Written Answers Nos. 176-200
176. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the third-party contracts entered into by agencies under the remit of his Department for the operation of community and voluntary organisations; the number of staff employed by the third party; and the cost of the contract in 2019 and 2020. [37562/20]
View answerThere are no agencies under the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
177. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of engagement he has had with his European counterparts regarding the unrest in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37578/20]
View answer180. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions that have been had at European Council level on the ongoing situation in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37673/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 180 together.
Along with my European counterparts, I have been appalled by events in Belarus, including the recent death of a peaceful protester in police custody. We have discussed the situation in Belarus at the Foreign Affairs Council each month since the fraudulent election and we have been firmly engaged in seeking a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis.
In response to the falsification of the election result and the use of state violence against peaceful protesters the European Council agreed on the imposition of targeted sanctions against individuals in Belarus. So far 55 individuals have been sanctioned, including Lukashenko himself, and we stand ready to go further.
However, sanctions are just one element of a broader response. We remain engaged in supporting the Belarusian people in their simple and clear demand to have free and fair elections and to have their basic human rights respected. The review of EU-Belarus relations will soon be finalised and we will continue to work on redirecting EU funds away from the Belarusian authorities and to the Belarusian people and civil society.
We will continue to press the Belarusian authorities to end their campaign of violence against the Belarusian people, to unconditionally release those unjustly detained and to respect their international commitments.
178. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had dealings on an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37600/20]
View answerMy Department is aware of this long-running issue.
I can confirm that the Embassy in Rome was in contact with a number of individuals that experienced difficulties in relation to their purchases of property in Italy. At the time, the Embassy in Rome provided assistance to these investors in any way open to it, including in finding suitable legal representation.
The Deputy will be aware that the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs concerning private property transactions by Irish nationals abroad is limited, and that redress in such cases must be sought through the relevant legal system. Our Embassies can provide a list of English-speaking lawyers, if needed. The Department would be of the view that the correct course of action is to pursue the matter through legal channels.
179. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of the Irish Government on the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the steps taken to condemn the actions of the Azerbaijani Government; the position that Ireland has taken in the EU and at the UN in relation to this conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37625/20]
View answerIreland has been consistent in calling for a cessation of hostilities and we welcome the agreement reached by Armenia and Azerbaijan to end the military conflict in and around Nagorno Karabakh. We hope that this deal leads to renewed efforts to settle the long-standing territorial dispute. Crucial details of the implementation of the nine-point deal remain unclear, but my Department is closely monitoring the situation and analysing the consequences of the conflict and the agreement.
We remain deeply concerned for the humanitarian situation in the region, where hostilities have had a devastating impact on local civilian populations. The destruction of essential services during the conflict, including hospitals, and gas, water and electricity networks poses a serious risk to those in the region. Ensuring access for humanitarian organisations must be a top priority to avoid further catastrophe as we head into the winter months. Ireland and the EU will fully support efforts to help bring about a sustainable and lasting peace and we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance. In that regard, we note the key role that the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will continue to play.
The reported use of Cluster Munitions in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict by both sides is a contravention of International Humanitarian Law and as such should be independently investigated. Ireland has repeatedly called for all states to join the Convention on Cluster Munitions as a matter of urgency and to destroy all stockpiles of cluster munitions.
Ireland supports a sustainable peace that is acceptable to all sides. As we know from our own history, this cannot be achieved overnight. It will require courage, compromise and confidence building on both sides with the support of the international community and this is the message we will continue to deliver in the EU and at the UN.
181. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he hopes to open an embassy in Ghana; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37674/20]
View answerSixty years ago this year, Ireland opened its first African diplomatic Mission as part of a drive to strengthen ties with African countries, especially those that had recently won their independence. Today our presence has grown to twelve Embassies across the continent of Africa, including in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa.
