Wednesday, 19 Dec 2018

Written Answers Nos. 92-111

Defence Forces Recruitment

Questions (92, 93)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

92. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new recruitment campaign for the Naval Service and Air Corps will occur early in 2019. [53539/18]

Clare Daly

Question:

93. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new recruitment campaign for pilots and air traffic controllers will commence early in 2019. [53549/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.

I recently met with senior civil and military officials to review recruitment plans for 2019. Subject to further consideration, it is envisaged that similar recruitment competitions to those held this year will take place in 2019.

The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment to the Defence Forces to reach the establishment level of 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence 2015.

Departmental Advertising Expenditure

Questions (94)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

94. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department on public advertising and the purchase of external communications and publicity in 2018 by advertising campaign, including specific amounts on social media campaigns (details supplied) or other digital platforms; the amount spent on public relations or other communications support in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53573/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department did not incur any costs in relation to public relations or other communications support in 2018.

Details of the amount spent on public advertising up to 14 December, 2018, including advertising on digital platforms, is outlined in the table below. The only social media campaign expenditure was €8,118, which was in relation to a Twitter information campaign as part of the Be Winter Ready Information Campaign 2018-2019.

Advertising Campaign	Amount
State Ceremony to mark the 60th Anniversary of participation by Ireland in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations	€20,372.05
Easter Sunday Parade	€4,222.14
Public Safety Notices relating to Military Firing Ranges	€25,413.65
Be Winter Ready Information Campaign 2018-2019	€49,914.31
Job Advertisements Civilian Employees	€ 10,702.89
Total	€110,625.04

Brexit Issues

Questions (95)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

95. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to introduce a new Army barracks in counties Cavan and Monaghan or the greater Border region in view of Brexit and in further view of recent developments and the possible reintroduction of a hard border; if such a move is included in contingency plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53592/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As part of a whole of Government approach, my Department continues to engage in forward planning with the other Departments involved in addressing all issues relevant to the UK's decision to leave the European Union. This engagement involves the identification of key strategic, operational and policy issues arising from Brexit.

As I have outlined previously, the UK's decision to leave the EU does not of itself give rise to additional border control requirements. Furthermore, the avoidance of a hard border on the island is fundamental to the Brexit agreement reached last month between the EU and the UK Government, and there can be no change to the commitments made in that agreement. As such, there are no plans for a new Army barracks in counties Cavan and Monaghan or the greater Border region.

Furthermore, it is important to note that primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Minister for Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.

Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners, again, when requested to do so.

There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place. My Department continues to monitor the ongoing situation to ensure that both it and the Defence Forces are fully prepared to address any potential issues that might arise in the defence area as a consequence of Brexit.

Defence Forces Personnel Data

Questions (96, 97)

Jack Chambers

Question:

96. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Force with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53703/18]

Jack Chambers

Question:

97. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Reserve Defence Force with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53704/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.

As of 30 November 2018 (the latest date for which figures are available), the strength of the Permanent Defence Force in Whole Time Equivalent Posts stood at 9,022 personnel. The effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force stood at 1,745 personnel. The table below sets out the additional details sought by the Deputy:

	Males (WTE)	Females (WTE)
Army	6,792	502
Air Corps	694	34
Naval Service	931	69
First Line Reserve	248	30
Army Reserve*	1,386	234
Naval Service Reserve*	106	19

WTE - Whole Time Equivalent

* - Effective Personnel

Defence Forces Recruitment

Questions (98, 99)

Jack Chambers

Question:

98. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Permanent Defence Force has taken on to date in 2018 with regard to all three services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53705/18]

Jack Chambers

Question:

99. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Reserve Defence Force has taken on to date in 2018 with regard to all services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53706/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.

Recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) continued throughout 2018. This encompassed two General Service recruit competitions, a Cadet competition, apprentice competition, instrumentalist competition and direct entry streams.

The most recent figures (as of 30 November 2018), provided by the military authorities, give the whole time equivalent strength of the PDF as 9,022 personnel. Final figures for numbers inducted in 2018 and strength will not be available until year end. I recently met with senior civil and military officials to review recruitment plans for 2019. Subject to further consideration, it is envisaged that similar recruitment competitions to those held this year will take place in 2019.

