Written Answers Nos. 107-144
109. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the number of persons that were classified as in employment part-time or part-time underemployed as a percentage of the number employed on an annual basis in each of the years 2005 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [14910/18]
View answerThe Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of labour force (ILO) in the State. This survey replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.
The data prior to Q3 2017 includes adjustments to the historic QNHS data series to take account of revisions to population estimates arising from the 2016 Census of Population. In addition, adjustments have been made to this historic data to enable comparability with the new LFS for key headline indicators – ILO employment status, NACE Rev2 Industrial classification, age and gender.
However as a result of changes to the questionnaire, the interview mode, the introduction of a new sample, data processing changes and other methodological enhancements there are changes in the levels of some series outside of these key indicators from Q3 2017 onwards. As a consequence, the series before and after the introduction of the new survey may not be directly comparable and this should be noted when examining annual and quarterly changes.
The most recent LFS figures available are for the year 2017.
The calculation of part-time underemployment is based on ILO and Eurostat recommendations and uses the following criteria to derive underemployment:
1. Working part-time
2. Willing to work additional hours
3. Available to work additional hours
This indicator is only available from quarter 3 2008 onwards as estimates prior to that quarter were based on one single question which included the need for the person to be looking for additional work. From quarter 3 2008 the indicator derived from a series of separate questions which allow this requirement to be excluded.
The tables below show the number of persons aged 15 years and over that were classified as in employment (ILO) including part-time or part-time underemployed and these persons as a percentage of the total numbers of persons in employment from 2005 to 2017 (annual average).
Table 1 Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) including part-time and part-time underemployed and these persons as a percentage of the total persons in employment, 2005 - 2011 (annual average)
'000
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
In Employment |
2,037.8 |
2,130.2 |
2,221.4 |
2,199.0 |
2,015.2 |
1,925.6 |
1,888.5 |
|
full-time |
1,673.5 |
1,752.1 |
1,807.0 |
1,771.4 |
1,568.5 |
1,476.4 |
1,430.5 |
|
part-time |
364.4 |
378.1 |
414.5 |
427.6 |
446.7 |
449.2 |
458.0 |
|
of which:part-time,not underemployed |
: |
: |
: |
: |
332.1 |
332.5 |
315.5 |
|
part-time, underemployed |
: |
: |
: |
: |
114.6 |
116.7 |
142.4 |
|
Part-time employed as a percentage of total employment (%) |
17.9% |
17.8% |
18.7% |
19.4% |
22.2% |
23.3% |
24.2% |
|
Part-time underemployed as a percentage of total employment (%) |
: |
: |
: |
: |
5.7% |
6.1% |
7.5% |
Table 2 Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) including part-time and part-time underemployed and these persons as a percentage of the total persons in employment, 2012 - 2017 (annual average)
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
|
In Employment |
1,880.3 |
1,937.7 |
1,988.7 |
2,057.5 |
2,133.1 |
2,194.4 |
|
full-time |
1,416.8 |
1,458.2 |
1,509.8 |
1,575.7 |
1,638.1 |
1,732.6 |
|
part-time |
463.5 |
479.5 |
478.9 |
481.8 |
495.1 |
461.8 |
|
of which: part-time,not underemployed |
311.0 |
324.9 |
343.2 |
362.1 |
384.0 |
354.9 |
|
part-time, underemployed |
152.5 |
154.5 |
135.7 |
119.7 |
111.1 |
107.0 |
|
Part-time employed as a percentage of total employment (%) |
24.7% |
24.7% |
24.1% |
23.4% |
23.2% |
21.0% |
|
Part-time underemployed as a percentage of total employment (%) |
8.1% |
8.0% |
6.8% |
5.8% |
5.2% |
4.9% |
'000
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Not available prior to Q3 2008.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: January-December.
110. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Taoiseach if training has been delivered in his Department on the use of social media (details supplied); and the frequency and cost of this training. [15073/18]
View answer111. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he or his officials have received media training on using social media. [15074/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
No training has been delivered in my Department on the use of social media and no media training on the use of social media has been provided to me or officials in my Department. My Department did, however, recently run a training session on Mobile Journalism which was attended by officials from other Government Departments.
|
Company |
Details |
Amount |
|
Glen Mulcahy T/A Titanium Media |
Mobile Journalism Training (January 2018) |
€2,000.00 |
112. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee F (National Security) last met. [15075/18]
View answerCabinet Committee F last met on 8 February and was attended by Ministers and Senior Officials from the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform; Foreign Affairs and Trade; Justice and Equality; Health; Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Transport, Tourism and Sport; Housing, Planning and Local Government; and Defence.
Also in attendance were key personnel from the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána.
The role of cabinet Committee F is "to keep the State's systems for the analysis of, preparation for, and response to, threats to national security under review and to provide for high-level coordination between relevant Departments and agencies on related matters".
Arrangements are being made for the next meeting of Cabinet Committee F but a date is not yet finalised.
113. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department has spent on social media training and consultancy in each year since 2016. [15080/18]
View answerMy Department has not engaged any social media consultants.
A company was engaged in January of this year to provide mobile journalism training to press officers from Government Departments. This training concentrated on the effective use of mobile photo, video and audio recording equipment.
|
Company |
Details |
Amount |
|
Glen Mulcahy T/A Titanium Media |
Mobile Journalism Training (January 2018) |
€2,000.00 |
114. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach the value of contracts for services awarded to a company (details supplied) by his Department since 2010, in tabular form; and the type of work undertaken by the company. [15081/18]
View answerMy Department has awarded no contracts to the company in question.
115. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 73, 75, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 103, 104, 106, 112, 115, 120, 125, 126, 127, 129, 135, 136 and 149 of 21 March 2018, the breakdown of the €1.5 million indicative budget for the Project Ireland 2040 campaign; and the amount already spent in each category. [15103/18]
View answerThe campaign for Project Ireland 2040 all events and activities had an indicative budget of €1.5 million. Of this indicative budget, to date, the Department has committed to spending almost €500,000 on this campaign. The following table sets out the the overall indicative budget and the spend to date in each category:
Project Ireland 2040 Media Budget Breakdown (ex VAT)
|
Channel |
Indicative Budget |
Estimated spend to date |
|
National Press |
€522,200 |
€184,923 |
|
National Radio |
€50,000 |
€0 |
|
Regional Press |
€127,575 |
€127,575 |
|
Regional Radio |
€268,750 |
€29,000 |
|
Digital |
€378,970 |
€75,660 |
|
Cinema |
€80,113 |
€80,113 |
|
Total |
€1,427,608 |
€497,271 |
These costs are currently being processed through the financial system in my Department. Final spend will be available for publication once finalised.
116. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [15197/18]
View answerDuring the period in question, just one consultancy company was engaged by my Department. The details are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Company |
Details |
Amount |
|
2015 |
RA Consulting |
Design & Implementation of a Staff Consultation Initiative |
€9,298.80 |
My Department has not had a requirement for this specific type of consultancy since 2015 because my Department participates in the Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey carried out by the Central Statistics Office under the Civil Service Renewal Plan.
Any decision by my Department to engage consultants in the future would, like any other planned expenditure, be based on a carefully identified business need, with a firm focus on ensuring value for money.
118. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach the number of pieces of legislation, both enacted and published, by his Department which originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission in each of the past ten years in tabular form; and the details of each piece of legislation in the corresponding year. [15355/18]
View answerMy Department has not enacted or published any legislation which originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission in the past 10 years.
119. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach the number of official State visits his Department has been involved with for each of the past four years; and the costs associated with same. [15598/18]
View answerSince 2014 my Department has assisted with five State Visits to Ireland.
The President of the Republic of Mozambique visited in June 2014, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany visited in July 2015, the President of Cyprus visited in October 2016, the President of the Republic of Croatia visited in April 2017 and President of the Italian Republic visited in February 2018.
The total expenditure in relation to the visits by my Department was €304.50 which was for the purchase of gifts for presentation to the foreign dignitaries. The major costs of such visits arise in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
120. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the CSO was misrecording personal details when inputting census returns, in particular surnames and personal names which contained fadas; if such practices will cease; and the steps he will take to correct the recorded data to date. [15800/18]
View answerCSO collects first names and surnames on census questionnaires to ensure that the full population is counted on the night of the census and to assist census enumerators in checking that all relevant questions have been answered on the census forms.
It is incorrect to assert that CSO misrecorded personal details in processing the census returns. CSO accurately records an image of every census questionnaire received to facilitate data processing and also securely stores the handwritten forms.
These will be made available to the public in line with the 100 year rule detailed in Section 35 of the Statistics Act 1993.
Following the recording of the form image, the first names and surnames on the questionnaires were captured using Optimal Character Recognition (OCR) software. The OCR software used to capture the names did not recognise characters such as numbers, fadas, apostrophes and hyphens and consequently these do not appear in the captured name data. This was appropriate for the accurate and efficient processing of the census data.
For Census 2021 CSO will continue to accurately record the form images, store the returned questionnaires in line with the relevant legislation and utilise OCR software to facilitate the capture of all handwritten information including names.
As part of its objective to modernise its statistical processes, CSO is committed to developing a platform for online data collection with general applicability within CSO. This would significantly improve the office’s capacity to capture a broader range of characters including fadas in future surveys and censuses post 2021.
121. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Taoiseach an raibh sé ar an eolas go raibh foireann de chuid na Príomh-Oifige Staidrimh ag ionchur sonraí pearsanta sa Daonáireamh is déanaí go mícheart trí shíntí fada a fhágáil ar lár; an aontaíonn sé go bhfuil an cleachtas seo i gcoinne na Gaeilge agus teangacha eile ina n-úsáidtear síntí fada nó siombailí eile i litriú a n-ainmneacha pearsanta agus a sloinnte; an eiseoidh sé treoir go bhfuil sé seo mídhleathach agus ag teacht salach ar ról na foirne maidir le taifead beacht ar shonraí Dhaonáireamh 2016 a stóráil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé an cheist a phlé. [15801/18]
View answerBailíonn an Phríomh-Oifig Staidrimh túsainmneacha agus sloinnte ar cheistneoirí daonáirimh chun a chinntiú go ndéantar an daonra iomlán a chomhaireamh ar oíche an daonáirimh agus chun cabhrú le háiritheoirí daonáirimh le linn dóibh deimhin a dhéanamh de gur freagraíodh gach ceist ar na foirmeacha daonáirimh.
Tá sé mícheart a rá go ndearna an Phríomh-Oifig Staidrimh míthaifeadadh ar mhionsonraí pearsanta le linn tuairisceáin daonáirimh a phróiseáil. Déanann an Phríomh-Oifig Staidrimh íomhá de gach ceistneoir daonáirimh a fhaigheann sí a thaifeadadh go cruinn chun próiseáil sonraí a éascú agus, ina theannta sin, déanann sí na foirmeacha lámhscríofa a stóráil go daingean. Cuirfear an t-ábhar sin ar fáil don phobal i gcomhréir leis an riail 100 bliain de réir mar a shonraítear in Alt 35 den Acht Staidrimh, 1993.
