Cormac Devlin
Question:52. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the status of Ireland’s participation in Operation IRINI. [36626/20]
View answerOverseas Missions
Questions (52)
Written answers
EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI, the UN mandated EU Naval mission in the eastern Mediterranean, was launched on the 31st of March 2020 with an initial mandate running until the 31st of March 2021.
The Operation's core task is the implementation of the UN arms embargo through the use of aerial, satellite and maritime assets in accordance with UNSCR 1970 (2011) and subsequent Resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya.
As secondary tasks the operation will contribute to the implementation of UN measures to prevent the illicit export of petroleum from Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2146 (2014) and subsequent Resolutions, assist in the development of the capacities and in the training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy in law enforcement tasks at sea and contribute to the disruption of the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks, in accordance with applicable international law.
In parallel with the launch of Operation IRINI, the previous EUNAVFOR MED operation in the Mediterranean, SOPHIA, permanently ceased its activities.
As of 4 November 2020, Ireland has three members of the Defence Forces deployed to Operation IRINI. These personnel are deployed to the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) in Rome in staff officer posts.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (53)
Catherine Connolly
Question:53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the engagement he has had with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the expected additional cost implications arising from Irish involvement in the European Peace Facility as outlined in the recent spending review on expenditure on overseas peace support missions; his views on whether Ireland’s role in this initiative will affect the policy of neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36695/20]
View answerWritten answers
The European Peace Facility was proposed by High Representative and Vice President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini, in June 2018 with the aim of providing the EU with a single off-budget financing mechanism of up to €5 billion for the period of the next MFF - 2021 to 2027 and would finance a range of Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP) actions having military or defence implications.
The EPF would unite and expand the scope of two existing mechanisms, the Athena Funding Mechanism which handles the financing of common costs relating to EU military operations under the EU's common security and defence policy (CSDP), and the African Peace Facility, which primarily supports African Union actions. The EPF will expand the geographical scope of the African Peace Facility and also include a mechanism for funding actions in support of capacity building for peace and security. While discussions are on-going at EU level to finalise the provisions of the EPF, it is expected that it will be operational in 2021.
With regard to the financial impact of the EPF, my officials have met with the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Finance and these discussions are on-going.
The allocation of the €5bn for the period 2021 to 2027 for the EPF across assistance measures (under what was the African Peace Facility) and Athena and across each of the seven years of the MFF has not yet been determined, however, any costs to Ireland relating to the EPF will arise through our European Union membership and participation in EU Common Security and Defence Policy. The actual drawdown of funding will be dependent on the number and scale of CSDP missions going forward, the elements of agreed common funding and agreement on the various assistance measures for partner funding.
Discussions continue in Brussels on the scope of the measure and the exact provisions and it would seem that that will be agreed before member States turn to consider the annual budget.
Ireland’s role in the European Peace Facility does not have any impact on our neutrality. Decisions in relation to EU military operations overseas and generally in the area of CSDP require unanimity at Council. As such, Ireland continues along with all other member States to retain a veto in this regard.
Defence Forces Recruitment
Questions (54)
Sorca Clarke
Question:54. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence his views on direct entry candidates to the Defence Forces. [36725/20]
View answerWritten answers
Direct Entry recruitment for specialists into the Defence Forces is not a new measure and has been used to recruit medical doctors and engineers along with instrumentalists and conductors for the Defence Force School of Music for some years.
Many Defence Force specialities are developed in-house but in some cases this can have a long lead in time of up to 5 years. Opportunities to fill vacancies in a speedier fashion have been explored and the in the past few years the scope for Direct Entry has expanded, and continues to expand, as a means of filling specialist posts.
The interest that exists in applying for a career in the Permanent Defence Force through Direct Entry streams is demonstrated by the number of applications that were received for 8 Direct Entry competitions held in 2020. These 8 Naval Service competitions were in respect of Chefs, Engine Room Artificers, Hull Artificers, Electrical Artificer, Radio/Radar Technician, Operations Branch Officer, Electrical Engineering Officer, and Marine Engineering Officer.