As of 18 December 2018, 610 personnel were inducted to the PDF as follows:

- 492 General Service Recruits (32 female)

- 20 Air Corps Apprentices

- 19 (7 female) School of Music Instrumentalists

- 73 Cadets (11 Female)

- 6 Direct Entry Officers

The White Paper on Defence provides for a combined establishment of 4,169 personnel for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve (this is inclusive of the proposal to increase the Naval Service Reserve establishment from 200 to 300 personnel). The current establishment of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is 4,069.

Given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, recruitment to the RDF is continuing. A total of 128 new recruits (14 female) were inducted into the RDF in 2018 (as of 18 December 2018). It is intended to have a further recruitment campaign to the RDF in 2019, although the details have yet to be finalised.

Defence Forces Operations

Questions (100)

Jack Chambers

Question:

100. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of suspect devices that the Army disposal unit has dealt with by county to date in 2018, in tabular form. [53707/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The 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.

The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams respond when a request for assistance is made by An Garda Síochána in dealing with a suspect device. The number of EOD callouts, which include viable devices, hoaxes, false alarms, post-blast analysis and the removal of unstable chemicals in laboratories dealt with from 1 January 2018 to 14 December 2018, by county, are set out in the tabular statement below:

COUNTY	CALLOUTS
Dublin	21
Cork	9
Louth	9
Kildare	6
Wicklow	3
Waterford	3
Tipperary	3
Mayo	2
Wexford	2
Kerry	2
Meath	1
Galway	1
Monaghan	1
Sligo	1
Clare	1
TOTAL	65

Naval Service Data

Questions (101)

Jack Chambers

Question:

101. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of days spent at sea by members of the Naval Service Reserve to date in 2018. [53708/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I am informed by the military authorities that members of the Naval Service Reserve have spent a total of 88 days at sea to-date (17 December 2018) in 2018.

Defence Forces Personnel Data

Questions (102)

Jack Chambers

Question:

102. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of sick days taken by members in each service of the Defence Forces to date in 2018. [53709/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The total number of sick leave days claimed in 2018 by the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps as of the 31st October 2018, the latest date for which figures are available, are set out below.

2018	Sick Leave Days	Sick Leave Days	Totals
	Officers	Other Ranks
Army	1156	60459	61615
Naval Service	282	6872	7154
Air Corps	589	6428	7017
Total	2027	73759	75786

Defence Forces Medical Services

Questions (103)

James Browne

Question:

103. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a psychiatrist has been appointed to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53910/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence is continuing in its efforts to secure a dedicated Defence Forces psychiatrist to provide an in-house service. A recent recruitment competition for the position was unsuccessful and other options are being considered in an effort to resolve the matter.

In the meantime, a number of interim measures have been implemented, including authorisation for the referral of cases to external private psychiatrists for outpatient treatment where deemed appropriate. It must be stressed that there is no delay in referring patients requiring immediate psychiatric care or assessment.

I understand that there is a nationwide shortage of trained psychiatrists. The difficulty with recruitment for such a position is not unique to the Defence Forces.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (104)

Barry Cowen

Question:

104. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent on social media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53987/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department runs a Be Winter Ready information campaign each year which involves advertising on Twitter. The costs associated for the years requested are outlined below.

Years		€
Be Winter Ready 2018-2019	Twitter campaign	€5,535.00
Be Winter Ready 2018-2019	Management of Twitter Campaign	€2,583.00
Be Winter Ready 2017-2018	Twitter campaign	€5,535.00
Be Winter Ready 2017-2018	Management of Twitter campaign	€2,583.00
Be Winter Ready 2016-2017	Twitter campaign	€5,043.00
Be Winter Ready 2016-2017	Management of Twitter campaign	€1,476.00

It is anticipated that costs for the 2019-2020 Be Winter Ready Campaign will be in line with recent years.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (105)

Barry Cowen

Question:

105. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent on marketing and media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54004/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

My Department did not incur any costs in relation to marketing. The table below outlines costs for advertising for the period in question. The projected spend for 2019 is approximately €101,000. Additional ad hoc costs for one off events may occur, in which case the expense is covered by the Branch administering the event from within their own budget.

