Tuesday, 27 Sep 2016

Written Answers Nos. 33-48

Military Neutrality

Questions (33)

Clare Daly

Question:

33. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the practical implications for his Department and the Defence Forces of the accelerated practical co-operation between the EU and NATO agreed to in a joint communiqué from EU leaders in July 2016 following an EU leaders summit; and the discussions he has had regarding the role his Department will play in ensuring that such practical co-operation will not compromise Ireland's neutrality. [27097/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission together with NATO’s Secretary General, made a joint Declaration on EU-NATO cooperation on 8 July 2016. The EU and NATO have a long track record of cooperation which has comprised political consultations and practical cooperation on crisis management operations. This includes operations undertaken by both NATO and the European Union under UN mandates or directly in support of deployed UN blue hat operations. The declaration highlights seven key areas where the EU and NATO can further strengthen cooperation and include, countering hybrid threats; broadening cooperation on maritime security and migration; expanding cooperation on cyber defence; developing coherent, complementary and interoperable defence capabilities; facilitating a stronger defence industry and defence research; stepping up coordination on exercises and supporting countries in building their defence and security capabilities. They represent practical areas of cooperation in support of international peace and security, international crisis management operations and the protection of civilians.

The EU and NATO are currently developing a process for a way forward with the aim of developing a single set of proposals that will be agreed by both the EU and NATO Councils.

The Treaty on European Union recognises the practical importance of EU cooperation with NATO, where 22 EU member States are also members of NATO. Ireland supports such cooperation between the two organisations in line with the EU Treaties. The EU NATO declaration confirms that future cooperation will fully respect the decision making autonomy of both organisations and will not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of any Member States. I am satisfied that this is a strong acknowledgement that Ireland’s policy of neutrality will in no way be affected by enhanced cooperation between these two organisations.

Defence Forces Resources

Questions (34)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of training, equipment, supply, transport and communications throughout the Defence Forces in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, with particular reference to their ability to respond in any emergency situation or natural disaster requiring heavy lifting equipment, air ambulance services and sea and air surveillance and rescue; the extent to which the command structure in any emergency situation has been adequately strengthened to deal with such situations in consort with the civil authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27124/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible. The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. In these circumstances a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.

In relation to non-security related emergencies, whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.

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 and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.

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.

The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergencies and natural disasters.

In this regard, the Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering and transport plant and equipment for military purposes. All such plant and equipment suitable for use in emergency situations is made available as the need arises.

In relation to the Naval Service, all vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that, in addition to their fishery protection role, they also undertake general surveillance, security, pollution monitoring, and Search and Rescue in support to the Irish Coast Guard, amongst other duties while on patrol. These activities assist in detecting and preventing emergency situations throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction.

The role of the Air Corps includes the provision of an emergency inter-hospital Air Ambulance service in support of the HSE. It is also supporting the HSE in an emergency aeromedical support service operating primarily in the West of Ireland. The Air Corps also has a maritime surveillance function undertaken by its maritime patrol aircraft and both it and the Naval Service provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations.

I am satisfied that Defence Forces continue to be developed in line with requirements needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise.

Naval Service Vessels

Questions (35)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

35. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the proposed schedule for the retirement of existing naval vessels, the purchase of new vessels and the capabilities of such new vessels. [27141/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The White Paper on Defence 2015 contains a commitment to on-going investment in the replacement of Naval Service vessels.

The current Naval Service ship replacement programme has seen the delivery of three new Naval Service vessels in the past three years. Following a tender competition, a contract was placed in October 2010 with Babcock Marine, UK, for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service with the option of a third OPV. The first ships LÉ Samuel Beckett was named and commissioned in May 2014 and the second and LÉ James Joyce was named and commissioned in September 2015.

In June 2014 the Department exercised the option under the original contract to place an order for a third Offshore Patrol Vessel which has been delivered and is due to be formally named LÉ William Butler Yeats and commissioned into operational service in the Naval Service in Galway on Monday 17th October 2016. LÉ William Butler Yeats will replace the recently decommissioned LÉ Aisling. The value of the three-ship contract was just over €199 million, inclusive of VAT.

In June 2016 agreement was reached with Babcock International for the provision for an additional ship for the Naval Service to be built in their facility in Appledore, Devon. The ship will be the same class as LÉ Samuel Beckett, LÉ James Joyce and LÉ William Butler Yeats. The agreed contract value for the further ship is €66.78 million inclusive of VAT and delivery is expected within two years. This aligns with the planning process in place under the White Paper on Defence which will determine the Defence Organisation’s maritime capability requirements.

