Written Answers Nos. 679-702
679. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current situation surrounding the former Columb Barracks site in Mullingar; if he has received any proposals regarding an alternative use for the barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39773/16]
View answer680. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the time that is remaining to submit proposals regarding the former Columb Barracks site in Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39774/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 679 and 680 together.
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. To date no interest has been identified.
However, in the context of its potential future use contributing to the positive development of Mullingar, my Department remains open to viable proposals to these ends from Westmeath County Council. Earlier this year, on my instructions, officials from my Department attended a public meeting in Mullingar on the future use of the barracks. Both at that meeting and subsequently the position as outlined herein was clearly stated. Following that meeting a local group was established in order to prepare a feasibility study on the future use of the barracks. To date no such report has been furnished to my Department. Also Officials from my Department recently met with the CEO and officials of Longford and Westmeath Educational and Training Board regarding possible use of Mullingar Barracks. To date I have received no proposals from the Board regarding their future use of the barracks.
As the Barracks is no longer required for military purposes the current financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the Barracks cannot be sustained. The disposal of the property by public auction will now be actively progressed in keeping with the Government’s policy and recent practice to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes. My officials will be contacting all existing occupants of the Barracks to discuss their future occupation of the Barracks.
681. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has been involved in any court proceedings that involved non-disclosure agreements in the past five years; and if so, if the specific court ruling prevented knowledge of the court proceeding being known and knowledge of the participants to the court proceeding from being made known for each of these agreements. [39864/16]
View answerAs I have previously indicated to the Deputy in my response to PQ No. 804, reference No. 37625 of 29th November last, non-disclosure agreements may be attached to legal cases taken against the Minister for Defence on a case by case basis, depending on various factors. My Department does not hold separate statistics in relation to cases involving non-disclosure agreements and each case file would have to be individually examined in order to ascertain the information requested. As this task would involve inordinate effort, it is not possible to supply you with this information.
The Chief State Solicitor's Office and the State Claims Agency manage and provide legal representation in relation to all cases taken against the Minister for Defence. In cases where the State is considered liable or which involve an apportionment of liability as between the State and the claimant, I am informed that both the State Claims Agency and Chief State Solicitor’s Office approach is to settle such cases expeditiously in so far as it is possible and to do so on reasonable terms. In cases where liability is fully disputed by the State, all necessary resources are applied to defending such claims robustly.
682. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new recruitment drive for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service will commence early in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/16]
View answerThe 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. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 October 2016, was 9,110, comprising 7,331 Army, 713 Air Corps and 1,066 Naval Service. These figures exclude 72 personnel who are on secondment/career break.
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. 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. An intake of approximately 600 General Services Recruits is envisaged in 2016.
It is intended that this targeted recruitment will continue in 2017, from the recruitment panels formed from the current General Service recruitment competition, launched in April 2016, until they are exhausted. Plans are being put in place to run a new General Service recruitment competition for the Army and for the Naval Service in the first quarter of 2017. Details of these competitions will be available on the Defence Forces website www.military.ie when the competitions commence. Air Corps General Service Recruits are drawn from the Army General Service Recruit campaign panels as required.
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. It is planned to launch the 2017 Cadetship competitions in the first quarter of 2017.
Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled. An Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technician competition was launched on 9 August 2016, from which it is planned to enlist 11 Apprentice Aircraft Technicians by the end of December 2016. It is intended to advertise a further competition in the first quarter of 2017.
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.
683. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to his decision to continue the use of Lariam for Defence Forces personnel serving in sub-Saharan Africa, if he will publish the medical advice that informed his decision on the matter; his views on continued use of Lariam, considering that it has been widely discredited in view of its negative psychological effects, which have been acknowledged by the UK Ministry of Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40063/16]
View answerMalaria 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 Organization. It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area.
