Written Answers Nos. 587-607
587. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for a report on the recent decision for Ireland to participate in an European Union United Kingdom-led battle group; how the new United Kingdom-led battle group will operate; the training exercises or deployment he expects to occur within this new framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17296/16]
View answerAt its meeting of 14th July 2015, the Government approved the participation of five members of the Permanent Defence Force in the UK Battlegroup 2016, which will be on stand-by for 6 months from July 2016.
On 9th June 2016 Dail Éireann passed a Resolution on Ireland's accession to the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the establishment and operation of the UK Battlegroup. The UK led EU Battlegroup Memorandum of Understanding is an agreement between the participants, namely Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and the UK, which sets out principles in relation to the operation, deployment and management of the UK led EU Battlegroup. The MoU which has been laid before the House is broadly structured as follows:
Sections 1 to 4 deal with the definitions and reference documents that are applicable to this MoU. They define the UK as the Framework Nation and broadly outline the purpose of the MoU.
Sections 5 to 8 deal with the consultation process, exercise, training, certification and the operation of the Battlegroup. Most Battlegroup training will take place in the contributing Member States - i.e. Irish troops will mainly be trained in Ireland.
Sections 9 to 13 outline the arrangements in terms of financing, logistics, classified information, the status of forces and the issue of claims and liabilities.
Sections 14 to 16 deal with the process of participation of additional States in the Battlegroup, the timelines for coming into effect and termination of the Memorandum of Understanding and the process for dispute resolution.
For the most part, Battlegroup training takes place in the contributing member States i.e. Irish troops are mainly trained in Ireland, Swedish troops in Sweden etc. Training and military exercises which have already taken place over the six months in preparation for the Battlegroup standing up on 01 July 2016 are set out in the following table.
In respect of deployment, it is the case that no Battlegroup has ever deployed to date. Each Battlegroup participant retains the right to deploy or not to deploy its forces, irrespective of an EU decision to launch a Battlegroup operation. Equally, each Battlegroup participant retains the sovereign right to withdraw its contingent at any time. The command of each contingent remains under national control, with operational control delegated to the operational commander. Any deployment of the Irish contribution as part of the UK Battlegroup will be subject to a UN mandate and Government approval. The following training exercises were undertaken as part of the preparations for the Battlegroup Standby Period.
UK led EU Battlegroup, 2016-2
Participants: Ireland, UK, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania.
|
Exercise |
Dates |
Description |
Participants |
|
Ex CAST |
07 Mar 16 – 11 Mar 16 |
A Force Headquarters Command and Staff Exercise conducted in Catterick, UK. |
5 Staff Officers deployed to the Operational and Force Headquarters. |
|
Live Ex |
02 May 16 – 21 May 16 |
The Battlegroup Certification Exercise involving all elements of the Battlegroup conducted on Salisbury Plains, UK. |
5 Staff Officers deployed to the Operational and Force Headquarters. |
|
POLEX |
28 Apr 16 |
Poliocy/Political decision making exercise held in London, UK |
Defence Policy Director, Deputy Defence Policy Director, Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), Director of Operations |
588. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the comments made by Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, that Irish soldiers should be given a choice of whether to use the anti-malaria drug Lariam, in particular, in respect of criticisms by a British defence committee of the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17297/16]
View answerI am aware of the British Defence Committee report, its conclusions and the reported comments of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association. However, the choice of malaria chemoprophylaxis for use by other armed forces is an internal matter for those forces. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on other States’ policy in this regard. 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.
The aim of the Defence Forces policy on malaria chemoprophylaxis is to minimise risk to all deployed personnel. Significant precautions are taken by Irish Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of our Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Irish Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability. The objective is to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by malaria.
Malaria is a serious disease which killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa as reported by the World Health Organisation. 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.
590. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the Labour Party’s proposals to facilitate Irish Congress of Trade Union membership for Defence Forces representative associations, which has been welcomed by the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association; his plans to progress this policy; the estimated timeframe for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17299/16]
View answerThere are no plans to allow PDFORRA to take up associate membership of ICTU. Under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the Defence Forces Representative Associations are prohibited from being associated with, or affiliated to any trade unions, or any other body without the consent of the Minister. Accordingly, the Representative Association PDFORRA cannot be affiliated to ICTU at present.