The requirement for a fourth ship is regarded as urgent and expedient given the age of the older remaining ships in the fleet, LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara and LÉ Eithne all of which are over thirty years of age. The additional ship will allow the Naval Service meet its patrol day targets with due cognisance to the significant additional operational requirements for the Naval fleet under Operational Pontus in the Mediterranean Sea.

The White Paper on Defence provides for the replacement of the current flagship, LÉ Eithne, by a multi-role 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; both ships were also built in 1984. The White Paper outlines that replacement ships will have countermine and counter IED capabilities.

Work has commenced in the Department of Defence on further ship acquisition. The specifications for the replacement vessels will be drawn up and a public tender competition will be instigated to cover the supply of such future ships within the overall available funding envelope. The Programme for Government also mentions the acquisition of a ninth ship for the Naval Service. This will be considered in detail in the normal way taking account of the overall ship renewal plan and the progression of the planning exercises to which I have already referred.

Official Engagements

Questions (36, 39)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

36. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance and the topics discussed at the United Nations peacekeeping defence ministerial conference in London on 8 September 2016. [27133/16]

Lisa Chambers

Question:

39. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a report on the United Nations peacekeeping conference in London that he recently attended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27131/16]

Written answers

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 39 together.

On 8 September 2016, the United Kingdom hosted the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial in London where representatives from some 70 countries and 4 international organisations gathered to discuss United Nations Peacekeeping. I represented Ireland at the conference. I was accompanied by Mr. Maurice Quinn, Secretary General Department of Defence, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and Mr. John O’Mahony, Assistant Garda Commissioner.

UN Under-Secretaries-General Herve Ladsous (Department of Peacekeeping Operations) and Dr Atul Khare (Department of Field Support) led the UN delegation. The conference was situated as part of the process to reform and improve UN peacekeeping with an emphasis on collective responsibility as a global partnership.

The conference was the largest ever gathering of United Nations Defence Ministers and focused on the commitment of resources to UN peacekeeping, the development of a coherent shared plan for how peacekeeping can play its part in implementing the Women Peace and Security agenda and a number of key challenges facing UN military deployments.

The plenary began with Ministers taking stock of the progress on pledges of military and police capabilities made at the Leaders’ Summit in 2015. They then discussed a range of ways to make peacekeeping better, including improvements to planning and performance, increasing the participation of women in peace and security, preventing and responding to instances of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers, and building a rapid-deployment capability for peacekeeping.

I contributed to the session on the participation of women in peace and security outlining actions currently undertaken by Ireland in that area and confirming our commitment to increase the participation of women at senior decision-making and leadership levels in the Irish defence forces.

The conference was also addressed by representatives of NATO and two NGOs. NATO highlighted the ongoing and prospective areas of cooperation in capability development, in preparation for deployment, training and actual deployment. The NGOs supported the reform of peacekeeping and the renewed focus on addressing sexual exploitation and abuse.

The event’s Communiqué signed by over 60 countries including Ireland, set out ambitious new targets for increasing the role of women in peacekeeping and improving the speed of deployments.

Budget 2017

Questions (37)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

37. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will outline areas of budgetary concern within the Defence Forces and his views that these concerns will be addressed in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27103/16]

Written answers

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

The White Paper on Defence, approved by Government in 2015, set out the roles that Government have assigned to the Defence Forces and looked at associated capability requirements for the next decade. This document will inform strategic decisions on resource allocation and will ensure that such decisions will continue to be made on a prioritised basis in accordance with assessed operational need. For Budget 2017, the priority is to ensure that the Defence Forces are adequately funded to continue to deliver effective services, both at home and overseas, across all of the roles assigned by Government, and to facilitate investment in essential equipment and infrastructure, as identified in the White Paper.

In 2017, Defence will require funding to provide for the pay and allowances of the Defence Forces and civil servants and civilian employees in the Defence sector.

The non-pay current expenditure will be needed to fund necessary Defence Forces standing and operational expenditure, mainly relating to essential catering, fuel, training and travel costs.

Capital funding will be required in 2017 to progress the main defensive equipment, infrastructure and IT projects identified and prioritised in the White Paper.

The Army Pensions allocation, which is primarily demand-led and non-discretionary, will provide retirement benefits to military pensioners and their dependants.

Defence Forces Training

Questions (38)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

38. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide specific timescales for the establishment of the new institute for peace support and leadership training at the Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh; his plans to showcase the shape and proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27090/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As I stated in my response to your PQ no.16864 which I answered on the 21st June 2016, the Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to develop a new Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh. 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. It is foreseen that the new Institute will have international standing and contribute to the overall development of knowledge and experience in the areas of peace support, leadership and conflict resolution. Since my reply to the Deputy’s question work continues with a view to establishing an interdisciplinary Institute Development Task Force to progress the concept and develop an implementation plan. It is envisaged that the Task Force will comprise representatives from several Government Departments, the Defence Forces, the Third Level sector and the private sector.

