Written Answers Nos. 374-401
375. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months; and the outcome of any engagement. [12120/21]
View answerI have had no engagement with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision during the past six months.
376. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces currently deployed on peacekeeping duties to areas of conflict all over the world will be vaccinated against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10992/21]
View answer383. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Defence his plans to ensure Defence Forces personnel fulfilling duties overseas and in areas with high levels of Covid-19 community transmissions will receive the vaccination before embarking on such duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11700/21]
View answer386. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that members of the Defence Forces who are due to deploy overseas are awaiting vaccination; and when they are due to receive their vaccines, particularly in view of the worrying situation in which a deployment is due to Mali in the next two weeks. [12059/21]
View answer387. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when members of the Defence Forces preparing to leave for Mali will receive the Covid-19 vaccination. [12080/21]
View answer388. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when members of the Defence Forces preparing to leave for Syria will receive the Covid-19 vaccination. [12081/21]
View answer389. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when members of the Defence Forces due to leave for Lebanon will receive the Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12082/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 376, 383 and 386 to 389, inclusive, together.
The COVID-19 vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020. It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination.
The Defence Forces has established vaccine prioritisation which is in line with this national allocation strategy. Initial Vaccination priority is for Defence Force personnel who are providing front line support to the HSE and National Ambulance Service in the national effort to combat COVID 19.
Those personnel already deployed on Peacekeeping duties will be vaccinated on their return in accordance with the Defence Force prioritisation within the national allocation strategy.
Personnel selected for deployment to overseas missions over the coming months will fall into a prioritised grouping, and the intention is that they will be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to deployment, subject to availability of the vaccine which is coordinated through the HSE. In this regard, I am advised that the vaccination of Defence Forces personnel due to deploy to the EU Training Mission in Mali later this month has already commenced.
377. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the status of the planned purchase of a €200 million multirole vessel for the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11303/21]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This is primarily to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. Budget 2021 provides a Capital allocation of €131m for investment in Defence equipment and barracks infrastructure and will enable continued investment in major equipment platforms, including the replacement and refurbishment of Naval Service vessels. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.
As a result of the White Paper commitment to Naval Service vessel replacement, the replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel (MRV) is the immediate White Paper project in this context. The MRV project is an important developmental project and indicative of the commitment to on-going investment and development of defence capabilities. It is a major project and work remains on-going in progressing it. This project is in planning phase and it is intended to hold a public tender competition in due course to cover the supply of the MRV, subject to availability of funding within the overall Defence capital funding envelope.
Future Naval Service capabilities will be considered over the life-time of the White Paper in the context of overall capability development and funding and the EDP process.
378. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Defence the details of contracts of €25,000 or more that have been awarded by his Department or bodies under his aegis that were found to be non-compliant with procurement guidelines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the value and nature of the contact work carried out in each case; the year of each contract in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11372/21]
View answerIn 2018, total Non-Pay Capital and Current Expenditure in my Department was some €230m and I am advised that no non-compliant contracts in excess of €25,000, were reported in that year. In 2019, total Non-Pay Capital and Current Expenditure in my Department was some €260m. I am advised that in 2019, my Department complied with the guidelines for all purchases with the exception of five contracts (in excess of €25,000) totalling €161,297 (excluding VAT). These contracts related to various services contracts, which were extended beyond their original contract terms. Each of these five contracts have been reviewed by my Department, and steps are being taken to bring each of these contracts into compliance with the relevant competitive procurement rules.
Information relating to 2020 and 2021 contracts will not be available until year end activities have been completed and the Comptroller and Auditor General has conducted the audit of the relevant years Appropriation Accounts.
My Department seeks to ensure that there is an appropriate focus on good practice and I am satisfied that overall my Department has appropriate governance arrangements in place to ensure on-going compliance and adherence with procurement guidelines.
|
Year |
No. of non-compliant Contracts in excess of €25,000 |
Details/nature of contract |
Value (ex VAT) |
|
2018 |
0 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2019 |
5 |
Various service contracts |
€161,297 |
379. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence the details of the meetings, correspondence and engagements he and his officials have had with a group (details supplied); if he will specifically address the concerns outlined by the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11404/21]
View answerNeither I, nor my officials, have had any meetings, correspondence, or engagements with the group referred to by the Deputy.
380. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the statements made to the Commission on the Defence Forces by an organisation (details supplied) concerning discrimination against women in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11592/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to an independent Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. This independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference and the membership of the Commission. As part of a broader consultation process, the Commission has launched its website and has invited submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference.
I understand that the Representative Association representing enlisted personnel, PDFORRA, has met with the Commission and made a submission. The Commission has been established as an independent body and the PDFORRA submission has not been shared with my Department. The Commission’s overall approach will be guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019, which include projects to ensure that the development and promotion of strategies that support female participation in the Defence Forces is continued.
The Defence Forces are committed to promoting equality in all aspects of their work. This is set out in the Defence Forces Equality Policy, which commits to ensuring that the principles of equality are adhered to in all its employment policies, procedures, instructions and regulations. This ongoing commitment is also exemplified in the Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan.
In line with such policies and commitments a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female recruitment and participation in the Defence Forces, which include the following:
- A Gender, Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
381. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to address the low number of women, that is, 7% in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11593/21]
View answerIt is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve.
As of 31 January 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 8,583 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel. Of this some 601 personnel or 7% were female, broken down as follows:
- Army: 494 Female Personnel
- Air Corps: 39 Female Personnel
- Naval Service: 68 Female Personnel
In line with current policies and commitments a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force. For example:
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework.
