Robert Troy
Question:48. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider awarding the 1916 medal to members of two organisations (details supplied). [32182/17]
View answerMilitary Medals
Questions (48)
Written answers
As part of the Programme for Government, it was decided that a 1916 Centenary Commemorative medal be awarded to all Defence Forces personnel, both Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016.
I met with the Veterans Organisations (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO)) on the 15th December last, and while I reiterated to them that there are no plans to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to Veterans, it was agreed to hold further discussions between the Department and the Veterans’ Organisations to explore alternative means of recognition.
At my request officials from my Department met with representatives of the Veterans’ Organisations on Friday 17th February 2017 and Wednesday 31st May 2017. My officials proposed that a single presentation will be made to the Veterans Organisations of a commemorative plaque or framed medal with an accompanying citation in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. The plaque or medal would have a bar with the term Veteran inscribed on it.
The Veterans’ Organisations agreed to the proposal to recognise the contribution of veterans in 2016 in this way. They have all since indicated their preference for a plaque. At their request the Department has agreed that a plaque will be given to O.N.E.’s Headquarters and to each of its 40 Branches and to each of IUNVA’s 21 Posts. One plaque will be presented to each Veterans’ Organisation at the Veterans’ Day on Sunday 8th October 2017. The other presentations will be made separately.
Defence Forces Medicinal Products
Questions (49)
Mattie McGrath
Question:49. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on concerns regarding the ongoing use of lariam as an anti-malarial medication for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32090/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that this matter was the subject of discussion at a recent Private Member’s Motion in the Dáil on 28 th June last. As I indicated to the House, Malaria is a serious disease and is a threat to any military force operating in areas where the disease is prevalent. There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Irish Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces.
Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of our Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability.
A Working Group is currently examining issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam and has obtained advice from leading medical experts both national and international. The Group is continuing to engage with these experts and met again in June. I anticipate receiving its Report shortly.
I understand that the Working Group are considering options to formalise the provision of ongoing external expert medical advice to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters, including malaria chemoprophylaxis.
When I receive the Group’s report, I can assure the Deputy that I will carefully consider its recommendations. Finally, I want to make it very clear that the health and welfare of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and the military authorities.
Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 44.
Defence Forces Pensions
Questions (51)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:51. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason for the decision to end the supplementary pension paid to military personnel commissioned after 2013 that was in place to bridge the gap from the date of their mandatory retirement to the time of receipt of the State pension; his plans to remove mandatory retirement in lieu of the decision to end the supplementary pensions for military personnel commissioned after 2013; the effect the decision to end the supplementary pensions for military personnel commissioned after 2013 will have on retention within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32264/17]
View answerWritten answers
The occupational pension scheme terms of post-1 January 2013 new entrants to the public service, including entrants to the Permanent Defence Force, are governed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. All first-time new entrants to pensionable public service employment on or after that date are members of the Single Scheme.
Under the 2012 Act, overall statutory responsibility for the Single Scheme pension terms and rules rests with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Single Scheme was one of the key structural reform commitments agreed by Government with the EU/IMF under the programme of financial support for Ireland. In the context of the Government’s decision to introduce the Single Scheme, a stated primary objective is to help significantly reduce the cost of public service pensions in the longer-term through far-reaching transformation and reform of the public service pension system. It provides for a new approach which modernises and standardises pension arrangements throughout the public service. The terms and rules of the Single Scheme – which are fundamentally different to the superannuation arrangements of all public servants recruited before 1 January 2013 – make no provision for the concept or award of supplementary pensions for any new entrants joining any public service group on or after 1 January 2013. This position has been confirmed to the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations.
However, the absence of any provision for the supplementary pension concept in the Single Scheme must be viewed in the overall context of the fundamental changes and reforms to the pension scheme terms of post-2013 new entrants. Such reforms were decided by Government and the Oireachtas as necessary to support the long-term financial sustainability of the public service pension system. In that context, there are many other established features of the pre-1 January 2013 public service occupational pension arrangements that have been discontinued, or that have been fundamentally changed, under the Single Scheme.
