Written Answers Nos. 104-111
104. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Defence if he is implementing a plain English policy, as outlined by the National Adult Literacy Agency, in his Department's communications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7280/15]
View answerThe Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to the provision of the highest standard of customer service to the individuals and organisations with whom they interact. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces Customer Charter and Customer Service Action Plan, covering the period 2013 – 2015, sets out the principles and standards of customer service that can be expected from the Organisation. This includes a commitment to ensure that information is communicated in clear, easy to understand language.
Copies of the Customer Charter and Customer Service Action are available on the Department's website (www.defence.ie).
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has resolved issues raised by members of the Defence Forces, who were ordinarily due to retire on the basis of years of service, but who are anxious to continue in the Defence Forces, thereby contributing to operational continuity, efficiency and experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7342/15]
View answerAs 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 taken 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 was referred to third party adjudication for a ruling. The adjudication hearing took place on 30 January 2015 and the report of the Adjudicator was issued to all parties to the Scheme on 12 February 2015. In accordance with the Scheme rules there is a procedure to be followed with regard to the publication of the report in that it cannot be published before presentation to Dáil Éireann. As the report requires detailed consideration of the findings by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this matter at this time.
106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the vintage of Army equipment and vehicles, with particular reference to the need to ensure adequate and normal replacement and reliability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7343/15]
View answer109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department receives requests for upgrading military equipment, and will accede to same throughout the Defence Forces, in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7346/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 109 together.
I am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including training resources and equipment, enables them to carry out their roles, both at home and overseas. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria. The recent incidents involving Irish troops in UNDOF are testament to the type of the equipment available to the Defence Forces in that mission area.
The 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 at a senior level in my Department and in the Defence Forces through their joint participation in the High Level Planning and Procurement Group. This Group is charged with identifying equipment requirements and agreeing on a procurement programme to provide the Defence Forces with the type and quantities of equipment necessary to carry out their assigned duties.
Given the ongoing budgetary challenges, the continued application of a robust evaluation process by the Defence Organisation in relation to equipment purchasing and maintenance/upgrade programmes during 2014 has ensured that the Defence Forces continue to have access to modern equipment. Ongoing analysis of defence equipment expenditure has ensured that this expenditure is prioritised and explicitly linked to capability priorities. A particular focus is maintained in ensuring that modern and effective equipment is available for overseas operations as is the case with the UNIFIL deployment in Lebanon and the UNDOF deployment in Syria.
In conclusion, I can assure the Deputy that I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are adequately equipped and trained to meet the many demands and tasks Government has assigned to them including service overseas.
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he continues to monitor the age and reliability of military equipment in the Air Corps, including aircraft, information technology and procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7344/15]
View answerThe acquisition of new equipment and technology for the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, 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 Information Technology Equipment upgrades for the Defence organisation.
The development of a new White Paper on Defence is under way. 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.
The role of the Air Corps is part of the White Paper deliberations. In addition, the question of proceeding with any replacement aircraft programme for the Air Corps will be considered in tandem with the new White Paper on Defence, the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding envelope available in the coming years.
The Air Corps operates a maintenance plan which endeavours to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of Performance Based maintenance contracts assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum.
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.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the need for replacement of sea-going vessels and military equipment throughout the Naval Service; the degree to which any such required replacements will take place on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7345/15]
View answerThe development of a new White Paper on Defence is under way. 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 to our defence and security environment that may emerge into the future given that such areas can be volatile and unpredictable. The role of the Naval Service and the ongoing Naval Service Ships Replacement Programme are part of the White Paper deliberations.
The Ships Replacement Programme continues to move ahead. Following a tender competition, a contract was placed in October 2010 with Babcock Marine, UK, for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service with the option of a third OPV. The ships are being built in the same dockyard in Devon where both LÉ Roisin and LÉ Niamh were built.
