White Paper on Defence; his further views that the United States use of Shannon Airport, the commitment to increase military capacity under the Lisbon treaty and support for French intervention in its former colonies indicate a move away from the policy on military neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1221/15]
View answerNo change to the State's policy on military neutrality is intended in the White Paper on Defence. Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is defined by non-participation in a military alliance or mutual-defence arrangements. Irish Governments have never interpreted neutrality as meaning that Ireland stands aside from international engagement. Rather, participation strengthens our ability to make an effective contribution to the promotion of global peace, security and development, whether through the UN, the EU or our own bilateral actions. Ireland acts in an objective and even handed manner in accordance with international norms and the rule of law in international relations and is seen as both an impartial and effective actor in its international relations and in support of international peace and security. None of the issues raised by the Deputy compromise or conflict in any way, with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
Ireland has made over-flight and landing facilities at Shannon Airport available to the United States for well over 50 years. The current arrangements are fully consistent with Ireland’s obligations under successive Resolutions of the UN Security Council.
While the Lisbon Treaty states that Member States shall undertake progressively to improve their military capabilities, it imposes no obligation in this regard nor can the Union require any Member State to increase expenditure or investment on defence. The amount a Member State spends on defence and the nature of its military capabilities are solely a matter for national decision and the EU has no role or competence in the matter.
The provisions in the legal guarantees, secured by Ireland and attached to the Lisbon Treaty, clearly state that the Lisbon Treaty "does not affect the right of Ireland or any other Member State to determine the nature and volume of its defence and security expenditure and the nature of its defence capabilities". Therefore, there is no requirement under the Lisbon Treaty for increased spending on defence.
