Written Answers Nos. 1-57
34. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to reintroduce a new Army barracks in counties Cavan and Monaghan or the greater Border region in view of Brexit and the possible reintroduction of a hard Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9373/19]
View answerAs 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 Withdrawal Agreement reached in November last 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.
35. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether Ireland’s proposed role in a European Defence Agency Project may lead to SOFA agreements and foreign troops being stationed here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9425/19]
View answerIreland has been a participating member State in the European Defence Agency (EDA) since it was established in 2004. Since then, Ireland has participated in a range of EDA projects and programmes. These projects have included Maritime Surveillance, Force Protection, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) protection, Cyber and Counter-Improvised Explosives Devices Manual Neutralisation techniques.
The EDA is focused on assisting Member States in improving defence capabilities through European cooperation. The primary reason for Ireland's participation is to support the development of Defence Forces capabilities for peacekeeping and international crisis management operations. Ireland's participation in EDA projects to date, and our planned participation in the Specialist Engineer Search project, approved last week by Dáil Éireann, do not involve SOFA agreements or the stationing of foreign troops within the State. In fact, there is no connection between the role of the SOFAs, which are essentially focussed on operational deployment of military forces and EDA projects which are focussed on capability development.
The Deputy will recall that Dáil Éireann recently approved Ireland's ratification of the Partnership for Peace and the European Union SOFAs. As I explained in the course of the debate, Bunreacht na hÉireann does not allow for foreign militaries to be based in Ireland due to the provisions of Article 15.6.2 of the Constitution. This fact is not changed by Ireland's participation in projects under the EDA. In addition, Ireland's agreement of both SOFAs is subject to respective Reservations as outlined during the debates. These Reservations which are based on our Constitutional provisions will be associated with Ireland's instrument of ratification in respect of each of the SOFAs. The Reservations ensure that the SOFAs will only extend to members of the PDF deploying overseas where these SOFAs apply. They will not apply within the Irish State.
36. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost in the coming years of participation in PESCO related operations; and the capital costs related to procurement processes under PESCO. [9427/19]
View answerThe act of joining PESCO does not involve an additional cost to the Exchequer. Additional costs may arise in respect of participation in specific PESCO projects similar to the case where the Defence Forces participate in European Defence Agency Projects.
Ireland is currently participating in two PESCO projects - (1) The European Union Training Mission Competence Centre and (2) Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance. These projects relate to the ongoing development of Defence Forces capabilities for peace support and crisis management operations. Costs associated with participation on these projects would be incurred in the normal course and will therefore be met from within the Defence Vote.
In 2018 no additional costs were incurred through PESCO related activities other than costs associated with attendance by Defence Forces Subject Matter Experts at PESCO project planning meetings. As the projects where Ireland is a Participant are still in the early stages of development, the budgets and timeline for participant's involvement has not yet been fully determined. This may change as projects progress and capabilities are developed and acquired through the PESCO framework. However, it is expected that sharing the costs of capability development across a number of Member States should prove cost neutral in terms of overall projected defence expenditure.
In relation to the eight PESCO projects where Ireland is an Observer, there will be no financial impact for Ireland other than when a representative from the relevant Directorate or Service within the Defence Forces attends each of the project meetings. Ireland's commitment at this time is through our attendance at meetings as the projects progress.
The establishment of PESCO represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP; a development that Ireland welcomes. Security and Defence is a key priority for the European Union in the face of new threats and security challenges which are beyond the capacity of a State acting alone and where Member States must work together to address them – e.g. Cyber, Hybrid, Radicalisation, Uncontrolled Migration etc. PESCO provides a mechanism whereby Member States can work together to address these challenges.
37. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the specific role the Defence Forces will play in the proposed European Defence Agency Project - Military Search Capability Building; if the role is in line with the normal peacekeeping role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9424/19]
View answerIn accordance with the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the Government and Dáil approval was received on 21st February 2019 for Ireland to participate in a European Defence Agency (EDA) project in relation to Military Search Capability Building. This Project will develop common processes, techniques and procedures for military search for participating Member States.
