Written Answers Nos. 2111-2130
2111. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the deployment of the Defence Forces to aid flood relief efforts in County Donegal was delayed by up to six hours due to a dispute between his Department and the local authority over the issuing public indemnity insurance. [37941/17]
View answerFollowing the recent flooding in Donegal the Defence Forces were deployed to provided Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) assistance to Donegal County Council on foot of a request from the Council.
I can confirm that the issue of insurance cover for the Defence Forces did not arise in relation to this deployment. The Defence Forces are indemnified by the State Claims Agency when deployed in their role of ATCA.
2112. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there is a senior official with designated responsibility for Brexit matters in his Department; if so, the grade of the designated official; the funding allocated to the Brexit unit; the cost to date; the anticipated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37989/17]
View answer2113. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of staff deployed full time in his Department in respect of Brexit; if there is a designated section or unit to deal with Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38005/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2112 and 2113 together.
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. The structures put in place in the Department of Defence to address the potential challenges arising from Brexit include 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. As matters relating to Brexit are currently being absorbed and dealt with within existing Department structures and resources, there is currently no dedicated Brexit funding allocation in the Department of Defence. As the Deputy is aware the formal EU-UK negotiations commenced in July and a series of meetings have already taken place. All potential consequences in the defence sphere, arising during these negotiations, will remain the subject of ongoing consideration by my Department throughout this process.
2114. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the level of construction inflation that has been experienced by his Department in the 18 months to September 2017 in respect of construction projects; the way in which he monitors construction inflation and the mechanisms his Department employs to establish this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38021/17]
View answerFor Department of Defence capital projects, construction inflation, including projections of future inflation levels, is monitored taking account of both the Tender Price Index published twice yearly by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and the reports published annually by some of the larger Quantity Surveying and Cost Management firms.
The published documentation provides a picture of typical construction inflation levels.
The nature of the Defence property portfolio predisposes towards a high proportion of refurbishment work and work on heritage type buildings as well as projects in relation to specialist military structures that are not typical construction projects, such as military firing ranges, ordnance storage facilities, etc. The portfolio of projects is also quite dispersed by location.
Experience of average construction inflation for Department of Defence construction projects over the 18 months to September 2017 is generally in line with the SCSI Tender Price Index, albeit that there can be variation in respect of individual projects for the reasons outlined above.
2115. Deputy John Curran asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he or bodies and agencies under the remit of his Department plans to make services or payments dependent on the mandatory use and production of the public services card; if so, the services and payments which will now be dependent on the mandatory use of the public services card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38145/17]
View answerMy Department has no plans to make the use of the public services card mandatory for accessing services provided.
2116. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the annual percentage of non-commercial State-sponsored bodies staff under the remit of his Department who were women in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [38360/17]
View answerThe only state board under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board. An Executive Officer from the Department of Defence acts as Secretary to the Board which does not have a specific staffing complement.
2117. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the annual percentage of public service staff that were women under the remit of his department in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [38383/17]
View answerThe following table provides details of the percentage of the staff of my Department, civil servants and civilian employees, and members of the Permanent Defence Force, who were female in each of the years 2010 to 2016 and to date in 2017:
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
|
Department of Defence (civil servants) |
66.5% |
66% |
66.5% |
67.6% |
66.6% |
65.9% |
64.7% |
64.3% |
|
Department of Defence (civilian employees) |
16.37% |
17.66% |
18.30% |
17.74% |
18.53% |
19.04% |
19.51% |
20.25% |
|
Permanent Defence Force |
5.96% |
6.03% |
6.31% |
6.16% |
6.07% |
6.04% |
6.22% |
6.36% |
2118. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the decision by the University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology to withdraw staffing and funding from the Irish Marine and Energy Research Cluster, IMERC, in Ringaskiddy, County Cork (details supplied); and the future of the research facility, in view of the withdrawal by same. [38529/17]
View answerI am aware of the steps taken by University College Cork (UCC) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) in relation to IMERC, following the Review of IMERC undertaken in 2016. I understand that, as part of the Review of IMERC, key personnel in the Naval Service were interviewed. In addition, there was informal phone contact with officials in my Department. Neither my Department nor the Naval Service was consulted on the decision to withdraw staffing and funding from IMERC.
I note that UCC and CIT are continuing to explore options to take forward roles previously undertaken by IMERC. In that regard I understand that UCC and CIT are proposing to refine and enhance the original Memorandum of Agreement on IMERC to support collaboration in teaching and research. They are also engaging with the Local Authority in relation to exploiting inward investment and development activities with the continuing support of UCC, CIT and the Naval Service. I look forward to the outcome of these discussions.
The Naval Service enjoyed a very good working relationship with UCC and CIT as part of IMERC and continues to do so. The Naval Service collaborates closely with both institutions in research projects through their constituent research centres and particular academic Departments. In addition the Naval Service continues as an academic partner with CIT at the National Maritime College of Ireland.
2119. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the development of sectorial response plans to Brexit, the publication date of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38691/17]
View answer2120. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the issues identified for consideration in the context of Brexit including opportunities and their prioritisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38707/17]
View answer2121. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of issues identified for consideration in the context of Brexit including threats and their prioritisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38723/17]
View answer2122. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the scenario planning that has been conducted by his Department for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38739/17]
View answer2123. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the methodology employed in the prioritisation of responses to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38755/17]
View answer2124. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the funds that have been requested in response to threats resulting from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38771/17]
View answer2125. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the funds have been allocated in response to threats resulting from Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38803/17]
View answer2126. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies in his Department for Brexit-related roles; the expected date for these roles to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38819/17]
View answer2127. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his Department’s priorities for risk mitigation in response to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38835/17]
View answer2128. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the membership and role of all Brexit related stakeholder engagement groups working with his Department on Brexit issues; the number of times each stakeholder group has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38851/17]
View answer2129. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the Brexit related research currently being undertaken by his Department; the topics under consideration; the date this research commenced; the expected date for completion and publication in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38883/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2119 to 2129, inclusive, together.
