Robert Troy
Question:901. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she will take to support the reopening of a child care centre (details supplied). [24274/16]
View answerChild Care Services Provision
Questions (901)
Written answers
Since early 2015, my Department has supported intensive engagement with Pobal and Longford County Childcare Committee to maintain childcare provision in the service in question. Unfortunately, following an EGM of the board in March 2016, my Department was informed of the intention to proceed with an orderly wind-down of the service.
My Department recognises that the service in question provides childcare support for children from a disadvantaged background, and understands that the closure of this service will cause difficulties for parents and children who use the service. My Department notes that the interim management of this service and Longford County Childcare Committee have both indicated that this service could have been sustainable, were it not for legacy debt and governance issues. The establishment of a new Community Childcare Service here would provide the opportunity for a new start for the facility. My Department is keen to see a new service established as soon as possible and is prepared to work constructively with stakeholders to develop a plan for the provision of sustainable childcare services to the impacted families.
Whilst my Department is very keen to assist with a solution, my Department does not have authority to provide exceptional funding to a private childcare provider over and above the programme funding that would be due for the provision of childcare places under the Early Childhood care and Education (ECCE), Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) and Community childcare Subvention (CCS) programmes.
My Department and Pobal are continuing to engage with Longford CCC in relation to McEoin Park and the re-establishment of a service for the local community. Proposals were requested from a number of existing community based services in May 2016 and while none were forthcoming at that time Pobal and Longford CCC are still pursuing options locally in relation to the reopening of a service on the site.
Freedom of Information Data
Questions (902)
Dara Calleary
Question:902. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of freedom of information, FOI, requests received by her Department to date in 2016; the number of requests fully refused; and the number of requests partially refused. [24277/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has received 43 Freedom of Information requests to date in 2016. Of those requests, 15 were fully refused and 4 partially refused.
Ministerial Expenditure
Questions (903)
Jack Chambers
Question:903. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to her and each Minister of State in her Department in respect of their functions as Ministers in her Department between 1 January 2016 and 10 March 2016; between 11 March 2016 and 6 May 2016; and since 7 May 2016. [24292/16]
View answerWritten answers
Details of the mileage and other travel expenses claimed by me in the performance of my official duties since 6th May 2016 to date are as follows:
- the sum of €446.74 was obtained in mileage costs towards the use of my private motor vehicle. The total distance claimable was 756 km;
- the sum of €424.37 was claimed in respect of the provision of Business Class 11 insurance cover in respect of the use of my private car for official purposes.
The Deputy might note that there is no Minister of State assigned to my Department.
Ministerial Advisers Data
Questions (904)
Jack Chambers
Question:904. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to provide the name and position of, and annual salary awarded to, her special advisers; to provide details for requests, if any, for an increase above the special advisers' pay cap as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24309/16]
View answerWritten answers
Both of my Special Adviser appointments have been made in accordance with Instructions for Ministerial Appointments as published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in June 2016.
|
Name |
Position Held |
Current Salary |
|
Patricia Ryan |
Special Adviser |
€79,401 |
|
Jerry O'Connor |
Special Adviser (Media) |
€79,401 |
Departmental Staff Sick Leave
Questions (905)
Jack Chambers
Question:905. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the figures for his Department on the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified leave and uncertified leave in each year from 2011 to 2015, inclusive. [23409/16]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy regarding the percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through certified leave and uncertified leave in the Department of Defence in each year from 2011 to 2015 inclusive is set out in the tabular statement below.
|
Year |
Certified Sick Leave |
Uncertified Sick Leave |
|
2011 |
3.87% |
0.34% |
|
2012 |
3.06% |
0.32% |
|
2013 |
3.63% |
0.26% |
|
2014 |
2.92% |
0.22% |
|
2015 |
3.52% |
0.23% |
Defence Forces Strength
Questions (906)
Lisa Chambers
Question:906. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Permanent Defence Force with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23552/16]
View answerWritten answers
The following tables set out the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 30 June 2016, the latest date for which figures are available, across all three services and ranks, broken down by gender. The figures provided are for whole-time equivalent posts.
