Friday, 16 Sep 2016

Written Answers Nos. 1936-1961

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (1936)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

1936. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since, including the date they became vacant, for State boards or governing bodies under her control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; if the position was advertised and a shortlist provided to her by the Public Appointments Service; if the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under her control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26078/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I am responsible for the appointment of members to the boards of the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Child and Family Agency (Tusla), Gáisce (the President's Award) and the Board of Management for the Children Detention Schools.

On 26 February 2016, there were 6 vacancies on the Gáisce Council and 2 vacancies on the Board of Management of the Children Detention School. I am currently arranging for the six vacant positions on Gáisce to be advertised through the State Boards process, in addition to a subsequent vacancy recently notified to my office.

On 1 June 2016, the 3 children detention schools were amalgamated to form one entity, Oberstown Children Detention School, and a new Board of Management was appointed. A vacancy later arose on the Board of Management following the resignation of an officer of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This was filled with my nominee on 25 July 2016.

Since 26 February 2016, 2 vacancies have arisen on the Tusla Board. One was filled as set out below. The second vacancy arose in April 2016 due to the resignation of a member. This and 3 other vacancies, which are due to be filled at the end of this year, are currently advertised on the stateboards.ie website. The closing date for applications is 27th September, 2016.

Since I assumed office in May this year I have appointed Ms Emer Egan to the Tusla Board with effect from 21 July 2016. Ms Egan was appointed following approval of Government to fill the unexpired term of office from 21 July 2016 to 31 December 2016 for the vacancy created by the previous nominee from the Department of Education and Skills. I have also made 13 appointments to the new Board of Management for the Children Detention School with effect from 1 June 2016. The Board consists of the chairperson and 12 ordinary members.

I appointed Professor Ursula Kilkelly, Dean of the School of Law, University College Cork as Chairperson. Professor Kilkelly is recognised as a leading expert in issues relating to the detention of children and has published widely on youth justice issues.

Of the 12 Ordinary members, the following 7 were appointed on foot of the requirements of section 167 of the Children Act 2001, as follows:

- Mr Jim Gibson - interim Chief Operations Officer of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency was nominated by the Minister for Health;

- Ms Fionnuala Anderson - an Education Officer in Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board was nominated by the Minister for Education and Skills;

Ms Sinead O’Herlihy and Mr Fiachra Barrett are members of staff on the Oberstown campus who were nominated for appointment on foot of a local balloting process by Oberstown staff in December 2015;

Mr Pat Rooney and Ms Elizabeth Howard are local community residents in the vicinity of the Oberstown campus and were nominated by Lusk Community Council in November 2015;

Mr Dan Kelleher is a former Principal Officer in the Irish Youth Justice Service, Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

I appointed the remaining 5 members of the board on foot of the publication of a notice for expressions of interest on the website www.stateboards.ie in January 2016, under the 2014 Guidelines for appointments to State Boards. I made the following 5 appointments from a short-list of 15 suitable candidates notified to my Department by the Public Appointments Service on 18 of February 2016:

- Mr Charles Irwin is an Accountant with the Professional Development Service for Teachers, Dublin

- Mr Diego Gallagher is a solicitor with Byrne Wallace Solicitors, Dublin

- Ms Emer Woodfull is a practicing barrister at the Law Library, Dublin

- Ms Fiona Murphy is a service coordinator with Extern - a charitable organisation which provides services to children assessed as being high risk requiring intensive community based support.

- Mr Michael Farrell is Corporate Secretary in University College Cork.

Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children

Questions (1937)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1937. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in the care of the State who have not yet been processed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service; the number of these who have completed their leaving certificate in 2016 and who will complete their leaving certificate in 2017; the way these students will access a SUSI grant without an updated immigration status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26136/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Separated children seeking asylum who arrive in Ireland are identified and referred to Tusla by an officer representing the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Garda National Emigration Bureau as provided for under Section 8 of the Refugee Act, 1996. All identified children are referred to the Tusla Team for Separated Children Seeking Asylum which provides services including care, education, family reunification and aftercare support.

