Written Answers Nos. 1-21
1. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for a site (details supplied) in County Cork owned by his Department; the size of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2647/20]
View answerThe land in question, known as Fort Templebreedy, which comprises c.37 acres, remains an operational facility and continues to be used by the Defence Forces. There are no plans under consideration to dispose of the site at this time.
2. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to recognise all veteran organisations in view of the active participation and involvement of veterans in organisations beyond those that receive State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2726/20]
View answerThere are a range of ex-service associations, including comrades associations, officer and enlisted personnel associations.
My Department formally recognises two veterans’ associations, O.N.E (Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann - Organisation of National Ex-Service men and Women) and IUNVA (Irish United Nations Veterans Association).
These associations represent all former Defence Forces personnel irrespective of rank. My Department provides funding to both associations and there are no plans to formally recognise other veterans' organisations.
3. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a person born on a certain date (details supplied) is eligible for the latest round of recruitment for the Defence Forces; the policy in relation to age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2748/20]
View answerFor General Service recruitment the candidate must be between 18 and 25 years of age at the time of application. As there is ongoing General Service recruitment the individual will be eligible to apply at any time in 2020 on or after their 18th birthday.
For the 2020 Cadetships, a candidate must be 18 years of age or above and under 26 years of age on 1 September 2020. Where a candidate at the time of application, has not reached 18 years of age, the prior consent of the candidate's parents or guardian, or other person in loco parentis, will be required.
4. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason a German Navy aircraft (details supplied) was at Baldonnell Aerodrome on 20 February 2020; if this was in connection with the large NATO exercise Defender 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2757/20]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly or land in this State require the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This procedure was followed for the aircraft in question and it was facilitated for landing at Casement Aerodrome.
5. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Defence Forces personnel are participating in the NATO exercise Defender 2020 either as participants or observers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2758/20]
View answer'Defender 2020' is the largest US-led exercise in Europe in 25 years. The exercise will involve the participation of 16 NATO Allies and at least 2 Partner countries.
No members of the Defence Forces are participating in the US-led 'Defender 2020' exercise either as participants or observers
6. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a request can be facilitated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2797/20]
View answerI can confirm that the Defence Forces will be participating in the 2020 St Patricks' Day Parade in Kilmallock. The Community Support Section of my Department will be in contact with the event organisers to confirm the details.
7. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to reintroduce a new Army barracks in counties Cavan, 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. [2879/20]
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 decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.
Ireland's objectives for the Brexit process have been clear and consistent from the very beginning. Recognising the unique situation on the island of Ireland, the revised draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland provides important safeguards that the Good Friday Agreement will be protected in all its parts, including avoiding a hard border, protecting North South cooperation and the all island economy. It also protects the integrity of the EU's Single Market and Customs Union and Ireland's place in them. The Agreement reached between the EU and the UK clearly achieves all of these objectives. Prior to formally leaving the EU on 31st January last, members of the British Parliament voted in favour of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill on 9th January, which implements the exit deal agreed with the EU last year. The ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement means that, regardless of the outcome of the Future Relationship negotiations, the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland will be in place and, as such, that there will be no hard border on the island.
In these circumstances, there are no plans for a new Army barracks in counties Cavan, Monaghan or the greater Border region. As I have said in the past, 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.
8. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new recruitment campaign for the Air Corps fire service will commence before end of quarter 2 of 2020; and if not, the date on which it will commence. [3185/20]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that the Defence Forces do not recruit directly into the Air Corps Fire Service.
Aviation fire-fighting is a specialist area and all members of the Air Corps Crash Rescue Service must successfully pass the basic aviation firefighting course before they serve as active members of the Air Corps Crash Rescue service.
The last Aviation Fire Fighters course was run in Q2 of 2019 and the organisation of future courses will be determined by the military authorities, in line with requirements.
9. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the capital allocation for Defence in 2020; and the expenditure allocations for major capital infrastructure projects in the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and equipment. [3186/20]
View answerA capital expenditure allocation of €113 million has been allocated to Vote 36 Defence in 2020, an increase of €7 million on the corresponding 2019 NDP allocation. This is in accordance with the National Development Plan, which provides for an overall capital allocation of €541 million for Defence for the period 2018 to 2022.
The main categories of capital expenditure in the 2020 Defence allocation are as follows:
- Capability Development - €76 million;
- Defence Forces Built Infrastructure - €20 million;
- Military Transport - €6 million;
- Defence Forces Communication and Information Technology Equipment - €5 million;
- Other Equipment - €6 million.
This level of capital funding allows the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper.
It also demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all their assigned roles, both at home and overseas.
10. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the date on which three new aircraft (details supplied) came into the fleet and-or use. [3187/20]
View answerMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The White Paper on Defence provides for the replacement of the current Air Corps Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft which will be equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). Following an open tender competition, a contract was placed with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in December 2017 at a cost of some €32m plus VAT for the provision of three PC-12 fixed wing utility aircraft suitably equipped for ISTAR tasks which will replace the Cessna FR 172H fleet. The contract is well underway and it is expected that the three aircraft will be delivered in 2020.