In 2019, the Government launched ‘Global Ireland: Ireland’s Strategy for Africa to 2025’ that sets out Ireland’s plans to strengthen our political, economic, educational and cultural partnerships with African countries and institutions. As part of the Government’s Global Ireland Initiative and building on Ireland’s long-standing engagement with Africa, this Strategy also frames an expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic presence on the continent. In particular, it commits to opening three new Embassies in French-speaking Africa by 2025. In line with this commitment a new Embassy will open in Rabat, Morocco in 2021, with two others to follow in francophone West Africa by 2025, building on our existing Mission network in the region, in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Ireland’s diplomatic relations with Ghana are currently managed through our Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. In line with commitments made in the Global Ireland policy document, we are already strengthening our presence in Nigeria to enable a strengthened regional approach in West Africa, including Ghana.
Ireland and Ghana share a long and positive relationship, based on a number of cultural connections, people-to-people and economic links. This shared relationship was initially founded on the tradition of Irish missionaries working in Ghana. Today, there continue to exist close links between Ireland and Ghana, including through a number of Irish businesses operating in the country. As well as positive bilateral relations, Ireland and Ghana also share a number of priorities at the international level, including on issues such as decolonisation, and a commitment to regional integration. I look forward to continued and strengthened relations with Ghana as part of our commitment to step up our engagement in West Africa over the coming years.
182. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the State recognises Joe Biden as the winner of the US Presidential election and the President-elect of the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37675/20]
View answerThe Government has offered the warmest congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as the 46th President of the United States. We have also congratulated Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and recognise the significance of her election as the first woman and first person of colour to hold that office.
The Taoiseach and President-elect Biden spoke by telephone last week during which the President-elect reaffirmed his full support for the Good Friday Agreement. In addition, they looked forward to working together bilaterally and across a range of international areas including EU-US relations, the UN including the Security Council and on the important global challenges of Covid, economic recovery and climate change.
Our relationship with the US is built on a deep foundation of ancestral ties and decades of close political, diplomatic and economic links. Our political relationships span across the political spectrum in the United States. Strengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Government, as well in our Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025.
With each successive administration in the White House and each successive US Congress, our relationship has been valued and strengthened, to the benefit of our people on both sides of the Atlantic. We maintain close relations with members of Congress and contacts from across the political spectrum, and will continue to seek opportunities to deepen, and strengthen, our bilateral relations with the new administration of President-elect Joe Biden. We look forward to working with the new administration to progress international peace and security, as well as with the United States Congress, across the aisle, to pursue comprehensive immigration reform in the US. We are also committed to strengthening transatlantic relations more broadly.
183. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Serbia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37676/20]
View answer184. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and North Macedonia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37677/20]
View answer185. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Albania; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37678/20]
View answer189. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37682/20]
View answer190. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37683/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 to 185, inclusive, 189 and 190 together.
Ireland’s interaction and co-operation with the countries in the Western Balkans takes place primarily in the context of the EU enlargement process. Ireland remains a strong supporter of EU enlargement, viewing it as the most efficient foreign policy instrument the EU can deploy to anchor long-term stability and peace in the region. In meetings and phone-calls with my Western Balkan counterparts, I have communicated Ireland’s steadfast support for their respective EU reform agendas and our willingness to assist in any way. This was also communicated by the former Minister of State for Europe, Helen McEntee T.D., in her visits to the Western Balkans in 2018 and 2019.
Ireland’s focus remains on ensuring that the EU’s involvement in the region is fit for purpose, in particular the operation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), which aims to prepare candidate countries for EU membership. IPA benefits all the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey, with funding for the upcoming budget period 2021-2027 in the region of EUR 14 billion. In addition, through the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument (TAIEX) of the European Commission, which facilitates the sharing of EU best practices, Irish experts have offered their expertise in a number of the Western Balkan countries in recent years.
Ireland has also provided EUR 300,000 to the Regional co-operation Council (RCC) which focuses on boosting regional co-operation in the Western Balkans. The RCC is a regionally led framework for co-operation in south-east Europe, and serves as the operational arm of the South East European co-operation Process (SEECP) - a forum for diplomatic and political dialogue set up in the aftermath of the wars in the former Yugoslavia. Our contribution assists the RCC with their aim of promoting regional co-operation across social and economic initiatives, with a focus on employment, energy and transport. Ireland also sits on the Board of the RCC.
