Written Answers Nos. 42 - 59
42. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding plans for a peace and leadership institute on The Curragh; the next steps in the plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23328/17]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence included a commitment to evaluating the potential development of a new Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Defence Forces Training Centre in The Curragh. Also, the Programme for a Partnership Government included a commitment to developing this Institute. 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.
Scoping work was carried out on the proposal throughout 2016. A concept paper has been developed and some initial consultation with national and international third level and research institutes and potential philanthropic contributors has also taken place.
Arising from the initial scoping work and consultations, it has been decided to progress to conduct a feasibility study. Terms of reference for this feasibility study are being finalised and I expect that the study will commence as soon as possible thereafter.
43. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department will ensure that essential works that are required in the schools located in the Curragh Camp will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23258/17]
View answerThere are currently three schools located within the Curragh Camp - the Curragh Post Primary School, the Curragh Boys National School and the Curragh Girls National School.
The Department of Education and Skills has a range of responsibilities including the provision of primary and secondary education to children throughout the State. The schools located in the Curragh Camp are non-fee paying, public schools.
For historical reasons and due to the nature of the Curragh Camp, the buildings in use as schools are the property of the Department of Defence. The Department of Defence does not charge the Department of Education and Skills for the use of these buildings. However, given their usage, the maintenance and upkeep of the schools is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills.
44. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if sailors in the Naval Service who served on migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea received the extra payments agreed in November 2016; the reason for the delay in payment; the steps he will take to ensure that future such payments will not be delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23265/17]
View answerAn additional payment in respect of personnel who deployed to the humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean on Operation Pontus was agreed through the Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force by PDFORRA, the Representative Association for enlisted personnel.
This payment was subsequently authorised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 29 March 2017. On receipt of approval for payment of the additional amount, the Department issued instructions to its payroll provider – the Payroll Shared Services Centre (PSSC) – to make the payments due. The amounts involved were included with pay for serving personnel on the weekly payroll of 3 May 2017. Work is ongoing on the payment of amounts due to a small number of former personnel who have left the Permanent Defence Force and are no longer on the payroll system.
In the case of the Operation Pontus allowance, the arrears would normally have been paid within a shorter period after receipt of approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. However, in this particular case, payment was not made during April due to the migration, during April, of the Permanent Defence Force enlisted personnel payroll to the Department’s new payroll provider – the Payroll Shared Services Centre.
This significant project required the putting in place of revised payroll arrangements during April on a once off basis, including the temporary re-scheduling of payroll deadlines.
I am pleased that this matter of the additional payment has now been concluded.
45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the nature, scale, scope and subject matter of the discussions he has had with the UN Under-Secretary-General and head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23324/17]
View answerOn 26 April 2017, while representing Ireland at an informal meeting of Defence Ministers in Malta, I was delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with the UN Under Secretary General (UN/USG), Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix. While this was an introductory meeting, a comprehensive range of issues in relation to peacekeeping operations were discussed. I also took the opportunity to brief him on my recent visit to Ireland’s troops serving on UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and in the Golan Heights.
Under Secretary General Lacroix welcomed Irish/Finnish cooperation in UNIFIL and expressed his appreciation for Ireland’s ongoing support to the mission. Our discussion addressed the recently published UN Strategic Review of UNIFIL which determined that UNIFIL is well configured to implement its mandated tasks and continues to be a credible, flexible and mobile force. That Review also states that the overall strategic political guidance is to maintain UNIFIL at its current strength, composition and configuration and it was clear from our discussion that the UN Under Secretary General supports this view.
With regard to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission, we were in agreement that 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. The valuable contribution that the Defence Forces are making to this mission was acknowledged. The UN Under Secretary took note of the security concerns I outlined regarding the return of troops to the Area of Separation.
We spoke about the recent debate on Peacekeeping Operations in the UN Security Council. Under Secretary General Lacroix indicated that while challenges were identified in terms of funding, the added value of Peacekeeping Operations was acknowledged. He is confident, however, that the UN can achieve efficiencies, while maintaining the effectiveness of UN operations.
In relation to Mali, Under Secretary General Lacroix agreed with my assessment that the challenges there are wide ranging and require a wider response than can be delivered by peacekeeping operations alone.
It was a very worthwhile meeting and I look forward to having further discussions with the UN Under Secretary General in the future.