Tusla has advised that there are six children in care who have not yet applied for asylum. A total of eight children in care have been granted legal status to remain in Ireland and a further 25 are at various stages of the process. Two of these young people completed the Leaving Certificate in 2016 and a further five plan to sit the Leaving Certificate in 2017.

Nine of the young people who have turned 18 years of age since arriving in the country, and who are in receipt of aftercare support, completed the Leaving Certificate in 2016. A further seven hope to sit the Leaving Certificate in 2017. All of these young people are allocated to aftercare workers and are residing in private-rented accommodation, supported lodgings or direct provision.

In order to qualify for a SUSI grant it is necessary to have legal status and satisfy the requirements for habitual residency. As only a few of the young people would qualify in this regard most of them pursue Post Leaving Certificate courses until such time as they qualify or seek other funding sources to cover college fees such as One Foundation or the Dun Laoghaire Refugee Project.

I have requested further information from Tusla which I will forward to the Deputy when received.

Child and Family Agency Staff

Questions (1938)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1938. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of additional social workers required to clear the backlog of unassigned cases; if she will ensure that every case has a care plan; the associated cost of such additional recruitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26137/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

At the end of June 2016, the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) reported that there were 26,214 open cases, of which 5,610 were without an allocated social worker. Although alarming, this represents a 16% reduction in the number of unallocated cases since the start of the year. The Deputy should note that all urgent and emergency cases notified to Tusla are dealt with immediately. Urgent and emergency cases could involve cases of abandonment, allegations of physical and sexual abuse, parental ill health and the need to find an immediate placement, or threat to the safety or life of a child by a third party.

To address the situation Tusla has developed a three-year plan which identifies the requirement for additional resources to meet critical service concerns. This includes children who have no allocated social worker. The plan to address unallocated cases involves increasing staffing levels by 323 whole-time equivalents, including 268 social workers. The cost of this has been estimated at €19.4m over the period 2016-2018. An initial allocation of €6.1m was provided to Tusla in 2016 in this regard. In addition to social workers, it is also important to recruit other grades such as family support staff and administrative support to ensure an efficient service with the right mix of staffing.

Tusla has been pro-active in its efforts to meet its recruitment targets in a competitive environment. Progress is being made and at the end of August 2016, there were 110 additional social work staff employed directly by Tusla compared to the same period in 2015. Overall, there has been an increase of 158 whole-time equivalents across Tusla over the twelve month period July 2015 to July 2016. Tusla has also recently completed an extensive social work graduate recruitment campaign which has led to the creation of a panel of 250 social workers from which they will be able to fill further posts.

I am fully committed to addressing the issue of unallocated cases and to effecting further reductions in the number of children without an allocated social worker and care plan as a matter of priority.

Budget 2017

Questions (1939)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1939. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the projects her Department is prioritising in Budget 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26138/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The responsibilities of my Department encompass a wide range of policy and service activity, both direct and indirect, for children and young people in Ireland. It has a complex mandate, comprised of a number of separate, but interrelated strands including:-

- the direct provision of a range of universal and targeted services;

- ensuring high-quality arrangements are in place for focused interventions dealing with child welfare and protection, family support, adoption, school attendance and reducing youth crime;

- the harmonisation of policy and provision across Government and with a wide range of stakeholders to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

Funding requirements and how resources should be prioritised and allocated across each area of Government spending are generally considered as part of the annual estimates cycle and budgetary process. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this time on any future decisions that may be taken by Government in the context of Budget 2017 on the expenditure allocations for programmes and services falling within the Vote of my Department. However, my overall objective will be to realise funding allocations that reflect expenditure policy priorities and that sufficient resources are directed towards those areas of greatest impact on children and young people.

The State funded services provided by my Department span across three main programme areas in the Vote and I would like to briefly outline for the information of the Deputy the nature and extent of the programmes and services that are administered through the available resource allocations.

Programme A provides for the Children and Family Support Programme which includes the funding allocations for the Child and Family Agency and the Irish Youth Justice Service. The overall objective of this Programme is to integrate and improve the existing service delivery arrangements to protect and support the welfare of children, young people and their families.

Programme B , Sectoral Programmes for Children and Young People, contains many of the major expenditure areas of the Department that include a range of childcare programmes including the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education and provision for youth programmes and services. The overall objective under the Programme is to continue to support the provision of both universal and targeted services for the care, development and well-being of children and young people.