Tar éis íomhá na foirme a thaifeadadh, gabhadh na túsainmneacha agus na sloinnte ar na ceistneoirí trí úsáid a bhaint as bogearraí aitheanta optúla carachtar (OCR). Maidir leis na bogearraí OCR a úsáideadh chun na hainmneacha a ghabháil, níor aithin siad carachtair amhail uimhreacha, sínte fada, uaschamóga agus fleiscíní agus, dá bharr sin, ní fheictear na carachtair sin sna sonraí a bhaineann le hainmneacha gafa. Ba chuí sin ar mhaithe le próiseáil chruinn éifeachtúil shonraí an daonáirimh.
I gcás Dhaonáireamh 2021, leanfaidh an Phríomh-Oifig Staidrimh d’íomhánna na bhfoirmeacha a thaifeadadh go cruinn, de na ceistneoirí a thugtar ar ais a stóráil i gcomhréir leis an reachtaíocht iomchuí agus de bhogearraí OCR a úsáid chun gabháil na faisnéise lámhscríofa ar fad, lena n-áirítear ainmneacha, a éascú.
Mar chuid dá cuspóir i leith a próisis staidrimh a nuachóiriú, tá an Phríomh-Oifig Staidrimh tiomanta i leith ardán a fhorbairt chun sonraí a bhfuil baint acu le hobair na Príomh-Oifige Staidrimh i gcoitinne a bhailiú ar líne. Chuirfeadh sé sin feabhas suntasach ar chumas na hoifige raon níos leithne carachtar, lena n-áirítear sínte fada, a bhailiú i suirbhéanna agus i ndaonáirimh tar éis na bliana 2021.
122. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach the number of clerical officers and clerical assistants in his Department on temporary contracts by years of service; and if these officers will be offered permanent positions in the civil service when they have served a fixed period of time. [16437/18]
View answerThere are no temporary Clerical Officers or temporary Clerical Assistants employed by my Department.
123. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [15191/18]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to the amount of expenditure on consultancy,the number of consultants and the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts by my Department in each of the years 2015 to 2017 is set out in the table below:
My Department is always mindful of the costs involved in engaging consultants. External consultancy is only engaged when there is a clear need for specialised expertise and following a rigorous examination of skills and resources available in-house.
|
Reason for Consultancy |
Cost |
Year Engaged |
Company |
|
Research on vessels linked to Roger Casement |
€4,605 |
2015 |
Mr. John Kearon, Historic Vessel Conservator - Master Shipwright |
|
Independent review of the investigation of the death of Pte Hugh Doherty and the disappearance of Pte Kevin Joyce (Caomhán Seoighe) on 27 April 1981 while serving with IRISHBATT in the United Nations Interim Force in the Lebanon (UNFIL) |
€32,165.55
€1,500 |
2015 |
Retired High Court Judge Mr Roderick Murphy
Editing work conducted by Mr Jim Blighe |
|
ICT Consultancy Work |
€24,752.52 |
2015 |
Fujitsu Ltd |
|
ICT Consultancy Work |
€41,401.00 |
2015 |
Bianconi Research Ltd T/A RITS |
|
ICT Consultancy |
€19,130.60 |
2016 |
INFO Security Assurance Services Ltd T/A ISAS |
|
Aviation Regulation, Oversight and Safety Management in the Defence Organisation |
€35,000 |
2017 |
Bureau Veritas |
|
Provide support for a review of high level Command and Control pertaining to the Defence Forces |
€10,351.20 |
2017 |
Lt Gen. Stuart Beare (Retd) |
|
ICT Consultancy |
€111,351.90 |
2017 |
INFO Security Assurance Services Ltd T/A ISAS |
124. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to address the retention issue in the Air Corps, in particular for pilots and technicians; and his plans to offer additional financial incentives to pilots to stay in the Air Corps on top of their salary as was done in the past. [15302/18]
View answer125. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the process if a pilot in the Air Corps wants to buy themselves out of their contract at an earlier date; and the cost to the person by each possible year of exit post-qualification and pre-completion of the contract. [15303/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, under my direction, the Department of Defence brought the issue of the retention of certain specialist, including Air Corps pilots, to the attention of the Public Service Pay Commission in 2017. This matter is referenced in paragraph 6.29 of the Commission's report of May 2017.
The Government has tasked the Public Service Pay Commission with examining recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Sector in more detail and issues relating to pilots and technicians will be examined within this forum. In this context, the Public Service Pay Commission has requested detailed information from the Department of Defence. The Department has forwarded an initial tranche of information to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and further information will be sent in the coming weeks. The Public Service Pay Commission is due to complete work in this regard in the second half of 2018.
With regard to Air Corps pilots "buying out" their contracts, Defence Force Regulations A.3 (Cadets) provide for the completion of a written undertaking by an Air Corps cadet, that in the event of resignation or voluntary retirement before the expiration of a time specified by the Minister (12 years), the cadet will refund the amount set by the Minister in respect of the cost of training. This amount includes the total pay and allowances paid while undergoing pilot training, costs of tuition, cost of the use of aircraft and equipment during training and all other costs arising from training as an aircraft pilot.
As the amounts payable are calculated on case-by-case basis, pay and allowances payable to an individual in addition to the costs of educational courses vary depending on time served etc. Accordingly, it is not possible to provide a generic sum for the amount an officer of the Air Corps would be expected to repay by each possible year of exit post-qualification and pre-completion of the contract.
