Bríd Smith
Question:38. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the joint German-French paper calling for a new European security contract. [39830/16]
View answerEuropean Security Strategy
Questions (38)
Written answers
The joint paper prepared by the German and French Defence Ministers - 'A strong Europe in a world of uncertainties' - is one of a number of papers written by Member States setting out their priority areas for discussion on the implementation of the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy. This paper, along with others, was considered as part of the discussions on future developments in the area of security and defence.
The way forward for the implementation of the EU Global Strategy was agreed in Council Conclusions adopted on the 14 November. Ireland shares 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.
Questions Nos. 39 and 40 answered orally.
Civil Defence
Questions (41)
Robert Troy
Question:41. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will make the necessary arrangements with Westmeath County Council to ensure that Westmeath Civil Defence is adequately accommodated in a premises that fully meets its needs and passes health and safety regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39654/16]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of accommodation for local Civil Defence Units is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. This is a long-standing position which was reaffirmed in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.
As Minister with responsibility for Defence I provide policy direction for Civil Defence and the Department of Defence manages and develops Civil Defence at national level. The Civil Defence Branch of the Department provides centralised training, administrative support and guidance and centralised procurement of major items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.
At local level, Civil Defence Units are based in each local authority area under the operational control of the relevant local authority. On a day to day basis these Units operate under the control of a Civil Defence Officer, who is a full-time employee of the local authority.
Civil Defence in each county is generally funded on a 70:30 basis, by way of an annual grant from the Department of Defence with the balance being funded by the local authority.
Senior officials from the Department of Defence have met with senior officials from Westmeath County Council earlier this year. This has been in keeping with efforts by the Department, since the closure of Columb Barracks in 2012, to explore a number of avenues to try and secure the long term future of the former barracks for the benefit of the local community. To date, Westmeath County Council has declined the option of availing of Columb Barracks for use, including for use by Civil Defence.
I met recently with a number of volunteers from Westmeath Civil Defence who outlined their concerns with the existing accommodation arrangements. I understand that this has also been raised at a meeting of Westmeath County Council.
Westmeath County Council have advised officials in the Department of Defence that they are conducting a review of the accommodation for Civil Defence in Westmeath. While the provision of accommodation is a matter for Westmeath County Council, department officials have offered to provide any advice required by the Council in developing their outline plan for Westmeath Civil Defence.
Military Aircraft Landings
Questions (42)
Clare Daly
Question:42. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of occasions that aid to civil power functions were carried out by Defence Forces personnel at Shannon airport, Dublin airport and Cork airport, in respect of the protection of US military aircraft, and any other reason for each of the years 2011 to 2016 to date; and the nature of the arrangement when foreign military aircraft land at Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39707/16]
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 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 number of occasions that the aid to civil power functions were carried out by Defence Forces personnel at Shannon airport, Dublin airport and Cork airport, in relation to the protection of US military aircraft for each of the years 2011 to date in 2016 is as follows:
|
YEAR |
Shannon |
Dublin |
Cork |
|
2016 (as of 9 December 2016) |
385 |
0 |
0 |
|
2015 |
322 |
0 |
0 |
|
2014 |
372 |
0 |
0 |
|
2013 |
324 |
0 |
0 |
|
2012 |
381 |
0 |
0 |
|
2011 |
327 |
0 |
0 |
With regard to Casement Aerodrome, 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/overflying foreign aircraft. This request is then forwarded to a number of parties including the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice and Equality for observations and confirmation that the aircraft can be facilitated for landing at Casement Aerodrome.
Maternity Leave
Questions (43)
Mick Barry
Question:43. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will legislate to end the situation whereby maternity leave taken by female members of the Defence Forces is not reckonable for pension purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39825/16]
View answerWritten answers
Female members of the Permanent Defence Force are entitled to take maternity leave in the same way as all other employees in the State.
Defence Forces Regulations specifically provide for 26 weeks paid maternity leave and 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave for Permanent Defence Force personnel.
I can confirm that the 26 consecutive weeks’ maternity leave with pay and allowances reckons as qualifying service for pension purposes for Permanent Defence Force personnel.
On the expiration of paid maternity leave, up to 16 consecutive weeks additional maternity leave without pay and allowances may be taken. This unpaid leave does not reckon for pension purposes.
The foregoing arrangements are the same as for all other public servants. They are also in accordance with the relevant legislation governing maternity leave. Any amendments to that legislation would be a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 36.
Defence Forces Personnel Data
Questions (45)
Lisa Chambers
Question:45. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently on overseas missions in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39805/16]
View answerWritten answers
As of 1 December 2016, Ireland is contributing 661 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 379 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel and the Naval Service humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean with 57 personnel.