There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication 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. That position has not changed
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. The Defence Forces Director Medical Branch issues instructions on matters of medical policy including the use of malaria prophylaxis. This has already been outlined by me in my response to Questions Nos 683 and 684 of 18th October 2016.
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 am advised that Mefloquine is listed by the World Health Organization in its International Travel and Health Handbook as one of the anti-malarial drugs for use as prophylaxis. The use of and information on medications is kept under ongoing review.
The choice of malaria chemoprophylaxis for use by other armed forces is an internal matter for those forces. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on other states' policy in this regard.
The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and the Defence Forces.
684. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the continued presence of the Defence Forces in the Golan Heights as part of the UNDOF mission could make Ireland complicit in a breach of international law by effectively facilitating the illegal occupation by Israel of Syrian land; his further views on whether the expertise and skills of the Defence Forces could be better used in DRC, Darfur or South Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40064/16]
View answerThe United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established on 31 May 1974 by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 350 (1974), following the agreed disengagement of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights in May 1974.
UNDOF was established to:
Maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria;
Supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces; and
Supervise the areas of separation and limitation, as provided in the May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
Since 1974, the mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months, most recently renewed in June 2016 until 31 December 2016 under UNSCR 2294 (2016).
A contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights since 2013. The current Irish contingent, the 54th Infantry Group, comprising 130 personnel, is based in UNDOF Headquarters in Camp Ziouani on the Israeli side of the Area of Separation. It operates in the role of a Quick Reaction Force, which is on standby to assist with ongoing operations within the UNDOF Area of Responsibility. Six (6) other Defence Forces personnel are also deployed in UNDOF Headquarters.
Since its temporary relocation from a number of positions in September 2014 and pending the time when UNDOF returns fully to the area of separation, UNDOF has, in line with its mandate from UNSCR 350, continued to maintain credible presence in the Golan and use its best efforts to implement its mandate. On 14 November 2016, UNDOF completed the initial phase of the incremental return of the mission to Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the Area of Separation where Fijian and Nepalese troops are now based.
In this context, UNDOF continues to engage with the parties on practical arrangements to allow the Force to continue to maintain the ceasefire, monitor, verify and report on violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and exercise its critical liaison functions with the parties in order to implement its mandate.
In the most recent report on UNDOF, the UN Secretary-General has stated that the continued presence of UNDOF in the area remains essential and that both Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic have stated their continued commitment to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and the presence of UNDOF.
Participation by the Defence Forces in UNDOF is reviewed by the Government on an annual basis. On 21 June 2016, the Government approved continued participation in the UNDOF mission for a period of twelve months up to June 2017. The Defence Forces are making a valuable contribution to this important mission. The presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring the continuing ceasefire between Israel and Syria and in the wider Middle East region.
Defence Forces have in the past been deployed to Darfur and South Sudan. Currently, four Irish officers are serving as Military Observers with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
685. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the name and number of Bills in preparation in his Department and published by his Department since May 2016; the Stage each Bill is at in the Houses of the Oireachtas; the number of Bills from his Department signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40132/16]
View answerThe Government’s Legislation Programme includes details of the Bills that are currently under preparation within my Department. The Bills in question are as follows:
1. Defence Forces (Forensic Evidence) Bill;
2. Red Cross Bill;
3. Defence (Amendment) Bill.
There have been no Bills from my Department that have been published or enacted into law since May 2016.
686. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current level of deployment and location of Irish troops overseas on UN- or EU-related missions; the extent to which further missions are planned or required; the extent to which the need for any upgrading of equipment has been noted arising from such deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40145/16]
View answerAs 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 mission in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 379 personnel. Since 22 November 2016, when Ireland assumed the lead of the joint Battalion in UNIFIL from Finland, Ireland's contribution to UNIFIL was increased by some 150 personnel. Ireland is also contributing 136 personnel to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria.
Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are shown in the following tabular statement.