I am of course aware that there is competition in the private sector for many of the skills on demand in the Permanent Defence Force. It is for this reason that I have recently secured the agreement of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to allow for flexibility, with regard to starting point on scales, in the recruitment of certain specialists.
In addition, a review of recruitment practices and processes in the Permanent Defence Force, mandated under the High Level Implementation Plan Arising from Public Service Pay Commission report, examined atypical recruitment including Direct Entry as part of its work. This report will shortly be finalised.
I remain committed to returning the strength of the Permanent Defence Force to full establishment strength, mindful of the challenges that exist and that I have previously acknowledged.
Defence Forces Personnel
Questions (55)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:55. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to address the retention crisis in the Defence Forces. [36592/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has acknowledged that there are retention difficulties in the Defence Forces. This is a feature of the highly competitive jobs market that has existed and the demand for personnel, particularly those with specialist skills sets. This is not confined to Ireland and also impacted other military forces internationally.
A range of factors influence an individual’s decision to stay in the Defence Forces. These include career progression opportunities, pay, personal development opportunities, work–life balance, job stimulation, work environment and external job opportunities. Accordingly a broad range of measures are being progressed to encourage members of the PDF to continue to serve in the Defence Forces.
The report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on retention and recruitment in the Permanent Defence Force, which was accepted by Government last year, contains a wide range of recommendations to address recruitment and retention difficulties. This included both non-pay and pay related measures. Whilst certain of the pay measures were introduced immediately, others will be progressed as part of the next pay agreement. I have also outlined previously additional measure that I have taken to deal with particular issues in the Naval Service.
As the Deputy will be aware, the increases under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, have also been paid to members of the Defence Forces. By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement the pay-scales 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.
The introduction of schemes to allow for the re-commissioning of former Officers and the re-enlistment of former enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force have assisted in addressing certain skills gaps, and the return of these personnel, including pilots, is to be welcomed.
Work in also continuing on a range of non-pay projects as part of the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the PSPC Report, enhanced workforce planning; enhanced professional military education; bespoke leadership training; development of a mental health and wellbeing strategy; a review of barriers to extended participation in the PDF; the development of further non-pay retention measures; and consideration of the provision of additional specialist posts in certain areas. All of these measures will assist in making the Defence forces a better place to work, better support those that wish to stay and ultimately assist with retention.
There is no quick fix to the challenges facing the Defence Forces today. However, there have been successes in regenerating capacity. I am fully committed, as are the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff, to restoring the capacity of the Defence Forces and to implementing the full range of actions to ensure that this happens as quickly as possible.
Defence Forces
Questions (56)
James O'Connor
Question:56. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of the White Paper on Defence. [36628/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 number to be implemented 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.
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.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 49.
Defence Forces Personnel
Questions (58, 84)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:58. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the number of military personnel serving abroad at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36562/20]
View answer
James Lawless
Question:84. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel on overseas service at the end of October 2020, by rank. [36619/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 84 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.
Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
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 personnel serving overseas by rank is outlined in the following table.
|
Rank - Officers |
Number |
Rank - Enlisted Personnel |
Number |
|
Brigadier General |
2 |
Sergeant Major |
5 |
|
Colonel |
8 |
Battalion Quarter Master Sergeant |
3 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
29 |
Company Sergeant |
15 |
|
Commandant |
38 |
Company Quarter Master Sergeant |
19 |
|
Captain |
35 |
Sergeant |
74 |
|
Lieutenant |
16 |
Corporal |
99 |
|
|
|
Private |
224 |
There are also two chaplains serving overseas.
Naval Service
Questions (59)
John Brady
Question:59. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence his views on claims that his Department has put pressure on Naval Service vessels to deploy despite safety concerns over staffing shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36692/20]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that neither I, nor my Department, have put pressure on the Naval service to deploy vessels in a situation where the Naval Service has safety concerns over staffing shortages.