The 379 personnel in UNIFIL serve alongside Finnish Armed Forces as part of a joint Battalion of which Ireland recently has taken over command. As a consequence of taking over command we deployed an additional Company of some 150 personnel as part of Ireland’s contribution to this mission.
Ireland has a long and continuous record of contributing to peacekeeping missions. Participation in these missions demonstrates Ireland’s strong support for the role of the United Nations in international peacekeeping. The current contribution of some 661 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in this area.
Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the following tabular statement which will be circulated with the Official Report:
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas As of 1 December 2016
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ 30
UNIFIL 109th Infantry Battalion 341
UNIFIL Sector West HQ 8
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria 13
(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, 6
Golan Heights, Syria
UNDOF 54th Infantry Group 130
TOTAL 536
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) 7
(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) 18
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ 12
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS 573
2. OTHER DEPLOYMENTS
Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in Mediterranean L.É. Samuel Beckett 57
3. ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia and 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 661
Defence Forces Personnel
Questions (46)
Lisa Chambers
Question:46. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his proposals to compensate Defence Forces members for lost leave in circumstances in which members who travelled overseas had significant leave to take and in which it was not possible to take that leave for various reasons such as training commitments or a shortage of personnel to provide cover and in view of the fact that members cannot carry over this leave to the next year. [39807/16]
View answerWritten answers
The provisions for the granting of annual leave to members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) are set out in Paragraph 16 of Defence Forces Regulations A.11. The current provision in relation to annual leave that cannot be availed of is that Officers can carry-over a maximum of 24 days and Other Ranks can carry-over a maximum of 19 days.
The Deputy may wish to note that personnel who serve overseas are also in receipt of leave from the mission in accordance with the mission’s Standard Operating Procedures during their deployment, which is generally three weeks. In addition, all personnel serving overseas also receive special leave immediately upon their return from overseas service, which is six days per calendar month that the individual served overseas up to a maximum of 30 days. This is in addition to the facility to carry-over leave stated earlier.
The Department received a claim from PDFORRA under the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme to have the provisions for the carrying over of annual leave, currently capped at 19 days, set aside. Having considered the matter, the Department advised PDFORRA on the 23 November 2016 that, on the basis of the case made by them, it was not in a position to accede to their claim.
I have been advised by my officials that legal proceedings have been commenced recently in relation to this matter and, as the matter is before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
Defence Forces Representative Organisations
Questions (47)
Lisa Chambers
Question:47. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the discussions or correspondence he or his Department has had with Defence Forces representative organisations on both the conciliation and arbitration scheme and the parallel process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39806/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a means for the determination of claims and proposals from the Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service. Since 1993, there have been significant developments and improvements in the pay and conditions of military personnel. The Representative Associations have been to the fore in advancing the interests of their members in this regard, bringing them in line generally with the pay and conditions available in other public service employments.
Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C and A Scheme which points to the effectiveness of the scheme for resolving IR issues. It is open to the Representative Associations to submit claims to the Official side in relation to matters falling within the C and A scheme, generally claims relate to pay and conditions, award of allowances etc. When submitted these claims are generally the subject of negotiations and where agreement is not reached it is open to both sides to seek the assistance of an adjudicator to settle the matter.
In relation to the parallel process referred to by the Deputy, I should firstly outline that under the terms of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990 the Defence Forces Representative Associations are prohibited from being associated with, or affiliated to any trade unions, or any other body without the consent of the Minister. Accordingly, the Representative Associations cannot be affiliated to ICTU at present. The basis for the prohibition is that it would be inappropriate to apply the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990 to members of the Defence Forces. The taking of any form of industrial action is irreconcilable with military service. This is a long standing policy position taken by respective Governments since the foundation of the State. The Defence Forces may be called on to contribute to maintaining vital services in times of industrial action. The potential for serious difficulties and conflicts could arise in these circumstances if the Defence Forces Representative Associations were associated with, or affiliated to ICTU, given ICTU rules in relation to such matters.
However, a number of mechanisms have been put in place through the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme which provides the Representative Associations with structures and processes, which enable them to make representations and negotiate on behalf of their members.
In addition, a framework exists which facilitates the Associations engaging with the official side in talks parallel to those taking place between ICTU and the official side at National level.
I have recently received a detailed submission from RACO in which they put forward their views and recommendations in relation to the future development of both processes. My officials are currently examining this submission with a view to appraising me of same in the coming weeks.
European Defence Capabilities
Questions (48)
Paul Murphy
Question:48. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the European Commission's proposals for a common EU military research and development fund and common military procurement fund; his further views on the use of EU institutions for military purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39831/16]
View answerWritten answers
The College of Commissioners adopted the European Defence Action Plan on 30 November last. I should point out at the outset that this is simply a proposal from the Commission. It has not been discussed or agreed by the member States or the European Parliament. As such, it has yet to go through the wide ranging and extensive EU procedures before any part of it becomes a reality. The aim of the Plan is to explore how EU policies and instruments can ensure that the EU’s industrial and skills base will be able to deliver required defence capabilities in view of current and future security challenges. As part of this Plan, the Commission has proposed the creation of a European Defence Fund. There are also proposals in the Plan to increase transparency in relation to Defence procurement.