It should be noted that part of the work of the Task Force will be to develop specific timescales for the establishment and roll out of the proposal but I would hope to be in a position to showcase its initial shape next year.

Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 36.

Defence Forces Reserve Strength

Questions (40)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

40. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he anticipates the Reserve Defence Force achieving the overall establishment personnel number of 4,169; the steps he has taken to address the considerable delays that applicants to join the RDF are experiencing in getting Garda clearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27132/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

In the White Paper on Defence 2015, the Government recognised the important role that the Reserve Defence Force have played in contributing to Ireland’s defence capability, and in particular to, the spirit of voluntary service which has been the hallmark of the Reserve. The Government appreciates the service of the members of the Reserve and the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve. In that regard, the White Paper also sets out a developmental path for the RDF. It provides that the overarching establishment of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) is to be set at 4,169 personnel, consisting of 3,869 Army Reservists and the expansion of the establishment of the four NSR Units from currently 200 personnel to 300.

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) at the end of July, 2016 (the latest date for which figures are available) was 2,141 effective personnel.

As the Deputy will be aware, a key challenge is to recruit, train and retain sufficient personnel to meet the reserve establishment provided for in the White Paper. A rolling recruitment campaign for the RDF General Service was launched in September 2015. An administrative pause was placed on the competition when the PDF General Service competition was launched. The RDF rolling recruitment recommenced on 23 July 2016.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of both PDF and RDF recruitment so as to deliver the desired effects in terms of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned by Government and to advance the single-force concept. However, within that framework and having regard to the training capacity of the Defence Forces, I am anxious to accelerate the rate of recruitment to the RDF.

As I have stated previously, membership of the RDF is voluntary and strength levels are ultimately dependent on how many people actually volunteer for the RDF in any given calendar year and commit to ongoing active participation in training and other activities.

With regard to Garda clearance, as I advised the Deputy recently, applicants to the Reserve Defence Force are vetted by the Garda Central Vetting Unit as part of the recruitment process. This vetting takes the standard 4 (four) weeks. Additional vetting also takes place appropriate to the role of the Defence Forces as an element of national security infrastructure and the training provided to RDF recruits. Overall security processing time can take up to 12 weeks (twelve). I am assured by the Military Authorities that they are actively addressing any avoidable delays which may occur during the recruitment process, without diminishing the rigour and utility of the procedure.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (41)

Clare Daly

Question:

41. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 831 of 16 September 2016, if the Defence Forces were called upon to perform aid to civil power duties for US military aircraft landing at Shannon and en route to or returning from Romania in June 2016; and the total cost to the State of the Defence Forces performing these duties for these aircraft. [27096/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

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 which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces were called upon to provide Aid to the Civil Power duties for US Military aircraft landing in Shannon in June 2016.

In accordance with 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.

For security and operational reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on specific flights. However, the total cost to the State for the performance of these duties at Shannon Airport by the Defence Forces to date in 2016 is €135,923.73.

Defence Forces Training

Questions (42, 994)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Defence Forces continues to be maintained in line with previous indications and commitments; the degree to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be trained and equipped in line with best practice internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27123/16]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

994. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which the most modern training methods remains available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27448/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 994 together.

The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army Personnel, 886 Air Corps Personnel and 1,094 Naval Service Personnel as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31st July, 2016, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,025, comprising 7,233 Army Personnel, 718 Air Corps Personnel and 1,074 Naval Service.

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 and not on a regional basis. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels.

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.

With regard to training and equipment for the Defence Forces, there is a robust and comprehensive training system in place, which incorporates a wide variety of modern training methods. 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 acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces is a matter that is kept under constant review. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, must take account of the difficult economic environment this country has had to endure in recent times. The budgetary situation dictates the level of funding available for new equipment, training and upgrades. Decisions are made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces personnel continue to have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available for their training and day-to-day roles. Going forward, the equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the 2015 White Paper. The White Paper recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured.

In conclusion, I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are adequately equipped and trained with a modern and effective range of equipment, including telecommunications and logistical equipment, to meet the many demands and tasks Government has assigned to them both at home and overseas.

Planning Issues

Questions (43)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

43. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current status of the planned incinerator at Ringaskiddy that would have strategic implications for the Naval Service should planning permission be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26888/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As the planning application on the building of the waste to energy facility in Ringaskiddy is currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanála it is not appropriate to anticipate the outcome nor would it be appropriate for me to comment further on the application at this time. The operational requirements of the Defence Forces will be reviewed in the context of the planning decision in due course. However, as the Deputy is aware, the Department of Defence, following consultation with the Air Corps and the Naval Service, made an oral submission to an Bord Pleanála regarding the proposed development of the waste to energy facility in Ringaskiddy. The submission identified two areas of concern, the proximity of the incinerator stack to Haulbowline and the difficulties in the evacuation of the island if necessitated by an incident at the incinerator facility.