The Defence Forces engage extensively in specialist military search activities, dealing with unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices and ensuring a safe and secure operating environment for military operations. Specialist Search and Clearance teams are regularly deployed on both home and overseas operations. There are currently two specialist search teams overseas operating in a peacekeeping capacity in UNDOF and UNIFIL. These teams are an essential force protection asset in overseas peace support operations. They conduct route searches and area clearances in advance of vehicle or foot patrols to ensure that the area is free from unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices and mines. At home, the Defence Forces also provide this capability to An Garda Síochána in support of Aid to Civil Power operations during high profile visits by foreign VIPs and for searches for bodies and weapons.
The Defence Forces do not have search teams at an advanced search capability level to enable them to conduct Hazardous Environment Search, Working in Confined Space and operating in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear environments. Participation in this project addresses this capability gap and will assist the Defence Forces in their peacekeeping roles. The training element to Instructor level, within this project, will ensure that this requirement may be met from within the Defence Forces going forward and assist with future training for peacekeeping duties.
This project, as with all other EDA projects that Ireland participates in, supports the development of Defence Forces capabilities for peacekeeping and international crisis management operations.
38. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress being made in liaison with Kildare County Council on the development of an overall management plan for the Curragh Plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9428/19]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, as the Minister for Defence, I am the custodian and guardian of the Curragh pursuant to the provisions of the Curragh of Kildare Act 1961. I mention this as it is important to bear in mind, as recognised in the aforementioned Act, that the Curragh Plains is a working environment as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance.
The Plains are an important working facility for the Defence Forces, the horse racing industry and sheep owners availing of long established rights of pasture.
As both a working environment and a high value amenity of ecological importance, I am keenly aware of the multiple challenges facing my Department in ensuring the ongoing management of the Curragh Plains.
To this end, my Department has had discussions with Kildare County Council to explore the potential for collaboration on addressing issues and identifying opportunities for the improved management and presentation of the Curragh Plains.
As part of these discussions, it was agreed that a multidisciplinary consultancy team should be appointed to examine current and future challenges arising for the area, in the context of the conservation and management of the Plains, and any scope for the developmental potential of the area as a high value visitor and cultural amenity attraction.
In the light of this, my Department will consider, in consultation with Kildare County Council, the best way forward and will report back to me on these deliberations.
Naturally, any such examination concerning the future of the Curragh Plains will ensure that account is taken of the prime importance placed on the use of the area by the Irish Defence Forces and of the needs of the centrally located Defence Forces Training Centre.
In relation to the day to day management of the Curragh, the Deputy may wish to note that the recruitment process for the appointment of additional Curragh Plains land management staff to support the work of the Curragh Maor has been completed These additional resources will share in the task of overseeing activities on the ground including, but not limited to, litter, sheep branding, patrolling, monitoring users of lands, inspection of property boundaries, illegal encampments and engagement with the public. I can confirm to the Deputy that the additional two employees started work yesterday and will be valuable extra resources in assisting the Maor with the management of the Curragh Plains.
39. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when a psychiatrist for the Defence Forces will be appointed following the retirement of the in-house psychiatrist in May 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9404/19]
View answer40. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the proposal he has put to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the employment of a full-time military psychiatrist; and the expected timeframe for a response on same. [9221/19]
View answer43. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a psychiatrist has been appointed to the Defence Forces; and if there will be further roles to support members of the Defence Forces. [9359/19]
View answer49. 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. [8970/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 40, 43 and 49 together.
At the outset, I want to reassure the Deputies that there is no delay in referring Defence Forces personnel requiring immediate psychiatric care or assessment. Patients presenting to Defence Forces Primary Carers (Medical Officers or contracted civilian GPs), with a requirement for urgent psychiatric assessment are referred to HSE Accident & Emergency Departments. Those requiring hospitalisation are admitted immediately. For non-urgent outpatient cases the waiting time for a HSE appointment is approximately 3 months. Therefore, in order to provide Defence Forces Primary Carers with the broadest range of options possible in dealing with the spectrum of cases that present to them, they have also been authorised to refer cases to local external private psychiatrists for outpatient treatment where deemed appropriate.