Programme C, the Policy and Legislation Programme of the Department supports a range of programmes that include the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland, the National Children’s Strategy, the application based National Lottery Funding Scheme, provision for the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Commission of Investigation in to Mother and Baby Homes.

Child Care Services Funding

Questions (1940)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

1940. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there has been any engagement by her Department with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on the provision of child care facilities and support to entrepreneurs intending to start up businesses; and the potential cost to the Exchequer of such support. [26232/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

My Department has had engagements with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation as part of the Interdepartmental Group of Future Investment in Childcare, and will continue to engage with them.

My Department currently administers four targeted childcare programmes to support low income families. These programmes are, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) Programme, the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) Programme, the After-School Childcare (ASC) Programme and the Community Employment Childcare (CEC) Programme. Of relevance to entrepreneurs may be the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) Programme. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) qualifies under CCS. The BTWEA is administered by the Department of Social Protection, and is for those in receipt of certain social welfare payments who would like to become self employed. Further details can be found on the Department of Social Protection's website.

The CCS Programme provides funding to community/not-for-profit and private childcare services to enable them to charge reduced childcare fees to disadvantaged and low income families. Depending on whether a parent is in receipt of a social welfare payment, or holds a valid medical/GP Visit Card, they will benefit from a weekly fee reduction of between €50 and €95 for a full-time childcare place, between €25 and €47.50 for a part-time childcare place, and between €17 and €31.35 for a sessional (not more than 3 hours and 30 minutes) childcare place.

The current targeted childcare programmes are very complex administratively and have a wide variation in terms of the budget allocation, the access and eligibility criteria applied, the rates and maximum duration of childcare subsidisation and coverage (in terms of the type and number of childcare services participating in the programmes). In addition, by stipulating a maximum parental contribution, some programmes apply a price cap for childcare while others do not. The recent Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Future Investment in Childcare considered these targeted childcare programmes as part of their work and made recommendations for reform. Essentially, it was recommended that all targeted childcare programmes be merged into one single targeted childcare programme with eligibility for a childcare subsidy under the new programme being determined by income only. This recommendation of the Inter-Departmental Group was considered by Government during the Estimates process for Budget 2016 and funding to convene a Design Team to develop a single affordable childcare programme was allocated.

Work on the Affordable Childcare Scheme has begun and it is expected to be in place by September 2017. This single scheme will provide a new simplified subsidy programme, available through both community/not-for-profit and private childcare providers. The programme will also provide a robust platform for future investment with a view to ensuring that childcare is more affordable for more families.

My Department is not in a position to calculate the costs, as requested by the Deputy, as these would be dependent on the nature of the measures and the eligibility criteria.

Army Barracks

Questions (1941)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1941. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the purchasing of a building in Tralee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I remain fully committed to making Defence resources available to provide assistance where possible to support the implementation of the Strategy on Homelessness. My Department has for example made available to Dublin City Council 25 bed places in St Bricin’s military installation in Dublin as emergency accommodation for the homeless. The Department continues to co-operate in whatever way it can with any local authority in helping to assist with and alleviate the current homeless situation.

No formal approach has been made to the Department on the use or purchase of the Barracks or adjoining lands to provide accommodation for persons who are homeless. Ballymullen Barracks is an operational barracks which is used for both Operations and Training by the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces. However, if the Department of Defence receives a formal request in this regard from the Local Authority it will of course be considered.

European Defence Capabilities

Questions (1942, 1956)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

1942. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on a paper presented by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, to the German and French defence Ministers that sets out plans for closer EU defence co-operation and enhanced defence capabilities, in the context of a deteriorating security environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26095/16]

Paul Murphy

Question:

1956. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on reports in the French and German press (details supplied) on calls by the French and German defence Ministers for closer EU military co-operation post Brexit, including measures such as a joint headquarters, a single EU budget for military research and procurement and the establishment of an EU military academy; if he supports such calls; if not, the steps he will take to oppose such developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26042/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1942 and 1956 together.

