Written Answers Nos. 419-441
419. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the amount of additional ring-fenced funding to be provided to domestic violence services under budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to increased incidence of domestic violence through Covid-19 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37125/20]
View answerThe Defence Vote Group do not receive funding for the provision of domestic violence services. No ring-fenced funding for domestic violence services was provided to the Defence Vote Group as part of Budget 2021.
421. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of projects outlined in the White Paper on Defence 2015 categorised as under way, not yet commenced, completed, paused and closed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36200/20]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon and covers all aspects of defence within overall security policy. The White Paper on Defence – Update 2019, which was published in December 2019 following Government approval, is the first in a new fixed cycle of defence reviews which the Government decided to introduce when it approved the White Paper in 2015. The Update follows the approach set out in the White Paper. It provides that these reviews are to consider progress made since 2015 and any revisions required. Further, these reviews are to encompass a fully updated assessment of the security environment with a fresh consideration of implications for overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing.
Implementation of all actions and projects is being carried out by civil-military teams on a phased basis over a ten-year period out to 2025 and is receiving continuous joint civil/military oversight of progress. All of the actions or projects are being implemented in addition to the substantial body of work conducted by the civil and military elements of the Department of Defence on a daily basis.
As part of this, the Update includes a comprehensive review of overall progress with White Paper implementation. Since publication of the White Paper, a total of 95 separate projects have been identified for completion over a ten-year period. Included in the Update is a full breakdown of the current status of all projects and actions as well as a full report, on a chapter by chapter basis, of the outcome of the review of implementation. (The Update is available to download on my Department’s website.)
To provide flexibility, projects may be sub-divided or merged, changing the top-line number. Currently, the total number of projects stands at 95, with this number subject to further change as the process evolves. 42 of these projects have been initiated with 20 closed and a number of others due to close shortly. Following on from the White Paper Update and the Government’s High Level Plan to implement the Report of the Public Service Pay Commission senior civil and military management are concluding a review of the projects which will result in reprioritisation of certain projects. This takes account of work that is progressing across the organisation which has been contributing to implementation of the White Paper.
Implementation on a phased basis is necessary in order to reflect Programme for a Partnership Government and Strategy Statement commitments, the related nature of some projects and resourcing implications. The Table below reflects the current situation:
|
No. of Projects Underway |
No. of Projects not yet Commenced |
No. of Projects Completed |
No. of Projects Paused |
Timeframe for Completion |
|
42 |
53 |
20 |
4 |
2025* |
The 42 White Paper projects initiated comprehend a huge body of work. Taken with the extensive actions in the HR area, very significant progress has been made across all defence priorities. I will be working to advance this even further. While it is currently intended to have all projects initiated or completed by the end of the ten year implementation programme, work in certain areas will continue beyond 2025 in order to ensure that changes, improvements and actions envisaged in the White Paper are sustained and that the positive outcomes endure and are embedded in the day to day business of the Defence Organisation.
422. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of planned and completed recruitment competitions for the Army, Naval Service, Air Corps and Army Reserve from 2017 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36201/20]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that all Permanent Defence Force competitions planned between 2017 and 2020 (to date) took place. The table below sets out the requested details for these competitions:
|
PDF Competitions |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Army General Service |
2 |
2 |
* |
* |
|
Naval Service General Service |
2 |
3 |
* |
* |
|
Air Corps Apprenticeship |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Cadetship (Army, Air Corp and Naval Service) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Army Direct Entry Medical Officer & Medical Medicine Scheme |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Army Direct Entry Specialist |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Naval Service Direct Entry Specialist |
3 |
3 |
8 |
8 |
|
Re-enlist/Re-Commission Scheme (Army, Air Corp and Naval Service) |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
*Ongoing recruitment throughout the year
Two recruitment competitions for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) were planned and completed in each year from 2017 to 2019. One RDF competition was planned, and was completed, for early 2020. Further recruitment measures for the RDF are under consideration. The restrictions imposed in the interests of public health as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic have had a significant impact on certain Defence Forces activities, leading to difficulties in conducting inductions and training, including for the RDF, which has impacted on the intake of Reserve recruits in the latter half of the year.
423. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the unspent allocation under Vote 35 and unspent under Vote 36 from 2017 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36202/20]
View answerThe Defence Vote Group is comprised of Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence. Gross Budget Allocation and Outturn for both Votes for the years 2017-2020 are as follows:
|
Year |
Vote 35 Allocation €m* |
Vote 35 Outturn €m |
Vote 36 Allocation €m |
Vote 36 Outturn €m |
Vote Group Allocation €m |
Vote Group Outturn €m |
|
2017 |
229.6 |
240.0 |
691.8 |
680.5 |
921.4 |
920.5 |
|
2018 |
239.1 |
242.3 |
707.3 |
701.4 |
946.4 |
943.7 |
|
2019 |
249.1 |
251.0 |
758.1 |
756.1 |
1,007.2 |
1,007.1 |
|
2020 |
259.2 |
|
781.0 |
|
1,040.2 |
|
* Vote 35 required a Supplementary Estimate for 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The total amount remaining unspent at end-2017 was €0.9 million, at end-2018 was €2.7 million and at end-2019 was €0.1 million. The end-year outturn for 2020 is not yet known but the position is being carefully monitored on an on-going basis by my Department.
On an annual basis, pay and other savings arising within subheads across the Votes have, with the approval of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and in accordance with Government Accounting Procedures, been used to address spending pressures across the Vote Group. This approach has helped to maximise the resources available to my Department and has facilitated investment in significant capital assets across Aircraft, Naval and Force Protection platforms.
The actual overall amount remaining unspent in the Defence Vote Group from 2017 to 2019 was €3.7 million, representing 0.13% of the allocation for that period.
425. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel on career breaks in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36204/20]
View answerThe administration of Career Breaks or Special Leave Without Pay and Allowances (SLWPA), is provided for in Defence Force Regulation A11, Paragraph 36. The Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) determines the granting of such leave, which is subject to the exigencies of the service.
The Military authorities have advised that as of 30 September 2020, there are a total of 69 Defence Forces personnel currently availing of a career break, the breakdown of which is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
To date in 2020 |
61 |
4 |
4 |
69 |
Members of the Defence Forces may be granted no more than two career breaks over the course of their service in the Permanent Defence Force. Career breaks may be granted for the purposes of domestic responsibilities, further education and travel abroad for periods of not less than six months and not more than five years.
A career break for the purposes of self-employment will consist of special leave without pay and allowances for a period of not less than six months, and not more than three years.
426. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the property or installations that have been sold by his Department since 2017; the amount raised; the purpose for which the amount was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36205/20]
View answerSince 1998, my Department has been engaged in an ongoing programme of barracks consolidation and the property portfolio is kept under continual review. This programme has resulted in the disposal of a range of properties that were identified as surplus to military requirements. The properties outlined below, in tabular form, are those that have been disposed of since 2017.
|
Date |
Location/Property |
Amount received |
|
14/02/2017 |
Part training camp Knockalisheen, Co. Clare. |
€17,000 |
|
14/02/2017 |
Part Military barracks, Longford |
€450,000 |
|
01/06/2017 |
Strip of land at boundary of Nenagh Barracks, Co. Tipperary. |
€2,000 |
|
01/09/2017 |
Part Military barracks, Longford. |
€2,500 |
|
30/05/2018 |
Part training camp Knockalisheen, Co. Clare. |
€1,000 |
|
18/12/2018 |
Sale of land at Fort Davis, County Cork. |
€13,399 |
|
14/02/2019 |
Old Sewage Plant, Baldonnel. |
€97,500 |
|
01/03/2019 |
3-Bed Mid Terrace House* - Orchard Park, Curragh. |
€1 if demanded. |
|
02/03/2019 |
3-Bed Semi Detached House* - Orchard Park, Curragh. |
€1 if demanded. |
|
07/03/2019 |
Plot of Land, Knockalisheen, Co. Clare |
€30,000 |
|
25/03/2019 |
Plot of Land, Beech Tree, Curragh. |
€8,750 |
* Property transferred to Kildare County Council for nominal consideration
As set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015) , the Government has decided that 100% of receipts from property disposals are to be reinvested in the defence capital programme and necessary adjustments made in financial provisions.
427. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel due for retirement in 2020, by the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36206/20]
View answerThe table below shows the number of Permanent Defence Force personnel, by branch, discharged in 2020 as at 30th September 2020.
|
Branch |
Total Departures |
|
Army |
331 |
|
Air Corps |
32 |
|
Naval Service |
70 |
|
Total |
433 |
Discharges include personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges. Included in this number is the number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
Additionally, the military authorities have advised that a total of 15 discharges, on age grounds, are pending before the end of the year (Army:-11, Air Corps: -2, Naval Service: -2). There are also likely to be additional departures on other grounds which cannot be quantified at this point.
428. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of times he has met with unions (details supplied) since taking office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36207/20]
View answerSince my appointment as Minister for Defence, earlier this year, I have met with representatives from RACO and PDFORRA on two occasions. On 17 July 2020, I met officials from both RACO and PDFORRA in Cork. Just last month, I met again with RACO and PDFORRA officials in Dublin on the 20 October 2020.
A meeting with RDFRA which was scheduled was unavoidably postponed. I have instructed my officials to reschedule a meeting with RDFRA at the earliest opportunity.
I look forward to continued positive engagement with the representative associations for members of the Defence Forces.
429. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the additional ring-fenced funding to be provided by his Department to domestic violence services in Budget 2021 in order that services can respond adequately to the shadow pandemic of domestic violence through Covid-19 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36338/20]
View answerThe Defence Vote Group do not receive funding for the provision of domestic violence services. No ring-fenced funding for domestic violence services was provided to the Defence Vote Group as part of Budget 2021.
430. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the funding being allocated for the upgrade of facilities for personnel in the Curragh Camp, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36374/20]
View answerThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025 was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe. Over the course of the programme it is projected that some €145m will be allocated to ensure programme delivery.
In relation to the Defence Forces Training Centre, the Deputy may wish to note that the following major capital projects have been completed recently:
- the refurbishment of Blocks B and D of Pearse Barracks (€3.1m);
- the provision of a newly constructed ammunition storage facility (€10.3m);
- the completion in 2020 of the upgrading and refurbishment of Plunkett Block 7 (€2m).
My Department has allocated in excess of €9m to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This is a devolved budget assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out under the devolved budget, is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
The Plan also calls for the development of the following projects in the DFTC:
- provision of a new Electric Target Range;
- provision of a new Cadet school;
- provision of a new CIS workshop;
- provision of a new ARW Headquarters; and the
- development of a new auditorium suite at the Military College.
432. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the way in which his Department’s annual amount for contingent liability is set; the factors considered when setting contingent liability; if forecasting is undertaken regarding setting future amounts; the contingent liability figure for his Department for 2020; and if the contingency provision has been utilised to date in 2020. [36899/20]
View answerPublic Financial Procedures set out that a contingent liability arises in any situation where past or current actions or events create a risk of a call on Exchequer funds in the future. Contingent liabilities are disclosed by way of a note to the appropriation account. My Department has internal financial and risk assessment processes in place which seek to identify any contingent liabilities. No contingent liability has been identified to date for 2020.
433. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of full-time Defence Forces personnel that have died while in service from 1 January 2000 to date in 2020; the section the person served in at the time of death; the cause of death and year of death in tabular form; and the amount paid in death in service pay for this period. [37004/20]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy could not be collated within the timeframe. I have requested the Military Authorities to provide this information as soon as possible and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as the information is made available to me.
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
2020* |
4 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
|
2019 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
|
2018 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
2017 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
|
2016 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
|
2015 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
|
2014 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
|
2013 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
10 |
|
2012 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
|
2011 |
10 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
|
2010 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
|
2009 |
12 |
5 |
1 |
18 |
|
2008 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
2007 |
15 |
1 |
0 |
16 |
|
2006 |
13 |
3 |
0 |
16 |
|
2005 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
|
2004 |
10 |
2 |
1 |
13 |
|
2003 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
|
2002 |
11 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
|
2001 |
13 |
1 |
3 |
17 |
|
2000 |
13 |
1 |
3 |
17 |
434. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the steps taken to date or pending to ensure that the strength of the Defence Forces is restored to optimum levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37052/20]
View answerThe establishment of the Permanent Defence Force, as set out in the White Paper for Defence is 9,500 personnel. The military authorities have advised that, at 30th September 2020, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, was 8,529 personnel.
Despite the difficulties posed by the Covid situation, recruitment has continued, albeit at reduced rate, and there have been 449 inductions to date this year. This figure includes re-commissioned Air Corps pilots and re-enlisted personnel, initiatives designed to address requirements in specialist areas.
A range of other measures have been undertaken in an effort to restore numbers to establishment strength. The High Level Plan - Strengthening Our Defence Forces - Phase 1 arising from the Public Service Pay Commission Report on recruitment and retention, is a key part of the response. The immediate pay increases recommended in the report have been delivered and further pay measures will be considered as part of the next round of public sector pay negotiations. The other recommendations are all being progressed.
I have also recently introduced a new sea-going service commitment scheme for Naval Service personnel following on from the introduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps. An extension of the sea-going tax credit for Naval Service Personnel has also been agreed.
