Tuesday, 6 Mar 2018

Written Answers Nos. 26-47

Defence Forces Remuneration

Questions (26)

Eamon Ryan

Question:

26. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address the issues of pay and conditions in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10742/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Rates of pay and conditions of employment in the Irish public service have traditionally been set by, amongst other things, reference to levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public service. The Government’s economic policy has led to economic recovery and a resumption of economic growth. This has provided the fiscal resources to provide for a sustainable and fair recovery in public service payscales.

Defence Forces pay is increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay. Members of the Permanent Defence Force have received the pay increases due under the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

In addition, following negotiations with PDFORRA on behalf of their members, improved payscales for general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were backdated to 1 July 2016 and paid in August 2017.

The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for further increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement with the focus of the agreement once again being on the lower paid.

Both RACO and PDFORRA attended the negotiations which led to the Agreement, which were held under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. They were afforded equal standing to other public sector trade unions and representative associations during the negotiations.

A 1% in annualised salaries due from 1 January 2018 was included in the weekly pay for enlisted personnel on 7 February 2018. The increase is being applied to officers monthly salaries in the February payments.

Following these revisions in pay, the starting pay for a newly qualified three star private, and their Naval Service equivalent, (inclusive of military service allowance) is €27,257, gross annual earnings, with scope for further income from duty allowances. This is a significant increase on the €21,800 per annum which was the annual amount prior to the implementation of the increases in pay received through recent pay agreements.

The starting pay for a Corporal, including Military Service Allowance, is over €37,000 per annum. The first point on the payscale for a Sergeant, including Military Service Allowance, is €40,000 per annum.

A newly qualified non-graduate entry 2nd Lieutenant can expect a minimum of €35,000 (inclusive of military service allowance) per annum after 15 months of training, while a graduate entry Lieutenant can expect a minimum of €40,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance) after 15 months of training.

In 2017, under my direction, the Department of Defence raised recruitment and retention issues as part of the submission to the Public Service Pay Commission. In a further acknowledgement of these issues the Government tasked the Public Service Pay Commission with examining these challenges in the Defence Sector in more detail.

The Public Service Pay Commission has commenced this work and has requested detailed information from the Department of Defence. Defence management are preparing their submission which will be sent to the Commission in the coming weeks.  I understand that both PDFORRA and RACO have made submissions to the Commission.

The Public Service Pay Commission is due to complete this exercise in the second half of 2018. The findings and proposals arising will be considered at that time.

I am satisfied that the processes I have outlined are appropriate for consideration of the matters raised by the Deputy.

Overseas Missions Data

Questions (27)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

27. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the 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 upgrading of equipment has been noted arising from such deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10722/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As of 01 February 2018, Ireland is contributing 586 Defence Forces personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.

The main overseas missions in which the Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 375 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel.

The 375 personnel in UNIFIL serve alongside Finnish Armed Forces as a part of a joint battalion of which Ireland took over command in November 2016.  As a consequence of taking over command,  an additional Company of some 150 personnel were deployed as part of Ireland's contribution to this mission.

Ireland has a long and continuous record of contributing to peacekeeping missions.  Participation in these missions demonstrates Ireland's strong support for the role of the United Nations in international peacekeeping.  The current contribution of some 586 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in this area. 

At the Government  Meeting earlier this week, I secured approval for the deployment in 2018 of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force  to serve once again as part of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy naval mission in the Mediterranean,  Operation Sophia. Arrangements are currently being made for two Irish naval vessels to deploy consecutively under rotation for a period of approximately 32 weeks in total.  

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.  This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles.  I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas.

Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the following table.

MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS AS OF 01 FEBRUARY 2018

UN MISSIONS
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ UNIFIL 111th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ	30 337 8
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel and Syria	12
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)	3
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo)	4
UNDOF (FHQ Staff, Camp Ziouani - Alpha side) UNDOF (COS Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) UNDOF 56th Infantry Group (Camp Ziouani)	6 2 128
TOTAL	530
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina)	5
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission)	20
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ	12
Operational HQ/Floating HQ (Operation Sophia HQ)	4
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS	571
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna	1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE	1
EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels	4
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York	1
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna	1
Military Representative to EU (Brussels)	4
Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels)	2
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium	1
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium	1
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS	586

Defence Forces Training

Questions (28, 31)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

28. 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 modern and international best practice; if particular procedures are in need of updating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10723/18]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

31. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which ongoing training of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, including Reserves, is scheduled in the course of the next two years; the extent to which such ongoing training meets international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10726/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 31 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 conduct training and education under four broad categories namely; Leadership, skills, career and collective training. Leadership training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure 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 ensure 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.

I am advised that 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 deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. The Defence Forces also engage 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 retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.

I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.

