Written Answers Nos. 356 - 376
356. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the conciliation and arbitration scheme review for members of the Permanent Defence Force in PDFORRA's request regarding privates and corporals serving beyond 21 years. [49476/14]
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 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.
357. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Defence the number of agencies, quangos or other bodies within, funded by or established by his Department which have been scrapped, merged or reduced since the Government was formed; the amount saved in each case; the reduction in staff as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1011/15]
View answerThe bodies under the aegis of my Department when the Government took office 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 and legislation was passed by the Oireachtas in December 2012 for the dissolution of the Board. Its functions and staff transferred back to the Department of Defence from 1 January 2013. The annual savings of almost €60,000 in running costs have been re-allocated to support the 4,500 active volunteers in Civil Defence nationwide.
Coiste an Asgard was the company set up to manage the National Sail Training Scheme. In September 2008, the company’s sail training vessel ‘Asgard II’ sank in the Bay of Biscay. In December 2009, the previous Government announced that the National Sail Training Scheme was to be discontinued and the funding for 2010 was cancelled. The Company was inactive from that date and there were no crew or staff left on the payroll. Up to and including 2009, the company had been receiving funding from the National Lottery of approximately €800,000 per annum. The formal wind up of the Company including voluntary strike off with the Companies Registration Office was completed in early 2013.
There are no plans to scrap, merge or reduce the Army Pensions Board.
358. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Defence the agencies or sections from his Department that were decentralised during the period from 1997 until 2011; the travel costs and expenses incurred by decentralised personnel travelling to their base Department in that period. [1026/15]
View answerMy Department has decentralised offices in Newbridge, Galway and Roscrea. My Department’s headquarters decentralised to Newbridge in 2010, preceded by the decentralisation of the Department’s Civil Defence Branch to Roscrea in 2006 and the decentralisation of the Department’s Finance Branch to Galway in 1989. Information on travel to and from decentralised offices is not collated in such a way as to allow for the travel costs and expenses requested by the Deputy to be extracted from financial records.
Every effort is made to minimise travel and subsistence expenditure by managing the location and frequency of meetings and by the use of video conference technology. I am satisfied that all travel & subsistence expenses are paid in line with Department of Public Expenditure & Reform guidelines.
359. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the total moneys paid by his Department to external consultants, professional companies or advisers in respect of the Action Plan for Jobs in each year since and including 2012; if he will provide in a tabular form the list of those organisations which received money; his Department's procurement policy regarding this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1134/15]
View answerMy Department has not incurred any expenditure on external consultants, professional companies or advisors in relation to the Action Plan for Jobs .
360. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence in view of the recent cases at the European Court of Human Rights (details supplied) which upheld certain trade union rights for Defence Forces' personnel and the recent case taken by the AGSI at the European Committee on Social Rights which upheld its right to affiliate with ICTU and to strike, if he will review the restriction on Defence Forces personnel's rights to collective bargaining and to take industrial action; and his views on the matter. [1230/15]
View answerThere have been a number of recent judgements by the European Court of Human Rights in respect of the French military and also findings in a recent case brought to the European Committee on Social Rights by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), the outcomes of which will require very careful consideration. In a non-binding ruling, the European Committee on Social Rights (ECSR) found that current arrangements for industrial relations in An Garda Síochána are not in compliance with aspects of the European Social Charter:
- Article 5 of the Charter (the right to organise) on grounds of the prohibition against police representative associations from joining national employees’ organisations;
- Article 6.2 of the Charter (the right to bargain collectively) on grounds of restricted access of police representative associations to national pay agreement discussions; and
- Article 6.4 of the Charter on grounds of the prohibition of the right to strike of members of the police force.
In the light of these ECSR findings, a complaint to the Council of Europe about the lack of union rights for military Representative Associations in Ireland has been now been made by EUROMIL, a European umbrella body for military associations, on behalf of PDFORRA. PDFORRA are similarly claiming most of the same violations of the European Social Charter as AGSI did, including denial of the right to join the ICTU, alleged restricted access to pay talks, and the prohibition on the right to strike.