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/ Vice-President of the Commission (HRVP), Ms Federica Mogherini, presented the new EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy (EUGS) at the European Council meeting in June. The European Council welcomed its presentation and invited the HRVP and the Council to take forward work on the Global Strategy.

HRVP Mogherini has indicated that a Roadmap for the implementation of the EU Global Strategy will be finalised by the middle of this month . It is expected that the Roadmap will contain several strands, including security and defence. The Roadmap will be considered by EU member states, including Ireland. Ireland will participate fully in this process. Ireland share s the views of other member states on the need for coherence in internal/external security policies and increased investment in addressing external conflicts through a range of instruments including diplomatic, economic development, peace support and crisis management tools. Ireland remains fully committed in these areas including through an active contribution to EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) as it has developed to date. We will continue to participate in the ongoing development of CSDP, as provided for in the EU Treaties, in support of the UN and international peacekeeping and crisis management.

In the context of future discussions by EU member States on the forthcoming Roadmap for the implementation of the EU Global Strategy, the German and French Ministers for Defence have prepared a Joint Paper setting out their priority areas. The priority areas outlined will be considered as part of the overall consideration by member States of future developments in the area of security and defence.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (1943)

Clare Daly

Question:

1943. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of landings by US military aircraft at Baldonnel each month, from January 2015 to date in 2016; the basis upon which permission was granted for such landings; the liaison that occurred with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and if any other countries availed of this arrangement. [24611/16]

Written answers

Taoiseach and Minister for Defence

Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel is primarily used by military aircraft. I am advised by Military Authorities that the number of US military aircraft that were given permission to land at Casement Aerodrome in 2016 (to date) was 2. The number in 2015 was 5.

Permission was granted for these landings for the purpose of crew training, transporting dignitaries or high level officials participating in visits to Ireland, maintenance, air show participation and aircraft refuelling.

In accordance with the legislative requirements of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly or land in the State require the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A request is received by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from the relevant embassy of the visiting foreign aircraft. This request is then forwarded to a number of parties including the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice for their observations and confirmation if the aircraft can be facilitated for landing in Casement Aerodrome.

Other countries also availed of this arrangement in each year from 2015 to 2016 (to date) and they are contained in the tabular statement:-

Year	Country	Landings
2016 (to date)	Britain	4
	Italy	3
2015	Britain	4
	Switzerland	3
	Portugal	1

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (1944)

Dara Calleary

Question:

1944. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards by his Department in 2014 and in 2015; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24739/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in the Department of Defence are five. Details of each card and a breakdown of expenditure for the years 2014 and 2015 are set out in the following table.

Departmental Business Credit Card Holders	Expenditure 2014	Expenditure 2015	Bank Interest 2014	Bank Interest 2015
Private Secretary to Minister for Defence	€2,373.59	€884.30	Nil	Nil
Private Secretary to the Minister of State at the Department of Defence	€3,611.38	€2,447.95	Nil	Nil
Secretary General	€70.20	€1,602.88	Nil	Nil
HR Manager	€3,616.01	€5,061.63	Nil	€1.77
INTL Security & Def Policy Branch	€1,747	€1,391.51	Nil	Nil

The Department has a Credit Card Policy in place which lays out the conditions for the use of Business Credit Cards issued by the Department. The cardholder is obliged to certify that expenditure on the cards was incurred for official purposes only and in accordance with the Departments guidelines on the use of credit cards. Expenditure on the cards is subject to continuous monitoring by the appropriate authority.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (1945, 1946)

Dara Calleary

Question:

1945. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of credit cards issued to staff working in each State agency funded by his Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24754/16]

Dara Calleary

Question:

1946. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of credit cards issued to staff working in any third party agency funded by his Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expense; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24769/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1945 and 1946 together.

The Department of Defence approve the use of credit cards to members of the Defence Forces on a case by case basis. Details of these cards are set out in the following table.