Army
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lieutenant General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Major General |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Brigadier General |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Colonel |
33 |
0 |
33 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
103 |
3 |
106 |
|
Commandant |
226 |
30 |
256 |
|
Captain |
233 |
44 |
277 |
|
Lieutenant |
139 |
22 |
161 |
|
Sergeant Major |
29 |
0 |
29 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
32 |
0 |
32 |
|
Company Sergeant |
104 |
1 |
105 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
160 |
2 |
162 |
|
Sergeant |
845 |
56 |
901 |
|
Corporal |
1183 |
114 |
1297 |
|
Private |
3702 |
180 |
3882 |
|
Cadets |
28 |
1 |
29 |
|
Total |
6825 |
453 |
7278 |
Air Corps
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
Commandant |
31 |
2 |
33 |
|
Captain |
51 |
6 |
57 |
|
Lieutenant |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Sergeant Major |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Company Sergeant |
55 |
0 |
55 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
13 |
1 |
14 |
|
Sergeant |
114 |
6 |
120 |
|
Corporal |
139 |
11 |
150 |
|
Private |
222 |
8 |
230 |
|
Cadets |
25 |
0 |
25 |
|
Total |
689 |
35 |
724 |
Naval Service
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Commandant |
44 |
8 |
52 |
|
Captain |
36 |
14 |
50 |
|
Lieutenant |
26 |
2 |
28 |
|
Sergeant Major |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
Company Sergeant |
74 |
0 |
74 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
15 |
0 |
15 |
|
Sergeant |
173 |
7 |
180 |
|
Corporal |
124 |
8 |
132 |
|
Private |
491 |
18 |
509 |
|
Cadets |
12 |
2 |
14 |
|
Total |
1024 |
59 |
1083 |
The whole-time equivalent strength on the 30 June 2016 was 9,085. The overall establishment figure set for the Defence Forces is 9,500 and it is the Government’s intention that ongoing recruitment campaigns will strive to maintain the serving strength at or close to this figure.
Defence Forces Reserve Strength
Questions (907)
Lisa Chambers
Question:907. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23553/16]
View answerWritten answers
As of 30 June 2016, the latest date for which figures are available, the current effective strength of the Reserve stood at 2,142 personnel, of which 284 were female personnel.
I believe that the Reserve Defence Force is an important asset to the State. I value the contribution of all of its members who volunteer their time and service so willingly and I am fully committed to its ongoing and future development.
Overseas Missions Data
Questions (908)
Lisa Chambers
Question:908. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of overseas missions in which the Defence Forces are currently involved; the number of personnel involved in each mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23554/16]
View answerWritten answers
As of 19 July 2016, Ireland is contributing 493 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world, along with deployments to two standby Battlegroup Headquarters and a range of international organisations and National Representations.
The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 214 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel and the Naval Service humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean with 60 personnel.
Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are as follows:
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas
As of 19th July 2016
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ - 27
UNIFIL 53rd Infantry Group - 183
UNIFIL Sector West HQ - 4
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria - 11
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) - 3
(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) - 3
(v) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) - 1
(vi) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ, Golan Heights, Syria - 7
UNDOF 52nd Infantry Group - 129
TOTAL - 368
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) - 7
(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) - 15
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ - 12
2. OTHER DEPLOYMENTS
Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in Mediterranean L.É. James Joyce - 60
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS - 462
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 - 493
Defence Forces Recruitment
Questions (909)
Lisa Chambers
Question:909. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits to the Defence Forces to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23555/16]
View answerWritten answers
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, 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.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that to date in 2016, a total of 246 General Service Recruits have been recruited into the Defence Forces, 199 Army and 47 Naval Service. It is envisaged that there will be an intake of 600 general services recruits in 2016. I am further advised that 9 Reserve Defence Force recruits (Army) have also been recruited to date in 2016. A recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Force has been advertised nationally today and further details are available on www.military.ie.