While our focus remains on the EU approach to the region, we are also working to strengthen our co-operation and bilateral relations with each of the accession countries, although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted these efforts.
In Albania, we have made a number of efforts in recent years to boost co-operation. Ireland has hosted a number of study visits in recent years, designed to share our expertise with Albanian officials. This has attracted high level visitors, including the Deputy Minister of the Albanian Ministry of Finance and Economy in 2019, the Minister of State for the Diaspora in 2018, as well as separate delegations from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. In addition, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), in conjunction with Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), were selected to support a capacity building project in the areas of food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary standards in Albania. The project, which is funded by EuropeAID, is valued at EUR 5 million, will run until 2023, and be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Evira ( the food safety Agency of Finland) and a local partner, Creative Business Solutions (an Albanian NGO). It is the largest tender won by SFSI to date. A study tour to Ireland by Albanian officials was a key factor in Ireland being selected as the lead partner for this project.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Embassy of Ireland in Ljubljana (which has responsibility for Bosnia and Herzegovina) collaborates regularly with the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, notably for the “greening” of the Museum in March 2020, an International James Joyce exhibition in September 2019, and the restoration of objects with Celtic connections for a preview in March 2019. A number of cultural activities in BiH have also recently been supported by the Embassy. It should also be noted that Ireland actively participates in the UN peacekeeping Operation ALTHEA, the mandate for which was extended in recent weeks for another 12 months.
Ireland enjoys warm relations with North Macedonia and was pleased to offer our strong support on its EU accession path, leading to the official decision by the European Council in March 2020 to formally commence accession negotiations. In recent years there have been some official visits between our countries, including the visit of then Minister of State for EU Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D. to Skopje last year for discussions on the opening of EU accession negotiations and assistance Ireland might provide with respect to attracting FDI and diaspora engagement.
In Serbia, we have stepped up our efforts to boost engagement in recent years. In an effort to enhance Irish-Serbian collaboration in the digital sector, our Embassy in Athens hosted a Digital Creativity Conference in Belgrade in March 2019. The event received very positive feedback in relation to the potential for Irish companies in certain sectors of the Serbian market. One of the outcomes will be the establishment of a Serbian-Irish Business Association, led by Irish business interests in Serbia. On the cultural front, the annual Belgrade-Irish Festival which is supported by Culture Ireland and the Embassy in Athens (accredited to Serbia), celebrated its seventh year in 2019 and is a very positive vehicle for promoting modern Irish culture in Serbia. In recent years, Irish Aid has also provided funding for demining work in Serbia and developing demilitarisation capacity of the Serbian authorities.
In regards to Turkey, the situation is more complex given that the accession progress is essentially frozen. Ireland provides funding to the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI), an NGO established with international experts in conflict resolution and democratic advancement. DPI initiatives in Turkey aim to promote democracy through strengthened public dialogue and engagement with civic society. Through this work, Ireland hopes to contribute to knowledge-sharing and learning opportunities for co-operation on democratic advancement across all sectors of Turkish society. Ireland has provided funding to the value of EUR 25,000 in 2020 for projects in Turkey run by the Journalists Association, the Federation of Women Associations of Turkey and the SADA Women’s Cooperative. Our Embassy in Ankara cooperates on many local cultural initiatives, including support for Irish films at annual Turkish film festivals and “greenings” for St Patrick’s Day in 2019 and 2020. In the field of education, the Embassy cooperates with Hacettepe University in Ankara to support the annual Literary One Day Conference on Irish writers. Ireland welcomes Turkish graduate students every year under the EU Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme on research topics directly related to Turkey’s EU harmonisation process and the EU acquis.
186. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Norway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37679/20]
View answerIreland and Norway enjoy excellent bilateral political and economic relations. Norway is a key partner across a wide range of key issues, including on energy, climate change and the environment. We also enjoy strong co-operation with Norway through our joint membership of the European Economic Area.
