Written Answers Nos. 108-118
108. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he will explain his refusal to amend Defence Forces regulation 9, new series, for the four year rule for granting of Distinguished Service Medals for the fire on board the LE Cliona in 1962, with particular reference to comments made by him at the annual commemoration in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham this year that nobody would be forgotten. [34757/15]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the provisions for the award of military medals are incorporated in Defence Force Regulations A9 (New Series) - 'Dress and Medals'. The Regulations provide that a recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Service Medal must be made and forwarded to the Chief of Staff not later than four years after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made. I have been advised by the military authorities that there is no record of such a recommendation having been made, at the time of the event or at any time since, in respect of the individuals referred to by the Deputy. While the report into the incident acknowledges the performance of these two men, along with the rest of the ship’s company, in extinguishing the fire on the LÉ Clíona on 29 May 1962, it makes no recommendation in relation to the award of any medal or citation.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I am bound by the provisions of Defence Force Regulations A9 (New Series) and they cannot simply be amended to address one particular incident. However, I have requested that the Chief of Staff have the circumstances surrounding the incident in May 1962 reviewed. He will report to me with his findings and recommendations which I will then consider.
109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects the Air Corps to benefit from recent reviews and discussions with particular reference to modernisation and development in line with similar forces throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35126/15]
View answerThe equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service will be considered in the context of the lifetime of the recently published White Paper. The White Paper recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured. In the context of the Air Corps fleet, this includes the replacement of the Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft are due for replacement in 2019. The CASA’s will be replaced with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft to enhance maritime surveillance and to provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. The existing Pilatus PC9 aircraft are not due for replacement until 2025.
The current EC 135 and AW 139 helicopter fleet in the Air Corps will continue to deliver the required Defence Forces support and other support capabilities over the lifetime of the White Paper.
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he expects the strength and capacity of the Air Corps to develop in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35127/15]
View answerThe Government are committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Air Corps at the agreed establishment figure of 886. The current strength of the Air Corps (as of the 31st of August, 2015) is 726 whole time equivalent positions. I am informed by the military authorities that 10 Air Corps cadets have been inducted to date this year and that 25 Air Corps apprentices will be enlisted on the 14th October, 2015. I am informed by the military authorities that recruitment will continue into 2016 to maintain the overall strength of the Air Corps at or close to 886. The overall policy approach, within the resources available, is to retain the capacity of the Air Corps to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks assigned to it by Government.
The recently published White Paper on Defence sets out the capability requirements for the Defence Forces over the next ten years The principal aim in respect of the Air Corps will be to ensure that it continues to retain the capabilities to undertake the required military operations and to deliver a broad range of air supports to other Government Departments and agencies in line with Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements. In addition, the White Paper sets out that the development of a radar surveillance capability is a priority for the Air Corps in the event that additional funding, beyond that required to maintain existing capabilities, becomes available.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which members of the Air Corps at all levels continue to participate in training and overseas missions in line with the rest of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35128/15]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that the Air Corps regularly trains with other Defence Forces personnel, particularly in areas such as helicopter drills and landing area preparation. The Air Corps conducts both Military and Technical Training which ensures that it can meet all on- island operational commitments, support the Defence Forces in preparation for overseas deployments and provide suitably qualified personnel when required for overseas roles. The Defence Forces operates a rotation system for overseas deployment. Air Corps personnel routinely deploy overseas in headquarters, communication and information services (CIS), engineering and medical roles.
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which he expects the Army, Navy and Air Corps to continue to participate in overseas missions in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35129/15]
View answerAs of 01 October 2015, Ireland is contributing 494 Defence Forces personnel to 12 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the following tabular statement. The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 195 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with 153 personnel, the Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in the Mediterranean with 60 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, the EU-led Training Mission in Mali with 10 personnel and the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan with 7 personnel. Ten (10) personnel are serving at the headquarters of the German-led Battle Group 2016. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with several United Nations missions.
