Written Answers Nos. 566-586
566. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs how much it costs per year and per unit, for each of the years from 2012 to 2016 to date, to fund the 141 family accommodation units available in refuges, for those experiencing domestic violence, in tabular form. [17021/16]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy has been requested from the Child and Family Agency. I will respond directly to the Deputy when the information is received.
567. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the schemes she provides for subsidised child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17074/16]
View answerMy Department administers a number of childcare support programmes. These are the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, the Community Childcare Subvention Private (CCSP) Programme and the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) programmes. These programmes primarily provide support for childcare and early years education in formal settings such as preschools and creches, some of which are run by community/not-for profit organisations, and some by private providers.
With a budget of €233m for 2016, the largest scheme is the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which from September 2016, will make free pre-school available for 15 hours per week for 38 weeks per annum to all children from the time they turn three, until they go to school, entering at three points in the year: September, January and April. On average, from September 2016, children will benefit from 61 weeks, up from the current provision of 38 weeks. Access to the average 61 weeks of ECCE can reduce the cost of childcare by €4000 per child. The current ECCE programme is accommodating 67,000 children; this figure will increase to 127,000 next year.
The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme provides funding to childcare services to enable them to provide quality childcare, including after-school care, at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income working parents. Parents qualify as disadvantaged or low income on the basis of means-tested entitlements. With a budget of €45m it is anticipated that over 25,000 children will benefit from this programme this year in over 900 community (not for profit) childcare services. In the case of full day care, parents qualifying for the higher rate of subvention under the CCS programme can have up to €95 per week deducted from the overall charge for childcare in the participating childcare facility.
As part of Budget 2016, the Department announced an expansion of the CCS programme to allow private services to offer the programme. This expansion provided for a further 3,200 (full-time equivalent) childcare places on the programme, or approximately 8,000 children based on average uptake. The expansion also saw the inclusion of private childcare providers in the CCS Programme for the first time. The Community Childcare Subvention Private (CCSP) Programme launched in March 2016. The 2016 budget for CCSP programme is €16m.
The following three programmes ASCC, CEC and CETS are known collectively as the Training and Employment Childcare ('TEC') programmes.
My Department administers two programmes, ASCC and CEC, on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. ASCC provides subsidised childcare to support low-income and unemployed people who have primary school children in returning to work or to increase their days of employment. CEC supports people engaged in Community Employment Schemes who have preschool children and/or primary school children. Eligibility for these programmes is the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection.
- The After-School Childcare (ASCC) programme has a budget of €1.3m and has capacity to provide 300 whole-time equivalent after-school places annually. Each eligible parent is given a maximum allowance of 52 weeks of ASCC which does not have to be used consecutively, but when it is exhausted, the parent's eligibility ceases. ASCC childcare places are subject to availability and are allocated on a first-come first served basis. The programme pays childcare services €40 per week for an after-school place or €80 per week in situations where the childcare service provides a pick-up service that collects or brings the child to and from school. The programme also provides a full day care rate of €105 per week, for a maximum of 10 weeks, to cater for school holiday periods. In all cases, the maximum fee payable by parents is €15 per week per child.
- The Community Employment Childcare (CEC) programme, with a budget of €6.7m, has capacity to provide 1,200 preschool places and 800 afterschool places. It is targeted specifically at participants in the Community Employment (CE) schemes. Each eligible parent can avail of a maximum of 50 weeks childcare per academic year. Eligible parents must reapply for childcare each September. CEC childcare places are subject to availability and are allocated on a first-come first served basis. Under this programme, childcare services are paid €80 per week for pre-school places for children up to the age of 5 and €40 per week for after-school places for primary school children up to the age of 13, with a set charge of €15 per week to the parent in either case. The programme also provides a part time day care rate of €80 per week, for a maximum of 10 weeks, to cater for school holiday periods.