The two countries share a strong commitment to multilateralism and in contributing to international peace and development. Having previously served together on the UN Security Council in 2001-2002, Ireland and Norway will again serve together on the Council for the upcoming 2021-2022 term. Ireland’s approach at Council will be informed by our core principles of building peace, strengthening prevention, and ensuring accountability. It is intended to work together with Norway to promote and defend human rights, to address the humanitarian aspects of conflict, and to bridge divisions at Council. The respective UN Security Council teams in Dublin and Oslo are in close contact.
In terms of the economic relationship, Norway is an important market for Irish goods and services, with total trade worth €3.6 billion in 2018.
My Department is in the final stages of completing the Nordic Strategy, which will provide a comprehensive framework for deepening our bilateral and multilateral engagement with the Nordic countries, including Norway, over the next five years. We will work with the Nordic countries in international fora towards a safer, more just and sustainable future, and to underpin international peace and security and the rules-based international order. The Strategy also envisages a deeper trading and research relationship with the region.
187. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Iceland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37680/20]
View answerIreland and Iceland enjoy strong bilateral political and economic relations.
The two countries have much in common though shared and intertwined histories, with geographic proximity and strong maritime traditions. Many aspects of common cultural heritage have facilitated the development of a close relationship, with a bond developed over many centuries.
Bilateral trade for 2018 was €55 million. Ireland's principal commodity exports to Iceland are metalliferous ores and metal scrap; essential oils, perfume materials; toilet and cleansing preparations. Iceland's largest exports to Ireland are crude animal and vegetable material and fish.
My Department has encouraged State Agencies such as Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and the IDA to engage with Icelandic contacts to explore potential opportunities for further bilateral co-operation between Ireland and Iceland. We also enjoy strong co-operation with Iceland through the European Economic Area (EEA) as well as multilateral organisations, including the UN and the OECD.
My Department is in the final stages of completing the Nordic Strategy, which will provide a comprehensive framework for deepening our bilateral and multilateral engagement with the Nordic countries, including Iceland, over the next five years. We will work with the Nordic countries in international fora towards a safer, more just and sustainable future, and to underpin international peace and security and the rules-based international order. The Strategy also envisages a deeper trading and research relationship with the region.
188. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-operation that exists between Ireland and Switzerland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37681/20]
View answerIreland and Switzerland enjoy close bilateral relations. As Ireland's fifth largest merchandise trade partner, Switzerland is a significant trading partner for Ireland: total merchandise trade amounted to €7.2bn in 2018 of which €6.4bn were exports and €700m imports. Switzerland is Ireland’s ninth largest services trading partner: Irish services exports amounted to €3.3bn in 2016 and imports to €3.2bn. A protocol amending the convention for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and on capital between Ireland and Switzerland entered into force last month.
Switzerland is also a growing market for Irish tourism. Tourism figures to Ireland from Switzerland have been growing substantially in recent years, with an 8% increase in 2018 to 120,000 visitors per year. However, tourism figures for 2020 will undoubtedly be severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We share similar viewpoints on international relations, including the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, and the importance of development aid, all of which allow for strong co-operation in multilateral fora such as the United Nations.
My Department held senior official consultations with Swiss officials in Dublin in October 2019, and we intend to hold another round of senior official consultations with Switzerland in the coming months. These are likely to be held virtually if COVID travel restrictions prevent an in-person meeting.
On EU-Swiss relations, Ireland believes that the conclusion of the Institutional Framework Agreement (IFA) would help develop the full potential of the economic relationship between Switzerland and the EU, and to consolidate our links and deepen relations. Legal certainty and a level-playing field will benefit both EU and Swiss economic operators on the internal market, and the agreement will enable Switzerland to obtain further market access in new areas, such as electricity. Ireland supports the European Commission in its approach to the IFA and hopes that a swift conclusion can be reached.
191. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts that have been made to secure an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37684/20]
View answerIreland has a regular dialogue with the UAE on a broad range of bilateral issues, including policing and justice co-operation.
Ireland does not currently have an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates. Any decision on whether to begin negotiations on a treaty would be taken based on a recommendation by the Department of Justice, which oversees Ireland’s policy on extradition.
192. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37685/20]
View answerThe Government is committed to holding a referendum on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State.
We have restored the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill to the Dáil Order Paper.
The date for the holding of the referendum will be decided once the legislation has been approved by the Oireachtas.
193. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a full report on the activities of the Irish consulate in Edinburgh including staffing numbers; if there is capacity to grow the consulate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37686/20]
View answerThe Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh (CG Edinburgh) is one of two Consulates General of Ireland in Great Britain that complement the work of the Embassy of Ireland in London. CG Edinburgh is staffed by a Consul General, a Vice Consul General, and an additional supporting official from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Consulate also employs one local staff member to assist with the wide-ranging work of the Mission.
This Consulate has a substantial remit, including political engagement with Scotland; facilitating local trade and investment with Ireland; cultural promotion and representation; and community engagement with the diaspora. The Consulate works closely with other members of Team Ireland in Scotland, including Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Culture Ireland, and other State Agencies. Given the number of Irish citizens and the size of the Irish community living, working, and studying in Scotland, the mission also handles considerable consular demands.
Since the joint bilateral review of Ireland-Scotland relations commenced in late 2019, CG Edinburgh has also devoted significant efforts to progressing this initiative in collaboration with Scottish counterparts. The review, which will be published soon, has mapped the connections between Ireland and Scotland and aims to develop a focused plan of action for further collaboration over the next five years.
The busy workload of this CG Edinburgh, furthering Ireland's interests throughout Scotland, contributes to realising Ireland's broader strategic objectives with regard to the UK.
Reflecting the establishment of the British-Irish Council, an institution of the Good Friday Agreement, and the role that devolution has played in the UK since 1998, the Department has increased commensurately its support for the Consulate General in Edinburgh. Additional resources have also been committed to the Embassy in London. The reopening of Ireland's Consulate General in Cardiff last year further reflects a commitment to engage in all regions of the UK, as does the announcement on 16 November that planning for a new Consulate for the North of England, to be situated in Manchester, will now proceed.
The Programme for Government outlines the Government's ambitions for British-Irish relations in the coming years, and includes a specific commitment to deepen and intensify links with the devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland, as part of a broader strategy of renewed east-west engagement. The Department will ensure that the resourcing of the Embassy and Consulates in Great Britain remains under review in this context, and is at the level required to promote and protect our interests, and Irish citizens, as the vital Ireland-UK bilateral relationship enters a new post-Brexit phase.
194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of times, the events and the amount of funding the Department has availed of from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to facilitate Defence Forces personnel competing in international events over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37425/20]
View answerIt has not been possible in the time available to compile the information requested by the Deputy.
Details, if any, on the number of times, the events and the amount of funding availed of from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to facilitate Defence Forces personnel competing in international events over the last 3 years will be compiled and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
The information about the number of times, the events and the amount of funding the Department has availed of from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to facilitate Defence Forces personnel competing in international events over the past three years was not available in advance of the deadline for Parliamentary Questions response. However, I can now confirm that no such funding was availed of from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in the last three years.
195. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Air Corps currently retains the ability to carry out SAR operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37429/20]
View answerSince 2004 the Irish Coast Guard has had overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue domain. The Irish Coast Guard fall under the remit of the Minister for Transport. From within the Defence Organisation, both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard setting out agreed roles and responsibilities in this regard.
In terms of the Air Corps' existing role in the aviation aspect of SAR, services currently provided by the Air Corps to the Coast Guard on an “as available” basis include; Search & Rescue, search support in a number of settings including the potential to act as on-scene air Co-ordinator if required; Island Medevacs when the IRCG are unable to respond; Maritime counter pollution patrolling & monitoring; and Maritime surveillance, among other taskings.
There is an ongoing project under the remit of the Department of Transport, to consider, develop and bring to fruition a new Marine Search and Rescue aviation contract for future service provision. In this context a strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal was completed and brought to Government for information in July this year. This assessment included an appraisal of various service delivery options, including where the state assumed full responsibility for the service, through the Air Corps . This option was ruled out for a variety of reasons but notably the risks to the state and questions around potential affordability and deliverability.