2014

	Army	Air Corps	Naval Service
No of credit cards	0	9	17
Expenditure 2014	€0	€70,379.22	€161,266.44
Interest Paid 2014	€0	€0	€0

2015

	Army	Air Corps	Naval Service
No of credit cards	0	5	17
Expenditure 2015	€0	€50 , 995.82	€179,672.24
Interest Paid 2015	€0	€0	€0

The Department of Defence approve the use of credit cards to members of the Defence Forces on a case by case basis. The cardholder is obliged to certify that expenditure on the cards was incurred for official purposes only and in accordance with guidelines on the use of credit cards. Standard Operating Procedures exist with in each service which document the issue of cards, responsibilities of card holders, authorisation for spending and associated limits, maintenance of records and accounting procedures.

The Department is satisfied that these procedures ensure that an appropriate control environment is in place.

Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Questions (1947)

Clare Daly

Question:

1947. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 2 of 8 October, 2015 (details supplied) if Lariam was still being supplied in the Irish market on 1 August 2016; the date it was or will be discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24864/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

Roche Products (Ireland) Limited informed the Defence Forces Director Medical Branch that it planned a discontinuation of Lariam from the Irish Market with effect from 31st July 2016 and indicated that its decision was based on a commercial assessment. Drugs are purchased by the Defence Forces under the four year framework agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the HSE. The Defence Forces purchase pharmaceuticals on a demand basis and I am advised that Lariam can be procured for use by the Defence Forces through two main wholesalers.

The health and welfare of the Defence Forces are a priority for me and this informs my approach to the issue of Lariam. 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. 

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 Malaria.

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.

Sustainable Development Goals

Questions (1948)

Catherine Martin

Question:

1948. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the person responsible for tracking the implementation of the sustainable development goals; his plans to support the implementation of the sustainable development goals relevant to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24901/16]

Written answers

Taoiseach and Minister for Defence (Deputy Enda Kenny)

I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, is responding to this question today on behalf of all Departments.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (1949)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

1949. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the landlords to whom his Department or bodies under his aegis paid rent in each of the past three years; and the sums paid in each case. [25414/16]

Written answers

Taoiseach and Minister for Defence

The following set out in tabular format are the details as requested of rents paid to landlords by the Department in each of the past three years.

LANDLORD	PROPERTY	PURPOSE.	Sept 2013- Sept 2014	Sept 2014 - Sept 2015	Sept 2015- Sept 2016
Gareth Brides	Unit 2, Rathcorrick, Cavan Co. Cavan	Reserve Defence Force	€34,850	€19,680	€19,680
Fergal Keaveney	Unit 3-4 Cleveragh Business Centre Sligo	Reserve Defence Force	€12,500	€12,500	€12,500
Brian and John Hamill	Unit 3 Mullingar Business Park Mullingar Co. Westmeath	Reserve Defence Force	€30,750	€26,906.25	€26,906.25 due later in 2016.
Hugh McMonagale	Unit 4 Rossview Business Park Port Road Letterkenny Co. Donegal	Reserve Defence Force	€12,300	€12,300	€12,300
Sean Horgan Principal	Scoil Phadraig Mallow Co. Cork	Reserve Defence Force	€ 2,000	€ 2,000	€ 2,000
Mr Fredrick Shuttleworth,	Land at Gormanston	Rifle Range Gormanston	€13,000	€13,000	€13,000
Coillte Teoranta	Coillte Lands at Stranahely Wood	Licence Fee for use of these lands by the Defence Forces for Military Exercises.	€34,686	€34,686	€34,686

Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Questions (1950)

Clare Daly

Question:

1950. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the officer ranks of the Defence Forces who have been prescribed the drug Larium by Army medical personnel. [25623/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The health and welfare of the Defence Forces is a priority for me and this informs my approach to the issue of Lariam. As the Deputy is aware that there are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline.

The choice of medication for overseas deployment, for both officers and enlisted personnel, 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. Rank is not a consideration. The Defence Forces management systems are not designed to collate the information requested by the Deputy from indiv idual files. In order to identify the ranks of the personnel, this would involve a review of all medical files to be carried out and resources are not available to allow for such an extensive review.