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. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered. Due to Ireland’s own current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to the United Nations Disengagement Force in Syria, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in the Mediterranean, we are not in a position to make any significant commitment to other missions at this time.
The current contribution of some 494 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas As of 1st October 2015
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ 9
UNIFIL 49th Infantry Group 182
UNIFIL Sector West HQ 4
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria 13
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) 3
(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic 4
Republic of the Congo)
(v) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) 2
(vi) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ, 8
Golan Heights, Syria
UNDOF 48th Infantry Group 145
TOTAL 370
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) 7
(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) 10
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ 12
(x) RSM (Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan) 7
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS 406
2. OTHER DEPLOYMENTS
Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in Mediterranean L.É. Samuel Beckett 60
TOTAL NUMBER 60
3. ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina 2
(ii) Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE 3
4. EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels 5
5. EU BATTLE GROUP
German-led Battle Group 2016 HQ Strasbourg 10
6. MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York 1
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna 1
(iii) Military Representative to EU (Brussels) 4
(iv) Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels) 2
(v) EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium 1
(vi) Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS 494
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the Defence Forces to meet emergencies of a security or natural disaster situation; if the Army, Navy and Air Corps continue to be developed in line with requirements to meet such contingencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35130/15]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible. The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2015) is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
In these circumstances a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
In relation to non-security related emergencies, whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
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 and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
The Defence Forces are also represented on the eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework and, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and natural disasters. In this regard, the Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering and transport plant and equipment for military purposes. All such plant and equipment suitable for use in emergency situations is made available as the need arises.
In relation to the Naval Service, all vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that, in addition to their fishery protection role, they also undertake general surveillance, security, pollution monitoring, and Search and Rescue in support to the Irish Coast Guard, amongst other duties while on patrol. These activities assist in detecting and preventing emergency situations throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction.
The role of the Air Corps includes the provision of an emergency inter-hospital Air Ambulance service in support of the HSE. It is also supporting the HSE in an emergency aeromedical support service operating primarily in the West of Ireland. The Air Corps also has a maritime surveillance function undertaken by its maritime patrol aircraft and both it and the Naval Service provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces continue to be developed in line with requirements needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise.
114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the Navy and Air Corps continue to maintain coastal surveillance and are available for air and sea rescue in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35131/15]
View answerThe resources available to the Defence Forces to carry out their operational commitments are kept under constant review. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps and Naval Service, have the necessary resources to meet these commitments.
With regard to surveillance, the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. These two aircraft typically carry out in excess of 250 maritime patrol missions per annum and are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment which offers aerial support to the Naval Service which conducts surface patrols in the Irish EEZ. The Naval Service role in this regard is being supported by the ongoing vessel replacement programme which has seen two new vessels, LÉ Samuel Beckett and LÉ James Joyce commissioned into service whilst a third new vessel, LÉ William Butler Yeats, is to be delivered in 2016.
With regard to Search and Rescue, the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. In accordance with the new White Paper on Defence, the Defence Forces continues to have a role in assisting the civil authorities (Aid to the Civil Authority) and both the Air Corps and the Naval Service provide support to the Coast Guard in accordance with a comprehensive Service Level Agreement signed in September 2013.
The new White Paper on Defence, which was published in August 2015, recognises the ever changing maritime environment and technological developments that are occurring. In this regard, the White Paper provides that further areas of greater synergy will be explored between Departments and agencies with responsibility in the maritime area during the implementation of the White Paper in order to ensure the best and most efficient use of all state resources.
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Irish Navy has participated in overseas rescue missions in the Mediterranean; the extent to which such action continues to be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35132/15]
View answerFollowing a Government Decision on 12 May 2015, an Irish Naval Vessel, L.É. Eithne, was deployed to the Mediterranean on 16 May, 2015, to assist the Italian Authorities with the collective effort to save lives in the Mediterranean. L.É. Niamh replaced L.É. Eithne in July 2015 on completion of her deployment. L.É. Niamh has since been replaced by L.É. Samuel Beckett which commenced operations in the Mediterranean on 01 October 2015.