Defence Forces Equipment

Questions (29)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

29. 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. [10724/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

The acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me, and future equipment priorities for the Defence Forces are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.

The National Development Plan provides for a Capital allocation of €541m for Defence for the five year period 2018-2022. This allocation will facilitate the investment necessary to ensure that the Defence Forces have the equipment and infrastructure to deliver on all their roles as set out in the White Paper.

The White Paper provides that 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 both at home and overseas.

There is focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles, and in this regard a maintenance and upgrade programme has commenced for the current fleet of 80 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet out to 2030.  24 armoured utility vehicles have recently been procured for force protection, and a small number of armoured logistical vehicles are also being procured.

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.

Defence Forces Strength

Questions (30)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

30. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces, including Reserves, Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the number of women in each branch of the services; the likelihood of recruitment following retirements now and over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10725/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

	Males (WTE)	Females (WTE)	Total
Army	6,870	482	7,352
Air Corps	700	35	735
Naval Service	981	70	1,052
Army Reserve	1,421*	232*	1,653
Naval Service Reserve	103*	21*	124

WTE - Whole Time Equivalent

* - Effective Personnel

The 2015 White Paper on Defence commits to maintaining the strength of the PDF at 9,500 personnel. I can confirm that recruitment to the PDF will take place in 2018. Plans for this are currently being finalised. Recruitment in 2018 will be for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Apprentices and Direct Entry Officers.  At this point it is not possible to predict precise numbers that will be recruited, but it is anticipated that this will be in the region of 800 PDF personnel.  It is also planned to launch a General Service Recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Force in April / May 2018.

With the support of the Chief of Staff I am committed to ensuring that there is on-going recruitment to the  Defence Forces and that the Permanent Defence Force can continue to operate effectively across all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.

Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 28.

Defence Forces Reserve Strength

Questions (32)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

32. 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. [10727/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The White Paper on Defence provides for a combined establishment of 4,169 personnel for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve (inclusive of the proposal to increase the Naval Service Reserve establishment from 200 to 300 personnel). I am aware of the shortfall between this figure and the current combined strength of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve which, as of 31st January 2018, is 1,777 effective personnel. However, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, recruitment to the Reserve is continuing. A total of 139 new recruits were inducted into the RDF in 2017 and there is on-going engagement with applicants from the 2017 recruitment campaign that should yield further inductions. In addition a new recruitment campaign will be launched in 2018.

In terms of ongoing training standards for the Reserve, the White Paper 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, for the current year, Subhead A.5 provides for a budget of €2.15 million of which €2.068 million is allocated for Paid Training Mandays for members of the Reserve. This allocation will provide seven days annual paid training for all effective members of the Reserve, fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the Reserve in 2018 and provide for career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training

I would like to assure the Deputy that I remain committed to the ongoing development of the RDF within the framework set out in the White Paper on Defence.

Defence Forces Strength

Questions (33, 34, 37, 38, 40)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

33. 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. [10728/18]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

34. 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 need for early deployment and use of specified equipment in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10729/18]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if deficiencies in the Defence Forces will be augmented in the context of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10732/18]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

38. 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 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 remains satisfied that the Defence Forces have adequate liaison with other defence forces throughout Europe in the context of a potential threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10733/18]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

40. 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. [10735/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 34, 37, 38 and 40 together.

My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

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 coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.

In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as severe weather events or terrorist attacks 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 an emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority and Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) roles. Major Emergency Plans have been developed by local and regional authorities and these Plans identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces.

In respect of terrorism, responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. In that regard, among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence (2015) is the provision of ATCP which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. There is on-going 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 Defence Forces also participate in counter-terrorism training initiatives with international forces on an on-going basis.

I also wish to assure you that the Defence Forces retain a wide range of specialist skills and equipment. The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any emergencies that may arise. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service coordination in responding to requests for support. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process and I wish to assure you that significant investment in equipment is taking place in the coming years in this context.

With regard to training, the primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the necessary capabilities. The Defence Forces deliver military training programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. They also engage 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 retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.

I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards and 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. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are equipped and resourced to respond, as appropriate, to any such events were they to occur in this State.

Search and Rescue Service Provision

Questions (35)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

35. 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 and sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10730/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Defence Organisation provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role while it also undertakes a diverse range of non security related tasks.

With reference to Search and Rescue, since 2004 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 on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.

The Defence Organisation will continue to provide support, as available, to the Irish Coast Guard in respect of Coast Guard Search and Rescue operations.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Questions (36)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

36. 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. [10731/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Defence Forces accept applications from all individuals who meet the requisite criteria for the various competitions that are advertised. There is no specific advertising or recruitment aimed at those who are unemployed. The Defence Forces require men and women from all backgrounds that possess a strong sense of duty, enjoy working as part of a team, and are looking for a rewarding yet challenging career.