The purpose of the Defence Fund is to promote research and innovation and contribute to the strengthening of the European defence technological and industrial base, and to further stimulate the development of key defence capabilities. The Commission has proposed that the fund would have research and capability windows.
Under the research window, it is proposed that €90 million in funding will be made available for collaborative defence research projects over the period 2017-2020 in what is known as the “Preparatory Action”. The 2017 allocation of €25 million has already been approved. The Commission also proposed that post 2020, a European Defence Research Programme will be established which will require funding of €500m per annum. It should be noted that this has yet to be negotiated as part of the post 2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.
Under the capability window, the Commission has proposed the establishment of a fund which would facilitate Member States in purchasing capability platforms together through the pooling of national contributions and where possible supported by the EU Budget. The Commission estimate that this fund would be in the region of €5 billion per year. Any capabilities developed as a result of this plan would continue to be owned by the relevant Member State. It is important to highlight that this would depend on Member States agreeing to initiate joint projects which they would co-fund from national resources.
It should be noted that the proposals contained in the Plan, in particular in relation to the creation of European Defence Fund, have yet to be defined in full and negotiated with Member States.
European Council Meetings
Questions (49)
Mick Wallace
Question:49. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he attended the European Council joint session of Defence and Foreign Affairs on 14 November 2016, at which the implementation of the EU global strategy in the area of security and defence was discussed; his views on the Council conclusions adopted at this meeting regarding the deepening of defence co-operation between EU states, particularly in view of Ireland's stated policy of military neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39838/16]
View answerWritten answers
I attended the recent joint Foreign Affairs and Defence Council along with my colleague Minister Dara Murphy who represented Minister Flanagan, at the meeting. At this meeting Council Conclusions were adopted on implementing the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence.
Ireland is supportive of the range of actions set out in the conclusions and is committed to the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy and the key role that it can play in international peacekeeping and crisis management. Global threats require coordinated approaches, including within the EU, and between the EU and its international partners.
The EU has a long track record of cooperation with the UN, NATO, OSCE, AU and other organisations. I welcome in particular the continued commitment to work closely with United Nations. As set out in the Global Strategy, “the EU will promote a rules-based global order with multilateralism as its key principle and the UN at its core”.
It is also essential that our military have the necessary interoperable capabilities to participate effectively and safely in UN mandated international peacekeeping operations and crisis management, be they UN, EU or NATO led missions. In that context, I welcome the proposals in the conclusions in relation to capability development in support of CSDP.
Within the EU, it is accepted that defence and security is a national competence and that each sovereign State has the right to choose its own defence policy, which in Ireland’s case is one of military neutrality. The Council Conclusions, at Ireland’s instigation, include a commitment that the specific character of the security and defence policy of all EU Member States will be fully respected. Accordingly, the conclusions have no implications for Ireland’s neutrality.
Defence Forces Equipment
Questions (50)
Bernard Durkan
Question:50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be upgraded to the highest international standards in respect of training, transport, air and seagoing craft and technology with a view to ensuring maximum performance ability in all situations and deployments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39803/16]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remain a clear focus for me, and the White Paper on Defence published in 2015 recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning priorities planning process.
There will be continued investment in the development of suitable network enabled communications in order to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex operational environment. This is also a priority area for investment if additional funding, beyond that required to maintain existing capabilities, is made available.
Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against international best practice. Participation in overseas operations also necessitates multi-lateral training and assessment. This facilitates ongoing review of Defence Forces training methods and standards within an international military context.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces training techniques and the most modern methods and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards are available to ensure that personnel are fully equipped to meet their roles.
Legislative Measures
Questions (51)
Mick Barry
Question:51. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will legislate to end the situation whereby the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 does not apply to members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39826/16]
View answerWritten answers
The implications of the Working Time Directive and its implementation, in respect of the Defence Forces, under the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, have been the subject of an intensive and ongoing review by my Department for some time. I understand and accept that the current blanket exemption in respect of Defence Forces activities under the Act in implementing the Directive is no longer tenable. The task now is to ensure maximum compliance with the Directive.
A detailed review of Defence Forces activities was initiated some time ago in this regard. The Defence Forces recently concluded an audit of its activities with a view to determining what activities may require derogations or exemptions under the terms of the Directive.
