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Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020

Written Answers Nos. 74-95

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (74)

Denis Naughten

Question:

74. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the cybersecurity capacity of the Defence Forces; the engagement of the Defence Forces with the National Cyber Security Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36566/20]

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Written answers

Cyber security is an issue with very significant implications for governmental administration, for industry, for economic wellbeing and for the security and safety of citizens. Consequently, the response to cyber threats is a whole-of-Government challenge, with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications taking the lead role and with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.

The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in the State, including incident response, cyber resilience and information provision. While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State. This is being done in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognizing the potential and important role of the Defence Forces.

Ireland’s current National Cyber Security Strategy was published in December 2019 and follows on from the country's first Strategy which was issued in 2015. It is a broader and more comprehensive document than the last one, and takes advantage of the operational experience gained by the National Cyber Security Centre from 2015 to 2019, and from ongoing national and international engagements in the area.  Department of Defence officials and the Defence Forces inputted to the drawing up of this Strategy.

Department officials and members of the Defence Forces are actively involved in the implementation of the new Strategy which, in conjunction with the White Paper on Defence 2015, will continue to inform our engagement in this critical area. This includes work to develop an updated, detailed risk assessment of the current vulnerability of all Critical National Infrastructure and services to cyber-attacks and the provision of a member of the Defence Forces for secondment to the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. My Officials also actively participate on the Inter-Departmental Committee overseeing implementation of the Strategy which is chaired by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

In addition, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have a Memorandum of Understanding and a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to provide support in the area of national cyber security.  The overall aim is to improve the cyber security of the State through various types of assistance and support while also ensuring the operational requirements of the Defence Forces are prioritised, including the ongoing sharing of information and analyses of risks.

While it would also be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific cyber activities and the resourcing of same by the Defence Forces, for both security and operational reasons, I can inform the Deputy that the priority for the Defence Forces Communications and Information Services Corps is the protection of the Defence Forces Communications Network. Other activities undertaken by the CIS Corps include the monitoring and handling of cyber incidents, the enhancement of Defence Forces cyber situational awareness and the provision of cyber awareness training.

Defence Forces Representative Organisations

Questions (75)

Barry Cowen

Question:

75. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence if he has met with the representative organisations of the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36622/20]

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Written answers

The Government appreciates the service of the members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) and recognises the important role that they play in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. 

The Programme for Government 2020 contains a commitment to establish an Independent Commission on the Defence Forces. This will encompass the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation; the regulations governing the RDF, the development of the First Line Reserve and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas. The Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA), along with the other Representative Associations have been invited to submit their views on the terms of reference.

I have not had the opportunity to meet with RDFRA as yet. However, I hope to do so at the earliest opportunity, having regard to the current Covid 19 restrictions.

Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 66.

Naval Service

Questions (77)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

77. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Naval Service in fisheries protection. [36629/20]

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Written answers

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, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks.

In relation to its sea-fishery protection role, the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 established the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) as the competent Authority for securing efficient and effective enforcement of sea fisheries protection legislation and the sustainable exploitation of marine fish resources from the waters around Ireland within Ireland's EEZ.

A Service Level Agreement is in place which underpins the relationship between the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Defence Organisation.  This Agreement provides for the development of an Annual Control Plan and for agreed reporting and training arrangements.  The agreement also provides a forum for sharing information between parties and for dealing with fisheries' control and enforcement issues.  Department officials, members of the Naval Service and the Air Corps, meet with officials of the SFPA at formal and informal meetings throughout the year.

Up to 31 October 2020, the Naval Service had carried out 643 fishery patrol days. Notwithstanding some mechanical and staffing issues being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations.

Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 46.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (79)

John Lahart

Question:

79. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence if personnel in full-time induction training can now be deployed on military service; and if they will now be paid the military service allowance. [36618/20]

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Written answers

Members of the PDF, when not deployed overseas, are engaged in a range of activites including operations and training, and are available for service at all times.  Personnel undergoing induction training are not routinely deployed on military service but can be if required. 