An in-house psychiatrist has not yet been appointed to the Defence Forces. By way of background, a 2017 review of the Defence Forces psychiatric service recommended the employment of a full-time military psychiatrist. The previous incumbent providing these services to the Defence Forces on contract retired in May 2018 while arrangements were being made to implement this recommendation. To continue to provide an interim in-house service until such time as the military psychiatrist position could be filled, efforts were made to engage a locum. However, this proved to be unsuccessful.
A direct entrant competition for the position of military psychiatrist was launched on 26th July 2018 and closed on 30th September 2018. No applications were received for this competition.
To explore every option to facilitate an in-house appointment, I recently gave approval for my Department to conduct a competition for a contracted civilian consultant psychiatrist on a temporary 24-month contract at pay rates equivalent to those available in the HSE. As this is a civilian appointment, sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) is required and has been formally requested. My Department is actively pursuing this matter with DPER.
As I have outlined on a number of occasions, there is a nationwide shortage of trained psychiatrists, with recruitment issues in a number of sectors of the health service. The difficulty with recruitment for such a position is not unique to the Defence Forces.
41. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the supports that will be provided to military veteran organisations such as an organisation (details supplied) in order to increase the services provided to retired and veteran members of the Defence Forces. [9223/19]
View answerI recognise the valued public service given to the State by retired members of the Defence Forces. Officials from my Department and I hold regular meetings with three Veterans’ Associations, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.) and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO). The Veterans’ Associations raise issues of concern to their members at these meetings.
As part of the supports currently offered to veterans, my Department has Service Level Agreements with O.N.E. and IUNVA which set out the services the Department provides to these Associations. Under the terms of these SLAs, my Department provides financial support by way of an annual subvention to O.N.E. and IUNVA to encourage their valuable efforts and the range of services they offer to ex-service personnel. The subvention given to O.N.E. was increased from €44,000 to €100,000 per annum last year. This significant increase in the grant will make a substantial contribution to the work of O.N.E. which provides accommodation to homeless, elderly and disabled ex-members of the Defence Forces in Smithfield, Dublin, Athlone and Letterkenny. The subvention given to IUNVA is €11,000 per annum. The funding provided by my Department is to support the general overheads of the organisations.
I am strongly supportive of O.N.E.’s plans to increase the number of its Veteran Support Centres (VSCs) around the country. The purpose of the VSC is to provide somewhere for veterans to receive information and advice and a welcoming place to meet former comrades. One benefit of the VSC can be to prevent homelessness through early intervention and to actively address loneliness. In 2012 O.N.E. established two VSCs in Aiken Barracks, Dundalk and in Lord Edward Street, Limerick. Since the beginning of 2018, my Department and the Defence Forces have worked with O.N.E. to bring to fruition their plans for a network of VSCs nationwide. O.N.E. has opened a further six VSCs in Custume Barracks, Athlone; Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel; the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp; Dún UÍ Mhaolíosa Barracks, Renmore, Galway; Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny; and a temporary office in Collins Barracks, Cork until the permanent VSC is refurbished. Discussions are ongoing with O.N.E. regarding locations for additional VSCs throughout the country.
I provide support by attendance at specific events whenever I can, such as the annual Veterans’ Day and the launch of O.N.E.’s annual Fuchsia fundraising appeal.
My Department, the Defence Forces and I are committed to continued engagement with Veterans’ Associations into the future.
42. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the eyesight standards in relation to applicants for the Naval Service Reserve have been updated and implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9407/19]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that a report regarding eyesight standards required for Naval Service Reserve recruits has been submitted by the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service (FOCNS) to the General Staff and the findings of this report will be considered in due course.
The origins of the current report date from 2018 when the Naval Service undertook to examine the current eyesight standards pertaining to the Naval Service. As is normal practice, I am advised that this proposal has been circulated to a variety of offices within the Defence Forces that are required to have an input into such proposal, for example, the Director of Medical Branch and the Director of Legal Services.
