Written Answers Nos. 250-266
250. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford under the basic payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3253/16]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2015 Private Contract Clause application seeking the transfer of land and entitlements by lease. This application is currently being processed and payment under the basic Payment Scheme will be made as soon as possible. The person named also submitted applications under the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme to my Department. Once payment under the Basic Payment Scheme has been made, the applications to the National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme will be finalised with a view to payment issuing as soon as possible thereafter.
251. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive payment under the farm safety scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3254/16]
View answerThe claim for payment is being processed and a query in relation to the re-wiring carried out has been raised with the applicant. Once this has been resolved satisfactorily payment can issue.
252. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are any matters which he is aware of but on which he has not taken action, given that his Department was aware of issues regarding migrant workers in the fishing industry, as far back as 2010, but did not take any action until it became public knowledge as a result of an article in the British newspaper The Guardian in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3273/16]
View answerImmediately following the publication of claims of possible exploitation of undocumented migrant workers on Irish fishing trawlers in the Guardian newspaper, an interdepartmental task force was established by the Government to examine the specific issues identified in the newspaper report and to make recommendations on appropriate actions. The task force, which I chaired, was not intended as a comprehensive answer to all of the possible issues arising from the Guardian report, and while that report was specific to the fishing industry, efforts with regard to the wider issues across all sectors have been ongoing across a number of Departments and agencies for many years. For example, An Garda Síochána have included human trafficking as a high priority in their Annual Policing Plan for a number of years with a focus on prevention and detection. Equally, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Health and Safety Authority have primary responsibility for inspection programmes regarding work and living conditions on board fishing vessels.
Reflecting the complexities of the issues raised and the existing work ongoing concerning migrant workers across a number of sectors, the task force consisted of high level representatives from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; Justice and Equality; Transport, Tourism and Sport; Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Social Protection; the Health and Safety Authority; the Attorney General’s Office; An Garda Síochána; BIM; the Naval Service and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority.
The Task Force identified a specific issue in terms of non-EEA workers including those who may not currently be legally resident in the State, which required immediate action to minimise the potential for exploitation of such workers. In making its key recommendation for the introduction of an Atypical worker permission, the Task Force was of the view that the best way to ensure that abuses are minimised is to introduce specific arrangements which ensure that such workers are covered by the protections afforded to employees. The establishment of a sector-specific Atypical Worker Permission system will provide a structured and transparent framework for the employment of non-EEA workers within defined segments of the Irish commercial sea-fishing fleet.
In making its recommendations, the task force was focussed on bringing forward practical arrangements which will enable the risks of exploitation to be minimised while ensuring that reputable employers are able to recruit trained and experienced crew members. The new scheme for migrant workers will also provide a mechanism to assist those currently in Ireland to enter a new employment relationship and these workers will be guaranteed all appropriate employment rights and protections during their period of employment.
The Atypical Working Scheme is administered by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of the Department of Justice and Equality. It is planned that the new arrangements for non-EEA workers in the Irish fishing industry will be operational very shortly.
Any allegations in relation to illegal activity or other wrongdoing within the fishing industry which are brought to my attention or that of my Department are sent to either the SFPA and/or An Garda Síochána, as appropriate, for investigation. Any policy and/or administrative issues arising will be dealt with as swiftly as possible as was the case with the allegations concerning migrant workers.
253. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if it is appropriate that Irish soldiers are being used as human shields on the Golan Heights to protect the annexation of Syrian territory and oil supplies by Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2953/16]
View answerThe United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established on 31 May 1974 by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 350 (1974), following the agreed disengagement of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights in May 1974. Since 1974, the mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months, most recently renewed in June 2015 until 30 June 2016 under UNSCR 2257 (2015).
A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 131 personnel, has been deployed to the UNDOF on the Golan Heights since 2013. Eight (8) other Defence Forces personnel are also deployed in UNDOF Headquarters, including the Deputy Force Commander, Brigadier General Anthony Hanlon.
The current Irish contingent, the 50th Infantry Group, is based in UNDOF Headquarters in Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the area of separation. It operates in the role of a Quick Reaction Force, which is on standby to assist with on-going operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility.
Irish personnel are not being used as human shields in any form on the Golan Heights. UNDOF’s mandate is to maintain credible presence in the Golan and use its best efforts to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic. The continued presence of UNDOF in the area remains essential and both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic have stated their continued commitment to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and the presence of UNDOF. UNDOF continues to engage with the parties on practical arrangements to allow the Force to continue to maintain the ceasefire from the Israeli occupied side of the Golan Heights.
254. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report of the working group on the use of Lariam in the Defence Forces; and if he will outline its contents. [2954/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that I am currently awaiting the report of the Group and its findings.
As I indicated to the House previously, this group re-convened in August 2015. The purpose of the Group is to review issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation; to review and confirm the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces; and to ensure that the procedures in relation thereto continue to be appropriate and in accordance with best medical practice as promulgated by the relevant medical authorities. In addition, the Group is now reviewing the use of the drug Primaquine as part of the overall medical treatment process for those deployed to malarious areas.