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. The objective of this scheme, which involves a 10 week training programme, is to help to 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 Employment Affairs and 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.

Two iterations of the training programme, in Limerick and in Meath, were conducted in 2017.  The next iteration of the programme is scheduled to commence in Cork in June this year. An interim review of the roll out of the scheme is also scheduled to commence later this year.

Questions Nos. 37 and 38 answered with Question No. 33.

Air Corps Strength

Questions (39)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

39. 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. [10734/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The 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 the defence policy framework over a ten year planning horizon. This includes provision 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 for the Air Corps is a priority. 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 intercept capacity. Whilst the development of a more capable air combat intercept capability will be considered as part of the White Paper update, at this stage there are no plans in this regard. However, these matters are kept under constant review.

Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 33.

Departmental Advertising Campaigns

Questions (41)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

41. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of each instance of advertorial content commissioned by his Department and agencies under its remit in the past 12 months; the date this content was published; the purpose of this content; the cost of its publication; the publication or platform on which it was published, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10770/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Advertorial content was commissioned by my Department and the Defence Forces in relation to the Be Winter Ready campaign and Defence Forces' recruitment as outlined below.  The content was published as per the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland regulations governing advertorial content, which state that articles must note that they are sponsored by a given organisation or brand.

The first table below shows advertorial content commissioned by the Office of Emergency Planning under the remit of my Department.

Date Published	Purpose of Content	Cost	Media outlet
November 2017	Be Winter Ready Campaign two page article	€6,150.00	Independent Newspapers Marketing Ltd.

The second table shows advertorial content commissioned by the Defence Forces.

Date Published	Purpose of Content	Cost	Media outlet
09th   March 2017	General Service Recruitment	€2,500	Joe.ie
02nd   September 2017	Reserve Recruitment	€2,500	Joe.ie
10th   October 2017	General Service Recruitment	€2,500	Joe.ie
09th   March 2017	General Service Recruitment	€2,500	Her.ie
11th   October 2017	General Service Recruitment	€2,500	Her.ie

Passport Applications

Questions (42)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

42. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of an application for a passport by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10519/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

All passport applications are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act 2008 (“the Act”) which provides, among other things, that a person must be an Irish citizen before a passport can be issued to him or her. The question of the applicant's entitlement to Irish citizenship must be looked at with reference to Irish law, and in particular, the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, (the 1956 Act). In respect of the applicant in question, the Passport Service, via the Embassy of Ireland, Germany, has requested supporting documents from the applicant's parents to establish the Irish citizenship of the applicant. To date, the requested documents have not been submitted. As the requested documentation has not yet been submitted, an entitlement to citizenship and therefore eligibility for an Irish passport, has not yet been established. The passport application cannot proceed any further until entitlement to citizenship has been established.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (43)

Brendan Smith

Question:

43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had at European Union and or United Nations level on the ongoing massacre of innocent persons in Syria and the need to have a meaningful and lasting ceasefire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10750/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am extremely concerned by the recent increase in violence in Syria, and in particular the vicious siege of Eastern Ghouta, which has cost the lives of hundreds of civilians in recent weeks. The barbarity of the attacks by the Syrian regime on its own people, the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals and schools, and the refusal of the Assad regime to allow humanitarian aid in, or injured civilians to leave, has been shocking, even by the standards of the Syria conflict to date. I can only imagine how terrifying this is for the people there, who have no way to protect themselves or their children, and no way to leave. On numerous occasions in this House, I have condemned the violence in Syria and I reiterate that condemnation in the strongest terms today.

I attended a UN Security Council briefing on this issue in New York two weeks ago, where UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appealed for an immediate suspension of violence in Eastern Ghouta to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and for evacuations. Ireland strongly endorsed this call.

I welcome the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. However, the bombardment of Eastern Ghouta has continued in defiance of this resolution. The international community must redouble its efforts to press for a full and immediate ceasefire, and unhindered humanitarian access to besieged populations in Syria.

EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Syria at their informal meeting on 15 February and again at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 26 February where Ireland added its voice to calls for the immediate and full implementation of the ceasefire demanded by the UN Security Council.

Ireland has consistently supported EU sanctions targeting the regime and its supporters, and will continue to do so as long as the situation on the ground justifies these measures.

Ultimately, a long term, sustainable, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led solution to this conflict is needed. Ireland fully supports the UN-led political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254, which call for an end to violence; full humanitarian access, a democratic political transition and accountability and transitional justice.

The EU provides direct assistance to the UN-brokered talks in Geneva and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region to identify common ground.

The EU and its Member States have to date mobilised more than €10.4 billion for humanitarian, stabilisation and resilience assistance inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, making the EU the largest single donor to the effort. The EU hosted a donors’ conference for Syria in April 2017 at which pledges totalling €5.6 billion were made, and will host another donors’ conference for Syria in April 2018.