Working closely with the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff, I am committed to addressing the current challenges that are facing the Defence Forces.
435. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which health and safety checks are carried out on a regular basis throughout the Defence Forces in respect of all equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37053/20]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas. The equipment planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology, including communications equipment and technology and this is an ongoing process.
I am advised by the military authorities that General Routine Order 05/2015 ‘Health and Safety Management in the Defence Forces’ sets out the Defence Forces health and safety risk management system, which is designed to control risk and continually improve health and safety risk performance through proactive and effective health and safety risk management. The arrangements, systems and risk controls are based on legislative requirements and the risks identified within the Defence Forces. The health and safety risk management system includes a policy on work equipment.
This policy on health and safety of work equipment describes the Defence Forces methodology for the assessment of risk arising from work equipment. It provides guidance for military personnel, civilian employees and other relevant persons on the risk assessment process and control measures to be implemented to reduce the risk of injury from work equipment to a level that is as low as is reasonably practicable.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces have the necessary policies and procedures in place in line with best international practice in order to ensure the highest standards of health and safety in respect of the use of equipment to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government, and that such policies and procedures are kept under review.
436. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions to be filled throughout the Defence Forces; the number likely to arise over the next year; if all positions will be filled on becoming vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37055/20]
View answerThe table below outlines the number of vacancies, that exist in the PDF as at 31st October 2020. Vacancies are filled on an ongoing basis in line with promotional arrangements and, in certain cases, direct entry competitions.
It is not possible to give a precise estimate of vacancies by rank over the next year as this is influenced by a range of factors including, voluntary departures, discharges on age grounds and promotions within the Permanent Defence Force.
|
Vacancies as at 31/10/2020 |
|
|
Rank |
Vacancies |
|
Comdt |
9 |
|
Capt |
106 |
|
Sgt Maj |
2 |
|
CS |
9 |
|
CQMS |
2 |
|
Sgt |
271 |
|
Cpl |
347 |
437. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of military personnel currently serving overseas; the extent of any requirements for further deployment in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37056/20]
View answer438. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the deployment of Irish troops overseas on an annual basis over the past eight years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37057/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 together.
As of 04 November 2020, Ireland is contributing 569 Defence Forces personnel to 10 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
The main overseas missions in which the Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 340 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 137 personnel.
Other missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are MINUSMA, the UN authorised operation in Mali with 14 personnel; the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Israel and Syria with 12 personnel; the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) with two (2) personnel, the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) with three (3) personnel; the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with 13 personnel; the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with five (5) personnel, the NATO-led international security presence in Kosovo (KFOR) with 13 personnel and the EU Naval mission (Operation Irini) with three (3) personnel.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
The number of permanent Defence Force personnel deployed overseas on an annual basis, over the past eight years, is as follows:
|
Year (January) |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Numbers deployed overseas |
438 |
412 |
426 |
423 |
603 |
589 |
678 |
589 |
Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS
AS OF 04 NOVEMBER 2020
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ UNIFIL 116th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
9 327 4 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
MINUSMA (United Nations mission in MALI) |
14 |
|
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
2 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) UNDOF 58th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
9 128 |
|
TOTAL |
508 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
13 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
542 |
|
|
|
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
6 |
|
EU BATTLE GROUP |
|
|
German Led Battle Group 202-2, FHQ, Stadtallendorf |
10 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative in PSC Delegation (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
569 |
439. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Air Corps personnel continue to be trained and have their training upgraded in line with best practice throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37058/20]
View answer440. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Naval Service personnel continue to be trained and have their training upgraded in line with best practice throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37059/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 440 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles assigned by Government as set out on the White Paper on Defence. The Defence Forces keep their operational capability under on-going review.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the necessary capabilities to fulfil the roles assigned by Government. The Defence Forces continue to deliver in-house military training programmes and modules meeting national, EU and international standards. All training, internal and external, is provided to ensure that the Defence Forces activities are in line with best international practice and that they avail of all relevant modern training methods.
I am satisfied that all essential training provided is in line with Defence Forces Training Instruction and the current "Training in a Covid-19 environment". These initiatives, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, ensure the Defence Forces remain suitably equipped and trained, in line with EU and international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
441. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Army personnel continue to be trained and have their training upgraded in line with best practice throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37060/20]
View answerThe primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.
The Defence Forces conduct training under four broad categories, namely; Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements. A long-term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons set out to 2021.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I remain committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