The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main day to day role 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 also carries out a number of non-fishery related tasks including a significant security role.
The Government has acknowledged the recruitment and retention issues that are currently impacting on Naval Service operations. The current shortfall is especially marked in specialist areas, where small numbers are more vulnerable to gaps. Without giving rise to any compromise on safety, the impact of these shortfalls has resulted in greater pressure on individual members and units. There has also been an impact on the operational availability of the Naval Service, and an impact on the overall number of operational ships, which is a situation that has to be managed carefully.
The Deputy can be assured that no Naval Service vessel proceeds to sea unless they have sufficient personnel. There is a minimum manning level for all classes of ships currently in the Naval Service. This minimum manning level covers overall numbers required to sail and also numbers of technicians/specialists that are required on board. Defence Force's authorities have assured me that no Naval Service vessel proceeds to sea unless they have sufficient personnel as per the minimum manning.
I can also assure the Deputy and the House that there is no political pressure from within Government to send a ship to sea if it is not safe to do so. The focus for me as Minister for Defence is returning the Naval Service to full capacity.
Notwithstanding current challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations.
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 51.
Budget 2021
Questions (61)
Brendan Smith
Question:61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the estimated allocation for defence in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36624/20]
View answerWritten answers
The total gross allocation provided to the Defence Sector in Budget 2021 is €1,072.3 million, comprising €809.7 million for Vote 36 (Defence) and €262.6 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions). This represents an overall gross increase of over €32 million on 2020 and follows on from previous increases that have seen the Defence Vote Group funding envelope increase by over 13% since 2018. This significant level of funding ensures that adequate resources are available to the Defence Organisation to carry out all its assigned roles and deliver on White Paper commitments.
The Defence Vote provides for pay and non-pay current expenditure of some €679 million in the Defence Vote. The pay allocation provides for the pay and allowances of up to 9,500 PDF personnel, 550 civilians (technicians, trades, etc.) and 355 civil servants as well as paid training for members of the Reserve Defence Force. This allocation includes all outstanding commitments arising from the Public Sector Stability Agreement 2018-2020 along with the restoration of the 5% cut in Permanent Defence Force allowances imposed under FEMPI. The non-pay allocation provides for expenditure on essential and ongoing Defence Forces standing and operational costs including utilities, fuel, catering, maintenance, information technology and training.
The capital allocation of €131 million will facilitate an ongoing programme of equipment replacement and infrastructural development, as set out in the Defence Equipment Development Plan and Infrastructure Development Plan.
Civil Defence and the Irish Red Cross Society also receive funding from the Defence Vote.
The 2021 allocation for Vote 35 (Army Pensions) is €262.6 million, an increase of €3.5 million on 2020. This allocation ensures that sufficient funding is available to meet the retirement benefits of some 12,750 former members of the Defence Forces and certain dependants.
I am very pleased with the outcome of Budget 2021 and the significant funding envelope of over one billion euro provided to the Defence Sector. This funding will enable the Defence Organisation to continue implementing the organisational priorities into 2021 and beyond, as outlined in the White Paper on Defence and reinforced by White Paper Update 2019.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (62)
James Lawless
Question:62. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the institute for peace support and leadership training. [36620/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 2015 White Paper on Defence included a commitment to evaluate the potential development of a new Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh. The current Programme for Government also includes a commitment to develop this Institute.
The primary objective of this initiative, should it prove feasible, is to create an internationally recognised institute in Ireland delivering a range of both strategic key leader and professional peace support and crisis management training in association with major international academic institutions to an international audience, building on Ireland’s academic and professional peacekeeping credentials.
A formal feasibility study in this regard has been underway since January 2018. An interim report was presented to the joint civil/military Steering Group established to oversee the project in November 2018. The Steering Group accepted the findings of the Phase 1 report on the basis that they merited a more in-depth analysis of the proposal.