The Deputy may wish to note that the White Paper also provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft, which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. Following a tender competition a contract was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019 for delivery to two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
In accordance with the National Development Plan, the capital allocation for Defence has been increased to €113 million for 2020, an increase of €7 million on the 2019 NDP allocation. The NDP provides for a total of €541 million over the period 2018 to 2022. This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to continue the programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years. The replacement of the Air Corps Cessna aircraft and the CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft are among the projects included for funding.
11. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when documentation which has been requested by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in relation to their job application to the Defence Forces will issue to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3464/20]
View answerThe military authorities have advised me that the requested documentation will be forwarded directly to the individual.
12. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the projects funded by Defence capital expenditure from 2016 to 2019; the projects planned in 2020; and the specific funding allocated to each. [3560/20]
View answerGross Defence capital expenditure outturn over the years 2016 to 2019 was €429 million. This level of funding facilitated a programme of sustained equipment replacement and renewal and infrastructure development, as set out in the Defence White Paper.
Major Defence capital projects are multi annual in nature and expenditure can span a number of years. The following table outlines the major capital equipment projects which were progressed over the 2016 to 2019 period. Project 1 is now concluded; Projects 2 to 6 will continue in 2020 and will be funded from overall available capital funds.
Major Capital Equipment Projects from 2016 to 2019:
|
Project |
Expenditure 2016-2019* |
|
1. Naval Service Vessel Replacement Programme (Concluding Phase of Programme) |
€83.0m |
|
2. CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Programme |
€55.4m |
|
3. Armoured Personnel Carrier Fleet Mid-Life Upgrade |
€57.4m |
|
4. Air Corps Fixed Wing Utility Aircraft Project |
€29.0m |
|
5. Mid-Life Refit of Naval Service Vessels |
€6.1m |
|
6. Virtual Desktop Architecture IT Project |
€9.9m |
*2019 figures are provisional
Over the period referenced, further capital expenditure was invested in a range of additional programmes including force protection, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition systems.
Along with equipment programmes, capital investment in Defence Forces Built Infrastructure of €46 million over the period from 2016 to 2019 has facilitated the modernisation and renewal of barrack infrastructure across a broad range of military installations throughout the country.
A capital expenditure allocation of €113 million has been allocated to Vote 36 Defence in 2020, an increase of €7 million on the corresponding 2019 NDP allocation. This is in accordance with the overall National Development Plan, which provides for a total capital allocation of €541 million for Defence for the period 2018 to 2022.
The main categories of capital expenditure in the 2020 Defence allocation are as follows:
- Capability Development - €76 million;
- Defence Forces Built Infrastructure - €20 million;
- Military Transport - €6 million;
- Defence Forces Communication and Information Technology Equipment - €5 million;
- Other Equipment - €6 million.
This level of capital funding demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all their assigned roles, both at home and overseas.
13. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the funding provided to improve Defence Forces accommodation from 2016 to 2019; the projects planned in 2020; and the specific funding allocated to each. [3561/20]
View answerIn order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capability to deliver on all of the roles assigned by Government, I am committed to the development and improvement of the physical environment and living conditions in military installations throughout the country.
I can confirm to the Deputy that from 2016 to 2019 some €98.3m was spent on the maintenance, refurbishment and the development of infrastructure projects including Defence Forces accommodation.
In this context and looking to the future, I can confirm that a 5 year Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme has recently been published. This Programme, developed together with the military authorities, will provide a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. The plan will ensure that the required capital funding is prioritised. The list of projects for delivery will be updated annually to form the basis for the selection of capital projects under the programme into the future.
In regards to 2020 planned projects, a number of the following capital projects are currently at various stages of development from design tender to project commencement including:
- Construction of new Gymnasia at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, €3.3 million
- Construction of a new Cadet School Headquarters Building in the Curragh, €2.1m
- Upgrade to waste and water services at Coolmoney Camp, €1 million
- Upgrade and Refurbishment of two buildings at McKee Barracks, €7.5 million
- Upgrade of No.8 &9 Block Haulbowline and Construction of one new Block/upgrade of No. 1 Block at Collins Barracks, €12.6 million
- Upgrading of underground services at Barracks in Kilkenny, Dundalk, Galway Finner Camp,and Casement Aerodrome, €2.8 million
- Upgrade of Electric Target Range, DFTC, €2.4 million
- Upgrade of the former USAC Complex in Galway,€6.5 million
- Remediation of Spencer Jetty, Haulbowline Naval Base,€2.6 million
14. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the outturn for Vote 36 of the Defence budget in 2019; and the extent of the variation from the original 2019 estimate. [3562/20]
View answerThe Gross Budget Allocation for Vote 36 Defence for 2019 was some €758m and the provisional outturn is €756.1m. An amount of €1.9m was required to meet a shortfall on the Army Pensions Vote which was dealt with by a Supplementary Estimate on Vote 35, approved in December 2019.
15. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the outturn for Vote 35 of the Defence budget in 2019; and the extent of the variation from the original 2019 estimate. [3563/20]
View answerThe Gross Allocation for Vote 35 Army Pensions for 2019 was €251.033 million, which included a Supplementary Estimate of €1.9 million, approved in December 2019. The Supplementary Estimate was funded by a corresponding amount from Vote 36 Defence. The provisional outturn for Vote 35 for 2019 is €250.966 million.
16. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces as of 29 February 2020; the breakdown by rank across the three services; the gender breakdown of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3564/20]
View answerThe details of the strength of the Permanent Defence Force across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps as at 31st January (the latest date for which such data is available); the breakdown of all ranks across the three services; and the gender breakdown of same are available at the following link:
17. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Defence Forces Reserve as of 29 February 2020 with regard to the three services and each rank; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3565/20]
View answerThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR).
The most up to date figures available for the effective strength of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR), as of 31 January 2020, are set out in the following tables.
|
Effective |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
Total Officers |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
Total NCO |
Pte |
Total |
|
Army Reserve (AR) |
3 |
43 |
87 |
104 |
237 |
1 |
4 |
32 |
45 |
214 |
293 |
589 |
702 |
1528 |
|
Naval Service Reserve (NSR) |
0 |
3 |
9 |
5 |
17 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
7 |
26 |
42 |
72 |
131 |
The breakdown of females of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve for the same period is as follows:
|
Effective |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
Total Officers |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
Total NCO |
Pte |
Total |
|
Army Reserve (AR) |
0 |
3 |
10 |
18 |
31 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
14 |
55 |
71 |
99 |
201 |
|
Naval Service Reserve (NSR) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
14 |
20 |
The substantive strength of the First line Reserve for the same period is as follows:
|
Formation |
Officer |
NCO |
PTE |
Total |
|
Army |
9 |
12 |
136 |
157 |
|
Air Corps |
|
4 |
21 |
25 |
|
Naval Service |
10 |
12 |
86 |
108 |
|
Total |
19 |
28 |
243 |
290 |
*The gender breakdown of the FLR is not available
The Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capabilities.
18. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits to the Permanent Defence Forces in 2019 with regard to the three services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3566/20]
View answerThe following table shows the total inductions to the Permanent Defence Force in 2019, broken down by branch and gender. This encompasses general service recruits, cadets, apprentices and direct entrants.
|
|
Total |
Male |
Female |
|
Total Inductions* |
615 |
571 |
44 |
|
Army |
465 |
426 |
39 |
|
Navy |
114 |
110 |
4 |
|
Air Corps |
36 |
35 |
1 |
* includes10 serving soldiers who were awarded a cadetship.
19. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits to the Defence Forces Reserve in 2019 with regard to the three services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3567/20]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that 114 new members have been inducted into the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) during 2019, broken down as follows:
|
|
Total number inducted |
Number of females inducted |
|
Army Reserve (AR) |
97 |
8 |
|
Naval Service Reserve (NSR) |
17 |
2 |
The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment to the AR and NSR. I am advised that it is intended that a recruitment campaign for the AR and NSR will be opened in March 2020.
20. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the attention of his Department or the Defence Forces medical authorities were advised when deciding to allow melfoquine as the anti-malaria drug of first choice for Defence Forces personnel on overseas missions in sub-Saharan Africa that it could cause severe mental disturbances and psychiatric or neurological side effects in view of the World Health Organisation warning in 1989. [3713/20]
View answer21. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the attention of his Department or the Defence Forces medical authorities were advised when deciding to allow melfoquine as the anti-malaria drug of first choice for Defence Forces personnel on overseas missions in sub-Saharan Africa in particular in view of an article (details supplied) highlighting the World Health Organisation warning in 1989 that it could cause severe mental disturbances and psychiatric or neurological side effects. [3714/20]
View answer33. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the attention of the malaria chemoprophylaxis working group was drawn to the World Health Organisation report of 30 September 1989 that the drug lariam may cause severe mental disturbances and other psychiatric or neurological side effects; if the report and other subsequent reports or inquiries were taken into account in preparation of their reports; and when the reports of the group will be published. [3730/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21 and 33 together.
I am advised that the Defence Forces Medical Policy on the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis (including the use of Lariam) is in line with United Nations and World Health Organisation guidelines.
UN Medical Support Manual 2015 Edition serves as the standard reference document on medical support aspects of United Nations peacekeeping operations and political missions in the field. This Manual provides that anti-malarial medicines can be used to prevent malaria. It does not make any recommendations as to which chemoprophylaxis should be used but rather makes reference to the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Travel and Health Handbook for the latest information on malaria chemoprophylaxis. The WHO Handbook provides for a range of anti-malarials, which includes mefloquine (Lariam). The WHO Handbook notes that there are specific contraindications and possible side-effects for all anti-malarial drugs.
The report of the Malaria Chemoprophylaxis Working Group was prepared in the context of current and potential litigation, and is therefore legally privileged and will not be published.