The comprehensive document “Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union: The Government’s Approach” published on 2 May outlined in detail the structures put in place by the Government to ensure a strategic and whole-of Government response to Brexit that ensures a coordinated approach to the identification of key priority issues for the EU-UK negotiations and the wider domestic response.
Since the publication of the comprehensive document, the Government has sought to further increase its strategic oversight of Brexit through the addition of a dedicated responsibility for Brexit matters to the role of the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade. The Cabinet Committee structures have also been reformed and a new Cabinet Committee has been established to deal with EU Affairs including Brexit.
The Government’s National Risk Assessment 2017, which provides a systematic overview of strategic risks facing the country, was published on 29 August following a public consultation process. The National Risk Assessment acknowledges the significance of risk arising from Brexit, and that Brexit represents an overarching theme that could have far-reaching impacts on nearly all aspects of national life. It identifies areas where Brexit poses a specific risk, particularly in relation to the economy.
As set out in comprehensive document of 2 May, the Government’s continuing work to ensure that Ireland’s interests are reflected in the EU’s approach to the ongoing EU-UK negotiations is a central dimension of Ireland’s strategic response to Brexit.
Work is also continuing across Government on Ireland’s wider response to the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit, building on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders and encompassing the following themes:
- sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
- policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
- prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
- realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising; and
- making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
Policy decisions in support of these objectives also arise across a wide range of areas, including the annual budgetary process; the forthcoming National Planning Framework 2040; the new 10-year National Capital Plan; the Review of Enterprise 2025 Policy, and sectorial policies and investment decisions in areas such as agriculture, enterprise, transport, communications and energy.
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.
The structures put in place in the Department of Defence to address the potential challenges arising from Brexit include 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.
As the Deputy has previously been advised, on 19th January, 2015 Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Defence, Ireland and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence on enhancement on certain aspects of Security and Defence Cooperation. This provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding placed already existing cooperation arrangements in the Defence area between Ireland and the UK on a more formal and transparent footing, while fully respecting the differing policy positions and security arrangements of both States.
The MoU takes into account matters such as military forces training; exercises and military education; exchange of views on EU Common Security and Defence Policy; potential for joint contributions to UN Crisis Management Operations; joint procurement initiatives; pooling and sharing resources; general sharing on reform in defence services; potential for staff exchanges; joint contribution to Security Sector Reform and capacity building in crisis locations and the sharing of information.
Having regard to the bilateral arrangements already in place, and the fact Brexit does not give rise to fundamental strategic issues for Defence Forces operations or for Ireland’s continuing engagement in the EUs Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), it is not considered that a specific sectorial response plan in the Defence sphere is necessary at this time. Such a requirement will be kept under constant review and all potential consequences in the defence sphere, arising during these negotiations which commenced in July, will remain the subject of ongoing consideration by my Department throughout this process.
Formal and informal meetings of Ministers at EU level provide a significant opportunity to engage bilaterally with Ministers from other member States on issues of concern to Ireland, both within the scope of the Ministerial but also more broadly. When attending Council meetings, most recently in Tallinn, Estonia, where last week I attended the Informal Defence Ministers meeting. I avail of the opportunity to engage in informal bilateral discussions with my EU counterparts en marge of the meetings which is an important aspect of Ministerial attendance and have raised the issue of Brexit and Ireland’s key considerations as and when the opportunity arises.
In terms of formal bilateral meetings, I have also met with Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon, MP Secretary of State at the UK Ministry of Defence. Our discussion covered a wide range of topics mainly in the security and defence domain but also focussed on Brexit and the implications for Ireland and the EU. Formal talks with the UK between officials are scheduled to take place next Thursday, 14 September here in Dublin, in the context of regular ongoing engagement under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on enhancement on certain aspects of Security and Defence Cooperation.
It is the case, given the unique nature of Defence that no defence specific stakeholder group has been established, nor has there been any requirement at this juncture for me to meet with the Brexit negotiation task force. Other than normal internal policy considerations, there is no specific Brexit related research currently being undertaken. These issues and any potential future such requirements will be kept under constant review as the negotiation process unfolds.
Regarding resources, matters relating to Brexit are currently being absorbed and dealt with within existing Department structures and resources and accordingly there is currently no dedicated Brexit funding allocation in the Department of Defence, nor are there any additional Brexit related roles envisaged at this time.
The Government remains 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 the Department and the Defence Forces are well prepared to address any potential issues or potential future threats arising in the defence area on foot of Brexit.
2130. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the expenditure savings that are earmarked for his Department for 2018 that are not accounted for in the mid-year expenditure report or are not included in the fiscal space calculations for 2018. [38899/17]
View answerThe budget allocation for Defence provides mainly for the pay and allowances of the Defence Forces, civil servants and civilian employees in the Defence Sector, ongoing standing and operational costs of the Defence Forces and investment in essential equipment and infrastructure. It also provides for the payment of pension entitlements to former members of the Defence Forces as well as funding for Civil Defence and a grant towards the running costs of the Irish Red Cross.
This allocation allows the Defence Forces to deliver on all their assigned roles, both at home and overseas, and facilitates investment in essential equipment and infrastructure, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
Defence expenditure programmes are on-going in nature and no reduction in these programmes is envisaged for 2018. Therefore, no expenditure savings are forecast for my Department in 2018. It should be noted that the final expenditure allocation for 2018 will not be settled until the budgetary process is concluded later in the year.
