Written Answers Nos. 193-210
193. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the Defence Forces intranet system was created and designed; the date on which it is due to be redeveloped; the estimated cost to modernise the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29801/20]
View answerThe Defence Forces have been providing intranet services to users since the early 1990’s. I am advised by the military authorities that the Network and Information Systems associated with the delivery of Defence Forces intranet services are reviewed and upgraded on an ongoing basis, as required. The cost of the development of the various elements of the system that require upgrading are assessed on a case by case basis.
194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if Naval Service or Army personnel who were prevented, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, from completing education or courses that would entitle them to additional pay will be provided with that additional pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29802/20]
View answerThe Covid 19 global pandemic has impacted on the education and training of all sectors in society including the public and private sector. The Defence Forces have cancelled all non-essential courses as one of the measures in the national effort to restrict the transmission of Covid 19. There are no plans to provide additional pay to personnel as a result of the elongation of courses, which is due to circumstances beyond the control of the Defence Forces.
195. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of times the Naval Service planned to send ships to sea in 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020 but cancelled its plans due to personnel shortages; the number of times ships were sent to sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29803/20]
View answerThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
Scheduled patrol days can be impacted by a range of factors including adverse weather conditions, unscheduled maintenance as well as staffing issues. The table below sets out the number of patrol days completed from 2018 up to the end of September 2020 against the number of scheduled patrol days cancelled.
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Number of Fishery Protection Patrol Days carried out |
1076 |
1036 |
577 |
|
Number of Non-Fishery Protection Patrol Days carried out |
221 |
25 |
216 |
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Lost: Mechanical Reasons |
170 |
42 |
7 |
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Lost: Personnel Issues |
63 |
50 |
12 |
All 2020 figures are accurate to end of September
Notwithstanding some mechanical and staffing issues being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection, security operations, and support to HSE in the fight against Covid 19.
The following revised table was received on 25 November 2020.
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Number of Fishery Protection Patrol Days carried out |
1076 |
1036 |
577 |
|
Number of Non-Fishery Protection Patrol Days carried out |
221 |
25 |
220 |
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Lost: Mechanical Reasons |
170 |
42 |
16 |
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Lost: Personnel Issues |
63 |
50 |
24 |
196. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the effective strength and the establishment strength of the Reserve Defence Force by rank in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29804/20]
View answerThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR).
End of month strength returns are collated at the mid-month point of the following month and hence September 2020 returns are not available at this time. The most up to date figures available therefore for the effective strength of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR), are as of 31 August 2020, and are set out below.
A key ongoing challenge for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is to recruit and retain personnel and there continues to be a shortfall between the current strength figures and the establishment of 4,069 personnel.
The restrictions imposed in the interests of public health as a result of the Covid 19 Pandemic have had a significant impact on many Defence Forces activities, particularly those involving collective training. As a result, it has been difficult to conduct RDF inductions. Nevertheless, a recruitment campaign for the AR and NSR was opened in March 2020 and 63 new members have been inducted so far this year.
I wish to assure the Deputy of the Government's continued commitment to on-going recruitment in the AR and NSR and I am advised that, while there are no specific dates as of yet, it is anticipated that another recruitment campaign for the AR and NSR will be opened in autumn 2020.
