Written Answers Nos. 1-25
1. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the proposed changes to laws and regulations to deal with illegal dumping on the Curragh Plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35676/18]
View answerLegislation regarding illegal dumping is primarily a matter in the first instance for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
There are a wide range of challenges and issues to be addressed when dealing with the Curragh which is approximately 4,870 acres in area and is one of the most open and accessible areas in the country.
The Curragh Forum agreed that a review of the Curragh Bye-Laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act would be timely, with a view to identifying possible amendments that could potentially provide more effective solutions to the issues of illegal encampments, illegal dumping, illegal parking and other key issues.
The response to illegal dumping is managed by the Department land staff and our environmental maintenance contractor in cooperation with the County Kildare Litter Warden, and in line with the obligations of the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 - 2009. As I have alluded to previously, given the size and openness of the Curragh Plains it is difficult to prevent this activity. However, it is dealt with expeditiously once it has been identified.
2. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will address concerns that Ireland's participation in PESCO is undermining the triple lock guarantees protecting Irish neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35722/18]
View answerPermanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) has no implications for Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
The triple lock mechanism (UN mandate, Government and Dáil approval), is the decision making process under which contingents of the Permanent Defence Force may be deployed overseas on international peace support and crisis management operations. PESCO relates to an EU mechanism for the development of defence capabilities. They are two entirely separate issues and participation in PESCO has no implications for the triple lock decision mechanism.
The PESCO participation criteria expressly stipulate that PESCO will be undertaken in full compliance with the Treaty on European Union and the associated protocols and will respect the Member States' constitutional provisions. The European treaties require that the EU respects the specific and different policies of Member States in the area of security and defence and that has not been changed or compromised by our participation in PESCO.
PESCO was specifically referenced in the Lisbon Treaty Protocol, and in Ireland’s national declaration, to address the concerns of the Irish People. The Legislation setting down Ireland’s approval process for PESCO was published in advance of that Vote and enacted in November 2009. The Defence Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2009 required Government and Dáil approval for participation in PESCO, both of which were secured before Ireland notified its intention to participate in PESCO.
While we choose to remain neutral, this is not out of any lack of interest in issues underpinning conflicts or any isolationist stance. Ireland’s approach to international relations is founded on full and active engagement in the international community in support of international peace and security and the rule of law. We follow and will continue to follow this policy approach - militarily neutral but fully engaged – because, as committed members of the United Nations, we subscribe fully to the principles set out in the UN Charter.
The establishment of PESCO represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Under PESCO, Member States will come together in different groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations. It is important to note that participation in any PESCO project is on an “opt in” basis and is therefore entirely voluntary.
It is also worth noting that three other neutral EU Member States - Finland, Sweden and Austria - have also joined PESCO.
3. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent in each of the past four years on the import and export of arms and weapons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35723/18]
View answerThe primary focus for the purchase of equipment by the Department of Defence is to maintain the capability of the Defence Forces so as to fulfil the roles as assigned by Government. Ireland's ongoing active participation in a range of overseas peacekeeping missions is a key policy requirement. In this regard, as part of the overall approach to investing in the maintenance and development of military equipment and platform capabilities, the purchase of weapons affords the greatest possible essential force protection to Irish troops whilst on such missions.
Subhead A8 Defence Forces Capability Development, of Vote 36 Defence, makes provision for the acquisition and upgrade of Defensive Equipment including Aircraft, Naval Vessels, Armoured
Vehicles and Ammunition. Expenditure under this Subhead in 2017 and the corresponding figures for earlier years are set out in the table.
|
Year |
Expenditure |
|
2017 |
€72.7m |
|
2016 |
€78.8m |
|
2015 |
€71.7m |
|
2014 |
€84.5m |
|
Total |
€307.7 |
The Department of Defence does not engage in the export of weapons.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them including a modern and effective range of equipment which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
4. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to issue the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to veterans of the Defence Forces in recognition of their service to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35762/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government provided for the award of a commemorative medal to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who served during the centenary year of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016.
There are no plans to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to former members of the Defence Forces. Since the foundation of the State many thousands of personnel have served in the Defence Forces. It would not be administratively possible within the resources of the Department to identify and contact all of these persons, decide on eligibility and, in the case of infirm or deceased former members, resolve who should get the medal on their behalf.