I should also mention that Single Scheme members in the Permanent Defence Force retain the minimum pension age of 50 to reflect operational needs, as already applies to new entrant military personnel recruited since April 2004. This compares with an effective raising of the minimum pension age, from 65 to 68 years, in the case of the mainstream ‘standard accrual’ membership occupations in the Single Scheme. Moreover, the 2012 Act does not alter military retirement ages for future or serving military personnel generally, or upper service limits where applicable – these will continue to be determined by the Minister for Defence, following consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence and the earlier 3rd Report of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), reiterated the objective of ensuring an appropriate age profile for the Permanent Defence Force. A key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces. These HR and manpower policy objectives are in turn supported by concepts such as fast accrual pension arrangements, earlier mandatory retirement ages and/or minimum pension ages than the norm, upper service limits for certain ranks, and so on.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda for the following ten years. One of the 88 actions that have been specifically identified as part of the work being carried out to implement the White Paper, is to conduct, in the medium term, a review of HR policies in relation to recruitment, training and education, performance management, reward systems, and retention and retirement policies alongside appropriate age profiles for personnel across the Defence Forces. The question of the appropriate mandatory retirement ages for commissioned and enlisted ranks will be carefully considered by my Department in that context.
I am advised that a claim has been received from RACO seeking an increase in officer retirement ages. That matter will be the subject of discussions between the Official Side and RACO in due course under the established machinery, the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Permanent Defence Force. In the meantime, there are no plans to remove mandatory retirement ages for military personnel who join the Permanent Defence Force on or after 1 January 2013, whether in enlisted or commissioned officer ranks.
There is no empirical evidence to support the theory or claim that the absence from the Single Scheme of provision for the concept or award of supplementary pensions will impact on retention levels among post-2013 new entrants to the Permanent Defence Force, whatever their rank.
Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, and the HR and manpower policy objectives outlined earlier, there is understandably a high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel compared to other occupations. However, this is not new and pre-dates the introduction of the Single Scheme in 2013, notwithstanding the inclusion of supplementary pension arrangements in the occupational pension scheme terms of commissioned officers who joined the Permanent Defence Force from 6 April 1995 to 31 December 2012 and, indeed, enlisted personnel who did so in the period from 1 April 2004 to 31 December 2012.
In order to deal with the challenges associated with the turnover of personnel, a continuous yearly recruitment drive is operated by the Defence Forces and in 2017, it is planned to recruit 860 personnel across all services.
Defence Forces Properties
Questions (52)
Robert Troy
Question:52. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will engage with voluntary housing bodies such as an organisation (details supplied) to explore the potential of renovating existing buildings at Columb Barracks, Mullingar for housing accommodation purposes and also for community activities. [32181/17]
View answerWritten answers
As I have previously informed the Deputy 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. Westmeath County Council has recently confirmed that it has no such interest.
In 2016, officials from my Department met with the CEO and officials of Longford and Westmeath Educational and Training Board regarding the possible use of Mullingar Barracks - including a site visit. To date, I have received no proposals from the Board regarding the future use of the barracks nor has there been any approach from the Department of Education and Skills.
In May 2016 officials from my Department attended a public meeting in Mullingar on the future use of the barracks. A local group was subsequently established in order to prepare a feasibility study on its use by the community. However, no report from that group has been furnished to my Department to date.
On the 27th April this year Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., the then 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 may have the potential for housing development. To date my officials have had no formal approaches in this regard.
As the barracks is no longer required for military purposes the current financial and administrative burden resulting from its retention cannot be sustained. In its current condition the barracks is not suitable for residential accommodation and any refurbishment or renovation would require significant investment in order to meet the required standards from a health and safety perspective.
Having regard to the lack of expressions of interest for the acquisition of the barracks I have instructed my officials to continue to proceed with its disposal by public auction in the coming months. In this context, my officials will be contacting all existing occupants to discuss future arrangements.
Notwithstanding this my officials are available to meet with representatives of the Father McVerry Trust to discuss with them any proposals they may have regarding the possible future use of the barracks.