My Department administers the Childcare Education and Training Support programme on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. With a budget of €17m, the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme provides 2,500 childcare places, including part-time and after-school places, to qualifying Solas or Education and Training Boards (ETB) trainees or students for the duration of their courses. Eligibility for the CETS programme is determined by the Department of Education and Skills.
In late 2017 my Department plans to replace ASCC, CEC, CETS and CCS/CCSP; with a single and simplified programme that will be available through community (not for profit) and private childcare providers. This programme, when developed, will provide an infrastructure through which any further investment in the subsidisation of childcare can be delivered.
568. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of adoptions into Ireland from China, for each of the past ten years; when adoptions will resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17309/16]
View answerThe Adoption Authority of Ireland has provided details of intercountry adoptions from China 2006 to 2015 as follows:
|
Number of adoptions effected in China between 2006 and 2015 where the adopters were habitually resident in Ireland and held a valid Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability to Adopt |
|
|
2006 |
33 |
|
2007 |
31 |
|
2008 |
19 |
|
2009 |
10 |
|
2010 |
9 |
|
2011 |
6 |
|
2012 |
1 |
|
2013 |
3 |
|
2014 |
1 |
|
2015 |
15 |
|
Total |
128 |
Helping Hands Adoption Mediation Agency was accredited on 16/4/2014 to facilitate adoptions from China under the Chinese Special Needs programme and adoptions from China are ongoing.
569. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence why he has not published the Dunbar report into suicide in the Defence Forces; and if he will issue a copy to me. [16670/16]
View answerIn August 1999 the Minister for Defence established an inter-Departmental Group under the Chairmanship of Mr. Liam Dunbar to conduct a review of the provision of medical services to members of the Defence Forces. The Group carried out a detailed study of the role and operations of the Medical Corps. The Group completed its report in June 2000. The report did not relate to suicide in the Defence Forces.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for you.
570. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he shares the sentiments of his counterpart in Finland, the Finnish Defence Minister, Jussi Niinistö, who recently stated that he supports reform of Finnish law to provide a legal mandate to expand the Finnish Defence Forces ability to participate in European wide international crisis management; and if those who opposed Ireland's participation in the United Kingdom led battle group which also had Finnish participation would be concerned with this statement in view of general concerns regarding the use and purpose of such battle groups. [16782/16]
View answerI am given to understand that the changes proposed relate solely to matters where bi-lateral assistance is requested of Finland or where Finland may wish to offer such bi-lateral assistance in specific circumstances. The intention is to expand the Finnish Defence Forces' legal mandate to include providing and accepting international assistance.
As the Deputy will appreciate it is a matter for individual States including Finland and Ireland to determine their particular Security and Defence policies and arrangements. Ireland’s Defence Policy is clearly set out in the White Paper on Defence which was published last July. At this time there are no plans or identified requirements for legislative change to give effect to Ireland’s international security and defence policy as provided for in the White Paper. In addition, developments in relation to Finland’s security and defence policy have no impact on our participation in EU Battlegroups, nor on the role or operational deployment of EU Battlegroups.
571. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he shares the views of his predecessor, who stated he wanted Ireland to become a testing zone for advanced military and weapons guidance systems (details supplied); and if he will assure Dáil Éireann that he does not wish Ireland to become a haven for firms trading or researching such weapons of mass destruction. [16783/16]
View answerI support my predecessor’s view that there is an ongoing requirement to examine new and innovative means of improving capabilities in the security and the defence domain, so that the Defence Forces are in a position to undertake the roles assigned by Government.
The Government approved arrangements in July 2011, whereby Enterprise Ireland (EI) would support the Department of Defence and Defence Forces capability development through engagement with Irish-based enterprise and research institutes on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere. The capabilities being researched and developed by the Defence Forces in cooperation with research companies and institutions are wide ranging. They cover capabilities such as Maritime Surveillance; Energy Conservation; Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) research including CBRN Protection, and Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) detection and destruction. The Defence Forces are a military force. Given the nature of their role on robust overseas operations, they need access to the latest communications and surveillance technologies and weapons systems in order to carry out their duties safely and effectively. This means having weapons guidance systems, simulators, surveillance systems, communications, robots and drones along with all the other elements of force protection.