The second phase of the feasibility study is examining the proposal with specific reference to potential academic linkages, staffing, governance, funding, infrastructure, and risks and constraints. A draft Phase 2 report has been submitted and is currently under consideration by the Steering Group.
The final report, once completed, will inform the next steps to be taken.
Defence Forces Personnel
Questions (63)
Thomas Gould
Question:63. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence his plans to improve retention and recruitment in the Defence Forces. [36586/20]
View answerWritten answers
The military authorities have advised that the whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 30th September 2020, was 8,529 personnel, comprised of
- Army 6,878
- Air Corps 752
- Naval Service 899 personnel.
I am aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the overall current strength figures and those of the establishment and I am committed to restoring the strength of the Permanent Defence Force to 9,500 personnel.
The Public Service Pay Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations through the High Level Plan - Strengthening Our Defence Forces - Phase 1, is a key part of the response to address recruitment and retention challenges.
I accept that there are on-going difficulties in the Defence Forces, and these have been well-documented.
However, there are also positive developments which are restoring capacity in areas which were significantly depleted. By way of an example, overall Officer numbers are just seventeen off the full establishment figure as at 30th September 2020. Whilst I appreciate that experience levels have declined at some ranks, and that there remain gaps in certain areas, the continued attraction of Officer Cadets in what was a competitive jobs market is indicative of the continued attractiveness of such a career.
Further initiatives such as re-commissioning of former Air Corps pilots has also assisted in boosting much needed specialists and I understand that further specialist Officers will be re-commissioned. The re-enlistment of former enlisted personnel is another initiative that is to be welcomed. Whilst the numbers being inducted are lower than initially anticipated, all will play an important role in restoring capacity.
The recent introduction of a sea-going service commitment scheme for Naval Service personnel is an example of a measure aimed at retaining experienced personnel and follows the reintroduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps.
The fact is that the restoration of capacity in the Defence Forces will take time. The Programme for Government provides that a Commission on the Defence Forces will be tasked with examining a range of issues. This will provide an opportunity to chart the future direction of the Defence Forces. There is also a commitment to establish a pay review body for the Defence Forces when the Commission has completed its work.
Working closely with the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff, and a range of key stakeholders, I am confident that the current challenges facing the Defence Forces can be overcome.
Defence Forces Personnel
Questions (64)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:64. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to uninvestigated historic sex abuse within the Defence Forces; the progress he has made on assessing, collating, investigating and addressing the legacy of such historic sex abuse in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36668/20]
View answerWritten answers
The existence of actual or alleged sex abuse claims within a workplace is probably one of the most serious issues to be addressed by an employer. As an employer, I wish to state categorically that I do not condone in any way any such behaviour within the Defence Forces. I urge anyone who has any complaint which they think constitutes a criminal offence to report their concerns to an Garda Síochána. A serving member of the Defence Forces could report such matters via the chain of command or the military police.
From time to time matters pertaining to allegations of sex abuse are brought to my attention and I confirm that I have received correspondence containing allegations of inappropriate conduct in the workplace of an historical nature. The manner in which I receive this type of information and particularly if it is historical in nature, has a bearing on how I can deal with it. It may be received via a third party, it may be disclosed under condition of a person’s identity being protected or it may be received under privilege. Whenever I receive such information, I treat the matter with the utmost importance from the point of view of both the complainant and of those accused of wrongdoing who must have their right to fair procedures protected. This, in my opinion, is best achieved by those who may have suffered serious wrong reporting their complaints of a criminal nature to an Garda Síochána who have the lawful authority to investigate and to prosecute. This process, while not an easy road for anyone to travel, is designed to bring about a result in accordance with law and to provide suitable penalties against those who are convicted of crimes. The Gardaí have the expertise and skills to treat all of those in this process with dignity and respect and especially those who come forward with traumatic detail.
All members of the Defence Forces, Permanent and Reserve, 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.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 51.