The intake of Cadets into the Permanent Defence Force is normally carried out on an annual basis taking into consideration the operational requirements of the Defence Forces and the resource envelope allocated to Defence. The 2016 Cadetship campaign is currently underway.
Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
Army Bomb Disposals Data
Questions (910)
Lisa Chambers
Question:910. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of suspect devices dealt with by the Army bomb disposal unit on a county-by-county breakdown to date in 2016, in tabular form. [23556/16]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams respond when a request for assistance is made by An Garda Síochána in dealing with a suspect device. The number of EOD callouts, which include viable devices, hoaxes, false alarms, post-blast analysis and the removal of unstable chemicals in laboratories, dealt with up to 19 July 2016, by county, are set out in the following table:
|
County |
No. of suspect devices |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
|
Clare |
1 |
|
Cork |
8 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
|
Dublin |
25 |
|
Galway |
4 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
|
Louth |
2 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
|
Total |
56 |
Defence Forces Review
Questions (911)
Lisa Chambers
Question:911. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he will publish the Defence Forces' climate survey; and if the findings will be made available to Defence Forces Representative Associations before publication. [23797/16]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that I have received a comprehensive and seminal Report on the Defence Forces ‘Your Say’ Climate Survey 2015 undertaken by the University of Limerick. As the Deputy will appreciate, there are comprehensive findings contained in the Report which I am currently considering. It is my intention to publish the Report in the coming weeks after the Representative Associations have been briefed on same. Upon publication, I will arrange to have a copy forwarded directly to the Deputy.
Defence Forces Personnel
Questions (912)
Lisa Chambers
Question:912. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of promotions within the officer ranks that are waiting to be signed off on. [23798/16]
View answerWritten answers
Promotions are ongoing within the Officer ranks in order to fill vacancies. I am advised by my Department that there are currently 10 Officer promotional instruments being processed and awaiting signature.
It is my intention that promotions will continue to be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
Defence Forces Recruitment
Questions (913)
Lisa Chambers
Question:913. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of new recruits in each service of the Permanent Defence Force in each year since 2011; and the number of same in each service that are still in the Permanent Defence Force in 2016. [23819/16]
View answerWritten answers
It has not been possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. I will provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
Naval Service Operations
Questions (914)
Michael McGrath
Question:914. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the role he envisages the Naval Service and his Department will play in a certain project (details supplied); the funds which have been committed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23872/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Haulbowline Island Master Plan was completed in July 2015. The creation of a Master Plan for the Island was considered necessary in order to identify a vision for the sustainable development of the remediated Island, linking industrial development and tourism potential alongside the activities in the Naval Base. It was also to ensure that the necessary remediation infrastructural works can, where possible, complement future development plans for the Island.
As you may be aware, ownership of Haulbowline Island has been temporarily transferred to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to facilitate the completion of the remedial works. Accordingly, funding for the remedial works has been included in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Vote for 2016. The Department of Defence has received no funding in respect of the remedial work, the development of the Master Plan or the implementation of the Plan.
There are currently infrastructural developments being undertaken in the Naval Base to ensure that the ongoing operational needs of the Naval Service can be met. This development is informed by the Master Plan, although most aspects of the Master Plan are awaiting completion of the remedial work on the island.
The position of the Naval Service as the priority user of Haulbowline has been stressed by the Department of Defence during the development of the Plan and accordingly both the Navy and the Department will play a central role in its implementation while facilitating the development of those parts of the island not required now or in the future for Naval Service operations.