Defence Forces Medicinal Products
Questions (53)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:53. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has instructed the military authorities to cease issuing lariam to soldiers as per the Dáil Éireann's instructions on 28 June 2017; and if he has begun the preparations for consultation with soldiers' representative groups in conjunction with the HSE to help alleviate the ongoing effects on some soldiers that were issued the anti-malaria drug lariam. [32261/17]
View answerWritten answers
As I stated in my reply to the Private Members’ Motion which was before the Dáil on 28 June, fundamentally the use of anti-malarial drugs is a medical matter that should be decided by qualified medical professionals. In the Defence Forces these are decisions for highly qualified Medical Officers having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces. I have already indicated that a Working Group is currently examining issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam. In its earlier work in 2013, the Group obtained advice from leading medical experts who concurred with the practices followed by the Defence Forces in prescribing Lariam.
The Group is continuing to engage with national and international experts and its most recent meeting was held on 28 June 2017.
I understand that the Working Group is considering options to formalise the provision of ongoing external expert medical advice to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters, including malaria chemoprophylaxis.
I anticipate receiving its Report shortly and I will carefully consider the Group’s recommendations.
With regard to support services generally that are available to members of the Permanent Defence Force, the position is that there is a range of support services, both medical and non medical, available to all Defence Forces Personnel. These include access to Defence Forces Medical Officers, Psychiatric, Psychological and Personnel Support Services. The Defence Forces Personnel Support Services provide a confidential information, education, support and referral service designed to give Defence Forces personnel, and their families, access to information and services both from within the military community and outside it on a range of issues. There is a Personnel Support Services Officer in each Barracks/Station. These officers can provide counselling support and also undertake regular briefing of personnel. In addition, a strictly confidential 24 hour care-line, manned by trained counsellors, is available to Defence Forces personnel.
I would like to again remind the Deputy that there is ongoing litigation in relation to this matter. The State Claims Agency manages claims on behalf of the Department of Defence and has confirmed that to date 55 claims have been made by members and former members of the Defence Forces who allege personal injury as a result of their consumption of mefloquine (Lariam). The first case was scheduled to be heard in the High Court on 4th July last and has now been adjourned to 3 November 2017. You will therefore appreciate that I am constrained in my discussions on the matter.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and the Defence Forces.
White Paper on Defence
Questions (54)
Mattie McGrath
Question:54. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of measures contained in the White Paper on Defence regarding a proposal for a new employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32091/17]
View answerWritten answers
The White Paper on Defence committed the Government to putting in place a new employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces. A successful pilot programme was held in Gormanston Camp from 20th June 2016 to 26th August 2016 with 25 participants. Following an evaluation of the pilot programme and Ministerial approval, it is intended to run 2 iterations of the programme in 2017.
The objective of this 10-week 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. The scheme is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose.
Participants retain any Department of Social Protection benefits that they are currently entitled to for the duration of the Scheme. Participation on the scheme is wholly voluntary for the relevant cohort of jobseekers and there is no penalty applied for non-participation or engagement in the programme. Participants do not receive any payment from the Department of Defence.
A programme is currently underway in Limerick. This programme started on 22nd May 2017 and will run to 28th July 2017. There are 15 participants on the programme.
Preparations involving the Defence Organisation, the Department of Social Protection and the Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board are underway for the second programme in 2017 to start in the Defence Forces’ Gormanston Camp, Co. Meath, on 9th October. It is intended that this programme will run to 15th December 2017 and will cater for up to 30 participants.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 34.
Brexit Issues
Questions (56)
Lisa Chambers
Question:56. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the preparations of his Department and the Defence Forces for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32509/17]
View answerWritten answers
The outcome of the vote of 23 June 2016 in the UK will have implications across all aspects of the business of the European Union. While the vote does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operations or for Ireland’s continuing engagement within the EU in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), it is expected that Brexit will have an impact on future developments in the Defence sphere.