While there is not an armaments industry in Ireland and it is not the intention of this Government to establish one, there are however opportunities to develop new technologies and to further develop and enhance existing systems and capabilities which will have dual military and civil application. This can be achieved through continuous engagement between Irish enterprise and research centres and the Defence Forces. The aim is to maximise synergies across both the civil and military domains and to develop leading edge technology and systems here in Ireland. Successful exploitation of current research and the knowledge which the Defence Forces can provide in this area also has the potential to contribute to the creation and retention of jobs in innovation and research in Irish Enterprises and third level institutes.
Projects proposed by institutes and companies, where they are seeking to partner with or involve Defence Forces participation, are submitted to the Defence Enterprise Committee for consideration. The Defence Enterprise Committee consists of personnel from the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and Enterprise Ireland. All capabilities to be researched are vetted and agreed at the highest level in the Defence Organisation to ensure compatibility with the roles assigned to the Defence Forces by the Government.
572. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the responsibilities of the Minister of State at the Department of Defence who is based in the Department of the Taoiseach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11434/16]
View answerDeputy Paul Kehoe has been appointed Minister of State attending Government and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Defence with special responsibility for the Department of Defence.
Following this appointment, the Government have made the Defence (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2016 under the Minister and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977 to delegate ministerial functions to Minister Kehoe. Under this Order, Minister Kehoe now has statutory responsibility for a wide range of Defence matters as specified in the Order. The principal powers delegated include the powers to make regulations under the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015 covering a wide range of Defence matters and personnel-related issues affecting members of the Defence Forces. In addition, Ministerial powers arising under other legislation relating to the Department of Defence have been delegated to Minister Kehoe.
On an overall level, primary responsibility for the Department of Defence will rest with me as Minister for Defence and I remain responsible to Dáil Éireann and as a member of the Government for the exercise and performance of the statutory powers and duties delegated. Every power or duty delegated to Minister Kehoe continues to be vested in me as Minister for Defence concurrently with the Minister of State and may be exercised or performed by either.
573. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures the Curragh forum is taking to ensure the safety of livestock legally grazing on the Curragh plains in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14450/16]
View answerAs you are aware the management and protection of the Curragh Plains, one of the most open and accessible areas in the Country, is an ongoing process.
On 8 March 2016 the first meeting of the newly established Curragh Plains Representative Forum was held. The meeting was chaired by the Department of Defence and was attended by invited representatives from the Defence Forces, an Garda Síochána, Curragh Racecourse, Curragh Racehorse Trainers and Kildare County Council. The purpose of the Forum is to provide an opportunity for the consideration/progress of a wide range of issues regarding the use and management of the Curragh Plains. Issues to be considered include the development and protection of the Curragh Plains and how best to deal with the many day to day issues arising from the management of the Curragh including but not limited to illegal parking, illegal encampments, dumping and environmental protection.
The 1870 Curragh of Kildare Act awarded the right to graze sheep free of charge on the Curragh on the basis of common of pasture, in respect of lands adjacent to the Curragh. The current bye-laws which were made in 1964 deal mainly with the management of sheep and depasturing of sheep. Animals other than sheep are not permitted to graze on the Curragh. Sheep grazing rights are not transferable apart from the occupation of the lands in respect of which they were awarded. There are currently 6,013 rights, which are owned by approximately 150 landowners and utilised by about 30 flock owners. These rights may be exercised over all lands other than those occupied by the military at the Curragh Camp (The Brown Lands) and the area enclosed at the Racecourse.
The owners of the sheep are responsible for the welfare of their animals while grazing them on the Curragh and must also comply with the provisions of the 1964 bye-laws.
574. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will respond to allegations that some members of the Defence Forces serving on missions, such as Operation Pontus in the Mediterranean, are being paid less than the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17052/16]
View answerThe pay structures and conditions of service of members of the Permanent Defence Force contain professional and technical remuneration elements in addition to allowances in the nature of pay which reflect the unique aspects of military life both at home and abroad. As such, the non-standard time and attendance patterns of military personnel and the rates of remuneration associated with a wide spectrum of duties undertaken by such military personnel can vary across the different branches of the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces personnel engaged in overseas peace support missions are paid their basic pay along with the Overseas Peace Support Allowance (Armed or unarmed depending on the mandate of the mission). Members of the Naval Service engaged in the Maritime Humanitarian Search and Rescue Operation in the Mediterranean are being paid the rate for “Unarmed Peace Support Allowance” in addition to their usual remuneration. This allowance is paid for the duration of the mission including from the date of departure to the date of return to base.
This is the same allowance as has been paid in the past to Army personnel deployed on humanitarian operations such as in Sierra Leone, Haiti etc. The Naval Service operation is not an armed mission in the sense of armed missions in UNIFIL (Lebanon), UNDOF (Golan Heights), Chad etc.
This Unarmed Peace Support Allowance is a daily allowance and is currently exempt from Income Tax and PRD deductions.
The following table sets out the weekly rate of the unarmed peace support allowance:
|
ALLOWANCES - ENLISTED PERSONNEL |
Weekly Rate from 01/07/2013 |
|
Overseas Peace Support Allowance – OPSA |
|
|
Sergeant and higher |
€413.49 |
|
Corporal |
€399.70 |
|
Private |
€385.98 |
Rates 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. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy.
Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) has made a claim for the application of the Minimum Wage to PDFORRA members of the Naval Service. This claim is currently being examined by the Departmental Side through the Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for Members of the Permanent Defence Force. As matters under consideration through the C&A Scheme are confidential, it would not be appropriate for me as Taoiseach to comment further at this time.
575. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of operations the Defence Forces are involved in abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17053/16]
View answer589. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for a report on all overseas missions that the Defence Forces are currently participating in; the number of Defence Forces personnel currently participating in overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17298/16]
View answer596. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the level of deployment and location of Irish troops overseas on United Nations or European Union related missions; the extent to which further missions are planned or required; the extent to which the need for any upgrading of equipment has been noted, arising from such deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17317/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos 575, 589 and 596 together.
As of 1 June 2016, Ireland is contributing 474 Defence Forces personnel to 11 overseas 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 199 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel and the Naval Service humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean with 57 personnel.
Irish soldiers deployed to UNIFIL serve alongside Finnish Armed Forces as part of a joint Battalion which is currently under Finnish command. Ireland takes over command of the Battalion from Finland in November 2016 at which time an additional Company of some 150 personnel will be deployed to UNIFIL bringing Ireland’s contribution to this mission to 340 personnel approximately. In addition, Major General Michael Beary will take over the prestigious role of Force Commander and Head of Misssion in UNIFIL shortly. A headquarters team and close protection support team amounting in total to approximately 20 personnel will deploy with him. Apart from these additional deployments to UNIFIL, no new missions are envisaged at this time.
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. 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.
Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both equipment and force assets to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfill their roles. I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.
The current contribution of some 474 Defence Forces 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 oversease as at 1st January 2016
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ 9
UNIFIL 53rd Infantry Group 186
UNIFIL Sector West HQ 4
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria 10
(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, 7
Golan Heights, Syria
UNDOF 52nd Infantry Group 129
TOTAL 354
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) 7
(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) 13
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ 12
2. OTHER DEPLOYMENTS
Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in Mediterranean L.É. Róisín 57
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS 443
3. 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
4. EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels 4
5. EU BATTLE GROUP
German-led Battle Group 2016 - HQ, STRASBOURG 10
UK-led Battle Group 2016, UK 5
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 474
576. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence why the Defence Forces use the anti-malaria drug Larium, despite its known side effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17054/16]
View answer577. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will justify the enforcement of the use of the anti-malaria drug, Larium, which has serious side effects, by the Defence Forces abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17055/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 577 together.