	€
Advertising Costs 2016	€92,387.91
Advertising Costs 2017	€97,562.81
Advertising Costs 2018	€110,625.04

UN Conferences

Questions (106)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

106. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the UN Conference on Global Compact for Migration in Marrakesh. [54025/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Over 160 countries were present at the UN Intergovernmental Conference in Marrakech on 10 December to adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. My colleague, Minister for Justice and Equality Charles Flanagan T.D., represented Ireland at the Conference. My Department worked closely with the Department of Justice and Equality and was also in attendance in Marrakech. While a number of UN Member States were not present, it is clear that the Compact has the overwhelming support of the international community across all regions of the world.

The Global Compact for Migration is the first-ever UN global agreement on a common approach to international migration in all its dimensions. Though non-legally binding, it provides a strong framework for global cooperation on migration in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Compact is grounded in values of state sovereignty, responsibility sharing, non-discrimination, and human rights, and recognises that a cooperative approach is needed to optimise the overall benefits of migration, while addressing its risks and challenges for individuals and communities in countries of origin, transit and destination.

On 19 December, the General Assembly of the United Nations is due to adopt the Resolution that will formally endorse the Compact.

Consular Services Provision

Questions (107)

Clare Daly

Question:

107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to open a consulate general office in Durban, South Africa. [53546/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Bilateral relations with South Africa are managed by our Embassy in Pretoria. Ireland enjoys a strong and positive relationship with South Africa.

With the launch of ‘Global Ireland: Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025’, the Government is committed to doubling the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint in the period ahead, while also continuously reviewing the scale of Ireland’s overseas network.

In considering expanding our diplomatic representation overseas, a range of factors is taken into account including our national political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.

There are currently no plans to open a Consulate General in Durban.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (108)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

108. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent by his Department on public advertising and the purchase of external communications and publicity in 2018 by advertising campaign including specific amounts on social media campaigns (details supplied) or other digital platforms; the amount spent on public relations or other communications support in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53577/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department engages in advertising and public awareness campaigns where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of citizens. Some examples of these campaigns have included the Online Passport Renewals Service and a ‘Citizens Dialogue on the Future of Europe’ initiative. A public information campaign to promote awareness of Government-wide supports and resources that are available to assist with Brexit preparedness is also currently being coordinated by my Department.

Details of relevant advertising campaigns carried out in 2018 are as follows: 2018

Online Passport Renewals Service

In 2018 we have concentrated on highlighting the Online Passport Renewal Service as a fast and secure way for adults to renew their passports. Specific activities have included advertisements in local publications throughout the country and on social media platforms, press releases and attendance at relevant promotional events, as well as participation by the Director of the Passport Service in over 25 interviews on regional radio stations. The direct costs of advertising to raise public awareness in this regard are set out in Table 1 below.

Citizens Dialogue on the Future of Europe

Against the background of debate which is underway at EU level and beyond about how best to address the challenges of a rapidly changing the world, and in cooperation with European Movement Ireland, my Department hosted a series of ‘Citizens Dialogue on the Future of Europe’ events throughout spring 2018. These events took place in Galway, Cork, Donegal, Kildare, Meath and Dublin and enabled citizens to share ideas and priorities on the future of Europe and on such themes as the economy, security, social responsibility and globalisation.

To raise awareness of these opportunities for citizens to engage with and attend these events, my Department undertook a communications campaign that included advertisements in local papers and on local radio in each of the locations concerned. The direct costs of this advertising are set out in Table 1 below.

Ireland’s Campaign for Election to the UN Security Council

On July 2nd 2018, the Taoiseach and I publicly launched Ireland’s campaign to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in June 2020 for the 2021-2022 term. Ireland’s campaign is premised on three themes: Empathy, Partnership and Independence. To coincide with this launch, my Department used social media platforms to promote public awareness of Ireland’s campaign online and the direct costs incurred in this regard are set out in Table 1 below.

Public Consultations on International Development Policy

A public consultation process in relation to Ireland’s new international development policy took place in 5 locations around the country over the period July – October 2018. The goal of the process was to hear the views of the public on how Ireland’s international development policy can contribute towards meeting the ambitious objectives of such initiatives as the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals agreed by the United Nations in 2015. To raise awareness of these opportunities for the citizens to engage and attend these events, my Department undertook a communications campaign that included advertisements in local papers. The direct costs of this advertising are set out in Table 1 below.

Government Brexit Update and ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’

The Government Brexit Update email service and the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready public information campaign forms part of the Government’s overall strategy to keep the Irish public fully informed and up-to date on the implications and challenges of Brexit.