Similar undertakings also apply in many other areas of the Permanent Defence Forces, where there is significant training and education investment in individuals.
126. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of pieces of legislation both enacted and published by his Department which originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission in each of the past ten years in tabular form; the details of each piece of legislation in the corresponding year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15345/18]
View answerThere is no legislation either enacted or published by the Department which originated in work carried out by the Law Reform Commission in the past ten years.
127. Deputy John Deasy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of retirees from the Defence Forces at all ranks in each of the years 2007 to 2017. [15404/18]
View answer138. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number and rank of PDF members who retired in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the number and rank of all PDF members eligible to retire in each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15958/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 138 together.
The number of departures from the Defence Forces at all ranks in each of the years 2002 to 2018 is set out in the table below. (Figures quoted for 2018 are as of the 28th February 2018). Over this time frame different strength ceilings applied to the Permanent Defence Force. The White Paper (2000) set the strength of Permanent Defence Force at 10,500 personnel. This number was reduced to 10,000 personnel following a recommendation from the Special Group on Public Service Numbers in July 2009. The current strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel was introduced in 2012 and confirmed in the White Paper on Defence (2015).
|
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
LT GEN |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
MAJ GEN |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
BRIG GEN |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
COL |
2 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
9 |
1 |
|
LT COL |
13 |
7 |
6 |
10 |
6 |
12 |
13 |
|
COMDT |
20 |
19 |
12 |
19 |
27 |
28 |
26 |
|
CAPT |
13 |
6 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
7 |
|
LT |
6 |
1 |
3 |
7 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
Officers |
58 |
41 |
37 |
53 |
52 |
63 |
49 |
|
SGT MAJOR |
4 |
4 |
6 |
11 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
|
BQMS |
9 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
1 |
|
CS/FS/BS |
18 |
16 |
22 |
9 |
16 |
28 |
16 |
|
CQMS/FQMS |
12 |
15 |
13 |
14 |
22 |
19 |
20 |
|
SGT |
86 |
67 |
76 |
54 |
75 |
60 |
73 |
|
CPL |
90 |
80 |
62 |
60 |
68 |
85 |
70 |
|
PTE 3 * |
297 |
217 |
162 |
174 |
215 |
193 |
131 |
|
Other Ranks |
516 |
401 |
345 |
324 |
409 |
398 |
315 |
|
CADET |
8 |
6 |
9 |
5 |
8 |
7 |
2 |
|
PTE 2 * |
35 |
20 |
12 |
33 |
24 |
28 |
28 |
|
APPRENTICE |
3 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
|
GRADE 1 |
112 |
107 |
138 |
110 |
88 |
150 |
149 |
|
In Initial Training |
158 |
137 |
162 |
151 |
128 |
188 |
179 |
|
Total |
732 |
579 |
544 |
528 |
589 |
649 |
543 |
Table contd...
|
|
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
LT GEN |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
MAJ GEN |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
BRIG GEN |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
|
COL |
14 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
3 |
8 |
2 |
9 |
8 |
3 |
|
LT COL |
18 |
17 |
10 |
16 |
12 |
16 |
12 |
12 |
16 |
0 |
|
COMDT |
33 |
21 |
38 |
31 |
20 |
28 |
22 |
35 |
23 |
5 |
|
CAPT |
10 |
11 |
13 |
11 |
20 |
19 |
30 |
21 |
20 |
2 |
|
LT |
2 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
8 |
5 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
|
Officers |
82 |
56 |
74 |
70 |
59 |
81 |
75 |
80 |
76 |
10 |
|
SGT MAJOR |
9 |
4 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
8 |
2 |
|
BQMS |
12 |
7 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
9 |
1 |
|
CS/FS/BS |
22 |
32 |
26 |
36 |
11 |
19 |
20 |
25 |
21 |
5 |
|
CQMS/FQMS |
24 |
26 |
26 |
38 |
14 |
13 |
11 |
15 |
19 |
2 |
|
SGT |
93 |
70 |
84 |
117 |
52 |
44 |
73 |
97 |
71 |
10 |
|
CPL |
59 |
82 |
79 |
110 |
55 |
39 |
70 |
47 |
57 |
17 |
|
PTE 3 * |
164 |
208 |
271 |
258 |
147 |
141 |
217 |
218 |
237 |
26 |
|
Other Ranks |
383 |
429 |
497 |
568 |
280 |
266 |
395 |
406 |
422 |
63 |
|
CADET |
2 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
8 |
7 |
12 |
0 |
|
PTE 2 * |
12 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
19 |
13 |
12 |
32 |
24 |
0 |
|
APPRENTICE |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
|
GRADE 1 |
7 |
2 |
56 |
111 |
85 |
104 |
66 |
126 |
171 |
11 |
|
In Initial Training |
24 |
14 |
70 |
125 |
106 |
122 |
86 |
169 |
209 |
11 |
|
Total |
489 |
499 |
641 |
763 |
445 |
469 |
556 |
655 |
707 |
84 |
The term departures encompasses personnel who fall into categories such as those who have retired on age grounds, fall below required medical standards, leave at their own request including recruits etc. who leave during training, leave by way of purchasing their discharge, leave the Defence Forces having served 21 years etc.
The military authorities have advised that the expected discharges on grounds of age in each of the years 2018 to 2020 are as set out in the table below. There will be additional departures for other reasons but it is difficult to predict such numbers.