A list of activities undertaken by the Defence Forces which may qualify for a derogation or exemption under the terms of the Working Time Directive will soon be submitted to the Attorney General for advice with a view to implementing appropriate provisions in the planned amending legislation. Subject to that advice, amendments to deal with these issues in respect of the Defence Forces will be included in the proposed amendments to the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 which is being brought forward by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
I have been advised by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation that her Department will shortly, following the recent approval of the Government, amend the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, insofar as it provides for a specific exclusion for members of An Garda Síochána and it is liaising with my Department regarding issues arising for the Defence Forces in any such amendments. My Department, subject to legal advice, will deal with potential issues for exemption and derogation for the Defence Forces in this legislation.
Defence Forces Strength
Questions (52)
Bernard Durkan
Question:52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to remain adequate at all levels to meet challenges or emergencies likely in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39804/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising 7,520 Army personnel, 886 Air Corps personnel and 1,094 Naval Service personnel, as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) is calculated in terms of whole-time equivalents. This data is collated on a monthly basis. I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 October 2016, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,110 personnel (whole time equivalent), comprising of:
- 7,331 Army Personnel
- 713 Air Corps Personnel and
- 1,066 Naval Service Personnel.
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.
Members of the Defence Forces are assigned to specific units, which are stationed at various military installations throughout the country, each having a defined area of taskings in line with the roles of the Defence Forces outlined in the White Paper.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I am satisfied that our Defence Forces continue to develop in line with the requirements needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise.
Questions Nos. 53 and 54 answered with Question No. 34.
Military Neutrality
Questions (55)
Bríd Smith
Question:55. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there are any implications for Ireland's neutrality as a result of recent joint European Union defence plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39829/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to: - The Council conclusions from 14 November on implementing the EU Global Strategy in the area of Security and Defence;
- The European Defence Action Plan as the European Commission’s contribution to developing European security and defence policy; and,
- The Council conclusions of 6 December on a common set of proposals designed to implement the EU-NATO Warsaw Joint Declaration of 08 July.
Ireland will continue to support initiatives, through the Common Security and defence Policy (CSDP), which improve the capacity of the Union to contribute to international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN. We support cooperation with international partners where this adds value and contributes to the achievement of these objectives.
All three elements take account of the specific character of Ireland’s security and defence policy and have no implications for Ireland’s neutrality.
Army Barracks Closures
Questions (56)
Robert Troy
Question:56. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the engagement his Department has undertaken, or plans to undertake, with the Department of Education and Skills regarding the use of Columb Barracks, Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39653/16]
View answerWritten answers
Following the closure of Columb Barracks in 2012, my Department has explored a number of avenues to try and secure the long term future of the former barracks for the benefit of the local community. Government Departments and other Public Bodies, including Westmeath County Council, have been invited to declare any interest in acquiring the property. No such interest was expressed at that time. Recently Officials from my Department met with the CEO and officials of Longford and Westmeath Educational and Training Board regarding possible use of Mullingar Barracks. The meeting included a visit to the Barracks. To date I have received no proposals from the Board regarding their future use of the barracks.
While the Department supports the ongoing use of the Barracks by the Public Sector on behalf of the local community, the current financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the Barracks cannot be sustained given that the Barracks is no longer required for military purposes.
I would be happy to receive proposals from the Department of Education and Skills regarding the possible purchase and future development of the site for the benefit of the local community. This is in keeping with the Department’s policy to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes.
Defence Forces Medicinal Products
Questions (57)
Clare Daly
Question:57. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on a request sent to the director of the medical corps by a senior member of the Defence Forces in 2009 and 2010 for a medical risk assessment of the safety of Lariam to be carried out, including a comparative survey of personnel returning from Chad and Kosovo (details supplied), which was not acceded to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39706/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Director Medical Branch provides military medical advice to the Chief of Staff and the General Staff and is responsible for clinical governance and the development of clinical policy, medical education and training in the Defence Forces. In relation to the documents referred to by the Deputy, I note that only one of the documents was addressed to the Director Medical Branch.
In relation to that document or indeed any documents sent to the Director Medical Branch, it is a matter for the Director to assess and consider in his professional capacity as clinical advisor the content of such documents. I note that the Director responded to the issue, when it came to his attention, clearly outlining his considerations at the time.
I am also advised by the military authorities that risk assessments are carried out for all mission areas. These risk assessments are intended to identify all hazards that might exist in a mission area, including health risks. Suitable control measures are then put in place to minimise identified risks. Where a health risk is identified the control measures will include preventative medication where appropriate.
Where malaria has been identified as a risk in a particular mission area, the choice of chemoprophylaxis medication is dependent on a number of factors including the type of malaria in the destination, resistance to particular drugs, the profile of the traveller (contra-indications, underlying health conditions, purpose of travel), the duration of travel and adherence issues.
The choice of medication for overseas deployment, for both officers and enlisted personnel, 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 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.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis.
The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and the Defence Forces. The use of and the information on medications is kept under ongoing review.