There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces. They are Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline.
The health and welfare of the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces is a priority for me. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces.
A Malaria Chemoprophylaxis working group was re-convened in August 2015. The purpose of the group is to review inter alia issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation; to review 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 was tasked with reviewing the use of the drug Primaquine as part of the overall medical treatment process for those deployed to malarious areas.
Malaria is a serious disease that killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015 as reported by the World Health Organization, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area. Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
578. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of the presence of the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport, protecting civilian troop carriers and military planes of the United States of America, by month in 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17202/16]
View answerThe Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
Since 5 February 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The cost of the presence of Defence Forces at Shannon Airport, protecting civilian troop carriers and military planes of the United States of America, by month in 2016 to date is set out in the following table.
|
Month |
Costs |
|
January |
€15,457.23 |
|
February |
€13,896.72 |
|
March |
€15,492.39 |
|
April |
€15,101.14 |
|
May |
€15,422.07 |
|
June (to date) |
€14,796.42 |
I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces ATCP roles.
579. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he had discussions regarding discontinuing the Irish participation in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force mission in the Golan Heights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17203/16]
View answerA contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights since 2013. The current Irish contingent, the 52nd Infantry Group, comprising 129 personnel, is based in UNDOF Headquarters in Camp Ziouani. 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. Seven (7) other Defence Forces personnel are also deployed in UNDOF Headquarters.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas and these missions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. On the margins of an informal meeting of Defence Ministers in Luxembourg on the 3rd September 2015, the then Minister for Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney, had discussions regarding the Defence Forces participation in UN peacekeeping operations including the UNDOF mission, with the UN Under Secretary-General, Mr Hervé Ladsous. He confirmed Ireland’s commitment to UN operations, and in relation to UNDOF, he pointed out that if Ireland was not required in UNDOF in the future, then consideration would be given to other options for deployments on behalf of the UN. At this point in time, however, the presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights and in the Middle East region and, today, the Government approved continued participation by the Defence Forces in UNDOF for a further twelve months.
580. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence with regard to the Government's White Paper on Defence, if he will consider a change to the State's policy and definition of military neutrality; if he will consider the use of Shannon Airport by the military of the United States of America to be a breach of that military neutrality and of other policies under the Defence portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17204/16]
View answerAs the Deputy was previously informed in the House on the 8th of October 2015, the White Paper on Defence, which was published last summer, following a broad and extensive consultative process, did not change Ireland's policy of military neutrality.
The Government's recent review of foreign policy and the Defence White Paper confirmed that Ireland will continue to maintain its traditional policy of military neutrality which means non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements. Ireland's policy of military neutrality was formed in an era when inter-State conflict was the key issue of national security for most States. The State’s policy of remaining outside of military alliances has remained in place ever since. Thankfully, the threat of inter-State war in Europe is much diminished, but there will continue to be new and emerging threats in the defence and security environment. The reality remains that the world continues to evolve to such an extent that no one country alone can respond adequately to the threats in the defence and security environment and inevitably there will be threats and challenges that have not yet been anticipated. Such security challenges will require an enhanced collective and comprehensive approach, and there will be an increasing emphasis on security co-operation. The issue of overflights by foreign military aircraft and the use of Shannon by foreign military aircraft are the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, the Deputy will be aware that successive Governments have made overflight and landing facilities available at Shannon Airport to the United States for well over 50 years. These arrangements do not amount to any form of military alliance with the US and are governed by strict conditions, applied to ensure compatibility with our traditional policy of military neutrality. Finally, it goes without saying that all our policy responses must realistically reflect current and future security challenges and should be able to accommodate the necessary responses, both national and collective without prejudice to our policy of military neutrality.
581. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the next recruitment campaign for the Permanent Defence Force will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17209/16]
View answerThe 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, the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force and available resources. 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 as set out above in accordance with available training capacity.