Defence Forces Data
Questions (66, 76)
Brendan Howlin
Question:66. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the number of discharges currently pending in the Army, the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36187/20]
View answerBrendan Howlin
Question:76. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications, inductions and discharges in the Army, the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the reserve in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36186/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 76 together.
The tables below set out the information requested by the Deputy on the number of discharges from 2017 to 2019 and to 30th September 2020.
|
Army |
||||
|
Year |
Applications |
Inductions |
Discharges Total |
Discharges in Training |
|
2017 |
7,896 |
630 |
588 |
167 |
|
2018 |
5,547 |
485 |
529 |
110 |
|
2019 |
5,773 |
460 |
655 |
156 |
|
*2020 |
5,890 |
215 |
331 |
75 |
|
*As at 30th September 2020 |
|
Naval Service |
||||
|
Year |
Applications |
Inductions |
Discharges Total |
Discharges in Training |
|
2017 |
2,716 |
90 |
96 |
36 |
|
2018 |
1,578 |
102 |
148 |
25 |
|
2019 |
2,370 |
112 |
139 |
22 |
|
*2020 |
1,500 |
39 |
70 |
16 |
|
*As at 30th September 2020 |
As of the 12th November there were 14 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) discharges pending -2 in the Air Corps and 12 in the Army. Additionally there were 5 Reserve Defence Force discharges pending.
Within the PDF, the term 'discharges' encompasses personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and, as can be seen in the attached document, also includes a number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
I accept that there are on-going difficulties in the Defence Forces, and these have been well-documented.
The Public Service Pay Commission Report and implementation of the High Level Plan - strengthening Our Defence Forces - Phase 1, is a key part of the response to address recruitment and retention challenges
The recent announcement of a sea-going service commitment scheme for Naval Service personnel is an example of a measure aimed at retaining experienced personnel and follows the reintroduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps.
The restoration of capacity in the Defence Forces will take time. The Programme for Government provides that a Commission on the Defence Forces will be tasked with examining a range of issues. This will provide an opportunity to chart the future direction of the Defence Forces. There is also a commitment to establish a pay review body for the Defence Forces when the Commission has completed its work.
Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 43.
Defence Forces Medical Services
Questions (68)
Sorca Clarke
Question:68. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if he will establish the necessary process to ensure that all members of the Defence Forces have access to a full and documented medical examination prior to discharge. [36724/20]
View answerWritten answers
Defence Force Regulations prescribe that members of the Permanent Defence Force, except in very limited cases, are examined by a Defences Forces Medical Officer before leaving the service on discharge, retirement or otherwise.
Medical examinations under the provisions of the relevant Defence Forces Regulations are carried out as soon as possible after notification has been received that the discharge, resignation, retirement or dismissal, is to take effect.
The Military Authorities have advised that in accordance with their Administrative Instruction A12, there is an established process to ensure that all members of the Permanent Defence Force have access to a full and documented medical examination prior to discharge.
The Administrative Instruction outlines the occasions for medical examinations for members of the Permanent Defence Force and these include when a member of the Permanent Defence Force is scheduled to retire, resign, discharge, or transfer to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
In addition, medical examinations are also carried out on the occasion of re-engagement, extension of service or continuance in service; prior to undergoing detention; prior to overseas duty, and on repatriation from overseas.
Air Ambulance Service
Questions (69)
Denis Naughten
Question:69. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the role of the Air Corps air ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36565/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Air Corps provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary defence and security role. It also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks on an ‘as available’ basis including the provision of air ambulance services to the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE’s Aeromedical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of all health-related air transport arrangements. In addition to the Air Corps, the Irish Coast Guard and private air ambulance operators also provide air transport services for the HSE.