46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to recruit new members to the Reserve Defence Force in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23268/17]
View answerMy Government colleagues and I recognise the important role that the Reserve Defence Force has played in contributing to Ireland’s defence capability, and we recognise the 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.
The White Paper on Defence confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the Permanent Defence Force in times of crisis. In non-crisis situations, the main focus will be on training to prepare for this role. The White Paper on Defence also noted that members of the RDF continue to play an important role in contributing to State ceremonial events. The Government values this contribution and decided that it should be assigned as a formal role for the Reserve.
Recruitment to both the PDF and RDF remains a priority in 2017. Membership of the RDF is voluntary and unpaid and the quest for recruits must compete with the other organisations within the voluntary sector. These conditions along with the unique demands of military service make the issue of attracting recruits to the Reserve a challenging one. This challenge is not unique to Ireland.
In the context of both finite resources and personnel, it is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of PDF and RDF recruitment, so as to deliver the desired effects of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned to it by Government and to advance the single force structure.
It is anticipated the next RDF recruitment campaign will commence in the second half of 2017. Until then the RDF will continue to induct from the 2015/2016 panel. The Defence Forces are reviewing the 2015/2016 RDF competition and as part of this process are examining the competition model to be used in 2017. I wish to see an acceleration in the rate of recruitment to the Reserve within the available means and resources.
47. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he expects Permanent Defence Force numbers to reach the current agreed ceiling of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23264/17]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda for the next ten years. It also considers the defence capabilities required so that the Defence Forces can successfully deliver on the roles assigned by Government.
In this context, the White Paper on Defence also highlights a number of medium and long term strategies in the area of manpower planning. The White Paper addresses the need to review and develop rolling medium term planning requirements so as to deliver an effective and efficient workforce mix in terms of age profile, skills, competencies and experience, and current policies to support this will be further developed and implemented. To that end, a number of White Paper projects are currently underway and are being jointly developed by military and civil personnel.
The Government is committed to maintaining the establishment 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.
On an ongoing basis, the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored 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. As with other areas of the public service, challenges have arisen in relation to the recruitment and retention of personnel in particular areas of expertise.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that a total of 590 General Service Recruits were enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force in 2016, of which 501 Recruits were enlisted in the Army and 89 Recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service. In addition, 100 Cadetships were awarded following the 2016 Cadetship Competitions.
I am advised by the military authorities that their planned target is to induct approximately 8 50 new entrants to the Defence Forces across all services and competition streams in 2017.
A new General Service Recruitment campaign was launched on 23 February 2017 and the 2017 Cadetship competition was launched in March 2017. Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled. An Air Corps apprentice class was also inducted in March 2017.
Promotions are ongoing within Officer ranks in order to fill rank vacancies. A new NCO promotions competition to fill vacancies to the ranks of Sergeants and above has been launched from which promotions will commence in Q3 2017.
I remain committed to increasing recruitment to the Defence Forces and it is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue to be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence and in the context of the policy and strategy regarding recruitment set out in the White Paper on Defence.
48. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to review procurement procedures in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23261/17]
View answerThe procurement of goods and services by the Defence Forces is carried out in accordance with public procurement policy and national and European Union law. Procurement procedures in the Defence Forces are kept under constant review to ensure they are in line with best practice, guidance and the legal framework.
A wide range of non-capital goods and services are procured directly by the Defence Forces. These include items associated with day-to-day operations such as food, clothing, transport, utilities and the maintenance of equipment and premises. The services of the Office of Government Procurement and centralised framework agreements are also used to acquire items that may be in common demand in the Public Sector. Other programmes of expenditures such as capital expenditure on major defensive equipment platforms for the Army, Naval Service and the Air Corps are managed by officials in my Department. However, in practice there is close civil-military collaboration on a daily basis in respect of a variety of procurement projects.
The procurement policies, procedures and applicable legislation in place are designed to ensure that the highest standards of integrity, fairness, legality, confidentiality and disclosure of interest are applied to all procurement related transactions. All relevant procurement regulations including those set out in the Public Procurement Guidelines – Competitive Process are applied to ensure that competition is promoted, value for money secured and openness and transparency assured.