The circumstances facing the State with the COVID 19 virus pandemic has placed unprecedented demands on the principal response agencies and the health service in particular. The Defence Forces are providing supports, across a wide range of areas, to the civil authorities as part of the State's response to the COVID 19 virus. 

The Maintenance of Essential Services Allowance (MESA) is paid to members of the Defence Forces who are deployed on occasion to support the Civil Authorities, across a wide range of scenarios. It is paid in addition to basic pay.  

Military Service Allowance is paid to all members of the Permanent Defence Force, up to and including the rank of Colonel, who have completed their training.

This matter is currently the subject of a claim through the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. As discussions in the scheme are confidential to the parties, it would not be appropriate to comment further.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (80)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

80. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence his progress in supporting the establishment of centres for retired members of the Defence Forces as outlined in the programme for Government. [36735/20]

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Written answers

The Department of Defence formally recognises two veterans’ organisations that represent all former personnel, namely, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel. The Department provides grants to both associations.

ONE currently has 12 Veterans Support Centres (VSCs) nationwide, while IUNVA operates drop-in centres at 8 of its 22 posts around the country. In addition, ONE provides board and lodgings for 49 ex-service personnel in three residential homes in Dublin, Letterkenny and Athlone, while IUNVA accommodates 4 retired personnel in its home on The Curragh.

The Department has assisted ONE in its plans to establish a network of VSCs around the country. ONE plans to establish a total of 15 VSCs.  The VSC aims to prevent homelessness through early intervention and to actively address loneliness. VSCs are available to all veterans to seek support and advice, not just to ONE members.

Departmental Properties have been made available to ONE and IUNVA to house their VSCs and drop-in centres. 9 of ONEs Veteran Support Centres are located in military barracks as are 3 of IUNVA's drop-in centres. Refurbishment work has been undertaken on a number of these properties to facilitate their use by the organisations. 11 of the 15 VSCs which ONE are in the process of establishing will be based in Defence Forces barracks.

As a further means of assisting the recognised Veterans Associations, the Department secured total funding of €300,000 awarded under the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2020 to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.

ONE has nominated the provision of a thirteenth VSC in Cobh, Co. Cork as their special project. Work is currently underway refurbishing a former Social Welfare Office premises in Harbour Row, Cobh.

A component of IUNVA’s nominated special project under the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2020 is to increase the training facilities available to its members at nine of its posts around the country.

Permanent Structured Co-operation

Questions (81)

Paul Murphy

Question:

81. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the activities of Ireland under PESCO since its implementation. [36610/20]

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Written answers

Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is a process under which groups of Member States can come together to develop capabilities in support of Common CSDP Operations. On a voluntary basis, 25 EU Member States have joined PESCO and subscribed to more binding commitments to invest, plan, develop and operate defence capabilities together within this EU framework.

The objective of PESCO is to generate coherent defence capabilities which will be available to Member States for national and multinational (EU, NATO, UN, etc.) missions and operations. This will enhance the EU’s capacity as an international security actor, to contribute to the protection of EU citizens, support international peace and security and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending by participating member States.

Forty seven PESCO projects have been launched to-date. These include projects in the areas of capability development and in the operational dimension. Each project is managed by the participating member States with oversight from the Council. 

Ireland's participation in PESCO was agreed by Government and approved by Dáil Éireann prior to the Council Decision establishing PESCO on 11 December 2017. Ireland is a Participant in one PESCO project (Greek-led Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance) and also has Observer status on a further nine PESCO projects – (1) Deployable Military Disaster Relief Capability Package; (2) Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures; (3) Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform; (4) European Secure Software Defined Radio; (5) Military Mobility; (6) Energy Operational Function; (7) EU Radio Navigation Solution; (8) Counter Unmanned Aerial System; (9) Special Operations Forces Medical Training Centre.  Ireland also participated in the German led project EU Training Mission Competence Centre, this project closed in November 2019 with agreement of all members as it duplicated existing structures in the EU.