At my request, however, discussions took place between the Department and the Veterans’ Associations; the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.
Following these discussions, it was agreed that a single presentation would be made to each of the Veterans Associations of a framed medal with an accompanying citation in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. The medal has a bar with the term Veteran inscribed on it. I agreed that a plaque would be given to each of IUNVA’s 21 Posts and to each of O.N.E.’s 41 Branches. I presented one plaque to each of the three Veterans’ Associations at last year's Defence Forces’ Veterans’ Day which took place in the Defence Forces Training Centre, the Curragh, on Sunday 8th October 2017. The other plaques were presented separately.
5. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 50 of 12 July 2018, if the figures provided include those on leave prior to being discharged and those that have been granted transfers to the Army. [35832/18]
View answer10. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of enlisted Naval Service members with discharges pending as of 1 August 2018. [35885/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 10 together.
I have been advised by the military authorities that the figures provided in Parliamentary Question No. 50 of 12th July 2018, do not include the following:
- those on leave prior to discharge,
- transfers to the Army,
- transfers to the First Line Reserve.
The military authorities have advised that, as at 01 August 2018 there were 37 discharges pending for enlisted Naval Service personnel and, of these, 15 discharges were awaiting final approval and for date of discharge to be set.
With the support of the Chief of Staff I am committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces can continue to operate effectively across all roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas. I am satisfied that membership of the Defence Forces remains an attractive career prospect for men and women who wish to serve their country.
6. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if it is Defence Forces policy that all those that leave the Naval Service engage in an exit interview; if records of these interviews are collected; if so, if those records are ever reviewed to detect patterns that may be driving persons to leave; and if an audit of records of exit interviews has ever been conducted in order to ensure that proper records are being kept. [35833/18]
View answerMilitary life places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals and, given the rigours of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. This is not new and the Permanent Defence Force has always had a level of turnover that exceeds other areas of the public service. This is a feature of military organisations internationally.
Exit questionnaires are given to personnel by the Defence Forces as part of the administrative processing of their departure. Completion of such questionnaires, which are anonymous and confidential, is voluntary but personnel are encouraged to do so. Additionally, voluntary exit interviews are conducted on certain personnel.
The military authorities have advised that records of surveys and interviews are regularly reviewed in order to assist with the identification of trends and explanations for personnel leaving the organisation and that an audit of the records has been conducted. While this information is analysed by the Defence Forces, any conclusions must take into account the voluntary nature of this information and gaps that may exist in providing a comprehensive account of the reasons for departure.
7. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the responsibilities of officials in his Department with regard to disclosure of the terms and conditions of the Defence Forces spouses' and children's contributory pension schemes to serving and retired Defence Forces members and to potential beneficiaries. [35869/18]
View answerThe Department of Defence is responsible for the dissemination of information regarding the terms and conditions of all Defence Forces Pensions Schemes, including the relevant Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension Schemes.
Booklets setting out the terms and conditions of the Schemes, including the Spouses and Children's Pensions, are available from the Pensions Administration Section of the Department. These booklets are distributed to all Defence Forces personnel through the normal military channels and are available on the Defence Forces intranet site IKON. They are also available on the Department's recently upgraded website.
In addition, in the event of the death of a member or retired member of the Defence Forces, the Department examines the case to establish if any spouse's or children's pension entitlements exist and writes to the potential beneficiary, as appropriate.
The Department also provides briefings on pension matters to retiring Defence Forces personnel at a number of pre-retirement courses held throughout the year.
The Department is currently reviewing the dissemination of Defence Forces pensions information to serving personnel.
8. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if associations (details supplied) will be invited to make submissions on a veterans’ policy to the working groups set up by officials from his Department and from the Defence Forces to review progress in implementing the recommendations as published in the White Paper on Defence in August 2015. [35870/18]
View answerIn accordance with the White Paper on Defence, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces recently commenced work on the first of a three yearly cycle of defence reviews. The current review, which does not include an open consultation process, will consider developments since the publication of the White Paper in 2015 and will examine overall progress on its implementation, including veterans policy commitments. In this regard, the existing structures whereby regular meetings take place between representatives of the veterans' organisations and officials from my Department and the Defence Forces, will continue to be utilised to discuss matters of mutual interest and for raising any issues of concern.
9. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of his engagements with groups representing retired Defence Forces members regarding the awarding of commemorative 1916 medals; if he will reconsider the decision not to award the medals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35876/18]
View answerAs I advised the Deputy in my reply to PQ21815/18 on 17th May 2018, there are no plans to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to former members of the Defence Forces. Since the foundation of the State many thousands of personnel have served in the Defence Forces. It would not be administratively possible within the resources of the Department to identify and contact all of these persons, decide on eligibility and, in the case of infirm or deceased former members, resolve who should get the medal on their behalf.
I outlined in my reply on 17th May 2018, the engagements my Department and I have had with the Veterans Associations (the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO)). Discussions took place to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.
Following these discussions, it was agreed that a single presentation would be made to each of the Veterans Associations of a framed medal with an accompanying citation in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. The medal has a bar with the term Veteran inscribed on it. I agreed that a plaque would be given to each of IUNVA’s 21 Posts and to each of O.N.E.’s 41 Branches. I presented one plaque to each of the three Veterans’ Associations at last year's Defence Forces’ Veterans’ Day which took place in the Defence Forces Training Centre, the Curragh, on Sunday 8th October 2017. The other plaques were presented separately.
11. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the After Action Review for 148 Platoon recruit training and three star course and the results of same will be released; if other after action reviews have taken place into recruit and-or cadet training standards since May 2016; if so, the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35922/18]
View answer12. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the Defence Forces Directorate of Training Lessons Learned cell is staffed and functioning correctly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35923/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
I am informed by the military authorities that After Action Reviews are conducted following the completion of all courses in the Defence Forces, including recruit and Cadet training, as a constituent part of the organisation’s Lessons Learned policy.
The aim of the Defence Forces Lessons Learned policy is to promote organisational learning in order to improve the effectiveness of Defence Forces' decision-making, the development of doctrine and planning and conduct of operations/training.
The policy is designed to enhance security, education, efficiency and exercises as well as managerial practices and resource management. The internal dissemination of best practiceis a key objective and an integral component of the Lessons Learned process.
The Defence Forces does not comment on individual course after-action reviews, their contents, or any of the specifics of the individual courses for reasons of operational security.
Finally, the military authorities inform me that the Lessons Learned Cell is functioning correctly and is staffed in accordance with the establishment.
13. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there have been meetings between military authorities and his departmental officials in relation to reducing the level of, or abolishing, psychometric testing as an entry requirement to the Defence Forces since May 2016; if so, the number of meetings that took place; the person that initiated each of these meetings; the pretext under which the meetings took place; if minutes were taken at these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35924/18]
View answer14. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there have been meetings between military authorities and his departmental officials with the company that provides psychometric testing to the Defence Forces; the purpose of these meetings; if minutes were taken at these meetings; the outcome of the meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35925/18]
View answer15. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a decision has been made to reduce the level of, or to abolish, psychometric and-or colour blindness testing as an entry requirement to the Defence Forces; the independent expert advice sought and received in this regard; if the experience of other military forces was considered as part of this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35926/18]
View answer16. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a decision has been made to reduce the level of, or to abolish, psychometric and-or colour blindness testing as an entry requirement to the Defence Forces; if an independent review will be undertaken to determine whether these decisions have potential negative impact on Defence Forces training standards, health and safety incidents and operational outcomes in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35927/18]
View answer17. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if applicants that failed psychometric testing and-or colour blindness testing were subsequently admitted to the Defence Forces; if so, the number of applicants accepted by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35928/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 to 17, inclusive, together.
The conditions for entry to and service in the Permanent Defence Force, including the methodologies used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practices.
Psychometric testing and colour vision testing continue to form part of the induction and candidate assessment process. Following its introduction in 2012 for general service recruits, the military authorities have revised the approach to psychometric testing a number of times. During that time the Defence Forces engaged the services of various psychometric testing companies for the purposes of administering tests to the different inductions streams (General Service, Cadetships, Apprenticeships and Direct Entry Schemes). The result of a psychometric test is a factor in determining overall suitability for admission to the Permanent Defence Force.
The issue of colour vision deficiency is a complex one particularly in relation to ensuring a safe work environment. The Defence Forces continue to consider how they could support personnel, who have colour vision deficiency, in areas such as medical standards, career progression, career streaming and operational availability.