Public procurement rules are adapted to the specificities of defence procurements, which can be particularly complex and sensitive. Procurement of defence and security equipment such as weapons, munitions and material for defence purposes is carried out in accordance with EU Directive 2009/90/EC. This is a specific Directive relating to the award of contracts dealing with the defence and security area which provides rules that enhance transparency and openness in defence markets while also ensuring that individual countries’ security concerns are protected. This Directive was transposed into Irish law by way of implementing S.I. No. 62 of 2012.
Procurement is also carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Code is designed to ensure that the State gets the best possible value for resources at its disposal. The requirements of the Code are based on employing best practices at all stages of the equipment expenditure cycle.
Procedures are in place in the Defence Organisation to provide a forum for oversight and approval of expenditure and to ensure that expenditure is profiled and monitored on an ongoing basis. In this regard a High Level Planning and Procurement Group (HLPPG) comprising of senior civil and military management of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, and an associated Working Group meet on a monthly basis. The Group also develops and implements multi-annual rolling plans for the Defence Forces for equipment procurement and disposal and infrastructural development (including property acquisition) based on the policy priorities in the White Paper.
I am advised that procurement procedures in the Defence Forces are kept under constant review to support good procurement practice, project management and good corporate governance, and to ensure that tender processes are carried out in an appropriate manner.
49. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to deploy the Naval Service on a humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23092/17]
View answer64. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the LE Eithne is due to depart to the Mediterranean; if there have been delays with regard to its dispatch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23262/17]
View answerI propose to take Question No 49 and 64 together.
On 11 April 2017, the Government approved the return of a Naval vessel to the Mediterranean to undertake humanitarian search and rescue tasks. The Government decision provided that the deployment is subject to finalisation of a bilateral arrangement with the Italian authorities in relation to the operation of the mission and the landing of persons rescued.
Standard practice, since the first deployment of the Naval Service to the Mediterranean, has been that the Naval Service vessels do not depart their base in Haulbowline until the relevant diplomatic procedures are completed, which normally takes four to six weeks. This is necessary to ensure that the requisite coordination arrangements with the Italian authorities and the arrangements for the landing of rescued migrants are in place before a vessel commences operational duties.
The requirement for completion of the diplomatic arrangements has been a feature of all Naval Service deployments to the Mediterranean to date and is well understood by all involved.
I wish to assure the Deputy, that there has been no delay in the deployment of a Naval vessel to support the Italian authorities in addressing the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean Sea. A date for deployment of L.É. Eithne will be determined when the diplomatic arrangements have been finalised.
50. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the support the Air Corps has been able to provide when assisting emergency services dealing with serious gorse and forest fires; the type of equipment available to the Air Corps when attempting to extinguish such fires; and his plans to upgrade or modify its existing air fleet in order that it is better equipped to assist in tackling out-of-control fires in view of the damage caused by gorse and forest fires in recent weeks. [23195/17]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence (2015) outlines the fact that Defence Forces’ capabilities are primarily developed for security purposes and this remains the key capability driver. In this context, the White Paper sets out the investment priorities for the Air Corps. A unique feature of Ireland’s defence policy is the extent to which these capabilities are used towards other ends.
The Deputy will appreciate that while the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, the Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Principle Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in an Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
The Air Corps provided assistance to the emergency services fighting gorse and forest fires in Counties Sligo and Galway in recent weeks dropping approximately 197,000 litres of water onto the fires.
The Air Corps utilised the AW139 helicopter in the fire fighting role using the “bambi bucket” to deliver water to the scene of the fire. The bucket can carry up to 1,200 litres of water at a time. This water can be delivered by the helicopter quickly and accurately, and is particularly useful when dealing with fires in remote areas.
The Air Corps also deployed an EC-135 helicopter to facilitate command and control of the fire fighting operation.
The Deputy might also note that, in addition to Air Corp s assistance, 49 personnel drawn from Renmore Barracks (An Chead Cathlan Cois) were also deployed to assist with fire-fighting efforts in Oughterard Co. Galway. These personnel were also operating in an Aid to Civil Authority capacity and they assisted with the suppression of secondary fires.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces continue to be developed in line with requirements needed to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
51. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on Ireland increasing its purchasing of military hardware from Israel; his further views on whether these purchases are ethical in view of recent conflict in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23083/17]
View answer60. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the value of contracts for equipment, goods or services procured from Israeli-based firms and companies over the past five years by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23277/17]
View answer62. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent on drones and other equipment procured from Israel since 2013; his future plans on procuring equipment from Israel; and his views on whether in view of Israel’s appalling human rights record it is unethical and against the wishes of the vast majority of persons that Ireland continues trading with Israel. [23197/17]
View answer71. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the recent purchase of drones to the value of €1.9 million from Israel by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23969/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 60, 62 and 71 together.