A General Service recruitment campaign that was launched on 13 April 2016, and the 2016 Cadet Competition launched on 16 March 2016, are both now closed and applications are being processed. It is envisaged that there will be an intake of 600 general services recruits in 2016 and a further 850 in 2017. This recruitment will be phased over the 2016 and 2017 period in a manner designed to increase personnel numbers towards the established strength and plans are being put in place to this end. Most of the new recruits this year will be drawn from the existing General Service panel. A new panel will be established from the current competition. Recruitment from this new panel is expected to commence towards the end of 2016 and will continue through 2017 and into 2018. It is too early at this stage to predict whether and when a 2017 competition may be required, as it will depend on the numbers who are successful in the current competition and are placed on the panel and the level of turnover in the Defence Forces.
582. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the consultation which took place with the Defence Forces on the commitment in the new programme for Government for a pilot employment support scheme that will be run in conjunction with the Defence Forces; when this programme will be rolled-out and the amount it will cost per year; how participants will be selected for this programme; if concerns have been expressed by the Defence Forces on this proposal, given the high level of professionalism of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17291/16]
View answerIn line with the Government’s commitment to a strengthened approach across the economy to social responsibility, the Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to introduce a pilot employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces. This commitment was also reflected in the White Paper on Defence, published in August 2015, which sets out the policy framework for the Defence Organisation for the next ten years and beyond.
The objective of this Scheme is to help develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. The Scheme is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose.
The scheme and the programme content have been developed through detailed consultation involving the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces, the Department of Social Protection and the Dublin and Dun-Laoghaire Education and Training Board. A work group which includes representatives from each of the aforementioned organisations has developed the detail of the initiative with key stakeholders. Prior to the commencement of the scheme, a meeting was held with both Defence Forces Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, where a detailed presentation and briefing was provided on the proposal and the content of the scheme and, at which, any questions raised were addressed
The pilot scheme commenced on Monday 20th June 2016 for 28 participants in Gormanston Camp for 10 weeks. The total estimated cost of running the pilot programme is €240,000. Following review of the pilot programme, it will be possible to calculate the actual costs incurred and therefore accurately estimate the cost of the Scheme on an ongoing basis. The success of the pilot scheme will inform the progress of rolling out the scheme. However, it is important to state, that based on current resource constraints, it is anticipated that a maximum of 2 programmes could be run per annum.
The Department of Social Protection identified suitable participants for participation in the pilot scheme. The basic selection criteria applied were that the person must:
- be aged between 18 and 24,
- be unemployed,
- want to take part in the programme, and
- be healthy and physically able to take part in outdoor activities.
Potential candidates were then interviewed by a member of the Defence Forces and an official from Department of Social Protection. Candidates who were successful at interview were then required to pass security vetting and be medically certified as fit to undergo the programme of training by their own civilian GP, prior to the commencement date of the pilot scheme.
The following revision was received from the Department on 14 July 2016
The written reply stated that there were 28 participants taking part in the pilot scheme. The Department would like to clarify that in fact the number of participants is 25.
583. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to update Dáil Éireann on the continued role of Irish Naval Service personnel in assisting with the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean; how long the mission will continue; the level of engagement he has had with European Union partners on this vital humanitarian mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17292/16]
View answerFollowing 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. During 2015 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. During that period 8,592 people were rescued in the Mediterranean by Irish Naval Vessels.
The Government, on 6 April 2016, approved the return of an Irish Naval vessel to undertake humanitarian search and rescue tasks in the Mediterranean. This deployment will involve naval vessel rotation. Subject to the operational demands and requirements of the mission, it is intended that there will be two rotations (i.e. 3 Naval Service vessels deployed) with each deployment lasting approximately 12 weeks.
L.É Róisín was deployed to the Mediterranean on 1 May 2016 and commenced patrolling in the area of operations on 12 May 2016. To date, L.É. Róisín has rescued 893 people bringing the overall total rescued by the Naval Service during 2015 and 2016 to 9,485.