The basis for the prohibition is that it would be inappropriate to apply the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990 to members of the Defence Forces. The taking of any form of industrial action is irreconcilable with military service. The Defence Forces may be called on to contribute to maintaining vital services in times of industrial action. The potential for serious difficulties and conflicts could arise in these circumstances if the Defence Forces Representative Associations were associated with, or affiliated to ICTU, given ICTU rules in relation to such matters.
A number of mechanisms have been put in place through the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme to compensate for the prohibition on affiliation to ICTU. These provide the Representative Associations with structures and processes, which enable them to make representations and negotiate on behalf of their members.
In addition, a framework exists which facilitates the Associations engaging with the official side in talks parallel to those taking place between ICTU and the official side at National level. This parallel process was successfully operated in respect of discussions, facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission, on an extension to the ‘Public Service Agreement 2010 – 2018’ leading to the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
Following on from a case brought to the European Committee on Social Rights by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), a complaint has now been made by EUROMIL (a European umbrella body for military associations), on behalf of the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA), alleging a breach of Article 5 (the right to organise) and Article 6 (the right to bargain collectively) of the European Social Charter.
Submissions have been lodged to the European Committee on Social Rights setting out Ireland’s position in the matter and a further Response to Submissions was lodged by Ireland on 26th February 2016.
I remain satisfied with the present arrangements in place and have no plans to make any changes.
591. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of the White Paper on Defence; the measures that have been implemented and the timeline for the implementation of all other measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17300/16]
View answerFollowing the publication of the White Paper on Defence a total of 88 projects were identified to be completed over a ten year period. Implementation of the White Paper projects is included in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The Implementation process is being led and overseen by the Minister, the Management Board and the General Staff assisted by a Joint Civil Military White Paper Implementation Facilitation Team (Joint Team).
As the White Paper sets the policy framework for the coming years implementation is of critical importance and is a significant undertaking for the Defence Organisation. In this context, implementation of projects is being phased with the immediate projects to be initiated in the period ending June 2017. Work has already commenced and in some cases is well advanced on a number of projects. These projects include, but are not limited to, the Employment Support Scheme, the Diversity and Inclusion strategy, the formation of the Civil Defence Inter-agency Guidance Team and various equipment procurement projects.
The approach to implementation takes account of the significance of the White Paper, harnesses the civil and military effort on implementation while also recognising the finite resource envelope available and the operational imperative in Defence.
592. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures he is bringing forward to ensure the enhanced participation of women in the Defence Forces, as was specifically proposed in the White Paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17301/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
The Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties , and all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit.
A key impediment in achieving greater numbers of women serving in the Defence Forces is the lack of women recruitment applicants relative to men. This may be as a result of societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers. There have been a number of recent initiatives to encourage greater female participation, such as:
- The introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants,
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment,
- A balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards,
- All promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit,
- A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces and,
- Work is well-progressed on a Defence Forces Equality and Diversity Policy, which will be published in the near future.
Over the course of the White Paper 2015 , further initiatives will be developed to encourage more women to apply for the Defence Forces and to increase female participation at all ranks. This will include a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the PDF, as well as the impact of the requirements of career courses and overseas service on female retention and advancement. The development and active management of a Diversity and an Inclusion Strategy in the Defence Forces, building on existing policies in relation to ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and equality will also be included.
593. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views that there should be an increase in defence expenditure in budget 2017, given that the current expenditure of around 0.5% of gross domestic product is one of the lowest expenditures on defence across the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17302/16]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence, published in 2015, sets out the roles that Government has assigned to the Defence Forces and the associated capability requirements. I am fully committed to ensuring that appropriate financial resources are provided to facilitate effective delivery across all of these assigned roles, into the future.
Security environments differ across all EU states and each country pursues a Defence policy that reflects its particular requirements. Consequently, the proportion of overall funding allocated to Defence can fluctuate between member states.
The expenditure allocation for Defence for 2017 will not be settled until the Budgetary process is concluded, later in the year.
594. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to report on the recent appointment of a person (details supplied) as the head of mission and force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL; the length and scope of this mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17303/16]
View answerOn 25 May 2016, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Major General Michael Beary as the Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The appointment will be for an initial period of one year.