I look forward to the seeing the final report and reviewing its recommendations. Any recommendation to amend eyesight standards will, of course, have a requirement for engagement with the representative associations. When finalised any changes recommended will also require an amendment to Defence Forces Regulations.
44. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions taken by the implementation group on foot of the recommendations of the reports of the working group on Lariam; and the further actions planned. [9224/19]
View answerA Malaria Chemoprophylaxis Working Group was established in January 2011 and reported in April 2013. The Group was re-convened in August 2015 and reported in October 2017. The purpose of the Group was to review, inter alia, issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation.
The re-convened Working Group's recommendations focus on a number of different areas including planning, training and education/information sharing as well as the establishment of a Medical Advisory Group. This will formalise the provision of on-going expert medical advice, including external expert medical advice, to the Defence Forces in relation to a range of medical matters including malaria chemoprophylaxis.
I have accepted these recommendations and have established an Implementation Group. This Implementation Group has met on a number of occasions and is progressing its work through the formation of a structured plan to implement the recommendations as outlined in the Terms of Reference. It will include planning, training and education/information sharing as well as the establishment of a Medical Advisory Group.
Given that there is litigation pending in relation to these matters which is being managed by the State Claims Agency, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his recruitment plans for 2019; the extent to which he plans to increase the strength of the Defence Forces in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9415/19]
View answerThe Government remains committed to on-going recruitment to increase the strength of the Permanent Defence Force to the establishment level of 9,500 personnel.
In 2018, this resulted in 611 new entrants being inducted in addition to 15 Permanent Defence Force members being awarded a Cadetship.
The 2019 recruitment campaign for the Defence Forces has already commenced with the recent Naval Service General Service Recruit competition, which closed on 21 January 2019.
The recruitment plan proposed by the Permanent Defence Force envisages some 800 new entrants being inducted in 2019, comprising of General Service Recruits, Apprentices, Cadets and Direct Entry Officers.
The Government is committed to maximising recruitment and so retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles
46. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which he plans to address concerns raised by the Defence Forces Reserve representative association regarding the state of the force; and his plans to engage constructively with the representative association. [9412/19]
View answer51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the reserve Defence Forces; the full complement Defence Forces Reserve; the status of the recruitment campaign for the reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9406/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 51 together.
The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve. The Government appreciates the service of the members of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises the important role that the three elements of the RDF play in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and it is currently on a development path arising from the recommendations of the White Paper.
As of 31st January 2019 the strength of the Reserve is as follows:
First Line Reserve: 288 personnel
Army Reserve: 1761 personnel
Naval Service Reserve: 138 personnel
A key ongoing challenge for the RDF is to recruit and retain personnel. I am very much aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the current strength figures and those of the establishment, which provides for 4,069 personnel and recruitment is ongoing. A total of 129 new recruits were inducted to the RDF in 2018. The Defence Forces will run two recruitment campaigns for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve this year, one in March and a second in October. Supports being provided to maximise recruitment to the Reserve include the use of social media and outreach activities by RDF members. PDF recruit exit interviews now contain information on applying for membership of the RDF.
Under the current phase of implementation of White Paper actions, two White Paper projects have been identified which are important precursors to the establishment of a Specialist Reserve. A gap analysis of skills sets in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) will identify potential roles for Reserve members who possess specialist skills. Options to develop the First Line Reserve are also currently being examined.
In 2018, the Chief of Staff assigned the responsibility of Director of Reserve Defence Force to the Director of Combat Support & ISTAR. In this context, plans for 2019 provide guidance, across all units and formations with RDF assets, in developing their capabilities. This is in line with the single force concept and the role of the Reserve as described in the White Paper on Defence. The focus will be to harness RDF skills and talent, maximising its development on the basis of mutual engagement with the PDF. Specific project areas will focus on training, regulation, recruitment, retention and promotions and will be supported through RDF and PDF reciprocal training, mentoring and education.