The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian search and rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea will be 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.
The despatch of Irish naval vessels represents a tangible and valuable Irish national contribution to assisting with the continuing migration crisis in the Mediterranean.
At EU level, the EU naval operation against human smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean, Operation Sophia, was launched at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 22 June 2015. Its mission is to identify, capture and dispose of vessels and enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. The objectives are not only to disrupt the activities of smugglers and traffickers; but also to prevent further loss of life at sea and to reduce the suffering and exploitation of migrants caused by criminal organisations.
While Ireland is fully supportive of the EU approach to this crisis, there are no plans to deploy naval personnel or vessels to the EU Mission at this time. Any consideration of future participation by the Irish Defence Forces in Operation Sophia will be subject to the applicable National statutory requirements being met.
584. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence whether the Army Ranger Wing is to double in size due to current concerns regarding the threat of international terrorism; when this will happen and if additional funding will be allocated specifically for this purpose; if he will indicate what he believes is the optimum level of the Army Ranger Wing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17293/16]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies.
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 the recently published White Paper on Defence, the Government has committed to further enhance the capabilities of the Army Ranger Wing, in particular with the aim of increasing the strength of the unit considerably. As the Army Ranger Wing is the Special Operations Force of the Defence Forces the exact number of personnel in it or their location is not released into the public domain, for reasons of operational security.
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.
585. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has liaised with his counterparts across the European Union on the ongoing threat of international terrorism; if he is satisfied at the level of preparedness here if such an event were to occur; if the Irish Defence Forces have been asked to provide any support, whether of an intelligence nature or otherwise, to support European Union partner states who have been the subject of international terror threats or actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17294/16]
View answerAt Ministerial level there is ongoing contact as required with EU colleagues both in the context of European Defence and Security and other matters. In addition to these bilateral contacts, two official meetings of EU Defence Ministers are held during each six month EU Presidency. The most recent meeting of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers took place in Luxembourg on 18 April 2016. Discussions at the meeting covered a wide range of European Defence and Security issues and associated challenges.
I am also kept fully appraised of issues arising from meetings which officials from my Department attend in the area of European Defence and Security. As with the formulation of any policy, best practice and lessons learnt in other jurisdictions will always inform EU policy formulation to ensure that it is robust, coherent and meets the needs of Member States. In relation to International Terrorism issues at EU level, this is primarily a matter for Justice and Interior ministers under the Justice and Home Affairs umbrella. Within this State, primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. In that regard, among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues. 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.
As the Deputy will be aware, the previous Minister for Defence attended the meeting of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers that took place in Brussels on 17 November 2015 at which my French colleague, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drein, invoked Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, following the tragic events in Paris on 13 November last.
Following that invocation there was liaison between officials from my Department and French authorities at which various options for how Ireland could be of assistance were explored. One option explored was examining what support Ireland would be able to offer to UN mandated missions which suffered gaps as a result of France or other nations withdrawing forces to undertake alternative operations. The outcome to the French request for support was the enhancement of our current deployment to the EU Training Mission in Mali, to which 10 members of the Permanent Defence Force were previously deployed. This figure will now be increased to 18. The issue of also providing support to the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA is being kept under review.
586. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the purpose of the recent exercises in the Irish Sea conducted by the Defence Forces Special Operations Task Group; if this was a regular exercise or was it linked to ongoing anti-terror training; if other anti-terror exercises have recently taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17295/16]
View answerThe 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. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
When not engaged in actual operations, the Defence Forces conduct regular exercises. In this regard, on the 18th of May 2016, Exercise Poseidon was commenced. The purpose of the exercise was to enhance military capability and particularly joint operations involving all three services (Army, Air Corps, Navy). This is a regular exercise which is generally conducted every two years. The exercise was not linked to any known terror threat.
For security and operational reasons it would not be appropriate to comment further.