With regard to the deployment of Naval Service vessels to the Mediterranean mission, L.É. Samuel Beckett, with a crew of 57, has recently completed her mission in the Mediterranean and is scheduled to return to the Naval Base, Haulbowline on Friday next, 16 December. To date, Irish participation in the humanitarian mission has resulted in the rescue of over 15,600 migrants, which clearly demonstrates the value of Ireland’s involvement in this important humanitarian response. The question of further deployment to the Mediterranean in 2017 will be considered in due course.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment to carry out their mission. The Defence Forces equipment is upgraded on a continual basis. This equipment enables troops to fulfill the roles assigned to them, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission.
|
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas as of 1st December 2016 |
|
|
Defence Forces Personnel deployed |
Nos. |
|
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 and Syria |
13 |
|
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
4 |
|
(v) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
1 |
|
(vi) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ, Golan Heights, Syria |
6 |
|
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 & 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 |
687. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Army, Naval Service and Air Corps training continues to be in line with modern and international best practice; if any particular procedures are shown to be in need of updating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40146/16]
View answer690. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which current ongoing training of the Army, Naval Services and Air Corps, including reserves, is scheduled in the course of the next three years; the extent to which such ongoing training meets international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40149/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 687 and 690 together.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable it to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.
The Defence Forces conducts training and education under four broad categories, namely, leadership, skills, career and collective training. Leadership training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensures that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensures that its personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career training and education provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long-term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The Defence Forces delivers military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. The Defence Forces also engages with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retains currency with regards to best international practice.
688. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment including transport, communications and procedures in the Army continues to be upgraded and improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40147/16]
View answerThe acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence, and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment which is in line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
The future equipment priorities for the Army are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the recently published White Paper, which recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured.
The Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities, and the principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. There will be a focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles and the most cost effective option of upgrading or replacing the current fleet of armoured personnel carriers will be identified. A small number of armoured logistical vehicles will be procured for force protection overseas and in addition, my Department expects to place a contract in the near future for the procurement of twenty four armoured utility vehicles for deployment overseas.
There will be continued investment in the development of suitable network enabled communications in order to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex operational environment. This is also a priority area for investment if additional funding, beyond that required to maintain existing capabilities, is made available.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will ensure that the Army is suitably equipped to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
689. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total strength of the Defence Forces including reserves, Army, Naval Services and Air Corps; the number of women in each branch of the services; the likelihood of recruitment or replacements following retirements now and over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40148/16]
View answer691. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which membership of the local Defence Forces continues to be maintained at a required level; the extent to which ongoing training standards and requirements are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40150/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 689 and 691 together.
The following tabular statement sets out the total strength of the Defence Forces, as of 31st October 2016, the latest date for which figures are available, broken down by service (Army, Naval Service and Air Corps) and including the Reserve with the associated numbers of female personnel in each as requested by the Deputy.
|
- |
Reserve |
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
|
Total |
2,092 |
7,331 |
1,066 |
713 |
|
No. of Females |
281 |
471 |
60 |
33 |
It should be noted that figures for the Reserve (above) are for effective members, while figures for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are for Whole Time Equivalent positions.
The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. As of the 31st October 2016, the strength of the PDF (whole-time equivalent) was 9,110 personnel and the total effective strength of the Reserve was 2,092.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational needs across the organisation both at home and abroad. The significant turnover of personnel that is the norm in military services requires targeted recruitment so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels. It is envisaged that there will be a total intake of circa 700 inductees to the Defence Forces, consisting of General Service recruits and Cadets, in 2016.
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. To that end, it is envisaged that momentum will be maintained to encourage new entrants with the anticipated launch in early 2017 of a series of Defence Forces recruitment competitions.
In terms of ongoing training standards for the Reserve, the 2015 White Paper on Defence sets out a developmental path for the organisation. On a day to day basis, the Reserve undertakes training in preparation to assist the PDF, when required. Training across all three arms of the Defence Forces is constantly benchmarked against best military and academic practice. Training procedures are constantly reviewed in order to ensure that the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann are fully prepared to meet the challenges of the ever changing security environment.