Engagement continues with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA) on key issues of import to them. My officials are scheduled to meet RDFRA in the coming weeks. RDFRA have been identified as key stakeholders in the RDF relevant White Paper projects and their views will be sought on appropriate matters as the need arises as projects mature and progress. To that end, RDFRA have been invited to attend a White Paper briefing with my officials on the 11th March 2019. Practical supports to RDFRA consist of quarterly payments by my Department per annum and an annual telephone allowance. A total of 750 Reserve Mandays are also made available specifically to RDFRA to allow its members conduct association business.
I would like to assure the Deputy and RDFRA that I remain committed to the ongoing development of the RDF within the framework set out in the White Paper and having regard to resource availability. It is my intention to ensure that the momentum on its development is maintained throughout 2019 and the coming years.
47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the former Dún Uí Néill Barracks, Cavan town, County Cavan will be available for use by the Permanent Defence Forces should security needs require the deployment of additional personnel to the central Border area, namely counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9419/19]
View answerPrimary 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 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 developments 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 the UK's decision to leave the EU.
Brexit 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 Withdrawal Agreement reached in November last 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 re-open or re-establish an army barracks in any locations.
48. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when back payments and allowances will issue to the staff of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8988/19]
View answer54. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to ensure better pay and working conditions for members of the Defence Forces; the further steps being taken to ensure appropriate supports are available to both current and former members of the Defence Forces that may be experiencing financial difficulties; if he has satisfied himself that recruitment methods are sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9267/19]
View answer57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which pay and conditions for the Defence Forces continues to receive appropriate attention with particular reference to ongoing concerns in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9416/19]
View answer78. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which pay restoration throughout the Defence Forces remains ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9726/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 54, 57 and 78 together.
Similar to other sectors in the public service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced as one of the measures to assist in stabilising national finances during the financial crisis.
The recovery in the economy has provided the fiscal resources to provide for a fair and sustainable recovery in public service pay scales.
Pay is being restored to members of the Defence Forces and other public servants 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. Increases due from 1 January 2018 and 1 October 2018 have been paid to Permanent Defence Force personnel. An increase of 1% was paid to personnel earning up €30,000 per annum from 1 January 2019. Further increases in pay are scheduled for later in 2019 and 2020.
By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement the payscales of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces), earning under €70,000 per annum, will be restored to pre FEMPI levels. The restoration of the 5% reduction to allowances cut under FEMPI is also scheduled in the agreement.
New entrants who joined the Defence Forces since 2011, may also benefit from the measures to be applied from 1 March 2019, which will see interventions at points 4 and 8 of the relevant pay scales.
There are many factors and personal circumstances which can give rise to an individual needing support and advice in respect of particular financial difficulties. The Personnel Support Service provides a confidential information, education, support and referral service to Defence Forces personnel and their families, giving access to information and services within and outside the military community.
Like other military organisations, turnover of personnel is higher than that which normally prevails in other sectors. In this context, there is ongoing recruitment and promotion to replace personnel who depart.
The Public Service Pay Commission is currently examining recruitment and retention issues in the Defence sector. This is on foot of an initial submission from the Department of Defence. The Commission's work is on-going. The Government will give due consideration to the findings and recommendations that arise from the work of the Commission.
50. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the whole-time equivalent number of those serving in the Defence Forces has dropped from 9,173 at the end of 2017 to 8,957 at the end of 2018; and the measures he will take to address the recruitment crisis in the Defence Forces. [9222/19]
View answerThe Government remains committed to achieving the strength target of at least 9,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and, within this context, my focus remains on maximising numbers as quickly as possible with the assistance of the Chief of Staff. However, there are a number of factors, some of which are hard to predict, which will impact on the timeframe for achieving the 9,500 target.
One such factor is the number of personnel departing in any given year. Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. This is not new.