Structures have been put in place in the Department of Defence to address the potential challenges arising from Brexit including the assignment of responsibility to a senior official at Assistant Secretary General level in relation to Brexit related matters. The senior official is leading the Department’s input to deliberations within the framework established across Government and is supported in their role by a number of branches in the Department. The senior official represents the Department on the Interdepartmental Group on EU-UK Affairs which is chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and is engaged with the identification of key strategic, operational and policy issues arising from Brexit. In addition, the Management Board is acting as a clearing house for Brexit and maintains oversight on an ongoing basis. As the Deputy will also be aware, the Government has adopted a contingency framework to deal with all issues arising in respect of the UK vote to leave the EU. Accordingly, any issues arising, including those within the Defence area, whether bilateral, or in respect of developments in CSDP, or regarding our wider international multilateral defence engagements, will be also addressed within that framework. The formal EU-UK negotiations commenced last month. All potential consequences in the defence sphere, arising during these negotiations, will remain the subject of ongoing consideration by my Department throughout this process.
In respect of the border, the potential implications in this regard will emerge during the course of the negotiations. It is this Government’s stated goal to try to ensure that the current on-island border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible. Responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners on request. The Defence Forces at all times keep operational plans under constant review and there will continue to be ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including through regular coordination and liaison meetings. Similarly, in respect of fisheries protection and monitoring of Irish waters, the potential implications will emerge during the course of the negotiations. Accordingly, it is difficult at this stage to anticipate the implications including the impact on fishery protection requirements. My Department, together with the Naval Service and the Air Corps are working closely with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), who are the competent authority on this matter, in relation to Brexit. Ongoing liaison with the European Fisheries Control Agency and with other Member States, will continue as appropriate.
In addition, the Government Task Force (GTF) on Emergency Planning has been briefed on potential emergency planning implications/issues that may arise from Brexit . The GTF will continue to monitor any future impacts on emergency planning that may arise as the Brexit negotiations unfold.
The Government is under no illusions about the complexity of these negotiations. In that regard, I wish to reassure the Deputy that my Department is monitoring the ongoing situation to ensure that my Department and the Defence Forces are fully prepared to address any potential issues arising in the defence area on foot of Brexit.
Defence Forces Reserve Training
Questions (57)
Brendan Ryan
Question:57. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to introduce legislation to ensure employers allow members of the Reserve Defence Forces time off for training in view of the important work they do for the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32346/17]
View answerWritten answers
Members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are volunteers who undertake training in their spare time. In order to facilitate the voluntary nature of Reserve Service, training continues to be organised both in and out of normal working hours and at weekends. Reserve training is also organised during academic and traditional holiday periods, in order to maximise attendance of Reserve personnel. The focus will continue to be on organising training that facilitates attendance by the maximum number of Reservists. However, there are no plans to introduce legislation to compel employers to allow members of the Reserve to attend training.
I am satisfied that the extensive and professional training provided to the Reserve is a major motivating factor in encouraging people to join it as well as encouraging retention of existing members.
Curragh Plains Representative Forum
Questions (58, 62)
James Lawless
Question:58. Deputy James Lawless asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures his Department has put in place to safeguard the unique heritage of the Curragh plains or is in the process of putting in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32505/17]
View answer
Martin Heydon
Question:62. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the work of the Curragh Forum; when it is expected to meet again in view of recent changes in personnel in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32511/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 62 together.
At the most recent meeting of the Curragh Forum, several actions were agreed by the members to assist in addressing a number of the problems in the Curragh. In line with agreed actions, a review of the Curragh Bye-Laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act is progressing with a view to identifying any amendments that can be made to assist in dealing with the issues of encampments, dumping, parking and the other key issues identified by the Forum. In addition, my officials have recently introduced revised procedures regarding the branding and documenting of sheep grazing on the Curragh plains to facilitate enhanced visibility and control on their numbers. Actions to address overgrazing will also be progressed in 2017.
Plans are being prepared to progress a number of other agreed actions including signage and the development of facilities on the environs of the Curragh. It is intended to convene a further meeting of the Curragh Forum in the near future to discuss these and other relevant matters.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 44.