With regard to RDF training, a key recommendation of the Value for Money Review of the RDF, published in November 2012, was to ensure that all effective members of the Reserve were afforded the opportunity to undertake annual training. In 2015, a total of 1,475 Reservists utilised 22,548 mandays in pursuit of professional development through career courses at all levels, including recruit training, skills courses, continuous professional development seminars and participation in integrated exercises. In 2016, Subhead A.5 provided for a budget of €2.150m of which €2.068m provides for a total of 30,000 Paid Training Mandays for members of the Reserve. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.
A key challenge is to recruit and train sufficient personnel to meet the Reserve establishment provided for in the White Paper. Recruitment to the Reserve remains ongoing. I am committed to accelerating induction into the Reserve, in tandem with expanded recruitment into the PDF.
692. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are adequately equipped to deal with emergencies in respect of which they might be called upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40151/16]
View answerMy priority as Minister with Special Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces, including the availability of specialised equipment, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies caused by severe weather events, such as the storms and flooding, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest co-ordination and co-operation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergency situations. The most important asset that the Defence Forces can provide is personnel, equipped with personal protective equipment, to operate during extreme weather events and with the capacity to support and sustain those personnel if deployed.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance in response to any emergency situations that may arise.
693. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defences Forces can be mobilised in the event of natural disasters, including flooding, in view of the preferability of early deployment and the need for the use of specified equipment in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40152/16]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
In relation to non-security related emergencies, whilst the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Principle Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in the Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both my Department and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest co-ordination and co-operation in the event of an emergency.
To facilitate support to the principal response agencies locally, the Defence Forces are also represented on the eight Regional Working Groups that have been established under the Framework and, on an ongoing basis, designated members of the Defence Forces, based around the country, act as Liaison Officers to Local Authorities. This facilitates effective planning and mobilisation when required.
I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel have a modern and effective range of equipment to fulfill all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
694. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps and the Naval Service continue to co-operate in air-sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40153/16]
View answerWith reference to Search and Rescue, the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations and a Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.
695. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which young unemployed persons have been able to join the Defence Forces; if a specific programme exists in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40154/16]
View answerThere is no specific recruitment campaign aimed at young unemployed persons. Applications to join the Defence Forces are open to all persons who fulfil certain criteria. The criteria that apply to all applicants for General Service Recruitment Competitions require that they must undergo psychometric tests, a fitness test, a competency based interview, a medical examination and undergo Security Clearance. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and under 25 years of age on the closing date of applications for the Army, and must be at least 18 years of age and under 27 years of age on the closing date of applications for the Naval Service.
No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. However, applicants must satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that they possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Permanent Defence Force.
Recruitment to the Army and Naval Service is ongoing from a General Service Recruitment competition which was launched in April 2016. Cadetships competitions are normally held on an annual basis.
In line with the Government’s commitment to a strengthened approach across the economy to social responsibility, the Programme for Partnership Government and the White Paper on Defence included a commitment to introduce a pilot Defence Forces employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces. The pilot scheme successfully ran from Monday 20 June 2016 to Friday 26 August 2016 in Gormanston Camp, with 25 participants.
The objective of the scheme is to help develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. It encompassed an innovative training programme of 10 weeks duration, consisting of 5 weeks of training by the Defence Forces interspersed with 5 weeks of education-orientated training by the Baldoyle Training Centre of the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board. The scheme provided participants with new skills, knowledge, competencies and self-development that have enhanced their capacity to pursue employment, work experience or further educational opportunities. An evaluation of the pilot scheme has recently been completed and I expect to receive a report on this shortly. When I have considered the report I will make a final decision on the roll-out of the Scheme, however it is expected that up to two programmes could be run in 2017.