Since 2012, Ireland has contributed over €90 million to the humanitarian effort in response to the conflict in Syria, including €25 million in 2017 alone. Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. Ireland also supports a broad range of efforts to ensure full legal accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (44)

Brendan Smith

Question:

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had at European Union and United Nations level on the need to provide humanitarian aid to the persons most in need in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10751/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The humanitarian situation in Syria remains of utmost concern. The conflict continues to have a devastating impact on civilians and the suffering in Eastern Ghouta in particular is appalling. Over 13 million people require humanitarian assistance inside Syria alone and over 5.5 million have fled to neighbouring countries and the wider region. In 2018, the UN estimates that $7.9 billion is required to meet the needs of the most vulnerable within Syria and across the region – the highest appeal worldwide for a single crisis. Ireland is committed to providing ongoing humanitarian assistance in response to the Syria crisis and has contributed over €90 million to the international humanitarian response since 2012, including over €25 million in 2017. Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response. The largest response to the crisis has been from the EU and its Member States, who together have mobilised more than €10.4 billion for humanitarian, stabilisation and resilience assistance inside Syria and in neighbouring countries.

In April this year, the EU will host, in close cooperation with the UN, a second donors’ conference for Syria and the region, focused on sustaining political and financial commitments in response to the crisis. At an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in mid-February, at which Ireland was represented by the Minister of European Affairs, there was broad agreement that a key focus of the conference should be on humanitarian efforts and access in Syria.

At the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 26 February, Ireland joined Member States in calling for an immediate ceasefire, and unhindered humanitarian access in Syria. Ireland will continue to raise the importance of sustained and unhindered humanitarian aid as part of overall efforts to respond to the crisis in Syria in relevant EU and UN fora.

Ultimately, an end to violence is urgently needed in order to relieve the suffering of the Syrian people. Ireland and the EU fully support the UN-led political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254, which call for an end to violence; full humanitarian access; a democratic political transition, and accountability and transitional justice.

Good Friday Agreement

Questions (45, 47)

Brendan Smith

Question:

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when talks will resume between the Irish and British Governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland on the need to have the Stormont Assembly and Executive restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10752/18]

Brendan Smith

Question:

47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to convene the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10818/18]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I propose to take questions 45 and 47 together.

As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government, working with the British Government, has spared no effort in supporting and facilitating talks on the formation of a new Executive, over many months.

Fully functioning, devolved, power-sharing Institutions are the only way forward for Northern Ireland, and are urgently required.

Recent developments in Stormont are of serious concern to all of us who want to see the establishment of a functioning, power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland, and the other Institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Government is working with the British Government to see if there is any prospect of re-engagement with the parties in the period ahead.

The Taoiseach has spoken with Prime Minister May to emphasise the Government's full commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and its determination to secure the effective operation of all its institutions.

I spoke with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland again last week and will remain in very regular contact as we seek a way forward from the current impasse in the discussions to secure the formation of a new Executive.

As co-guarantor of the Agreement, the Government will continue to engage with the British Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland to support the urgent formation of a new Executive by the mandated political parties. The functioning of the power-sharing devolved institutions is crucial for the Good Friday Agreement.

The Government’s firm position is that the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent Agreements must be implemented in full, and in this context the Taoiseach and I have been clear that the Government does not want to see the introduction of direct rule in Northern Ireland. In the event that the devolved power-sharing institutions are unable to operate, both Governments will seek ways to ensure that the North/South and East/West dimensions of the Agreement operate in accordance with our respective responsibilities.

If there is no Executive and Assembly, decisions about the internal governance of Northern Ireland are for the UK Government. However, the Irish Government has a very clear and established role in the functioning of various institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and the Government is committed to the effective operation of all of the institutions of the Agreement.

The British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) is an institution of the Agreement, which can meet at any stage, although it has usually been convened when the devolved institutions are not operating. The Conference is an important institution which brings together the British and Irish Governments under Strand Three of the Good Friday Agreement. The Agreement confirms that there is no derogation from the sovereignty of either Government. The Government is continuing to keep under review a convening of the Conference.

The Good Friday Agreement is the indispensable framework for providing stable, inclusive, power-sharing government for all the people of Northern Ireland and for sustaining our interlocking relationships – within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland and between the UK and Ireland.

As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the British and Irish Governments have an obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of that Agreement, and we are considering how best to do so in the current situation.

Departmental Advertising Campaigns

Questions (46)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

46. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of each instance of advertorial content commissioned by his Department and agencies under its remit in the past 12 months; the date this content was published; the purpose of this content; the cost of its publication; the publication or platform on which it was published, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10774/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department has not commissioned any advertorial content in the past 12 months and there are no agencies under the remit of my Department.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 45.