This is a particularly difficult issue and raises complex questions for Ireland from a legal, operational and management perspective. In this context it is critically important that the Defence Forces are fully operational at all times, and it must be emphasised that the taking of any form of industrial action is irreconcilable with military law. These issues will require careful detailed input from all relevant parties. It is only in the full knowledge of all aspects of this issue that full and careful consideration can be given to any proposed change in the present arrangements.
As the question of the admissibility of the complaint is currently under consideration by the European Committee on Social Rights, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
361. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the resources the Government plans to put into the funding of new equipment and capabilities for the Defence Forces; and the upgrades that are necessary to continue to participate in UN, EU battle group and NATO PfP missions. [1231/15]
View answerThe acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence and is a matter that is kept under constant review. The budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment, training and equipment upgrades for the organisation.
The development of a new White Paper on Defence is underway. The White Paper will provide the future policy framework for Defence and Defence provision for the next decade. A key part of the development of the White Paper is the consideration of potential challenges arising in our future defence and security environment.
Future capability requirements including, but not limited to, those in relation to overseas peace support missions including the UN, requirements in relation to EU Battlegroups and PfP, are being considered in the drafting of the new White Paper on Defence. This ongoing work on the White Paper will underpin recommendations regarding future defence provisions for military equipment to be deployed at home and overseas.
For the present, decisions on new equipment, including upgrades of equipment currently in operational use, will continue to be made on a strictly prioritised basis within a restricted budget with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.
362. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the plans for the use of the Defence Forces in serious industrial relations conflicts or other social conflicts. [1232/15]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence (2000) sets out the roles the Defence Forces might play in the provision of support and services in both Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP), which in practice means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so, and in the provision of assistance to the Civil Authorities in a range of emergency situations. In relation to its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role, the position is that whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they may be asked to provide assistance by the appropriate Lead Department, under the multi-agency Framework, in a wide range of emergency situations which could include disruptive industrial action. At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency. The capacity of the Defence Forces to provide ATCA support in emergency situations is kept under constant review and plans and procedures are updated as necessary.
Primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State, rests with An Garda Síochána. A wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to respond to ATCP requests and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to these matters.
363. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence his plans to increase the pay of Defence Forces personnel. [1233/15]
View answerRates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. In this regard, the level of remuneration in the Defence sector has maintained relativity with the levels available in other related public sector employments. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2013 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (Haddington Road Agreement) define current pay policy. In the Haddington Road Agreement the Government reaffirmed its commitment that public service pay and any related issues will not be revisited over the lifetime of the Agreement, subject to compliance with the terms of the Agreement. Crucially, there was no cut to the basic pay of any enlisted personnel under the Agreement. Of the measures applying to the Defence Forces in the Haddington Road Agreement, the following may apply to enlisted personnel depending on their duties:
- Incorporation of duties attracting Technical Group 1 pay into standard duties for new enlisted personnel.
- Flat rating Security Duty Allowance and related payments at the standard weekday rate.
- A 10% Reduction in certain Defence Forces Allowances.
- Voluntary buyout of Border Duty Allowance for enlisted personnel.
- Implementation of additional incremental points in pay scales for new enlisted personnel post 01 July 2013.
The Deputy will be aware that a Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for members of the PDF provides a formal mechanism for the PDF Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a means for the determination of claims and proposals from the Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service. Since 1993, there have been significant developments and improvements in the pay and conditions of military personnel. The Representative Associations have been to the fore in advancing the interests of their members in this regard, bringing them in line generally with the pay and conditions available in other public service employments. It is of course open to the Representative Associations of the members of the PDF, subject to the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme and the Haddington Road Agreement, to avail of the mechanisms in place should they wish to pursue any particular concerns in relation to the pay and conditions of their members.
364. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence when the new White Paper on Defence will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1305/15]
View answer365. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence the timeframe the defence policy framework will cover arising from the new White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1306/15]
View answer366. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence the number of submissions that were received as part of the public consultation process on the White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1307/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 364 to 366, inclusive, together.
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.
The Green Paper on Defence, which was published in July 2013, initiated a public consultation process which will inform the development of the White Paper on Defence. A total of 122 submissions were received.
Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are currently 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 matters raised in the submissions.