For the duration of the programme participants were in close contact with a military environment. Although this should help them become more familiar with what it is like to be a soldier and also help them to decide whether they might like to be one, it should be noted there is not a direct route from this programme into the Defence Forces. Those who would like to join the Defence Forces would have to apply through the normal recruitment competitions but I would expect that their exposure to a military environment together with the skills they will attain through participation in the scheme and the improvement in their standard of physical fitness should be an advantage to them.
696. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he expects to be in a position to augment any deficiencies in the Defence Forces in the context of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40155/16]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces retain a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances, including for terrorist incidents.
There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. Within the Defence Forces, both the Ordnance Corps and the Army Ranger Wing specialise in providing an immediate response to emergency incidents that might require their highly specialised capabilities. The Ordnance Corps consists of a number of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams which are on standby 24/7 to respond when a request for assistance is received from An Garda Síochána to deal with suspect devices. The Army Ranger Wing is an integral unit of the Defence Forces whose roles include provision of specialist ATCP support to An Garda Síochána. The need for a high level of preparedness to deal with any requests for Special Forces operations is inherent in the unit’s mission. Members are trained to the highest levels of motivation, physical fitness and skill at arms for their specialist role. The ARW is on standby 24/7 to be called upon to undertake duties in any part of the country. I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review. It is my priority as Minister with responsibility for Defence to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible. On an ongoing basis I receive advice in this regard from the Chief of Staff and he has confirmed to me that he is satisfied that the Defence Forces are equipped and resourced to respond as appropriate to any such events were they to occur in this State.
697. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he is confident that facilities such as advanced training, state-of-the-art technology and any specific military equipment is available throughout the Defence Forces with a view to ensuring a competence to deal with national or international security incidents; if he is satisfied that the Defence Forces have adequate liaison with other defence forces throughout Europe in the context of any potential threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40156/16]
View answerThe Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State and in the event of a national security incident, An Garda Síochána would be the first responders. An Garda Síochána may request assistance from the Defence Forces in the context of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP). Significant and continuous effort is put into ensuring that the Defence Forces remain up-to-date with regard to best national and international practice in terms of military thinking and practice and to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
On the issue of training, considerable training expertise exists within the Defence Forces and this expertise is continually benchmarked against best international practice. Where the capability exists, relevant training is delivered in-house by highly trained and knowledgeable training instructors. Where appropriate, Defence Forces personnel are also sent on relevant external courses, both within Ireland and internationally.
Ireland participates in NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) which has provided the Defence Forces with the opportunities to enhance their capabilities for peacekeeping and preventative and crisis management operations under UN mandates. Membership of the Partnership for Peace has allowed the Defence Forces to gain access to NATO standards – which are internationally recognised as representing best military practice. The scope of Ireland’s involvement is focused on enhancing interoperability and familiarity with operating procedures in a multinational environment and is but one means by which the Defence Forces liaise with other European Defence Forces on matters of mutual interest.
I am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including access to equipment and modern technologies and training, enables the Defence Forces to carry out their numerous roles both at home and overseas, including any roles that are assigned to them by Government in any emergency situations that may arise in the role of Aid to the Civil Power.
698. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps is adequately equipped to detect and-or intercept activity posing a threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40157/16]
View answerThe Air Corps is not tasked or equipped to monitor aircraft overflying the entirety of Irish airspace. However, on a routine basis the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.
The Government’s White Paper on Defence (2015) provides for periodic updates to consider progress with implementation and any revisions required. As stated in the White Paper, should additional funding beyond that required to maintain existing Air Corps’ capabilities become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability is a priority for the Air Corps. Funding for this is not provided in the current resource envelope and any future decisions in this regard will be in the context of the ongoing security environment and any associated developments. The Air Corps’ existing Pilatus PC9 aircraft provide a very limited air to air and air to ground capacity. Whilst the development of a more capable air combat intercept capability will be considered over the lifetime of the White Paper, at this stage there are no plans in this regard. However, these matters are kept under constant review.
699. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which specialist skills in dealing with security threats remain available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40158/16]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order including the protection of the internal security of the State rests with An Garda Síochána. However, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces, including the availability of specialised equipment and trained personnel, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
A wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular co-ordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployment in response to security threats. In this regard, the Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering, transport plant and equipment for military purposes along with niche capabilities.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are fully equipped and trained in line with best international practice to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance as required in the event of a security threat.
700. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to ensure that adequate time is provided to community organisations to devise and submit proposals pertaining to the use of Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath for the use of local community and voluntary organisations which are currently in situ and other organisations that wish to avail of the facilities in order to provide essential and vital services to the wider community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40189/16]
View answerFollowing 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. To date no interest has been identified. However, in the context of its potential future use contributing to the positive development of Mullingar, my Department remains open to viable proposals to these ends from Westmeath County Council.
Earlier this year, on my instructions, officials from my Department attended a public meeting in Mullingar on the future use of the barracks. Both at that meeting and subsequently the position as outlined herein was clearly stated. Following that meeting a local group was established in order to prepare a feasibility study on the future use of the barracks, several months have passed since that meeting to date no such report has been furnished to my Department.
As the Barracks is no longer required for military purposes the current financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the Barracks cannot be sustained. The disposal of the property by public auction must therefore be actively progressed in keeping with the Government’s policy and recent practice to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes. My officials will be contacting all existing occupants of the Barracks to discuss their future occupation of the Barracks.
701. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for recognising members of the Civil Defence who provided medical care to members of the Defence Forces and the general public during the 1916 celebrations in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40192/16]
View answerCivil Defence is a volunteer based organisation which supports the frontline emergency services. It operates in partnership between the Department of Defence and local authorities throughout Ireland.
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.
The work of the volunteers benefits society at large, it reaches into every community, be that in support of the local authorities in flooding incidents, support to An Garda Síochána in searches for missing persons or providing first aid cover at major events. Civil Defence is involved in numerous community events right across the country throughout the year. These include State, local authority, charity, cultural and sporting events. They range from major national events to much smaller local events.
The Government values highly the spirit of service and voluntarism of members of Civil Defence. I fully recognise and appreciate the time and effort which they freely give through participation in training and on active duties.
The Department of Defence issues awards to recognise volunteers with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years service in Civil Defence. These awards recognise the service of Civil Defence volunteers and their contribution to their communities.
702. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide all examples of entire units that have been centralised back to Dublin from within his Department; his Department's rationale for such moves; and if Cabinet approval was sought and given in each case. [40475/16]
View answerFollowing the decentralisation of my Department to Newbridge, Co. Kildare in November 2010, the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) was bilocated with offices in both Newbridge and Dublin. The staff however, were located in Newbridge on a day to day basis but due to the operational requirements of the National Emergency Co-Ordination Centre (NECC) the staff moved back to the Dublin Offices in July 2012.
A National Emergency Co-Ordination Centre (NECC) was established in 2007 where Ministers and/or Senior Civil Servants can convene to co-ordinate national responses to a major emergency. The NECC has been used on an ongoing basis since it was established and the NECC is equipped with robust communications systems and support facilities and is managed by the OEP. The NECC is available to all Government Departments and Agencies for use in emergency planning and response. It is the venue for meetings of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, Subgroups on Emergency Planning and the National Steering Group for the implementation of the Framework for Major Emergency Management. The Severe Weather National Co-ordination Group and other similar National Co-ordination Groups for other emergencies meet in the Centre when the need arises. The Centre is also used by a number of Departments and Agencies to hold meetings and briefings. In 2012, in order to support the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and service the Departments and Agencies who avail of the Centre, the Office of Emergency Planning consolidated to one location in Dublin and is based permanently in the NECC, Agriculture House (2 East), Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Cabinet approval was not sought for this relocation.