EXPECTED DISCHARGES ON GROUNDS OF AGE
|
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
LT GEN |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
MAJ GEN |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
BRIG GEN |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
COL |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
LT COL |
2 |
5 |
8 |
|
COMDT |
1 |
7 |
5 |
|
CAPT |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
LT |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total Officers |
5 |
20 |
20 |
|
SGT MAJOR |
3 |
8 |
6 |
|
BQMS |
4 |
4 |
6 |
|
CS/FS/BS |
4 |
6 |
8 |
|
CQMS/FQMS |
6 |
5 |
4 |
|
SGT |
8 |
11 |
20 |
|
CPL |
8 |
15 |
14 |
|
PTE 3 STAR |
9 |
24 |
32 |
|
Total Other ranks |
42 |
73 |
90 |
|
CADET |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
PTE 2 STAR |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
APPRENTICE |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
GRADE 1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
In Training |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
47 |
93 |
110 |
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with operational requirements. In 2018, the Defence Forces expect an intake of some 800 personnel across the range of recruitment streams. To achieve this, targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels. Current recruitment campaigns include:
- General Service Recruitment
- Air Corps Apprentice Competition
- Officers Cadetship
- Direct Entry Officer competitions for certain specified positions
I remain committed to continuous recruitment and ongoing developing of serving personnel to ensure that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles assigned by Government.
128. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there are proposals to participate in a cyber security project at EU level under PESCO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15413/18]
View answerPESCO is a mechanism provided for in the Treaty of the European Union to enable participating member States to come together and, on a project by project basis, jointly develop military crisis management capabilities for use in support of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions in support of international peace and security.
Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security and the UN. It is important therefore to remain fully engaged in all CSDP processes. Fully participating in these developments ensures that we have a voice and that we can influence their evolution.
Since Ireland joined PESCO in December 2017 the focus has been to identify key PESCO projects which will enhance the capability and capacity of the Defence Forces to successfully undertake modern complex UN mandated missions, including CSDP operations and on supporting interoperability in this regard. With that in mind Ireland confirmed participation in two PESCO projects - (1) The European Union Training Mission Competence Centre and (2) Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance.
In addition, I have also confirmed Ireland's involvement as an observer on a number of additional projects including a Greek led project on Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform (CTISP). The goal of this project is the effective detection and response to cyber attacks (known or unknown) and it aims to implement a platform, that will include tools, techniques and procedures, in order to improve capabilities to deal with unknown cyber attacks.
Ireland's involvement as an observer in this Cyber project will enable us to keep fully abreast of project developments.
129. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the person with responsibility for final sign-off of Army Pensions Board decisions; and if the Minister of State with special responsibility for defence is empowered to sign off on same. [15442/18]
View answerUnder the Army Pensions Acts 1923-1980 a disability pension or gratuity may, following retirement, be granted to a former member of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) for permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service (whether at home or abroad) or to a disease attributable to, or aggravated by, overseas service with a United Nations Force.
The criteria for awarding a disability pension or gratuity are based on;
(a) whether the applicant is suffering from a permanent disablement due to wound/injury which is attributable to his military service at home or abroad, or to a disease attributable to or aggravated by service with a United Nations Force abroad,
and
(b) the percentage degree of disablement from which the applicant is suffering.
The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body consisting of a chairman and two ordinary members (both medical doctors). The Chairman and one doctor are civilians and the other member is a serving medical officer in the Defence Forces. The Board’s principal function is to investigate applications for pensions, allowances and gratuities under the Acts and to report to the Minister thereon. The Board determines the question of attributability to military service in each case, assesses the degree of disability and reports its findings to the Minister. Decisions and findings of the Board are made and approved collectively by the Board. The findings of the Board are final, conclusive and binding.
The Army Pensions Acts 1923 -1980 set out the provisions that govern the award and payment of disability pensions and gratuities. The Minister for Defence has responsibility for the Army Pensions Acts and has powers under the Acts. These powers were delegated to the Minister with Responsibility for Defence by the Defence (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2017, made on 5 July 2017 under s. 2(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977.
The Minister may refer an application back to the Army Pensions Board for further consideration if additional relevant information has subsequently become available.
130. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of official State visits his Department has been involved with for each of the past four years; the costs associated with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15600/18]
View answerOne of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper for Defence is the provision of ceremonial support. The Defence Forces were required to provide ceremonial support for five official State visits in the past four years.
There are no additional costs arising which would not otherwise be incurred by the Defence Forces in support of their role.
I am satisfied that the attendance of Defence Forces personnel at State visits in support of the President is an important part of their duties.
131. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of an application to install an automatic external defibrillator at a location (details supplied) in County Louth. [15701/18]
View answer132. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if permission has been granted to install an automatic external defibrillator at defence sites; and if so, the location of same. [15702/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
My officials have advised that a request has been received to install a Civilian Defibrillator on the external wall of Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Following consultations with the Defence Forces regarding this proposal a number of issues have arisen which need to be clarified in advance of any decision being taken on this proposal. These relate, in the main, to the ownership, operation, maintenance and location of the device.
My Department are continuing to work with the Defence Forces and the requestor to clarify issues arising in relation to the proposal.
The Defence Forces have advised that no other request has been received to install a Civilian Defibrillator at any other military installation.
133. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on a matter regarding a property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15774/18]
View answerThe Department of Defence previously owned a property at Iveragh Road, Killorglin, Kerry. In 2005 Kerry County Council acquired this property for inclusion in a major town development project and in exchange a new purpose built Defence Forces facility was provided on a nearby site at Iveragh Park.
I have been advised by the Defence Forces that the new facility continues to be regularly used primarily by the 12th Infantry Battalion, and also by other units throughout the Defence Forces, for a variety of activities with its primary use being for both PDF and RDF training. The building is regarded as being a valuable and well used Defence Force asset which greatly enhances operational, training and logistical outputs.
134. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of the 14 separate commitments assigned to his Department in A Programme for Partnership Government that have been commenced, completed, abandoned and are ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15954/18]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government contains an ambitious range of commitments that my Department continues to prioritise. Separately, the White Paper on Defence has set the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon. Several of the commitments assigned to my Department arising from the Programme for a Partnership Government overlap with existing White Paper commitments that are being implemented.
To date, work on all 14 of the commitments assigned to my Department is well underway, with two having reached completion, namely the introduction of a pilot employment support scheme and the award of a 1916 Centenary Commemorative medal to all members of the Defence Forces who were in service during 2016. The remaining 12 commitments are continuing to be progressed.
135. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of the 88 projects committed to in the 2015 White Paper on Defence that have been commenced, completed, abandoned and are ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15955/18]
View answerThe 2015 White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon and encompasses all work carried out by the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and Civil Defence. It comprehends the Government’s policy on defence of the State from armed aggression, the defence contribution to domestic security, the defence contribution to international peace and security and a broad range of other “non-security” roles which the Government require the Defence Forces and Civil Defence to undertake. It considers the defence capabilities required so that the Defence Forces can successfully deliver on the roles assigned by Government. Finally, the White Paper also considers implementation and the actions required to ensure that defence planning and provision processes are further developed.
During scoping of the White Paper implementation programme 88 actions or projects were specifically identified along with 7 sub projects in the capability development area. Implementation of these specific actions is being carried out on a phased basis over a ten year period out to 2025. Implementation on a phased basis is necessary in order to reflect Programme for Partnership Government and Strategy Statement commitments, the related nature of some projects and resourcing implications. This process is being kept under review and will be subject to change as issues arise and other business dictates.
The 88 specific actions arising from the White Paper represent a subset of the totality of the work being carried out as part of the implementation process. While it is currently intended to have all 88 projects initiated or completed by the end of the ten year implementation programme, work in certain areas will continue beyond 2025 in order to ensure that changes, improvements and actions envisaged in the White Paper are fully implemented and to assure that positive outcomes endure and are embedded in the day to day business of the Defence Organisation.
The specific actions are being implemented through the use of a project management framework. Civil/Military project teams are being established for each action as it is initiated. To date, 36 actions have been progressed, with an additional 11 actions due to be initiated this year. These actions cover a variety of areas and are at various stages of development. Already 5 actions have successfully closed, while another 5 of the original 36 are nearing completion and should close in Q2 2018. Each of the actions that have been initiated is being managed by a joint Civil/Military project team.
136. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel at each rank throughout the Permanent Defence Force; the number by gender and age; the number for the Reserve Defence Force by gender and age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15956/18]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the tables below. Normal statistical returns made to me by the Defence Forces do not include details of age.
Permanent Defence Force Strength - as of the 28th February 2018
|
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
LT GEN |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
MAJ GEN |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
BRIG GEN |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
COL |
37 |
1 |
38 |
|
LT COL |
128 |
2 |
130 |
|
COMDT |
280 |
47 |
327 |
|
CAPT |
307 |
66 |
373 |
|
LT |
218 |
21 |
239 |
|
Total Officers |
981 |
137 |
1,118 |
|
SGT MAJOR |
41 |
0 |
41 |
|
BQMS |
43 |
0 |
43 |
|
CS/FS/BS |
228 |
3 |
231 |
|
CQMS/FQMS |
176 |
3 |
179 |
|
SGT |
965 |
67 |
1,032 |
|
CPL |
1,472 |
124 |
1,596 |
|
PTE 3 * |
4,446 |
233 |
4,679 |
|
CADET |
116 |
22 |
138 |
|
Total Other ranks |
7,487 |
452 |
7,939 |
|
Grand Total |
8,468 |
589 |
9,057 |
PTE INCLUDES 2 and 3* PTES,RECRUITS AND APPRENTICE
Reserve Defence Force Strength (Effective)- as of the 28th February 2018
|
RDF |
Male |
Female |
TOTAL |
|
LT GEN |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
MAJ GEN |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
BRIG GEN |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
COL |
*** |
*** |
*** |
|
LT COL |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
COMDT |
51 |
2 |
53 |
|
CAPT |
36 |
1 |
37 |
|
LT |
157 |
27 |
184 |
|
Total Officers |
248 |
30 |
278 |
|
SGT MAJOR |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
BQMS |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
CS/FS/BS |
46 |
0 |
46 |
|
CQMS/FQMS |
50 |
2 |
52 |
|
SGT |
229 |
19 |
248 |
|
CPL |
286 |
72 |
358 |
|
PTE |
658 |
130 |
788 |
|
Total Other ranks |
1,276 |
223 |
1,499 |
|
Grand Total |
1,524 |
253 |
1,777 |
To return to, and maintain, the agreed strength levels significant targeted recruitment has and will continue to take place in 2018 for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).
I have also directed the military authorities to maximise recruitment to the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, having regard to training demands arising from the significant ongoing recruitment to the PDF. To that end, it is planned to launch a General Service Recruitment campaign for the RDF at the end of this month.
PDF Recruitment campaigns that are currently open for applications include:
- General Service Recruitment
- Air Corps Apprentice Competition
- Officer Cadetships
- Direct Entry Officer competitions for certain specified positions
I remain committed to maximising recruitment of capable personnel and developing serving personnel to ensure that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles.
137. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the projects engaged by the defence enterprise committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15957/18]
View answerThe Government approved arrangements in July 2011, whereby Enterprise Ireland would support the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces capability development through engagement with Irish-based enterprise and research institutes on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere. The White Paper on Defence confirms this arrangement, stating the Defence Forces will make available resources and expertise, including advice and information, to Enterprise Ireland supported companies and research institutes. In return the Defence Forces are exposed to new technologies and research that could inform the direction and development of their military capabilities.
The Defence Enterprise Committee, comprising of personnel from the Department of Defence, Enterprise Ireland and the Defence Forces, oversee this arrangement. Projects proposed by institutes and companies, where they are seeking to partner with, or involve, Defence Forces participation are submitted to the Defence Enterprise Committee for consideration. All capabilities to be researched are vetted and agreed at the highest level in the Defence Organisation to ensure compatibility with the roles assigned to the Defence Forces by the Government.
The Defence Forces assistance to industry and research institutions is by way of providing evaluation of technology research and innovation, provision of information on military requirements and the Defence Forces considered views on trends in specific capability development requirements. Capabilities which have been and are being researched by the Defence Forces in cooperation with research companies and institutions include Maritime Surveillance; Energy Conservation; Counter Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) research, including CBRN Protection; overseas deployment training; and Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) detection and destruction. Such capabilities may be used at home and also abroad on crisis management missions and operations including humanitarian and peace-keeping missions.
A total of nine research, training and innovation projects (including three Horizon 2020 projects) involving Irish indigenous companies are currently being supported by the Defence Forces under this initiative, details of which are attached in Annex 1.
|
Project Title |
Research Partner(s) |
Project Description |
|
|
1 |
AEOLAS |
HALPIN, EI, SEAI, NIMBUS |
Kite Technology - The potential for fitting sensors in a Skysail type kite. |
|
2 |
Marine Insitute |
Marine Institute |
Use of Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the collection of Marine based research. |
|
3 |
Tyco |
Tyco |
Tyco's Advanced R&D element is based at Cork. Tyco has partnered with the NS to explore maritime opportunities. The NS has conducted a wokshop with Tyco's R&D element to sense and explore opportunities. NS ships possess Tyco firefighting systems. |
|
4 |
SeaSearch |
CIT, ESA |
Detecting and tracking of small vessels that are not equipped or not using AIS |
|
5 |
Wireless Sensor Technology |
CIT |
This involves the use of wireless sensor technology in noisy and metallic environments such as ships. |
|
6 |
DELL/EMC |
DELL/EMC |
This collaboration focuses on vibration monitoring onboard small boats in varying sea conditions. |
|
7 |
CAMELOT (Horizon 2020) |
TEKEVER ASDS (Lead), BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (UK), Thales Research & Technology, ViaSat Antenna Systems, DCNS SA (France), Societe D’Ingenierie de Rechercheset D’Etudes en Hydrodynamique Navale, Thales Systèmes Aéroportés SAS, Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Exodus Anonymos Etaireia Pliroforikis, NATO Science and Technology Organisation, Fundação da Daculdade de Cincias da Universidade de Lisboa, National Maritime College of Ireland, Romanian Border Police, Portuguese Navy, Portuguese National Guard, and Centre for Security Studies |
The H2020 project CAMELOT will involve carrying out a number of activities to prototype, test and demonstrate different advanced command and control service modules for multiple platform systems. The objective is to validate the technical and economic viability of the modules. In addition a final demonstration involving a great number of the modules is envisaged, involving end users and relevant stakeholders. |
|
8 |
Gaming for Peace (GAP) (Horizon 2020) |
TCD, PSNI, University of Ulster, Laurea University, Finland, Polish DF Academy, Portuguese National Guard |
The H2020 project GAP designs a multiple player online role playing game which simulates scenarios from CPPB missions. The GAP project launches an iterative process of curriculum development and refinement through end users (military, police and civilian personnel) evaluating the game and embedded base curriculum by playing the game and in doing so, bringing their own experiences to the game, thus further developing the curriculum of CPPB relevant soft skills. |
|
9 |
ROCSAFE (Horizon 2020) |
NUIG, Inov Inesc inovacao, Ayuntamiento De Valencia, HSE, Aeorum Espana S.L., Scorpion Networks Ltd, Consorzio Creo, UCC, reamda Ltd, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Ibatech Technologia SL, Microfluidic Chipshop GMBH |
The overall goal of the H2020 project ROCSAFE is to fundamentally change how CBRNe events are assessed, in order to ensure the safety of crime scene investigators by reducing the need for them to enter high-risk scenes when they have to determine the nature of threats and gather forensics. |
139. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number and rank recruited to the Defence Forces in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of projected recruits in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15959/18]
View answerThe table below sets out the information requested by the Deputy for the period 2015 to 2017:
|
Year |
Category |
Rank |
Inducted |
|
2015 |
General Service |
RECRUITS |
307 |
|
2015 |
Cadets |
CADETS |
49 |
|
2015 |
Direct Entry Medical Officers & Direct Entry Conductor |
CAPTAINS |
1 |
|
2015 |
Direct Entry Enlisted Engine Room Artificer |
SERGEANTS |
5 |
|
2015 |
Army School of Music |
PTES |
19 |
|
2015 |
Air Corps Apprentice |
APPRENTICES |
24 |
|
2015 |
Total |
|
405 |
|
Year |
Category |
Rank |
Inducted |
|
2016 |
General Service |
RECRUITS |
590 |
|
2016 |
Cadets |
CADETS |
100 |
|
2016 |
Total |
|
690 |
|
Year |
Category |
Rank |
Inducted |
|
2017 |
General Service |
RECRUITS |
615 |
|
2017 |
Cadets |
CADETS |
101 |
|
2017 |
Military Medical Officers |
CAPTAINS |
2 |
|
2017 |
Direct Entry Naval Service Engineering |
LIEUTENANTS |
11 |
|
2017 |
Air Corps Apprentice |
APPRENTICES |
22 |
|
2017 |
Total |
|
751 |
In 2018, as of the 11th April, 71 personnel across all ranks, have been inducted into the Defence Forces (43 General Service Army, 25 General Service Navy, 2 Direct Entry Medical Officers and 1 Direct Entry Naval Officer).