Naval Service
Questions (915)
Michael McGrath
Question:915. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the distance from the Irish coastline the Irish Naval Service has jurisdiction to patrol; the functions regarding patrolling; if there is any difference in the powers the Naval Service has once it patrols beyond the territorial seas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23883/16]
View answerWritten answers
As the State’s principal sea-going agency, and in accordance with international and domestic law, the Naval Service, through its patrols, undertakes a variety of functions in the maritime domain in accordance with its role in contributing to maritime security. This encompasses the provision of support to other Government Departments and Agencies such as the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. The Defence Forces will continue to provide a range of supports to these Bodies in accordance with its roles in aid the civil power and the civil authority and as set out in the applicable Memorandums of Understanding and Service Level Agreements.
The internal waters of the State extend from the land into maritime territory to a distance of 12 nautical miles. These boundaries extend into the contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles from the baseline which permits the coastal state to exercise control necessary to prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends 200 nautical miles from land where the coastal state exercises rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, and beyond, where applicable.
Living Wage
Questions (916)
Niall Collins
Question:916. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for all employees directly employed or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24158/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Defence has not undertaken a specific costing exercise to determine the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 for its employees and those employed in its agencies.
Living Wage
Questions (917)
Niall Collins
Question:917. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the discussions his Department has had with suppliers or service contractors to his Department or to agencies of his Department to ensure that employees of such suppliers and contractors are paid the living wage of €11.50 per hour; the cost of implementing this wage for these employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24173/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has had no such discussions with suppliers or service contractors to the Department with regard to compliance with payment of the Living Wage to the employees of suppliers or service contracts.
It is important that Ireland’s National Minimum Wage and the Living Wage concept are not conflated. The Living Wage is voluntary and has no legislative basis and is, therefore, not a statutory entitlement and cannot be imposed on suppliers or contractors.
However, compliance with employment law obligations, such as the National Minimum Wage, in respect of contracts for the provision of goods or services awarded by my Department and the Defence Forces is set down in standard tender documentation. It provides that successful tenderers shall be solely responsible in law for the employment, remuneration, taxes, immigration and work permits of all personnel retained under any such contract.
Minimum rates of pay may also be supplemented by social transfers such as Child Benefit, Family Income Supplement or health, education or housing assistance payments where the need arises and to reflect family circumstances. These have served to provide an important safety net for families that by virtue of their circumstances require such financial support.
Freedom of Information Data
Questions (918)
Dara Calleary
Question:918. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of freedom of information, FOI, requests received by his Department to date in 2016; the number of requests fully refused; and the number of requests partially refused. [24279/16]
View answerWritten answers
The following table outlines the number of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests received by the Department of Defence to date in 2016, the number of requests fully refused and the number of requests partially refused.
|
Number of FOI requests received to date in 2016 |
Number of FOI requests fully refused |
Number of FOI requests partially refused |
|
70 |
8 |
8 |
Ministerial Expenditure
Questions (919)
Jack Chambers
Question:919. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of miles claimed for and the amount of travel expenses paid to him and each Minister of State in his Department in respect of their functions as Ministers in his Department between 1 January 2016 and 10 March 2016; between 11 March 2016 and 6 May 2016; and since 7 May 2016. [24294/16]
View answerWritten answers
Mileage and/or travel expenses incurred by former Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, T.D., for the periods 1 January 2016 to 10 March 2016 and 11 March to 6 May 2016 were paid from the Vote of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Similarly, mileage and/or travel expenses incurred during the periods 1 January 2016 to 10 March 2016 and 11 March to 6 May 2016 by Minister of State Kehoe were paid from the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach.
No mileage and or travel expenses claims have been made by Minister of State Kehoe in respect of his responsibilities at the Department of Defence in respect of the period from 7 May 2016 to date.
Ministerial Advisers Data
Questions (920)
Jack Chambers
Question:920. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide the name and position of, and annual salary awarded to, the special advisers to Ministers in his Department; to provide details for requests, if any, for an increase above the special advisers' pay cap as set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24311/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Minister of State with responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D., has not yet formally appointed Special Advisers but it is expected that he will do so shortly.