|
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL OFFR |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
TOTAL NCO |
PTE |
TOTAL |
|
|
AR |
5 |
46 |
79 |
99 |
229 |
1 |
4 |
25 |
40 |
246 |
278 |
573 |
699 |
1501 |
|
NR |
0 |
4 |
8 |
11 |
23 |
0 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
13 |
13 |
36 |
64 |
123 |
The substantive strength of the First Line Reserve (FLR) as of 31 August 2020 is as follows:
|
FORMATION |
OFFR |
NCO |
PTE |
TOTAL |
|
AR |
1 |
15 |
135 |
151 |
|
AC |
- |
4 |
22 |
26 |
|
NS |
3 |
14 |
86 |
103 |
|
TOTAL |
4 |
33 |
243 |
280 |
The combined establishment for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is 4,069 personnel, as broken down in the table below:
|
ESTABLISHMENT |
LT COL |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL OFFR |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGT |
CPL |
TOTAL NCO |
PTE |
TOTAL |
|
Army Reserve (AR) |
5 |
60 |
107 |
110 |
282 |
1 |
- |
38 |
38 |
301 |
708 |
1086 |
2501 |
3869 |
|
ESTABLISHMENT |
LT CDR |
LT |
TOTAL OFFR |
WO |
SCPO |
CPO |
PO |
LS |
TOTAL NCO |
SMN |
TOTAL |
|
Naval Service Reserve (NSR) |
4 |
20 |
24 |
- |
4 |
8 |
16 |
32 |
60 |
116 |
200 |
197. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the average age of personnel in the Reserve Defence Force by rank, in tabular form. [29805/20]
View answerThe military authorities have provided the information sought by the Deputy for both the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, which is set out in the table below. I have requested the military authorities to provide the information requested by the Deputy relating to the First Line Reserve and will revert to you once the information is received.
|
Rank (Army) |
Average Age |
|
Lt Col |
52 |
|
Comdt |
52 |
|
Capt |
48 |
|
Lt |
44 |
|
2/Lt |
40 |
|
Sgt Maj |
59 |
|
BQMS |
57 |
|
CS |
54 |
|
CQMS |
54 |
|
Sgt |
47 |
|
Cpl |
38 |
|
Pte 3* |
32 |
|
Pte 2* |
25 |
|
Grade 1 |
25 |
|
Rank (Naval Service) |
Average Age |
|
Lt Cdr |
53 |
|
Lt (NS) |
49 |
|
S/Lt |
41 |
|
ENS |
33 |
|
SCPO |
53 |
|
CPO |
51 |
|
PO |
39 |
|
LS |
40 |
|
AS |
29 |
|
OS |
26 |
|
Rank |
Average Age |
|
Sgt |
39 |
|
Cpl |
37 |
|
Pte 3 Star |
36 |
|
Pte 2 Star |
35 |
198. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the process for allowing former reservists re-enlist in the Reserve Defence Force to serve overseas in specific circumstances and allowing retired members of the Permanent Defence Force to move over to the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29806/20]
View answerThere is currently no provision in the Defence Acts to allow members of the RDF to be deployed overseas. The primary roles allocated to the RDF, remain to augment the Permanent Defence Force in crisis situations and to contribute to State ceremonial events.
The existing regulatory framework provides for former members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) to join the Army Reserve (AR) or Naval Service Reserve (NSR). This is subject to their meeting certain criteria.
Direct entry to the First Line Reserve (FLR) is limited to personnel who are departing the PDF and have undertaken, either voluntarily or on foot of a contractual commitment, to complete a period of service in the FLR.
I am certainly open to looking at the possibility of RDF members serving overseas on a voluntary basis. This could provide a means to augment the PDF in specialisms where skills gaps currently exist. I am also open to considering how recruitment, including of former members of the PDF, to the RDF can be improved.
In this context, the programme for Government provides for the establishment for a Commission on the Defence Forces and the work of the Commission will inform the future development of the RDF.
199. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of not subjecting the overseas pay of the Army and Naval Service to income tax in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29807/20]
View answerI presume the Deputy is referring the basic pay and allowances (e.g. military service allowance, technical pay, etc.) of members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) serving overseas rather than Overseas Peace Support Allowance (OPSA) and Overseas Armed Peace Support Allowance (OAPSA), which are already paid to personnel serving overseas on a non-taxable basis.
It is not possible to precisely estimate the amount of tax foregone in 2020 on foot of such an exemption as the amount of tax collected varies from pay period to pay period depending on the number of personnel serving overseas, the duration of such service and the individual pay rates of the personnel concerned. The tax collected in each individual case will also vary from person to person depending on the personal tax credits, reliefs and exemptions provided by the Revenue Commissioners.
On the basis of the number of PDF personnel serving overseas at end September 2020, it is estimated that the annual amount of tax not collected would be some €3.5m (this does not include PRSI and USC). This figure includes all PDF personnel serving overseas (i.e. Army, Air Corps and Naval Service).