Defence Forces Ceremonies

Questions (1951, 1952)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

1951. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will reconsider the choice of location for the new Defence Forces international operational service medal ceremony; if he will arrange to have this ceremony held at the naval base, Haulbowline, Cobh, County Cork; if he is aware that the majority of the recipients that will receive this award are from County Cork and the south Munster area and that both the recipients and their families will have to travel to County Wexford instead of having this ceremony in their own community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25715/16]

Clare Daly

Question:

1952. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will ensure that the medal ceremony presently proposed for Rosslare to honour deceased naval services personnel and those who risked their lives in the Mediterranean in the 70th Anniversary month of its foundation, would be more appropriately held on the naval base, Haulbowline, to ensure maximum participation. [25729/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1951 and 1952 together.

The medal ceremony scheduled to be held in Rosslare next month will see the awarding of the Defence Forces International Operational Medal to Naval Service personnel who have served on Operation Pontus in the Mediterranean.

The Defence Forces International Operational Medal recognises the outstanding role serving personnel have played when deployed overseas on humanitarian missions. The medal will, in the future, be awarded to all serving, Navy, Army and Air Corp who meet the requirements for the award. As such, it is not purely a Naval Service Medal but rather a Defence Forces Medal and needs to be seen in those terms. As such it is not a Naval Service centred event, albeit that the first award will be to Naval Service personnel.

The specific awarding of medals to Naval Service personnel who have served on Operation Pontus will not be a one off event.  A number of medal ceremonies will have to take place so that every member who served in Operation Pontus receives their medal.  The Naval Service Headquarters at Haulbowline will be one of those locations

The chosen location of Rosslare for the first of these ceremonies is not unusual as the Defence Forces regularly holds events and ceremonies outside of its many installations around the country. 

Recently four former members of the crew of LÉ Cliona were honoured at a ceremony on board LÉ Niamh in Dublin.  Previously LÉ James Joyce was commissioned in Dun Laoghaire and LÉ Samuel Beckett was commissioned in Dublin.  The LÉ William Butler Yeats will be commissioned in Galway later this year.  Reviews of troops before overseas deployment have been conducted both in barracks and in public locations.  The next deployment to UNDOF will be reviewed in Nuns' Island, Galway.

The Defence Forces represent a key component of the State’s security architecture and belong to and serve everyone in Ireland.  By holding ceremonial events in various locations the excellent and valued work of all those who serve in the Defence Forces can be brought to the attention of the wider community.

It will also allow a wider circle of family, friends and the public at large, to attend these formal events.  These are positive initiatives that will only benefit the Defence Forces, both in terms of recognition and, importantly, when it comes to encouraging young people to join.

Defence Forces Personnel Data

Questions (1953)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

1953. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up to date figures for the 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. [25780/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The following tables set out the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 31 July 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	30	1	31
Lieutenant Colonel	106	2	108
Commandant	228	31	259
Captain	229	43	272
Lieutenant	133	20	153
Sergeant Major	29	0	29
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant	32	0	32
Company Sergeant	103	1	104
Company Quartermaster Sergeant	159	2	161
Sergeant	835	57	892
Corporal	1179	114	1293
Private	3683	179	3862
Cadets	28	1	29
Total	6782	451	7233

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	46	6	52
Lieutenant	22	0	22
Sergeant Major	7	1	8
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant	3	0	3
Company Sergeant	55	0	55
Company Quartermaster Sergeant	13	1	14
Sergeant	114	5	119
Corporal	139	11	150
Private	223	8	231
Cadets	15	0	15
Total	684	34	718

Naval Service

Rank	Male	Female	Total
Brigadier General	1	0	1
Colonel	2	0	2
Lieutenant Colonel	13	0	13
Commandant	42	9	51
Captain	36	13	49
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	172	7	179
Corporal	124	8	132
Private	485	18	503
Cadets	12	2	14
Total	1015	59	1074

The whole time equivalent strength on the 31 July 2016 was 9,025. 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 Recruitment

Questions (1954)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

1954. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Defence Forces have taken on to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25781/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

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 244 General Service Recruits have been enlisted into the Army and 47 General Service Recruits have been enlisted into the Naval Service, to date in 2016. It is envisaged that there will be a total intake of some 636 General Service Recruits in 2016.

I am further advised that 43 Army Reserve Defence Force Recruits have been enlisted to date in 2016. A recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Force is currently underway 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 now closed. It is expected that 70 Army, 15 Naval Service and 12 Air Corps Cadets will be inducted before 31 December 2016.