The primary focus for the procurement of defensive equipment by the Department of Defence is to maintain the capability of the Irish Defence Forces to fulfil the roles as assigned by Government. This includes undertaking overseas Peace Support Operations, and in this regard to afford the greatest possible force protection to Irish troops whilst on all missions.
The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procedures is the requirement to allow fair competition between suppliers through the submission of tenders following advertising of the tender competition on the e-tenders site and on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), where appropriate, in line with the EU procurement directives, including the Directive on the procurement of Defensive and Security Equipment.
Such tender competitions are open to any company or country in accordance with the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargos or restrictions. There are no such restrictions or embargos in place on Israeli companies.
In following these guidelines and codes, the Department of Defence must deal impartially with all companies that are entitled to enter its procurement competitions and must evaluate tenders on the basis of objective criteria.
The value of contracts for equipment, goods or services procured from Israeli based firms and companies since 2012 is €5.86m, this includes the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles currently operated by the Defence Forces, commonly referred to as UAVs.
These UAVs, are, in effect, information gathering assets which have no offensive capability. They do not carry weapons. The UAV systems were acquired to enhance the capability of the Defence Forces to carry out surveillance, intelligence gathering and target acquisition for Peace Support Operations and provide a low cost, low risk means to increase capabilities and enhance force protection by performing missions which do not demand the use of manned aircraft.
UAVs have a wide range of civilian and military applications, particularly in the area of surveillance over land and sea. They have the ability to perform tasks that manned systems cannot perform, either for safety or for economic reasons. UAVs can efficiently complement existing manned aircraft or satellites infrastructure used in environmental protection, maritime surveillance, natural disasters, crisis management, border control, etc.
Following a competitive tender process, 4 UAV Systems were procured between 2007 and 2009 from Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd based in Israel. An upgrade of the Defence Forces UAV systems was carried out by the original equipment manufacturer in 2016 at a cost of €1.9m ex VAT. This involved the upgrade of 4 UAV systems, with 3 airframes in each system.
The matter of barring Israeli companies from entering tender competitions for the provision of military goods would be akin to Ireland unilaterally placing an embargo on such goods from Israel and this raises, inter alia, serious implications for Irish foreign policy which are outside my remit.
Trade policy and market access are largely EU competencies and any restriction or ban on imports from any particular country would have to be concerted at EU level.
The manner in which the Department of Defence procures both goods and services remains consistent with international best practice and is in line with EU and UN decisions on trade embargos. I am satisfied that this is the appropriate way in which to continue, rather than Ireland taking any unilateral decision to target individual companies or countries in that respect.
52. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the projected number of personnel will be based in Custume barracks, Athlone, in view of the fact that on the announcement of the Defence Forces reorganisation in 2012, the projected permanent Defence Forces strength for the barracks was 971 personnel. [23323/17]
View answerThe current strength of Defence Force personnel at Custume barracks, Athlone on 15 May, 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, was 886 personnel across all ranks.
The re-organisation in 2013 did not significantly alter the actual number of PDF personnel serving in Custume Barracks, Athlone. In accordance with the revised organisational structures, as of 30 November 2012 the establishment for Units based in Custume Barracks is 995 personnel.
The effect of the re-organisation on Custume Barracks is that the actual number of PDF personnel based in Custume Barracks has been stabilised within an overall strength ceiling of 9,500 PDF personnel.
It should be noted that no member of the Defence Forces is exclusively or permanently based in any one location, including Custume Barracks. There is a constant through-flow of personnel into and out of Custume Barracks and indeed other Barracks. This is because military service involves personnel moving into and out of particular postings as they serve at home and overseas, receive training and undergo educational and career development courses.
As has been previously stated at meetings between my officials and local representatives regarding the matter of Custume Barracks, I am committed to the future of the facility as an important, operational military Barracks. There are no plans to change this.
53. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will be attending the EU Foreign Affairs Council defence meeting taking place on 18 May 2017; the items on the agenda for discussion at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23082/17]
View answerI will be attending the formal Council of Foreign Affairs with Defence Ministers (FAC Defence) scheduled to take place on the 18th May, 2017, in Brussels. The meeting will be preceded by a meeting of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board in Defence Ministers format. This session will primarily focus on the long term review of the EDA, implementation of key taskings and next steps, and acceptance of a new Ad-Hoc Programme regarding the establishment of a Cooperative Financial Mechanism.
Chaired by the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Ms. Frederica Mogherini, the first session of FAC Defence will focus on implementation of the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence. Discussions are expected to centre on Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO); the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD); EU Battlegroups and 3rd Country CSDP Partnerships. The Commission will also provide an update on The European Defence Action Plan (EDAP) and the European Defence Fund. It is expected that Ministers will adopt Conclusions on progress in implementing the Global Strategy in the area of security and defence.
The second session will feature EU-NATO cooperation where Ministers will discuss the state of play of EU-NATO cooperation and the implementation of the Warsaw Joint Declaration.
The final session will consist of a working joint lunch of Defence and Home Affairs Ministers focusing on counterterrorism.
54. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who must rely or have relied on family income supplement to survive in each of the years from 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23266/17]
View answerThe circumstances surrounding an application for Family Income Supplement, or indeed any other scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection, is a private matter between the applicant and the Department of Social Protection. I am, therefore, not aware of the eligibility of individual members of the Permanent Defence Force to receive such allowances, or the total numbers of Defence Force members that may be in receipt of this financial support.
In terms of remuneration going forward, the new Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), published their Report on 9 May 2017, the Government intends to initiate negotiations on a successor to the Lansdowne Road Agreement ahead of Budget 2018 considerations. Future remuneration of Defence Forces personnel will be dealt with within this process.
55. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he attended the recent informal meeting of EU defence Ministers; if so, the matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23081/17]
View answerI attended the recent informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Valetta, Malta, which took place on 26th and 27th April 2017. This was an informal meeting and as such no decisions are taken on any matter.
On 26 April, Ministers received a briefing from Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino on 'Operation Sophia', which is the EU naval operation against human smugglers and traffickers. The mission is also providing capacity building and training to the Libyan Coastguard and Navy and contributing to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2292 (UNSCR 2292). UNSCR 2292 imposes an arms embargo on Libya in an effort to prevent the flow of illicit arms and related materiel into that country.
On 27th April, Ministers discussed and exchanged views on:
- Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations with a focus on Libya, the Mediterranean Naval CSDP mission 'Operation Sophia' and CSDP missions in the Sahel.
- Ongoing work on Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).
- Ongoing work on the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD).Ongoing work by the Commission on their European Defence Action Plan (EDAP), including the proposal for a European Defence Fund.
- The issue of strengthening the EU 's Rapid Response toolbox, including EU Battlegroups, in particular to reinforce their modularity, preparation and effective financing.
In the margins of the meeting I met with the UN Under Secretary General (UN/USG), Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix where inter alia we had a detailed exchange of views in relation to Peacekeeping Operations, in particular UNIFIL, UNDOF and MINUSMA, UN support for EU Battle Groups and funding to the United Nations.
56. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the reduction of Army field engineer companies from three to two arising from the 2012 Defence Forces reorganisation has decreased the capacity of the Defence Forces to aid the civil authorities in areas such as forest and gorse fires, maintenance of essential national services and national disasters in times of emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23260/17]
View answerIn 2012, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces took place which resulted in the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units.
As a result of the re-organisation, the operational capacity of the Defence Forces has been optimised to the greatest extent possible, within the available resource envelope. Also of significance however, is the fact that the re-organisation has led to an improvement in the deployability and sustainability of the Defence Forces, both at home and overseas, and has allowed it to continue to fulfil all roles assigned in the White Paper on Defence.
One of the roles assigned is to provide Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) supports to lead agencies responsible for dealing with emergencies. Although the Defence Forces are not a Principal Response Agency, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, the Defence Forces have provided very significant assistance to the emergency services fighting gorse and forest fires in Counties Sligo and Galway in recent weeks. In this regard, an Air Corps AW139 helicopter dropped approximately 197,000 litres of water onto the fires whilst an EC-135 helicopter facilitated command and control of the fire fighting operation. In addition to the Air Corps assistance, 49 army personnel were deployed to assist with the fire fighting effort in Oughterard, Co. Galway.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces made a very significant contribution in support of the emergency services and that the 2012 re-organisation has not diminished the response capabilities of the Defence Forces.
57. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has given consideration to Defence Forces participation in EU efforts to counteract illegal person trafficking and to disrupt the business model of criminal elements involved in such activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23093/17]
View answerThe EU Common Security and Defence Policy naval operation EUNAVFOR MED (Operation Sophia), against human smugglers and traffickers, is one element of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. The mission is also providing capacity building and training to the Libyan Coastguard and Navy and contributing to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution No. 2292 (UNSCR 2292). UNSCR 2292 imposes an arms embargo on Libya in an effort to prevent the flow of illicit arms and related materiel into that country.
The Council Decision to launch the mission was adopted at the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 June 2015.
Operation Sophia is being implemented in sequential phases. The first phase, to support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law, is complete. The second phase involving the targeting, seizure and diversion of the vessels of human smugglers and traffickers remains ongoing. The third phase, will involve taking all necessary measures against vessels including disposal or rendering them inoperable. No political discussions have yet taken place at EU level on the commencement of the third phase. The requirement for a UN Security Council Resolution or consent of coastal State also applies to the third phase, neither of which is in place.
While Ireland is fully supportive of the EU approach to the migration crisis, we have not, to date, participated in this EU military mission.
The question of any future deployment to the EU mission and the nature of any such deployment will be examined in the context of the outcome of a Strategic Review of Operation Sophia, which is currently underway, the nature and mandate of the EU mission following review, the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto. Other factors to be taken into consideration include the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources. The Strategic Review of Operation Sophia is expected to be completed by mid year.
Any plans to deploy 12 or more naval service personnel and/or a naval vessel to participate as part of EUNAVFOR MED, Operation Sophia would be subject to Government and Dáil approval.
As the deputy will be aware, Ireland has undertaken a humanitarian search and rescue mission in the Mediterranean in 2015 and 2016 called Operation Pontus. This humanitarian mission has resulted in the rescue of over 15,600 migrants to date.
On 11 April 2017, the Government approved the return of a Naval vessel to the Mediterranean to continue to undertake humanitarian search and rescue tasks. The Government decision provided that the deployment is subject to finalisation of a bilateral arrangement with the Italian authorities in relation to the operation of the mission and the landing of persons rescued. A date for deployment of the Naval vessel will be determined when the diplomatic arrangements have been completed.
58. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has been contacted by a group (details supplied) seeking to use Mullingar barracks as temporary accommodation to house homeless veterans; his views on these requests; his further views on using Mullingar barracks for such purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23193/17]
View answerIn December 2016 I met with representatives of the Irish United Nations Veterans (IUNVA) and discussed the future use of Columb Barracks with them. As the Deputy may be aware in 2014, IUNVA were provided with accommodation within the Barracks specifically for the purpose of holding meetings of the local Mullingar Branch. This premises occupied by IUNVA is not suitable for residential accommodation in its current state. Any refurbishment would require significant investment to meet the required standards from a Health and Safety perspective. I advised IUNVA that 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 by my Department.
The disposal of the Barracks must now be progressed in keeping with the Government’s policy to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes.
On the 27 of April Mr Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, launched the online Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map as a key part of the Rebuilding Ireland initiative. Columb Barracks has been included as one of the publicly owned sites which has potential for housing development. The Department will be exploring all avenues including public auction regarding the disposal of the Barracks in the coming months. In that context my officials will be contacting all existing occupants of the Barracks, including IUNVA, to discuss future arrangements.
59. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has received and read a recent protected disclosure on serious breaches of health and safety procedures at Casement Aerodrome, including claims that personnel have died prematurely as a result of handling hazardous chemicals without adequate protection from retired Air Corps personnel who worked on the base; and his plans to deal with these latest revelations. [23196/17]
View answerThere are a number of elements to the correspondence to which the Deputy refers. I am arranging for the elements of the correspondence which relate to previous protected disclosures concerning health and safety issues in the Air Corps to be sent to the independent third party I appointed last year to review those allegations. Legal advice has recently been received in respect of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy and is being considered.
Once a final review is to hand, I will determine any further steps required and ensure that all recommendations will be acted upon to ensure the safety of the men and women of the Air Corps.