Any decision to grant such an exemption would be a matter for the Minister for Finance in the first instance.
200. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of soldiers recruited and discharged in each of the years 2012 to 2019 and to date in 2020, for the Army, Air Corps and Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29808/20]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that it was not possible to collate the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
201. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the establishment strength for Air Corps technicians; the number of apprentices recruited in 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29809/20]
View answerI am informed by the military authorities that the establishment for Air Corps technicians is 322 personnel with a current strength (Wholetime Equivalent) of 176 personnel (as at 7th October 2020). The current gap in strength versus establishment has developed over a period of time.
Eight apprentice technicians were recruited in 2019 and 19 in 2020. A total of 62 apprentices are in training with all due to complete by 2024. A further apprentice competition will be held in Q1 2021 with intake planned for September 2021.
The contracting out of certain maintenance tasks coupled with the in-house services delivered by the personnel of the Air Corps combine to ensure that Air Corps aircraft are appropriately maintained.
Further options to develop technician capacity in the Air Corps are under consideration.
202. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the amount of allocation unspent by the Defence Forces and his Department and returned in 2018 and 2019 and to date in 2020; the subheads underspends arose from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29810/20]
View answerThe Defence Vote is treated as a Group (comprising of Vote 35 Army Pensions and Vote 36 Defence) Gross Budget Allocation and amounts unspent for the years 2018-2020 are as follows:
|
Year |
Gross Allocation |
Unspent Allocation |
|
2018 |
€946.4 million |
€2.7 million |
|
2019 |
€1,007.2 million |
€0.1 million |
|
2020 |
€1,040.1 million |
N/A |
The total amount remaining unspent at end-2018 was €2.7 million and at end-2019 was €0.1 million. The amount unspent from the 2020 allocations will not be known until year-end, but the position is being carefully monitored on an ongoing basis by my Department.
On an annual basis, savings arising across the Votes, including from Pay and Allowances, and within the Vote subheads, with the approval of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and in accordance with Government Accounting Procedures, have been used to address spending pressures elsewhere in the Vote Group and Vote subheads. This has uniquely enabled the Department to utilise savings on current expenditure to fund capital investment to ensure that the Defence Forces have modern and fit for purpose capital assets including naval vessels, aircraft and land forces force protection platforms. As a result, the actual overall amount remaining unspent in the years 2018 and 2019 was €2.8 million, representing 0.14% of the allocation for that period.
203. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the steps that have been taken towards establishing a commission on the future of defence, as promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29862/20]
View answerEstablishment of a Commission on the Defence Forces is an important commitment made in the recently agreed Programme for Government. The Commission will be tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review which will include the following matters:
-Arrangements for the effective defence of the country at land, air and sea.
- Structures for governance, joint command, and control structures.
- The brigade structure.
- Pay and allowances and composition of the Defence Forces.
- Recruitment, retention and career progression.
- The contribution of the Reserve Defence Forces, including its legislation and Defence Forces regulations governing it, and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas.
While the Programme for Government states that the Commission is be established before the end of 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months, I am anxious to ensure that it is established as early as possible before the end of this year and I am working with officials in my Department in an effort to achieve this.
My immediate priority is to commence a process of consultation on the terms of reference, as committed to in the Programme for Government, and my Department is currently looking at options in this regard.
The Programme for Government also sets out that the Commission will contain a wide variety of expertise such as management, human resources, academia, law, and public service, as well as members with external military expertise from countries similar in size to Ireland and also from states which, like Ireland, are non-aligned militarily. No decisions have been made yet on membership of the Commission and ultimately this, and the Commission's terms of reference, will both be matters for decision by Government.
204. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence if Ireland will reaffirm the commitment to working with the UK on defence issues after Brexit, as was previously agreed in 2015 with the memorandum of understanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29863/20]
View answerThe Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2015 relates to defence cooperation between Ireland and UK. The MoU provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the two states in the area of security and defence capacity, building on existing cooperation and seeking to identify new areas of cooperation with mutual benefits. It is a voluntary, non-binding arrangement and does not impact on Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality.