Defence Forces Drug Tests

Questions (44)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

44. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the Defence Forces compulsory random drugs testing and targeted drugs testing programmes for illicit drugs; if there are changes planned for the programme in view of the record number of discharges in 2015 of personnel who failed a drugs test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27101/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The use, possession or supply of a controlled drug or volatile substance or the abuse of any such substance is an offence against military law. Due to the insidious and addictive nature of drug and substance abuse, it is particularly dangerous in the military environment where personnel are entrusted with both the access to and the responsibility of using firearms and other potentially lethal equipment. Drug misuse has serious implications for the safety of both members of the public and Defence Forces personnel.

The unique and challenging nature of military service requires that military personnel are free from the presence or influence of any controlled drug or substance and I am fully supportive of both the Defence Forces Compulsory Random Drug Testing (CRDT) and Monitoring Programme and the Targeted Drugs Testing (TDT) Programme.

In 2015, the Defence Forces drug testing team carried out 13 drug testing operations, testing a total of 1,184 Defence Forces personnel. Of the 1,184 tests, 98.56% were negative. There were 17 positive tests, representing 1.44% of the total tests conducted. Appropriate administrative action ensued in all of these positive result cases.

Given the primary aim of both the CRDT and TDT programmes is deterrence, I believe it would be counter-productive to change the programme due to individuals testing positive. Rather, the responsibility is on the individual members of the Defence Forces to ensure that they fully comply with military law in this regard; which the vast majority do, as evidenced by the relatively low number of positive tests.

On the basis of the above, there are no plans to change the current CRDT and TDT programmes.

Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 26.

Defence Forces Medicinal Products

Questions (46)

Clare Daly

Question:

46. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will remove Lariam from the Defence Forces' formulary and cease its use as a first-line anti-malarial by the Defence Forces at least until such time as he has had time to review the report of the malaria chemoprophylaxis working group, both in order to safeguard Irish troops and to protect the State against future litigation. [27094/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for both myself and the Defence Forces. There are three anti-malarial drugs, in use in the Defence Forces; Lariam (mefloquine); Malarone and Doxycycline. 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 Defence Forces.

Significant precautions are taken by the 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 Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability. I am advised by the Director of the Medical Branch that this has been the policy since the Defence Forces first involvement in overseas service to malarial areas.

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. It is notable that no member of the Defence Forces, despite the numbers who have served in malarial areas, have died from Malaria.

There are no plans at this time to withdraw Lariam from the range of anti-malarial medications available to the Defence Forces.  The use of and the information on medications is kept under ongoing review.

A working group is currently reviewing developments arising in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis.  In its earlier work in 2013, the Group investigated all the various issues surrounding the use of Lariam and obtained advice from leading medical experts. Those experts concurred with the practices followed by the Defence Forces in prescribing Lariam.  

The Group is examining developments in the context of the Defence Forces use of malaria chemoprophylaxis with particular focus on updated patient safety information, changes to Summary Product Characteristics, changes in product licensing/authorisation, identification of any new anti-malarial medications on the market and national and international expert advices on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis and its usage in other Armed Forces. The Group is continuing to engage with international experts with a view to concluding its report shortly.

As I already indicated, the health and welfare of the Defence Forces is a priority for myself and the Defence Forces and this will continue to inform the approach to the issue of Lariam.

Defence Forces Ceremonies

Questions (47)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

47. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of official events the Defence Forces have taken part in during 2016 in commemoration of 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27140/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Whilst responsibility for the Decade of Centenaries Programme rests with my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, both my Department and the Defence Forces have played a significant role in the State commemoration ceremonies to date. There were a total of 58 scheduled State Ceremonial events for the centenary year (01 Aug 2015 – 01 Aug 2016). The Defence Forces took part in all of these. In addition , the Defence Forces have provided support to the 31 Local Authorities through the provision of flag raising parties to each Local Authority.

The Defence Force participated in a comprehensive programme of events relating to the National Flag and has visited circa 3,200 national schools, where they delivered a flag and a copy of the 1916 proclamation from (14 Sep 2015 – 15 Mar 2016).

The Defence Forces continue to conduct a daily flag raising ceremony on the central median across from the GPO in Dublin, and this daily ceremony will continue until 31 Dec ember 2016.

Overall, it is clear that my Department and the Defence Forces have played a very central and important role in the many historic Commemoration events that have taken place in this centenary year so far.

Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 28.