The Update is issuing on a regular basis via a commercial provider (MailChimp) and provides information on latest developments in the ongoing Brexit negotiations, on the latest available research publications and on engagement at Government level. It also highlights the range of business supports that are available through the various Government Departments and State agencies.

My Department is also coordinating a Government-wide ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready Campaign’ which I and Ministers Humphreys and Creed launched together on 20 September. This campaign has updated citizens, communities and businesses about Brexit preparedness and support measures that are available as well as public workshop events which were held over successive weeks throughout October and the last two weeks in November. A programme of awareness raising via web and social media platforms and radio and print media advertising also took place.

Table 1: Online Advertising and Public Awareness Campaigns Expenditure 2018

Campaign / Theme	Supplier	Cost to date
Online Passport Renewals (March 2018-June 2018)	Mediavest	€40,538.65
Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe - (Feb - May 2018)	Topic Media, Celtic, Media, Highland Radio, Connacht Tribune, River Media, Irish Examiner, LMFM Radio & Galway Advertiser	€6,473
UN Security Council Campaign July 2018	Twitter and Facebook	€461
Government Brexit Update (Jan 2018 – to date)	Twitter and MailChimp	€1,351.69
Getting Ireland Brexit Ready (20 Sept 2018 – to date)	PhD Media / TBWA	37,729.75
Transforming Our World public consultations	Mediavest & Vermillion Design	€6,653.53

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (109)

Robert Troy

Question:

109. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the process and marking system for the election observer roster. [53718/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The process of establishing a new international election observer roster is now at a very advanced stage. Results in the appraisal process have been released to candidates, along with information on the appeals process. There are a number of remaining stages, as follows: security vetting; in certain cases, the verification of language levels; and, the training of the new roster members. It is expected that the new roster will be established in January 2019.

The process required an initial eligibility check of the 395 applications which were received by the application deadline. Of these applications, 377 were deemed to have met the essential requirements listed in the Volunteer Information Booklet.

The 377 applications went to stage 2 assessment, and were marked on the basis of the five competencies contained in the application form. These were: Leadership and Team Work; Analysis and Decision-Making; Building Relationships and Communication Skills; Drive and Commitment; and, Knowledge and Expertise in the Area of Election Observation.

Candidates were required to provide at least one relevant example under each competency, which demonstrated that the candidate would be suitable for membership of the roster. The Election Observer Competency Framework attached to the application form provided guidance on the qualities the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would expect to see in an international election observer. The competencies and qualities were based on the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and associated Code of Conduct for International Election Observers, and also the roles and duties of EU and OSCE short and long term observers.

Applications were assessed by a number of panels. Panel members were provided with training in shortlisting best practice and in avoiding unconscious bias. The marking process was calibrated by an independent external quality assurance service, ensuring cross-panel consistency in the marking approach.

The process was run in accordance with the core principles contained in the Volunteer Information Booklet: probity; merit; best practice; fairness and consistency; and openness, accountability and transparency. An appeals panel is available to meet in January if needed. Should that need arise, the appeals process will be run in accordance with the same core principles.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade received a large number of very high quality applications. As the total number of applications (395) almost twice exceeded the number of roster places, I regret that many of those who applied were not successful. Among those disappointed are people who had previously been on the roster and, also, people who have served in elected office.

I would like to thank all those who applied for the new roster. The intense competition for places will ensure that the quality of Irish election observers will remain high. I would also like to thank outgoing roster members for their contribution to the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Consular Services

Questions (110)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

110. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if contact has been made to the relevant embassies. [53879/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I can confirm to the Deputy that I am aware of this difficult and long-running consular case and have been in written contact with the citizen’s family here in Ireland.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been providing ongoing consular assistance to the family of this citizen since first being made aware of the case. Officials from my Department have met regularly with this citizen’s family, and most recently on November 28th 2018. My Department will continue to provide all possible and appropriate assistance in relation to this difficult situation.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (111)

Barry Cowen

Question:

111. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent on social media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53991/18]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The amount spent by my Department on social media advertising in 2016, 2017 and to date 2018 is laid out in the table below. This expenditure is incurred to promote information around particular public awareness campaigns where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of citizens.

The projected social media spend for the Department in 2019 is still being finalised.

2018	2017	2016
€1,718.81	€18,917.32	€7,540.28