The first of the two ships LÉ Samuel Beckett was handed over at the end of April 2014. LÉ Samuel Beckett replaced LÉ Emer which was decommissioned and sold in October 2013. The second ship which will be named LÉ James Joyce is scheduled for delivery in March 2015 at which stage it will replace LÉ Aoife, which was decommissioned at the end of January 2015.
In June 2014, the Department of Defence exercised the option under the original contract to place an order for a third OPV which is scheduled for delivery in the middle of 2016.
The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained.
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which promotional posts remain to be filled in the Defence Forces, at all ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7347/15]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 December 2014, the latest date for which figures are available was 9,280, comprising 7,457 Army, 766 Air Corps and 1,057 Naval Service personnel.
The following table outlines the establishment, strength and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 December 2014, based on the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.
Promotions are ongoing within the Officer and Non-Commissioned ranks in order to fill rank vacancies. New NCO promotion competitions to fill vacancies to the ranks of Sergeants and above were held in late 2014 and promotions are currently under way.
In addition, targeted recruitment will continue in 2015 so as to maintain the level of 9,500 personnel. It is my intention that promotions, along with targeted recruitment, will continue to be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
PDF Strength by Rank as at 31 December 2014 versus PDF Rank Establishment of 9,500
|
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte/Cadet |
|
|
Army Rank Establishment |
1 |
2* |
6 |
37** |
110 |
255 |
306 |
167 |
29 |
33 |
114 |
170 |
973 |
1,437 |
3,880 |
|
Army Strength |
1 |
2 |
6 |
33** |
104 |
243 |
280 |
219 |
29 |
32 |
100 |
158 |
871 |
1,396 |
3,983*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
2* |
0 |
4 |
6 |
1 2 |
26 |
- 52 |
0 |
1 |
1 4 |
1 2 |
102 |
41 |
- 103 |
|
Air Corps Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
36 |
65 |
48 |
8 |
4 |
56 |
14 |
131 |
183 |
324 |
|
Air Corps Strength |
0 |
1* |
1 |
2 |
11 |
31 |
55 |
28 |
8 |
4 |
50 |
14 |
124 |
158 |
280*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
-1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
10 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
7 |
2 5 |
44 |
|
Naval Service Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
45 |
81 |
41 |
6 |
7 |
75 |
15 |
226 |
180 |
402 |
|
Naval Service Strength |
0 |
1* |
1 |
2 |
13 |
43 |
61 |
34 |
6 |
7 |
68 |
15 |
170 |
171 |
466*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
-1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
20 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
5 6 |
9 |
-64 |
|
Total Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0* |
0 |
4** |
9 |
1 9 |
56 |
- 25 |
0 |
1 |
27 |
1 2 |
165 |
75 |
- 123 |
* For administrative record purposes, the two Major General Appointments in the Permanent Defence Force are held against the establishment for the Army. One of these posts is currently filled by an Air Corps Officer and the other by a Naval Service Officer.
** Within the Establishment figures there is provision for one appointment and one temporary appointment in the rank of Colonel in the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) and 10 Colonel Appointments overseas. However, as the current holders of the General Secretary & Deputy General Secretary appointments in RACO are in the rank of Commandant and with no requirement to fill 2 of the Colonel overseas appointments no vacancy existed in the rank of Colonel in the Army.
*** Includes 39 Army Cadets, 23 Air Corps Cadets and 12 Naval Service Cadets. There are an additional 75 personnel on career breaks/secondment, who are not included in the strengths in the above table.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of women promoted in the Defence Forces annually, in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7348/15]
View answerThe Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. All promotions and career courses are open on the basis of competence and capabilities and are not gender based.
The Defence Forces prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The Military Authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner.
The number of females promoted across all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force from 2010 – 2014 is set out below.
|
YEAR |
TOTAL |
|
2010 |
21 |
|
2011 |
36 |
|
2012 |
30 |
|
2013 |
47 |
|
2014 |
37 |
|
TOTAL |
171 |