Major General Beary succeeds Major General Luciano Portolano of Italy, who will complete his assignment in mid July 2016.
The Head of Mission/Force Commander exercises “UN Operational Authority in the Field” over all military and civilian UN entities assigned to UNIFIL and commands UNIFIL, exercising operational control over all UNIFIL military elements and military observers.
Major General Beary has a wide range of previous overseas experience including three deployments in South Lebanon with UNIFIL and has served as Company Commander and Staff Officer in UNIFIL HQ Operations Branch. He served as Mission Commander in EUTM Somalia from 2011 to 2013 where he commanded a multinational force from 12 EU Member States who were tasked with training military forces for the Somali Government. He is currently serving as the General Officer Commanding 2 Brigade.
The UNIFIL mission continues to represent Ireland’s largest overseas deployment. Currently, Ireland serves as part of a joint Finnish/Irish Battalion. There are currently 199 Irish personnel serving with UNIFIL. Ireland will take over command of the Battalion from Finland in November 2016 and will deploy an additional Company of approx 150 personnel as part of the Battalion.
595. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his proposals to increase numbers in the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17316/16]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence (2015) set the overall establishment of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) at 4,169 personnel. Recruitment campaigns for the RDF are conducted on an annual ongoing basis. The current campaign started in September 2015, and has been paused on an administrative basis as the Defence Forces are administering the recruitment campaign for candidates to enter the Permanent Defence Force. I am advised that it is intended to recommence the campaign for Reservists in the coming months. The Defence Forces have received 2,733 applications to date in this competition which is encouraging .
The 2015 White Paper on Defence confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the Permanent Defence Force in times of crisis and to participate in ceremonial events. The implementation of measures set out in the White Paper 2015 will provide opportunities for certain members of the RDF to undertake new duties. I am of the view that this, and other initiatives outlined in the White Paper will be a key motivating factor in encouraging more people to join the RDF as well as making it more attractive for current members to stay.
597. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Army, Navy and Air Corps training continues to be in line with modern and international best practice; if any particular procedures are shown to be in need of updating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17318/16]
View answer602. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which current ongoing training of the Army, Navy and Air Corps including Reserves, is scheduled in the course of the next three years; the extent to which such ongoing training meets international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17323/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 597 and 602 together.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable it to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.
The Defence Forces conducts training and education under four broad categories namely; leadership, skills, career and collective training. Leadership training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensures that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensures that its personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career training and education provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces. Emphasis is placed on joint and combined exercises.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The Defence Forces delivers military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. The Defence Forces also engages with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retains currency with regards to best international practice.
598. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment including transport, communications and procedures in the Army continues to be upgraded and improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17319/16]
View answer599. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which all sea-going vessels available to the Naval Service are upgraded, improved or refurbished on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17320/16]
View answer600. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which training, equipment and quality and variety of aircraft available to the Air Corps continues to be in line with the best standards internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17321/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 598 to 600, inclusive, together.
The 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 which is line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
The future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the recently published White Paper, which 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 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.
The current Naval Service ship replacement programme will have replaced three Naval Service vessels by July 2016. Last week, agreement was reached with Babcock International for the provision of an additional ship for the Naval Service to be built in their facility in Appledore, Devon. This ship will be the same class as the three newest vessels, LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce and LÉ William Butler Yeats. The agreed contract value for the further ship is €54.3 million (€66.78 million inclusive of VAT) and delivery is expected within two years, which ties in with the project planning process in place under the White Paper on Defence which will determine the Defence Organisation’s maritime capability requirements.
The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the current flagship, LÉ Eithne, by a multi-roled vessel (MRV). LÉ Eithne was built in 1984. In addition, the two existing Coastal Patrol Vessels, LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla are due for replacement in the coming years (also built in 1984). It is outlined in the White Paper that these ships will be replaced with similar type vessels with countermine and counter IED capabilities.
In addition, the White Paper recognises the requirement to maintain and upgrade vessels having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology.
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.
There will be continued investment in the development of suitable network enabled communications in order to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex operational environment. This is also a priority area for investment if additional funding, beyond that required to maintain existing capabilities, is made available.
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 and trained to meet the roles placed on them.
601. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total strength of the Defence Forces including Reserves, Army, Navy and Air Corps; the number of women in each branch of the services; the likelihood of recruitment and replacements following retirements, now and over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17322/16]
View answerThe following tabular statement sets out the total strength of the Defence Forces, as of the 31st May, 2016 (the latest date for which figures are available), broken down as requested by the Deputy.
|
Reserve |
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
|
|
Total |
2,134 |
7,310 |
1,094 |
733 |
|
No. of Females |
285 |
452 |
58 |
36 |
It should be noted that figures for the Reserve (above) are for effective members, while figures for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are for Whole Time Equivalent positions.
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. The significant turnover of personnel that is the norm in military services requires targeted recruitment so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.
A General Service recruitment campaign was launched on the 13th April, 2016, and the 2016 Cadet Competition launched on the 16th of March, 2016. Applications from these competitions are currently being processed. 241 General Service Recruits have been inducted to date in 2016. It is planned to recruit a total of 600 enlisted personnel in the current year and 75 cadets. An apprentice competition for the Air Corps is currently being planned. In addition, it is planned to recruit 850 enlisted personnel in 2017.
603. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which membership of the local Defence Forces continues to be maintained at a required level; the extent to which ongoing training standards and requirements are met. [17324/16]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence 2015 provides that the overall establishment of Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) is set at 4,169 personnel, consisting of 3,869 Army Reservists and the expansion of the four Naval Service Reserve Units from 200 to 300 personnel.
Generally, recruitment campaigns for the RDF are conducted on an annual ongoing basis. The current campaign began on the 7th September 2015, and the Defence Forces have received a total of 2,733 applications to date in this competition. The recruitment campaign has been paused on an administrative basis as the Defence Forces are administering the recruitment campaign for candidates to enter the Permanent Defence Force. I am advised that it is intended to recommence the campaign for Reservists in the coming months.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the Permanent Defence Force in times of crisis and to participate in ceremonial events. The implementation of measures set out in the White Paper 2015 will provide opportunities for certain members of the RDF to undertake new duties. I am of the view that this, and other initiatives outlined in the White Paper will be a key motivating factor in encouraging more people to join the RDF as well as making it more attractive for current members to stay.
With regard to RDF training, a key recommendation of the Value for Money Review of the RDF, published in November 2012 , was to ensure that all effective members of the Reserve were afforded the opportunity to undertake annual training. In 2016, Subhead A.5 provides for a budget of €2.150 million. of which €2.068 million. provides for a total of 30,000 Paid Training Man-day's for members of the Reserve. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.
604. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are adequately equipped to deal with emergencies in respect of which they might be called upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17325/16]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces, including the availability of specialised equipment, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas. In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies caused by severe weather events, such as the storms and flooding, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces 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 the Department of Defence 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 full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergency situations. The most important asset that the Defence Forces can provide is personnel, equipped with personal protective equipment, to operate during extreme weather events and with the capacity to support and sustain those personnel if deployed.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including specialised equipment, to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government including the provision of relevant assistance in emergency situations that may arise.
605. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defences Forces can be mobilised in the event of natural disasters, including flooding, given the preferability of early deployment and the need for the use of specified equipment in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17326/16]
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.
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 Principle Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in the 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.
To facilitate support to the principle response agencies locally, 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.
I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel have a modern and effective range of equipment to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
606. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps and the Naval Service continue to co-operate in air-sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17327/16]
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 and that they have the resources to carry out their operational commitments. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps and Naval Service, have the necessary resources to meet these commitments.
With reference to Search and Rescue, the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of such services within the Irish search and rescue region. Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations and a Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.
607. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which young unemployed persons have been able to join the Defence Forces; if a specific programme exists in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17328/16]
View answerThere is no specific recruitment campaign aimed at young unemployed persons. Applications to join the Defence Forces are open to all persons who fulfil certain criteria. The criteria that apply to all applicants for General Service Recruitment Competitions require that they must undergo psychometric tests, a fitness test, a competency based interview, a medical examination and undergo Security Clearance. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and under 25 years of age on the closing date of applications for the Army, and must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age on the closing date of applications for the Naval Service. No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. However, applicants must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that they possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Permanent Defence Force. I am advised that educational standards for those who do not sit exams in the State are governed by the National University of Ireland set equivalent. 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.
However, in 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 Dún 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.