Senior civil and military management meet frequently to discuss different aspects of the recruitment process in order to ensure that the various processes are as efficient as possible and optimised to the needs of the Defence Forces.
Within this framework, Departmental officials and the military authorities have met with representatives of the company which currently provides psychometric testing to the Defence Forces. The purpose of this meeting was to enhance the understanding of the revised psychometric testing process. I am informed that no minutes of this meeting were circulated between the attendees.
The current recruitment and induction process is kept under on-going review to ensure it continues to effectively determine suitability for entry to the Defence Forces.
18. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces Ombudsman's 2016 recommendation that appropriate investigation arrangements need to be established and agreed with his Department, including procedures for compliance with the production of information provisions of section 8 of the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, have been implemented; and if so, when it was implemented. [36104/18]
View answerIn his 2016 Annual Report, the then Ombudsman for the Defence Forces recommended a review of the Defence Act, 1954 and the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, in light of the experience gained by his Office since its establishment in 2005. Among the issues raised in this regard, was a suggestion regarding the establishment of appropriate investigation arrangements with my Department to comply with the production of information provisions in section 8 of the 2004 Act.
The underlying working assumption in all dealings by staff of my Department with the office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces remains one of co-operation and a willingness to assist him or her in his or her tasks. The Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 assigns to a person to whom a requirement to produce information is addressed, the status of a witness before the High Court with attendant immunities and privileges. As these requirements are reflective of those in the Ombudsman Act, 1980, the arrangements in place are considered consistent with the norms in this area.
19. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if outstanding administrative and systemic reforms recommended by the Defence Forces Ombudsman have been audited; if so, the most recent date on which they were audited; and the number and percentage of reforms the audit found were still outstanding. [36105/18]
View answer20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of recommendations made by the Defence Forces Ombudsman in complaint cases which were not implemented in each of the years 2010 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [36106/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
Since 2013, my Department provides the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces with a quarterly progress report on outstanding systemic issues highlighted by the Ombudsman in his or her final reports.
The most recent of these was prepared in October 2017 for discussion with the Office of the Defence Forces Ombudsman and at that time the implementation of nine recommendations was ongoing. The previous Ombudsman's term of office expired on 6th November 2017 and a new Ombudsman took up office on the 6th July, 2018. Accordingly, no quarterly reports were prepared in the intervening period and this process will be reconvened with a progress report to be prepared for discussion in October.
21. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if recommendations made by the Defence Forces Ombudsman following its adjudication on a complaint are binding; and if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36107/18]
View answerThe Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the provisions of the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 and provides both serving and former members of the Defence Forces with an impartial and independent review of their grievances. Under the provisions of the Act, the Ombudsman may conduct an independent investigation into an action that is the subject of a complaint and then, following deliberation on the matter, send a statement in writing of the results to the Minister and all persons concerned with the complaint and also to any other person to whom he or she considers appropriate.
Under section 7(3) of the Act, where the Ombudsman finds that the action complained of adversely affected the Complainant, he or she may make recommendations to the Minister:
a) that further action is required
b) that measures or specified measures be taken to remedy, mitigate or alter the adverse effect of the action, or
c) that the reasons for taking the action be given
While there is no provision within the Act of 2004 whereby the recommendations are legally binding, the recommendations of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces are given full consideration.
22. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the pesticide that was used by the Defence Forces at camps during overseas missions in each of the years 2008 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [36120/18]
View answerI am advised by the Defence Forces that they have no records available on the use of pesticides at camps during overseas missions in each of the years 2008 to 2017.
In respect of 2018 to date, there is a record of one pesticide being used in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This is a herbicide (chemical weed killer) currently in use for vegetation control in UNIFIL, where a glyphosate based weed killer is in use, the brand name is Tripazone.
I am also advised that commercial rodenticides are occasionally used in camp to control the rodent population. This pest control service is provided by UNIFIL and details of the pesticides used by UNIFIL are not held by the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces Health And Safety Risk Management Procedures sets out the Risk
Assessment and Controls necessary in the use of hazardous substances such as pesticides including weed killers. Each use of weed killer is thus subject to a risk assessment to ensure that its application is safe and that the manufacturers instructions are followed by the user, including eye, hand, body and respiratory protection as appropriate.
It is not currently proposed to discontinue the use of weedkillers but this matter, including the selection of specific weedkillers, will be kept under review in light of the recent debate on the issue.
23. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the allowances paid to members of the Defence Forces for duties related to the Papal visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36190/18]
View answerUnlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime or shift allowance are not available to members of the Defence Forces. In its place a weekly Military Service Allowance (MSA) is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. Military Service Allowance is designed to compensate for the special conditions associated with military life. These include unsocial hours of duty, exposure to danger, and the restrictions inherent in military discipline. For Privates, Corporals and Sergeants with more 3 years in service, MSA is worth €115.43 per week, per person. For Senior NCOs the rate is €122.87 per week.
In line with any other occasion when the Defence Forces are requested to operate in an Aid to the Civil Power - i.e. supporting An Garda Síochána - Defence Force members on duty in support of An Garda Síochána during the Papal visit will receive Security Duty Allowance (SDA). The current rates of SDA is €23.81 for each day on duty for less than 24 hours. The rate is increased to €47.59 for a 24 hour duty. Security Duty allowance is paid to all enlisted personnel and to officers up to and including the rank of Commandant.
24. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces on duty related to the Papal visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36191/18]
View answerThe Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána issues a form C70 to the Defence Forces to request their assistance. The Gardaí requested support from the Defence Forces for the Papal Visit and the number of members of the Defence Forces deployed in support of it was 3,104.
The assistance provided by the Defence Forces for the duration of the Papal visit is greatly appreciated and acknowledged by myself and my colleagues in Government.
25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 39 of 3 July 2018, if a picture (details supplied) was taken on the LÉ Niamh on 5 August 2015, in view of other images posted by the Naval Service and dated the same day which show the same details on the floor, the canopy and the particular blankets used on the ship that day. [36195/18]
View answerIn responding to Parliamentary Question No. 39 of 3 July 2018, based on advice I had received from the Defence Forces, I stated that “in the course of the event in question on 5 August 2015 involving the LE Niamh, no wristbands were applied to persons rescued by personnel on LE Niamh. I am also advised that the Naval Service cannot stand over the provenance of the photograph used in the article in question and which is credited to "Irish Navy"”. I regret that the information afforded to me and which I communicated to the House in good faith at the time, was incorrect.
On foot of the Deputies further question, I asked that the matter be further investigated. I am now advised by the Naval Service that the pictures supplied were actually taken on board LÉ Niamh during the time it was rescuing migrants under Operation Pontus. I am also advised that the wristband displayed in the photograph provided was applied by Naval Service personnel on board the L.É. Niamh.
I am further advised that during Search and Rescue (SAR) operations undertaken in the Mediterranean, the standing operational procedure was that, as rescued persons came on board, each one was photographed and given a numbered wristband as part of their processing on board, which also included medical examination and assessment. This procedure was to account for rescued persons on-board. In addition, persons of interest, namely those persons in control of the migrant vessels and potential people traffickers, were identified as part of this process.
On the 5th of August, 2015, as the Deputy will recall, there was a very significant rescue event in the Mediterranean where a fishing vessel carrying migrants capsized and several hundred migrants ended up in the water. Given the massive scale and urgency of the rescue operation, the Executive Officer on LE NIAMH made the decision, when the first RHIB returned with rescued persons to the ship, that the ship’s staff would not register embarked persons as per normal standing operational procedure, as saving lives was the main focus of their efforts and the rescued persons could be registered later. The LÉ Niamh rescued 367 persons (342 male, 12 female and 13 children). 25 bodies were also recovered and taken on board.
On transit to Italy, the Naval Service deck parties were approached by rescued persons who identified a number of persons as the people who were in control of the fishing vessel. These men were tagged and their photographs taken while on board LE Niamh. The witnesses that came forward were also given wristbands. The purpose of this was to identify both groups of people amongst the 365 persons that were on-board at the time.
A number of persons were subsequently charged by the Italian authorities in connection with this incident. A Mutual Legal Assistance request was received by the Central Authority for Mutual Assistance in the Department of Justice and Equality from the Italian authorities. On foot of this request the prosecuting authorities in Italy were provided with photographic and video evidence of the event held by the Naval Service and a member of the Naval Service gave evidence in Italy attesting to the validity of that evidence.
I trust this clarifies the matter. I very much regret that incorrect information was supplied in my previous response to Dáil Question No. 39 of 3 July 2018 and I am happy to have this opportunity to correct the record.