I agree with the strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal and I do not see the Air Corps taking full responsibility for SAR services in Ireland’s search and rescue domain. However I would like to explore further the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the SAR aviation service, given their historical role in this area. There are capacity issues in the Air Corps. Capacity in terms of personnel, training, equipment, infrastructure etc would have to be built. Furthermore, I am well aware of the challenges the Air Corps experienced in the past in providing this service and any exploration of them providing some element of the service would need to take into account their existing roles, the current challenges in delivering those roles and the feasibility of building the additional capacity in a relatively short timeframe.
I have asked my officials to engage further with the Department of Transport, to explore the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the next generation SAR aviation service while at the same time ensuring that the service meets domestic and international obligations for search and rescue and represents value for money for the State.
196. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if the Air Corps has investigated the possibility of providing top cover for SAR operations and other fixed wing services to the Irish Coast Guard and HSE on an on-call basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37430/20]
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 Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
As part of the Defence Organisation, the Air Corps provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role. The Air Corps also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks on an ‘as available’ basis, including the provision of aviation supports to the Irish Coast Guard and air ambulance services to the Health Service Executive (HSE), using aircrafts from both the fixed-wing and rotary elements of the Air Corps fleet as required. These supports are underpinned by agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
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 while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support. Given the unique situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional PC-12 NG aircraft was purchased to provide immediate additional fixed wing capacity.
This aircraft provides the Air Corps with a further agile resource to service urgent requests from the HSE and other agencies of the State, including the Irish Coast Guard, as an 'as available' basis at the request of the lead department or agency.
197. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence his plans and the timeline to allow former members of the Army and Naval Service reserves to re-enlist in the Reserve subject to the same re-enlistment criteria as the Permanent Defence Forces. [37431/20]
View answerThe 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 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020, made provisions for the enlistment of formerly enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and was not related to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), or the calling out of the RDF on a mandatory basis under permanent service. While the Act does provide for these measures, I can confirm that there are no plans for such a general call out of the RDF in this instance.
The re-enlistment scheme announced on 1 April 2020 is focused on the re-enlistment of former personnel who previously served in the PDF and who have the skills and expertise required to fill identified gaps in the PDF.
There is not a separate scheme for the re-enlistment of former RDF personnel into the RDF nor are there plans at this time for such a scheme, however I understand that former RDF members, once within the upper age limit of 35 years. as set down in regulations. and subject to other eligibility criteria, may currently apply to re-join the RDF.
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. Consultation on the terms of reference of the Commission has commenced and the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association, along with the other Representative Associations have been invited to submit their views.
198. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the nature of IT upgrades which took place for the Defence Forces intranet between 2018 and 2020; the cost of upgrades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37432/20]
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.
199. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the proposed investment and upgrades in cyber security of Defence Forces systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37433/20]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not currently available. I have requested that the data be compiled and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
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 to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. The acquisition of new equipment and the upgrading and maintenance of equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process. The principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to maintain, replace and upgrade, as appropriate, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements both at home and overseas.
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. In this respect, an Officer from the Defence Forces will shortly take up secondment in the CCDCOE. The Officer will join its multi-disciplinary team of researchers, analysts and educators from the military, government, academia and industry. The Officer will also have the opportunity to participate and contribute to the work of the CCDCOE and gain expertise in understanding the complexity of cyber defence and dealing with cyber incidents in all their aspects. The CCDCOE provides interdisciplinary expertise in the field of cyber defence research, training and exercises and it fosters cooperation amongst like-minded nations. 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 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 (CIS) Corps is the protection of the Defence Forces Communications Network. Effective security and cyber defence capability is integral to all DF CIS systems and service delivery, enhancing Cyber security is a key element of all major DF CIS projects. Security is a key component of all DF CIS systems deployment and upgrade programs, every effort is made to ensure that best in class Cyber Defence equipment is procured and deployed appropriately. 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.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
200. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the level of digitisation in the Defence Forces for carrying out routine administrative tasks, such as requesting rations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37434/20]
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.