Direct Entry Competitions are 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.

Postal Codes

Questions (1955)

Jim Daly

Question:

1955. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts his Department and agencies under its remit have made to use Eircode when communicating with households via An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25868/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Since its introduction in July 2015, Eircode has been incorporated into written and electronic communications from this Department, and into the Department’s databases and web-sites on an on-going basis as the need arises.

Recent stationery orders have included the Department’s Eircode and plans are in place to continue this practice with future orders.

Staff members have been advised to use the Department’s Eircode where appropriate i.e. within contact details on emails and letters.

While communication with households in general is conducted by the Department rather than the Defence Forces, the form for the Register of Electors for Defence Force members for Postal Votes was amended in August 2015 to include the requirement for an Eircode.

Question No. 1956 answered with Question No. 1942.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (1957)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

1957. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since, including the date they became vacant, for State boards or governing bodies under his control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; if the position was advertised and a short-list provided to him by the Public Appointments Service; if the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under his control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26080/16]

Written answers

Taoiseach and Minister for Defence

The only State body currently under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act, 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. Since 26th February 2016, one appointment has been made. Commandant Zdenek Osecky who was a temporary ordinary member of the Board with effect from 10th September 2015 was permanently appointed on 24th June 2016.

Budget 2017

Questions (1958)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

1958. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the projects his Department is prioritising in Budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26139/16]

Written answers

Taoiseach and Minister for Defence

The White Paper on Defence, published in 2015, sets out the roles that Government have assigned to the Defence Forces and the priorities for future investment in equipment and infrastructure.

For Budget 2017, the priority is to ensure that the Defence Forces are adequately funded to continue to deliver operational outputs, both at home and overseas, and to facilitate investment in essential equipment and infrastructure, as identified in the White Paper on Defence.

Defence Forces Reserve Strength

Questions (1959)

Brendan Smith

Question:

1959. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to increase numbers in the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26293/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The White Paper on Defence (2015) set the overall establishment of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) at 4,169 personnel. As of the 31st July 2016, the latest date for which figures are available, the effective strength of the Reserve stood at 2,141 personnel. Recruitment campaigns for the RDF are conducted on an annual ongoing basis. The current Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) competition was launched on the 7th September 2015. It was the subject of an administrative pause on the 4 th April 2016 to facilitate a Permanent Defence Force (PDF) General Service Recruitment Campaign and was re - launched on 18 Jul 2016. Since then 1,026 applications for the Army Reserve and 224 for the Naval Service Reserve have been received. Of these, 713 Army Reserve and 194 Naval Service Reserve applicants have met the initial application criteria. The Defence Forces Brigades and the Naval Service are now processing these viable applications for the induction cycle (fitness testing, interviews, medicals).

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. I am fully committed to its future development. At present, and as adverted to above, Reserve Units are somewhat under-strength and a key priority is to recruit new members to the RDF in order to reach strength level targets.

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.

Defence Forces Reserve Strength

Questions (1960)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

1960. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up to date figures for the strength of the Reserve Defence Force. [26324/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As of 31 July 2016, the latest date for which figures are available, the effective strength of the Reserve stood at 2,141 personnel, comprising of 2,017 Army Reservists and 124 Naval Service Reservists. Recruitment to the Reserve is ongoing.

I believe that the Reserve Defence Force is an important asset to the State. The White Paper on Defence 2015 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 initiatives for the Reserve outlined in the White Paper will be a key motivating factor in encouraging more people to join the Reserve as well as making it more attractive for current members to stay. 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.

Defence Forces Deployment

Questions (1961)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

1961. 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. [26325/16]

Written answers

Taoiseach and Minister for Defence

As of 01 September 2016, Ireland is contributing 498 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 219 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel and the Naval Service humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean with 59 personnel.

Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are as follows:

Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas as of 01 September 2016

1. UN MISSIONS

(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ - 30

UNIFIL 53rd Infantry Group - 185

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 - 4

Republic of the Congo)

(v) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) - 1

(vi) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ, - 7

Golan Heights, Syria

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 - 59

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS - 467

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 - 498