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. The views of international organisations were also sought with a particular focus on likely future trends in international peace support operations. These discussions are continuing, as required, throughout the preparation of the White Paper.
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.
367. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence if new personnel have been stationed at Custume Barracks as part of the Defence Forces recent recruitment drive; the number of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1308/15]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that at present there is a Recruit Platoon of 29 personnel in training in Custume Barracks, Athlone. These personnel were inducted as part of the recent recruitment campaign. Upon completion of their initial training these personnel will be assigned to Units across the Defence Forces on an ‘as required’ basis in order to maintain Unit strengths and operational capability. Additionally, a total of 12 private soldiers who had completed their initial training in other Defence Forces locations were posted to Units located within Custume Barracks during 2014 in order to maintain Unit strengths and operational capability.
368. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence his priorities for the future of Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1351/15]
View answerFollowing the closure of Columb Barracks, Government Departments and other Public Bodies were invited to identify any interest in the property. No such interest was expressed. Consequently a portion of the former barracks has been licensed by my Department to Westmeath GAA Board for use as a training centre. Discussions are at an advanced stage with the Board in relation to the possible lease of a more substantial part of the facility and these discussions should be completed soon. The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and these arrangements will remain in place.
Recently a number of other organisations and individuals have also made enquiries/suggestions as to the possible use of the barracks. These include the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Courts Service.
All these possibilities are currently being looked at in the context of an overall plan for the barracks under a long term lease with Westmeath GAA Board. I expect that these arrangements will be finalised over the coming weeks.
369. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence his priorities for the future of Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1352/15]
View answerThe Department of Defence is engaged in an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. Under this programme there has been considerable capital investment at Custume Barracks, Athlone in recent years, amounting to some €6.38m from 2009 to date. The most recent major projects undertaken at the barracks include investment of €932,000 in the construction of Armoured Vehicle Garaging facilities, €1.8 million investment in a Gymnasium and an upgrading of gas and water main facilities including the provision of new underground services and associated works, at a cost of €597,000.
In addition to the major capital projects as outlined above, there are ongoing works required to ensure the upkeep and repair of buildings and provide facilities generally for personnel.
Custume Barracks is and will continue to be an important operational military barracks. This is evidenced by ongoing investment and upgrades to the barracks.
370. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cosanta bunaithe ar an treoir a thug an Roinn Caiteachas Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe do gach Roinn, cad é líon agus cad iad gráid na bpost dá mbeidh státseirbhísigh atá inniúil sa Ghaeilge agus sa Bhéarla ag teastáil; cad é líon na bpost sin a bhfuil duine leis an gcumas cuí Gaeilge agus Béarla iontu cheana féin, arna bhriseadh síos de réir gráid; cén cháilíocht Ghaeilge atá riachtanach do na poist sin; i gcás nach bhfuil an treoir ón Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe comhlíonta, cad é údar na moille agus cén uair a dhéanfar an scrúdú [1428/15]
View answerNíl aon phoist sonracha sa Roinn ina dteastaíonn daoine atá in ann feidhmiú go dátheangach. Tá leibhéal áirithe inniúlachta i nGaeilge de dhíth i measc na foirne chun oibleagáidí faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a chomhlíonadh agus chun cuidiú le déileáil le corr-fhiosrúchán i nGaeilge. Coinníonn an Roinn liosta de bhaill foirne atá inniúil sa Ghaeilge agus atá toilteanach seirbhísí a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge má iarrtar sin orthu agus ba leor sin go dtí seo chun ár riachtanais ina leith a chomhlíonadh.
371. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the contributions Ireland makes to the European Defence Agency. [1464/15]
View answerThe European Defence Agency was set up in 2004 during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. Ireland contributes, on an annual basis, to the operational budget of the Agency. The financial commitment of participants to this budget is in accordance with EDA funding principles, based on gross national income (GNI) key. Ireland’s contribution to the budget of the EDA to date is:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2014 |
€275,661.90 |
|
2013 |
€295,338.99 |
|
2012 |
€284,205.78 |
|
2011 |
€284,036.55 |
|
2010 |
€315,760.00 |
|
2009 |
€344,807.00 |
|
2008 |
€341,850.00 |
|
2007 |
€229,100.00 |
|
2006 |
€226,530.00 |
|
2005 |
€224,000.00 |
|
2004 |
€ 21,733.00 |
In addition, Ireland has also contributed to the following programmes: (1) Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection of €230,000 per year from 2007 to 2009; (2) Joint Investment Programme on CBRN €30,000 per year over four years from 2012; (3) Maritime Surveillance (MARSUR) Category B Ad Hoc Project €40,000 per year for three years from 2012; and (4) Manual Neutralisation Techniques and Exercises Category B Ad Hoc Project €57,500 per year for four years from 2013.
It is envisaged that Ireland’s contribution to the EDA for the 2015 budget will be approximately €390,000.
372. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken to ensure that matters taken to the Defence Forces conciliation and arbitration scheme are dealt with in a timely manner; and his views on the matter. [1465/15]
View answerAll matters taken to the Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme for the Permanent Defence Force, be they lodged by the Representative Side or by the Official Side, are dealt with in as timely a manner as is possible. Matters lodged at Conciliation Council or discussed at Sub-committees of Council are items for consideration which may be agreed or disagreed in accordance with the Scheme rules. They are fully discussed in Council or Sub-committee with a view to seeking agreement through negotiation.
Agreement was reached with the both Representative Associations for the Permanent Defence Force, RACO and PDFORRA for an extension to the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.
The Associations committed that “no cost increasing claims by trade unions or employees or improvements in pay or conditions of employment will be made or processed during the currency of the Agreement”. Other sectoral productivity measures are being facilitated by the Public Service Agreement and these are being progressed through the Defence Forces Conciliation Council Arbitration Scheme in accordance with centrally agreed timeframes.
373. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the recent revelations of surveillance of telephone calls within the State by GCHQ in Cheltenham, England; if the Defence Forces employ any counter-surveillance measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1466/15]
View answerThe Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act, 1993 and the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act, 2009 provide authority for intelligence gathering and surveillance to be conducted by the Defence Forces in the interests of the security of the State. The powers provided to the Defence Forces in these Acts are subject to the restrictions and safeguards that are outlined in the legislation, including a system of judicial oversight with reports submitted to the Taoiseach by designated judges appointed to review the conduct of the Acts. These Acts also provide that such reports are laid before each House of the Oireachtas. The Defence Forces Intelligence Branch provides regular assessments, reports and briefings to the Chief of Staff, the Minister for Defence and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, relating to possible threats to the security of the State and to national interests. The Branch maintains a very close and effective working relationship with their counterparts in An Garda Síochána.
For security and operational reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment in relation to this matter.
374. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the resources being deployed and the activities of Defence Forces personnel in Ukraine. [1467/15]
View answer375. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the resources being deployed and the activities of Defence Forces personnel in Mali. [1468/15]
View answer376. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the resources being deployed and the activities of Defence Forces personnel in Chad. [1469/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 374 to 376, inclusive, together.
As of 1 January 2015, Ireland is contributing 426 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 199 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with 138 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 12 personnel, the EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 7 personnel, and the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan with 7 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with several United Nations missions.
There are no Irish Defence Forces personnel deployed to the Ukraine.
Defence Forces personnel have been serving with the EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) since March 2013 following Government approval. On 25 February 2014, the Government approved the continued deployment of Defence Forces personnel for service with the training mission. A total of 10 Defence Forces personnel are currently serving with EUTM Mali. Six (6) personnel form part of a joint UK/Irish Infantry Training team while three (3) Irish personnel occupy staff appointments in the Mission Headquarters in Bamako. One officer, of Lieutenant Colonel Rank, is the Deputy Commander of the Training Task Force.
The purpose of the mission is to provide military training and advice to the Malian Armed Forces in order to improve their capacity to maintain security in Mali and restore the authority of the Malian Government and the territorial integrity of the Malian State.
Currently there are no Irish Defence Forces personnel deployed to Chad. Ireland contributed Defence Forces personnel to the EU led Military Operation in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR Tchad/RCA) from October 2007 to March 2009, and to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) from March 2009 to December 2010.