The Group is also reviewing developments in the context of the Defence Forces use of malaria chemoprophylaxis with particular focus on updated patient safety information, changes to Summary Product Characteristics, changes in product licensing/authorisation, identification of any new anti-malarial medications on the market and national and international expert advices on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis and its usage in other Armed Forces.
The Group originally reported in 2013. As I have previously advised the House, the Report was produced in the context of current and potential litigation and is, therefore, legally privileged. Any further report prepared by the re-convened Group will also be produced in the context of current and potential litigation and will, therefore, be legally privileged.
255. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he has commissioned a commemorative medal to be made available to all present and past members of the Irish Defence Forces, in recognition of their loyal service to the State for the past 100 years given the upcoming 1916 centenary celebration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2723/16]
View answerThe State is undertaking a comprehensive programme of commemorations during 2016 which commenced on New Year’s Day in Dublin Castle. Further details of the commemorations being held this year are available at www.ireland.ie. I am currently considering any further initiatives that may be introduced in this context.
256. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Defence in relation to a member of the Permanent Defence Force (details supplied) who joined as an engineer officer on 29 March 2006 under the condition governing the appointment of engineer officers in the Corps of Engineers and was deemed eligible for promotion to captain on 29 March 2009, which eligibility was duly confirmed to him by document dated 26 March 2009, why this case was investigated by the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, ODF, who issued a preliminary report on 28 April 2014; why he has not accepted and implemented the resolution as outlined in the preliminary report by the ODF; why the ODF has not issued a final report; if an exception was made to the public service promotion moratorium when this member was promoted on 23 December 2010; if it is unreasonable to expect a person to wait for six years to have an issue such as this resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2921/16]
View answerUnder the provisions of section 4(1) of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces Act 2004, the Ombudsman is independent in the performance of his or her functions. From enquiries made by my officials to the Office of the Ombudsman, I understand that the Ombudsman expects to issue his Final Report on this case in the near future. Pending my receipt of that Report, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matters raised.
257. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 17 November 2015, if payment to the recruits will stand as at 23 September 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2933/16]
View answerThe Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruits in question reported to 1 Mechanised Infantry Company, Curragh Camp on 23 September 2013 and on reporting were accommodated and rationed in the Defence Forces Training Centre. However, the recruits in question were not attested to the PDF until 24 September 2013. A claim regarding this matter has been received through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Members of the PDF and that claim is now under consideration. As all matters under the C and A scheme are confidential to that process in accordance with the Scheme rules it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.
258. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Defence in the lifetime of this Government, the number of proposals managerial staff in any agency or managerial body under his remit put forward to alter the roll-out of public services which were delayed, postponed or abandoned as a result of non-co-operation by trade union representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3170/16]
View answerNo agencies or managerial bodies, under the remit of the Department of Defence, have made any proposals to alter the roll-out of the public services which were delayed, postponed or abandoned as a result of non-cooperation by trade union representatives.
259. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence the number of payments issued under the Irish Red Cross humanitarian scheme, including payments to persons in the Athlone area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3251/16]
View answerThe Government approved the allocation of €5m for an emergency humanitarian support scheme to small businesses and community, sporting and voluntary bodies which through no fault of their own have been unable to secure flood insurance and have been flooded recently. The Irish Red Cross have agreed to administer the scheme.
The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable organisation with full power to manage its own affairs. I, as Minister for Defence have no function in the administration of the Irish Red Cross Society and do not get involved in the day to day running of its affairs.
The Irish Red Cross are continuing to receive applications and payments are being made on a daily basis. The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 January 2016. The Irish Red Cross will complete a summary report following an assessment of all applications received. I will arrange for a copy of the report to be sent to the Deputy.
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces, the extent to which the numbers have fluctuated over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3262/16]
View answer267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the degree to which numbers have fluctuated over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3269/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 267 together.
The strength of the Reserve Defence Force at the end of December, 2015 was 2,280 personnel. The 2015 White Paper on Defence sets out a developmental path for the RDF. It provides that the overarching establishment of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) is to be set at 4,169 personnel, consisting of 3,869 Army Reservists and the expansion of the establishment of the four NSR Units from currently 200 personnel to 300. A key challenge is to recruit and train sufficient personnel to meet the reserve establishment provided in the White Paper. The Defence Forces will continue to strive to improve the level of RDF recruitment in 2016. The position with regard to the extent to which Reserve numbers have fluctuated over the past five years is outlined in Table 1.
Table 1: Reserve Defence Force Strength over the past five years
|
31 Dec 2011 |
31 Dec 2012 |
31 Dec 2013 |
31 Dec 2014 |
31 Dec 2015 |
|
|
RDF Strength |
5,220 |
4,978* |
3,655* |
2,302 |
2,280 |
*Due to the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force there is a significantly larger margin of error applicable to these figures.
With regard to the Permanent Defence Force, the strength figures for year-end 2015 together with the position regarding fluctuations over the past five years are set out in Table 2.