The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea is being provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations. Co-ordination of search and rescue efforts and the provision of humanitarian assistance is being achieved through close co-operation with the relevant Italian authorities.
During her deployment in the Mediterranean, L.É. Eithne rescued a total of 3,377 migrants. She was replaced in the mission on 18 July by L.É. Niamh which rescued a total of 4,020 migrants during her deployment. Tragically, 39 bodies were also recovered by L.É. Niamh. L.É. Samuel Beckett, commenced patrolling duties on the waters between Libya and Sicily on 01 October 2015. L.É. Samuel Beckett is the third Irish Naval vessel deployed to the Mediterranean to continue the excellent work undertaken by L.É. Eithne and L.É. Niamh. To date L.É. Samuel Beckett has rescued 242 migrants.
While the duration of the deployment of L.É. Samuel Beckett is subject to ongoing assessment of the crisis, it is intended that this rotation, up to the end of November 2015, will complete the Naval Service’s participation in the mission.
The success of the operations carried out to date by L.É. Eithne, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett involving the rescue of 7,639 migrants demonstrates clearly the value of Ireland’s participation in this important humanitarian response.
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions outstanding, or waiting to be filled, in the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35133/15]
View answer117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions outstanding, or waiting to be filled, in the Navy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/15]
View answer118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions outstanding, or waiting to be filled, in the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35135/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 to 118, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 August 2015, the latest date for which figures are available was 9,082, comprising 7,337 Army, 726 Air Corps and 1,019 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 August 2015, 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.
|
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 |
35 |
110 |
257 |
306 |
167 |
29 |
32 |
115 |
169 |
973 |
1,437 |
3,881 |
|
Army Strength |
1 |
1 |
7 |
33 |
105 |
257 |
256 |
207 |
29 |
32 |
105 |
162 |
924 |
1,310 |
3,907*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
1* |
-1 |
2** |
5 |
0 |
50 |
-40 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
7 |
49 |
127 |
- 26 |
|
Air Corps Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
36 |
65 |
48 |
8 |
4 |
56 |
14 |
131 |
183 |
324 |
|
Air Corps Strength |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
31 |
55 |
21 |
8 |
4 |
53 |
14 |
124 |
151 |
248*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
10 |
27 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
32 |
76 |
|
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 |
50 |
53 |
31 |
6 |
7 |
74 |
9 |
196 |
140 |
437*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
-1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- 5 |
28 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
30 |
40 |
-3 5 |
|
Total Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0* |
- 1 |
2 * * |
5 |
0 |
88 |
- 3 |
0 |
0 |
1 4 |
1 3 |
86 |
1 99 |
15 |
PDF Strength by Rank as at 31 August 2015 versus PDF Rank Establishment of 9,500
* 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 appointments as at 31 August 2015 was filled by a Naval Service Officer.
** Within the Establishment figures there is provision for 10 Colonel Appointments overseas. However, with no requirement to fill 2 of the Colonel overseas appointments, no vacancy exists in the rank of Colonel in the Army.
*** Includes 19 Army Cadets, 18 Air Corps Cadets and 9 Naval Service Cadets. There are an additional 83 personnel on career breaks/secondment, who are not included in the strengths in the above table.
Note: Equivalent Naval Service Ranks Brigadier General, Commodore Colonel,Captain Lieutenant Colonel, Commander Commandant, Lieutenant Commander Captain,Lieutenant (NS) Lieutenant, Sub Lieutenant Sergeant Mayor,
Warrant Officer Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant, Senior Chief Petty Officer Company Quartermaster Sergeant, Senior Petty Officer Company Sergeant, Chief Petty Officer Sergeant, Petty Officer Corporal, Leading Seaman Private, Able Seaman.