The White Paper on Defence recognises that continuous recruitment is the lifeblood of the Defence Forces and significant on-going targeted recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force will continue in 2019 with the recruitment plan targeting some 800 new entrants across all services and competition streams throughout the year. As outlined, the precise net gain in strength will be dependent on a variety of factors. This includes the number of trained personnel that depart, the achievement of recruitment targets and the number of trainees that successfully complete training, all of which can vary year on year. The recruitment process itself is monitored and appraised on a continuous basis to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
I have previously acknowledged that challenges exist in recruiting and retaining some specialists such as Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and certain Technicians. These specialist can prove difficult to retain where, as in the current economic environment and jobs market, there are demands for such specialists in other sectors. I understand that this is a challenge being faced by military forces elsewhere and is not confined to Ireland.
In addition to traditional recruitment methods, a range of alternative recruitment approaches are being developed, aimed at addressing such vacancies in specialist areas. A scheme has been introduced which permits former Officers with specialist skills to re-enter the Permanent Defence Force and arrangements are in train to provide a similar scheme for former enlisted personnel.
Currently there is direct entry provision for those with professional qualifications which is utilised for the recruitment of Medical Officers and Engineers. A working group is examining the scope for greater use of such direct entry recruitment for certain specialist positions.
I would assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
52. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of work within his Department regarding the management and maintenance of the Curragh Plains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9429/19]
View answerThe Deputy will be pleased to learn that the recruitment process for the appointment of additional Curragh Plains land management staff to support the work of the Curragh Maor has been completed These additional resources will share in the task of overseeing activities on the ground including, but not limited to, litter, sheep branding, patrolling, monitoring users of lands, inspection of property boundaries, illegal encampments and engagement with the public. The additional two appointments are expected to commence duties in the coming weeks.
53. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to a site being filled at Donnelly’s Hollow on the Curragh; and if it was filled by his Department. [9358/19]
View answerI am advised that during the summer of 2017, construction and demolition waste was deposited on the lands referred to by the Deputy. This occurred in the absence of the appropriate sanction or consent from officials in my Department's Property Management Branch. Since then my Department has been liaising with Kildare County Council on the matter, and has submitted reports from an Environmental Engineering firm confirming that no environmental pollution has occurred. I am advised that no further incidents have occurred since then.
55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces at the end of 2018; the projected enlistment for 2019; if he is satisfied that there are adequate personnel in the Permanent Defence Forces should there be additional security requirements post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9420/19]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (whole time equivalent), across all services and ranks, at 31st December 2018 was 8,957 personnel comprised of:
- Army 7,243 personnel
- Air Corps 725 personnel
- Naval Service 989 personnel
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015). In order to achieve this target, the recruitment plan proposed by the Permanent Defence Force envisages some 800 new entrants being inducted in 2019, comprising of General Service Recruits, Apprentices, Cadets and Direct Entry Officers. The 2019 recruitment campaign has already commenced with the recent Naval Service General Service Recruit competition, which closed on 21 January, attracting 969 applications. These are currently being processed. The Permanent Defence Force continues to offer excellent opportunities for new entrants who wish to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State and for serving personnel who wish to further develop their skills.
I can assure the Deputy that prudent planning, in relation to any and all situations that may require a Defence Forces response, is incorporated into their everyday operations. The Defence Forces have engaged, and will continue to engage in all such prudent planning in accordance with the roles assigned by Government. This will be facilitated within existing resources.
56. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the significance for Ireland to be an observer on PESCO projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9405/19]
View answerIreland's participation in PESCO was agreed by Government and approved by Dáil Éireann prior to the Council Decision establishing PESCO on 11 December 2017. 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). It provides a framework which it is expected will contribute to delivering essential capabilities for CSDP crisis management operations.
In addition to participating in two PESCO projects, Ireland is currently an Observer on eight PESCO projects proposed by other participating Member States. The significance of Observer Status is that it allows our Defence Forces to keep abreast of developments in a particular area. Through participating as an observer at Project level, the Defence Forces can gain access to latest thinking and technology on capabilities of interest to them, in a situation where we may not have the level of resources necessary to participate fully in a project. In addition, participation as an observer allows you to see how a project is evolving and may inform a decision at a later stage as to whether Ireland participates in a particular PESCO project.