The Air Corps’ inter-hospital service operates out of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. This service provides transport for patients and medical teams primarily between hospitals within Ireland and the UK. To date in 2020, the Air Corps have completed a total of 46 inter-hospital missions utilising aircraft from the entire fleet, 32 of which were to the UK, including one priority transfer. Five missions were outside of the agreed Service Level Agreement whereby the Air Corps provided the requested air transport of patients to or from mainland Europe. Over 20% of all emergency inter-hospital support occurred at the weekend.
The Air Corps also operates the Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) Service. It is a daily, day-time service based out of Custume Barracks, Athlone. Since the commencement of this service in June 2012, the Air Corps has completed over 3,000 missions with over 329 missions during 2020.
The EAS and inter-hospital services are good examples of the Air Corps and HSE combining their resources to deliver life-saving services for the people of Ireland.
There are no plans to change the current operation of the aeromedical services based out of Baldonnel or Custume Barracks, Athlone.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (70)
Cormac Devlin
Question:70. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of the Defence Enterprise Committee. [36625/20]
View answerWritten answers
In July 2011, The Government approved arrangements, whereby Enterprise Ireland would support the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces capability development through engagement with Irish-based enterprise and research institutes on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere. The 2015 White Paper on Defence confirms this arrangement, stating the Defence Forces will make available resources and expertise, including advice and information, to Enterprise Ireland supported companies and research institutes. In return the Defence Forces are exposed to new technologies and research that could inform the direction and development of their military capabilities.
The Defence Enterprise Committee oversees this arrangement and comprises of personnel from the Department of Defence, Enterprise Ireland and the Defence Forces. Projects proposed by institutes and companies, where they are seeking to partner with, or involve Defence Forces participation are submitted to the Defence Enterprise Committee for consideration. All capabilities to be researched are vetted and agreed at the highest level of civil and military management in the Defence Organisation having regard to the appropriateness, viability and benefits of the proposal.
The Defence Forces assistance to industry and research institutions is by way of providing evaluation of technology, research and innovation, provision of information on military requirements and the Defence Forces considered views on trends in specific capability areas. Capabilities which have been and are being researched by the Defence Forces in cooperation with research companies and institutions include Maritime Surveillance; Energy Conservation; Counter Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) research, including CBRN Protection; overseas deployment training; and Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) detection and destruction. Such capabilities may be used at home and also abroad on crisis management missions and operations including humanitarian and peace-keeping missions.
There has been a number of successful projects and collaborations since the Defence Enterprise Committee was formed, included in these are three Horizon 2020 projects. These projects comprise of a range of different entities, all three of which have links to Irish academia, industry or research institutes. The Defence Forces provided end user perspective to these research projects and contributed to the findings.
In addition, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces jointly produced a policy on intellectual property rights as well as a Defence Enterprise strategy which supports the work of the Committee.
My Department, with the support of Enterprise Ireland and through the Defence Enterprise Committee, will continue look at ways in which the Defence Organisation can continue to support and work with industry, academia and research institutes.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 42.
Defence Forces Reserve
Questions (72)
Brendan Howlin
Question:72. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the developments that have taken place since the completion of the Reserve Defence Force skills survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36190/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The 2015 White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF. The White Paper also sets out a blueprint for the development of the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to support the PDF in crisis situations and to contribute to State ceremonial events. In non-crisis situations the main focus is on training for this role.
The White Paper states that the types of tasks that the RDF could be required to undertake in crisis situations is varied. It acknowledges that there may be professional skills that on occasion may not be readily available in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and outlines an intention to harness specialist skills that members of the Reserve may have to better support the PDF.
A range of actions and supports, including legislative provisions, are required to develop this concept. In this context, a Skills Survey of the RDF has been undertaken which provides an overview of the range of skills available within the Reserve. A Workforce Planning project is underway which will identify skills sets in the PDF and identify appropriate measures to address any such gaps. The skills survey undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of Reservists will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold.
The Programme for Government 2020 contains a commitment to establish an Independent Commission on the Defence Forces. The work of the Commission will also encompass the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation; the regulations governing the RDF, the development of the First Line Reserve (FLR) and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 46.