It is important that we maintain and develop the positive progress that has taken place so far. Any bilateral Ireland/UK cooperation on areas of mutual interest and concern in the defence and armed forces domain will remain in place post-Brexit and the MoU will continue to facilitate cooperation between Ireland and the UK in the agreed areas into the future.
Areas covered by the MoU include exercises, training activities, exchange of information, knowledge and experience, shared threat analysis, staff to staff talks both civil and military and joint operations and capacity building in support of international peace and security.
Supplementary written arrangements in the form of MOUs, Technical Arrangements etc. may be concluded between Ireland and the UK for the purpose of implementing this cooperation. To this end, a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the sharing of and protection of Defence classified information was concluded between Ireland and the UK in 2019.
205. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence when will the commission on the Defence Forces be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30047/20]
View answerEstablishment of a Commission on the Defence Forces is an important commitment made in the recently agreed Programme for Government. The Commission will be tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review which will include the following matters:
- Arrangements for the effective defence of the country at land, air and sea.
- Structures for governance, joint command, and control structures.
- The brigade structure.
- Pay and allowances and composition of the Defence Forces.
- Recruitment, retention and career progression.
- The contribution of the Reserve Defence Forces, including its legislation and Defence Forces regulations governing it, and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas.
While the Programme for Government states that the Commission is be established before the end of 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months, I am anxious to ensure that it is established as early as possible before the end of this year and I am working with officials in my Department in an effort to achieve this.
My immediate priority is to commence a process of consultation on the terms of reference, as committed to in the Programme for Government, and my Department is currently looking at options in this regard.
The Programme for Government also sets out that the Commission will contain a wide variety of expertise such as management, human resources, academia, law, and public service, as well as members with external military expertise from countries similar in size to Ireland and also from states which, like Ireland, are non-aligned militarily. No decisions have been made yet on membership of the Commission and ultimately this, and the Commission's terms of reference, will both be matters for decision by Government.
206. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider permitting an association (details supplied) to associate with a representative body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30048/20]
View answer208. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if an organisation (details supplied) will be considered for alignment with a representative body. [30217/20]
View answer210. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the date on which a decision will be made regarding permitting the affiliating union of the Defence Forces to an organisation (details supplied); the reason this decision has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30360/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 206, 208 and 210 together.
Under the Defence Acts, 1954-2015, the Permanent Defence Force representative associations are prohibited from being associated with or affiliated with any trade unions or any other body without the consent of the Minister.
To compensate for these limitations there are a range of statutory redress mechanisms available to serving members, including redress of wrongs, a Defence Forces Ombudsman and a Conciliation and Arbitration scheme.
In 2017, the European Committee of Social Rights, in a non- binding ruling, found that Ireland was in violation of the European Social Charter in respect of the right to organise, that is to affiliate to certain organisations and the right to negotiate collective agreements. The Committee found that Ireland was not in violation of the European Social Charter in respect of the prohibition of the right of military personnel to strike.
The Government is aware of the long standing desire of PDFORRA to associate with ICTU. However, association with ICTU poses complex questions for the Defence Forces from a legal, operational and management perspective. It is critically important that Defence Forces operations are not restricted and this is a key concern.
The European Committee of Social Rights in arriving at its decision took into account a statement made in the complaint, which claimed that ICTU had stated that “PDFORRA could be affiliated to ICTU with whatever conditions the Government deemed necessary”. Defence management (civil and military) have been engaged in discussions with the Permanent Defence Force representative associations and ICTU regarding the practicalities of a Defence Forces representative association forming association/affiliation with ICTU. These discussions have encompassed matters of concern to all parties.
PDFORRA initiated legal proceedings on this matter on 26 June 2020. As this matter is now subject to litigation, it would not be appropriate to comment further.
207. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to deal with issues in the Defence Forces concerning allegations of sexual abuse, bullying and harassment of personnel; his plans to implement safeguards; his plans to establish investigations or inquiries into the allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30192/20]
View answerAll members of the Defence Forces have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. These unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces.