A Strategic Review of PESCO is due to be completed by the end of this year as per the Council Decision establishing PESCO.  The PESCO Strategic Review Document 2020 and associated Council Conclusions are currently in the process of being finalised following detailed discussions between Member States.

Defence Forces Equipment

Questions (82)

John Lahart

Question:

82. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence the progress in acquiring a strategic airlift capability, particularly in view of recent difficulties and delays on UN rotations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36617/20]

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Written answers

My immediate priorities in relation to air-based capability have been the acquisition of three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role and for two Airbus CN 295 maritime patrol aircraft.  No decisions have made for the acquisition of additional aircraft in other roles.  Some €265 million, including VAT, is currently committed to the acquisition of these enhanced capabilities. 

Along with other equipment capability requirements, the acquisition, renewal and retention of equipment capabilities are being pursued under the Defence Forces Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020.  This sets out current priorities and plans taking account of available resources and in line with the policy approach in the White Paper on Defence.  While the option of acquiring a wider military lift capability has been mentioned, it is not identified as an action in the present EDP.  Much of this longer range lift capability is provided by way of chartering aircraft through a competitive procurement process on an as-required basis.  To date, this has been considered to be the most cost effective approach taking account of the acquisition, running and maintenance costs of larger aircraft in the context of their expected usage and contingency requirements.  The overall priorities in the EDP will remain under review as it is progressively implemented and taking account of funding availability.

Delays and difficulties in relation to UN rotations are not caused by the chartering of aircraft. 

Personnel rotations, even in normal times, are complex operations involving diplomatic clearances from each country for overflights, landings and transit which can result in delays given the lead times for securing such clearances. 

Given all the variables it is not possible to guarantee absolute rotation dates, particularly at this time.  Personnel are now all advised of the indicative date of rotation and are updated on an on-going basis by their commanding officers. 

I know delays and changes in rotation dates impact both on the troops and on their families and friends.  That is why no effort is spared by the staff in the Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and our embassy network to ensure that the required clearances are secured in as timely manner as possible.  However, we are dependent on other State administrations.  We will continue to work with the United Nations and the relevant government authorities to deliver as much certainty as possible for rotating troops.

Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 46.
Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 58.
Questions Nos. 85 to 94, inclusive, answered orally.

Brexit Preparations

Questions (95)

Neale Richmond

Question:

95. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether his Department is fully prepared for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36655/20]

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Written answers

Regardless of the outcome of the ongoing negotiations on the future relationship, the UK will leave the Single Market and the Customs Union on 1 January 2021.  This will have significant implications for Ireland.

A whole of Government approach is being adopted to addressing the challenges posed by Brexit, and my Department is playing its full part in responding to those challenges.

Within my Department, matters related to Brexit are coordinated by a dedicated Unit dealing with EU and Brexit issues, with an attaché based in Ireland's Permanent Representation in Brussels.  The Unit leads on EU work across the Department and its agencies, and it represents the Department on the various groups that coordinate the Government's response to Brexit. 

Key elements of Brexit readiness have already been progressed, and work is being intensified across Government on the basis of an updated Brexit Readiness Action Plan that was published by the Government in September. 

While Ireland continues to support the closest possible future relationship between the EU and the UK, the central scenario underlying Budget 2021 assumes the transition period ends without agreement. 

To prepare for this, Budget 2021 provides around €340 million for Brexit measures, through the continuation of existing measures as well as a number of new supports. This is on top of more than €700 million of measures in successive Budgets since 2017.

It provides further funding for a range of sectoral supports, additional resources for regulatory agencies, and a number of enhancements to existing tax-based measures in support of sectors and enterprises most affected by Brexit.

Continued funding is also provided in Budget 2021 for the preparations that have been underway since 2018 at Dublin Port, Rosslare Europort and Dublin Airport to ensure Ireland can effectively manage new requirements for checks and controls on trade with Great Britain from 1 January. 

The twin impacts of Brexit and COVID-19 will have a significant impact on the Irish economy.  Budget 2021 delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to establish a Recovery Fund.  The €3.4 billion Fund will be flexible in its design in order to provide Government with the means to react swiftly to a constantly changing environment.

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