Table 2: Permanent Defence Force Strength (by service) over the past five years
|
31 Dec 2011 |
31 Dec 2012 |
31 Dec 2013 |
31 Dec 2014 |
31 Dec 2015 |
|
|
Army |
7,650 |
7,510 |
7,434 |
7,457 |
7,309 |
|
Air Corps |
791 |
791 |
779 |
766 |
748 |
|
Naval Service |
997 |
1,058 |
1,023 |
1,057 |
1,083 |
|
Total |
9,438 |
9,359 |
9,236 |
9,280 |
9,140 |
Strength figures from 2013 on are Whole Time Equivalents.
The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational needs across the organisation both at home and abroad. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment takes place so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.
A General Service recruitment campaign was launched on 4 August 2015. As of 31 December 2015, 49 Cadets, 307 General Service Army & Navy recruits and 50 other personnel including apprentices, instrumentalist and doctors were inducted into the Defence Forces. Further recruitment campaigns are planned for 2016.
With the support of the Chief of Staff, I am confident that we shall retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of women serving in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3263/16]
View answerThe total number of women serving in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps was 552 as of 31 December, 2015. The number serving in all three branches of the Defence Forces is broken down by rank in Table 2 as follows:-
Table 2: The number of women serving (whole time equivalent) in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, by rank (as on 31 December 2015).
|
Rank |
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
|
Lieutenant General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Major General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Brigadier General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Colonel |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Commandant |
28 |
6 |
1 |
|
Captain |
36 |
16 |
7 |
|
Lieutenant |
30 |
2 |
0 |
|
Sergeant Major |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Company Sergeant |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sergeant |
59 |
6 |
5 |
|
Corporal |
111 |
8 |
8 |
|
Private |
183 |
20 |
10 |
|
Cadets |
5 |
3 |
0 |
|
Total |
458 |
61 |
33 |
The 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. 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 to both genders on merit.
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.
262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he can rely on a rapid response from the Defence Forces when called upon to assist the civil authorities in the event of a terrorist act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3264/16]
View answer263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces are adequately equipped to respond to emergencies when called upon to assist the civil authorities in the event of emergencies such as recent flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3265/16]
View answer265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the ability of the Defence Forces to make a rapid response to emergencies on land, on the coast and at sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3267/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 262, 263 and 265 together.
It is my priority as Minister for Defence 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 and, in the event of a terrorist incident, it is An Garda Síochána who would be the first responders. Additionally, An Garda Síochána may request specific assistance from the Defence Forces in the context of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP). The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances and are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies.
Both the Ordnance Corps and the Army Ranger Wing specialise in providing an immediate response to emergency incidents that might require their highly specialised capabilities.
The Ordnance Corps consists of a number of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams which are on standby 24/7 to respond when a request for assistance is received from An Garda Síochána to deal with suspect devices.
The Army Ranger Wing is an integral unit of the Defence Forces whose roles include provision of specialist ATCP support to An Garda Síochána. The need for a high level of preparedness to deal with any requests for special forces operations is inherent in the unit’s mission. Members are trained to the highest levels of motivation, physical fitness and skill at arms for their specialist role. The ARW is on standby to be called upon to undertake duties in any part of the country.
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.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and natural disasters including flooding. 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 Defence Forces personnel have a modern and effective range of equipment, including telecommunications and logistical equipment, needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise.
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if Irish soldiers will be deployed overseas in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3266/16]
View answerAs of 1 January 2016, Ireland is contributing 423 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement beneath. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 197 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 139 personnel.
Following a Government Decision on 12 May 2015, the Irish Naval Vessel, L.É. Eithne, was deployed to the Mediterranean on 16 May, 2015, to assist the Italian Authorities with the migrant crisis. Two further vessels were deployed, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett, and the deployment was completed on 29 November 2015, with L.É. Samuel Beckett arriving back in Ireland on 17 December 2015. The question of a further deployment to the operation in the Mediterranean in 2016 is being evaluated and will be considered in the context of the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto, the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources. Subject to Government approval, it is intended to deploy a further naval vessel to the Mediterranean probably sometime in March 2016.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. 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.
The current contribution of some 423 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 1 January 2016
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ 9
UNIFIL 51st Infantry Group 184
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 50th Infantry Group 131
TOTAL 358
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) 7
(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) 9
(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 393
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina 1
(ii) Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE 2
2. EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels 3
3. EU BATTLE GROUP
German-led Battle Group 2016 - HQ, STRASBOURG 10
UK-led Battle Group 2016, UK 5
4. 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 423
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will update, upgrade or replace equipment in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3268/16]
View answerThe acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence, and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
Going forward, the 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. In addition, it is intended that the two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also be replaced.
The current Naval Service ship replacement programme will have replaced three Naval Service vessels when completed by July 2016. The White Paper recognises that a minimum eight ship flotilla will be required.
The Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities, and the principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. There will be a focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles and the most cost effective option of upgrading or replacing the current fleet will be identified. A small number of armoured logistical vehicles will be procured for force protection overseas.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will ensure that the Defence Forces are fully equipped to meet their assigned roles & taskings.