Planned recruitment levels for 2018 will be similar to 2017 and currently there are significant recruitment opportunities available in the Defence Forces, at both enlisted and officer level, for any candidate who wishes to have a rewarding and positive military career in service to the State. These comprise of:
- Air Corps Apprentice Competition launched on 3 March 2018
- The first General Service Recruitment campaign of the year launched on 26 March 2018
- The 2018 Officer Cadetships competition launched on 1st April 2018
- The Naval Service is currently recruiting Direct Entry Officers for Bridge Watch-keeping, Marine Engineering and Electrical Engineering roles.
- The Defence Forces are also accepting applications from qualified doctors for careers in the Medical Corps.
With regard to recruitment post-2018, the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with operational requirements of each of the three services. As stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence, continuous recruitment is the lifeblood of the Defence Forces providing young, motivated and enthusiastic personnel to replenish military formations for operational deployments.
140. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures or initiatives planned to encourage more persons to seek a career in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15960/18]
View answer141. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the initiatives he will introduce to retain Defence Forces members and discourage them from leaving the Defence Forces for the private sector, particularly within the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15961/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
The nature of military service requires that the age and health profile of personnel in the Defence Forces must be appropriately managed to ensure that capability requirements are met. In this context, the Defence Forces have a higher level of turnover than other areas of the public service and this is a feature of military organisations internationally.
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. 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. 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. A 1% increase in annualised salaries due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to members of the Permanent Defence Force.
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 have forwarded some material and further material will be sent to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in the coming weeks. The Public Service Pay Commission is due to complete this work in the second half of 2018. The findings and proposals arising will be considered at that time.
There is also an ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Organisation, of which part is aimed at ensuring that there is an appropriate work-life balance. The Chief of Staff is actively addressing matters in the Defence Forces to this end. I have also initiated a number of initiatives ranging from a review of the C&A scheme, a review of the criteria governing contracts for enlisted personnel and a comprehensive skills gap analysis across the Defence Forces. I am also bringing forward measures to allow former members of the Defence Forces with specialist skills, to re-enter the Defence Forces.
There are significant recruitment opportunities currently available in the Defence Forces, at both enlisted and officer level, for eligible individuals who wishes to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State.
A General Service Recruitment campaign was launched on 26 March 2018 and an Air Corps Apprentice Competition launched on 3 March 2018. The 2018 Officer Cadetships competition also launched last month. The Naval Service is currently recruiting Direct Entry Officers for Bridge Watch-keeping, Marine Engineering and Electrical Engineering roles. The Defence Forces are also accepting applications from qualified doctors for careers in the Medical Corps.
The measures I have set out address a range of factors and are aimed at ensuring that the Defence Forces remains a career of choice, and to ensuring that the Defence Forces retain the capabilities to undertake the roles assigned by Government.
142. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether it is acceptable that families of Defence Forces members are dependent on family income supplement payments to cover household costs; the measures being undertaken to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15962/18]
View answer143. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for pay restoration and restoration of allowances for Defence Forces members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15963/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
Rates of pay and conditions of employment in the Defence Forces have traditionally been set by, inter alia, reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector.
The Working Family Payment (formerly the Family Income Supplement) provides a means to supplement a family’s income, be they employed in the public or private sector. Eligibility for Working Family Payment is determined having regard to criteria such as family income and the number of dependents. Pay levels in the Public Service, including the Defence Forces, are determined having regard to the particular requirements for specific positions, and are not weighted in accordance with family circumstances.
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. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for 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. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 will also restore payscales to all public servants (including members of the Permanent Defence Force) earning up to €70,000. The restoration of cuts to allowances will also be considered in the context of the Agreement. The first instalment of an increase of 1% on annualised salaries due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to members of the Permanent Defence Force.
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. The Department has forwarded an initial tranche of information to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will forward further information in the coming weeks. 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.
144. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of former PDF members in receipt of disability allowance as a result of injury sustained from their time served with the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15964/18]
View answerUnder the Army Pensions Acts 1923-1980 a disability pension or gratuity may, following retirement, be granted to a former member of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) for permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service (whether at home or abroad) or to a disease attributable to, or aggravated by, overseas service with a United Nations Force. The criteria for awarding a disability pension or gratuity are based on:
(a) whether the applicant is suffering from a permanent disablement due to wound/injury which is attributable to his/her military service at home or abroad, or to a disease attributable to or aggravated by service with a United Nations Force abroad; and
(b) the percentage degree of disablement from which the applicant is suffering.
The award of a disability pension or gratuity depends on the findings of the Army Pensions Board, the independent statutory body appointed to adjudicate on applications, and on the provisions of the Acts. The rate of disability pension depends on the degree of disablement as assessed by that Board.
There are currently 830 former members of the PDF in receipt of ongoing military disability pension payments from my Department in respect of qualifying disablements.
In addition, 12 former PDF personnel were awarded a once-off disablement gratuity in 2017. The average number of such once-off gratuity payments for 2015-2017 was 13.