I am advised that there are robust measures and systems currently in place within the Defence Forces to address allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. Defence Force Regulation A7, in the first instance, provides the regulatory framework for dealing with such matters for serving members of the Defence Forces in both a formal and informal way through a trained Designated Contact Person (DCP) network.
Within this framework, Administrative Instruction A7, Chapter 1 sets out the Defence Forces policy and procedures regarding interpersonal relationships in the Defence Forces including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying, in order to deter unacceptable behaviour and promote a service environment based on mutual respect, equality and professionalism.
Underpinned by a strong set of organisational values, Defence Forces personnel are additionally required to ensure that their own actions and behaviour do not cause offence to others or contribute in any way to a discriminatory working environment. Personnel are expected to support the policy on sexual harassment, harassment or bullying by bringing instances where such behaviour has occurred to attention at an early stage and co-operating with an investigation whether as a complainant, the person complained of, or as a witness.
Central to the concept of an effective service environment is the commitment of the leadership and members of the Defence Forces to maintain an atmosphere in which the dignity of each individual is respected. In adopting a ‘Dignity Charter’, the Defence Forces subscribes to this commitment by seeking to create and maintain a positive working environment that recognises and protects the right of each individual to dignity at work, and to ensure that all individuals are aware of and committed to the principles set out in this Charter and the Military Authorities have advised that the Commanders of each unit/ staff section are required to ensure that copies of this Charter are widely displayed in their own areas of command responsibility.
The need to care for the well-being of its members is a priority for the Defence Forces and in this regard, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) is in place for the use of members and their immediate family, The Brigade PSS Office and Occupational Social Worker network in each Brigade/Formation supports Defence Forces personnel and their families in times of crisis and general difficulty. Services include the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.
Through its various policies and strategies, I am satisfied therefore that the Defence Forces are taking all reasonable steps to provide an inclusive workplace environment, free from harassment, intimidation and bullying, and where dignity and respect are afforded to all.
Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.
209. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence the duties undertaken by Óglaigh na hÉireann during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30304/20]
View answerWhilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its ATCA role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments. The Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering and transport plant and equipment which is suitable for use in emergency situations and these are made available, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. It has the authority to draw together, in a joint manner, the contribution of all of the elements of the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve, etc. This was provided for in a Defence Forces Regulation signed by and under the authority of the Minister for Defence.
The Defence Forces Joint Task Force is based in McKee Barracks and its priority from the beginning has been to provide support to the HSE, while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support. The wide range of supports that the Defence Forces have provided to the HSE, as coordinated by the Joint Task Force during the COVID-19 crisis include:
- operation of the COVID-19 testing centre at the Aviva stadium;
- support for contact tracing efforts;
- transportation by the Air Corps of COVID-19 tests to Germany;
- collection of PPE from more than 260 cargo flights and the ongoing storage and distribution of this PPE to various HSE sites;
- support for HSE testing efforts including through the deployment of Naval Service vessels to Dublin, Cork and Galway;
- PPE training to workers at Cork and Waterford harbours by Naval service personnel;
- provision of tentage and marshalling support at various HSE testing sites around the country;
- transportation of patients for testing;
- assistance with the fit out of temporary facilities for the HSE (for example, the HSE facilities at City West and the University of Limerick);
- production and assembly of PPE using 3D printing facilities; and
- the use of lands at Ballymullen Barracks as a COVID-19 testing facility and contact tracing hub.
In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces have also provided a broad range of support to other Departments and Agencies. Provision of this support was also coordinated by the Joint Task Force and examples include:
- Support has been provided to the National Ambulance Service through Defence Forces ambulance and crew supports along with tele-triage supports and Covid 19 testing supports.
- Support to the Office of Government Procurement through assistance with storage and distribution of PPE.
- Support to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through the use of lands at Sarsfields Barracks for the location of one of the National Temporary Body Storage Facilities. The Defence Forces were also on standby to provide support if required at the Dublin based National Temporary Body Storage Facility at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