- A Gender Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are committed to gender equality and employ a gender perspective in the planning and execution of operations both at home and overseas and in all policies and regulations. Gender Advisors are available to all Brigades and Services and trained Gender Focal Points are deployed with all overseas units and ships in order to promote a gender perspective in operations.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
Over the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence, a number of projects will be progressed to ensure the development and promotion of strategies that continue to support increased female participation in the Defence Forces.
In addition, a review of recruitment practices and processes in the PDF, tasked under the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report, has additionally examined all aspects of the recruitment process, including diversity, as part of its work. It is anticipated that this report will be finalised shortly.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
382. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence his views on introducing job sharing practices in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11594/21]
View answerI am advised by the Military Authorities that there are a number of facilities available to serving Defence Forces personnel in terms of work life supports. First and foremost Defence Forces members are entitled to maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, parents leave and term time in line with national legislation.
In addition a range of ‘harmony’ measures have also been implemented including ‘hot desking’ for certain enlisted and commissioned personnel who have been posted away from their home address, and remote working is considered for a limited number of personnel depending on the circumstances.
Additionally, I am advised that a number of family friendly overseas appointments for commissioned and enlisted personnel have been introduced whereby the normal 6-month tour of duty can be ‘shared’ with another member of the Defence Forces, resulting in a 3-month deployment.
Contracts for military personnel are for full time work, and job sharing (part-time work) is not currently available. However, the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces is currently examining a range of issues in the Defence Forces and its terms of reference encompass the setting out of a strategic perspective on HR policies and associated strategies.
384. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of enlisted and non-enlisted personnel on active service in the Naval Service. [11771/21]
View answerThe military authorities advise that, as of 31st January 2021, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength (whole time equivalent) of the Naval Service was 903 personnel.
This is comprised of 165 Officers and 738 enlisted personnel.
385. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the action he has taken in response to recent statements by a person (details supplied) regarding academic freedom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11878/21]
View answerI am aware of the context in which the relevant statements were made and, in addition, I believe the endorsement of the principles of academic freedom. I do not consider it necessary to comment further in my role as Minister for Defence.
390. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of the 82 projects listed in the 2015 White Paper on Defence that are completed; and the number deferred until the Commission on the Defence Forces reports. [12095/21]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon and covers all aspects of defence within overall security policy. Since publication of the White Paper, a total of 95 separate projects have been identified for completion over a ten-year period. To provide flexibility, projects may be sub-divided or merged, changing the top-line number. Project and Programme Management Governance arrangements were put in place to monitor the ongoing status of individual projects and to review the scope of projects within the programme.
Following on from the White Paper Update 2019 and the Government’s High Level Plan to implement the Report of the Public Service Pay Commission, senior civil and military management have concluded a review of the projects which has resulted 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. Of the initial 95 projects, 63 projects have either been initiated through the project management methodology (44), or have already been absorbed into the day-to-day work of the Defence Organisation or have been superseded by events (19). 27 projects are now formally completed and closed with a number of others due to close shortly. Taking account of the specific matters provided for in its terms of reference, 14 projects have been deferred until the Commission on the Defence Forces reports. The Commission is due to report by year-end.
391. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of the 13 Reserve Defence Force, RDF, projects that have been completed since 2015; the number deferred; and the reason for each deferral. [12096/21]
View answerThe Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capabilities. The 2015 White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon, to 2025. While the majority of projects arising from the White Paper are primarily focused on the Permanent Defence Force, there were 13 White Paper projects relating to the RDF.
As part of the phased implementation of the White Paper, the majority of the projects relating to the RDF were scheduled for commencement in the latter part of the White Paper time frame. This reflects the fact that there are finite resources available to pursue multiple individual projects and, in this context, the necessary phasing of White Paper implementation. Emergent recruitment and retention issues in the Permanent Defence Force have also been a priority.
A White Paper project relating to a skills survey of the RDF was initiated and the completed survey provides an overview of the range of skills available within the Reserve. This project has subsequently been merged with another White Paper project.
As part of the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Report of the Public Sector Pay Commission on recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, 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 already undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of member of the Reserve will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold. The Government has additionally given approval for proposed amendments to the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020, which will update Defence legislation relating to utilisation of the RDF.
The work of the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, established in line with the Programme for Government 2020, encompasses 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.
The remaining 12 White Paper Projects relating to the RDF will be reviewed on foot of the recommendations arising from the Commission.
392. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the organisation capability review of the Department of Defence will commence; the terms of reference and completion date; and the person or body that will conduct same. [12097/21]
View answerAction 20 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan, which is overseen by the Civil Service Management Board, provides for a programme of organisational reviews to embed a culture of regular and objective assessments of the capacity and capability of each Department to achieve its objectives, and take the necessary action to close any gaps.
Preparatory work is at an advanced stage for an Organisational Capability Review of my Department. As part of this work, the terms of reference, and the timeline for the project, are currently being finalised. The Review will be conducted by the Organisational Capability Review team which is based in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
393. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if he has engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months; and the outcome of any engagement. [12115/21]
View answerI can confirm that neither I, nor officials of my Department, have engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months.
394. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education the timeline for the awarding of the contract to a builder for a school (details supplied); and the timeline for the completion of the school. [10965/21]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme. The tender process to establish a new Design & Build Contractors Framework commenced on the 4th December 2019. The second stage of the tender process which involves the detailed tender for several schools has commenced and is expected to be concluded in Quarter 1 2021. The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in the first bundle of projects currently being tendered to this new Framework.
It is my Department's intention that the construction of the new 1,000 pupil school will be phased to provide permanent accommodation as early as possible in the 2021/22 school year with the second phase of the new school being completed as early as possible in the 2022/23 school year.
395. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education the timeline for the awarding of the contract to a builder for a school (details supplied); and the timeline for the completion of the school. [10966/21]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme.
My Department is currently in the process of establishing a Framework of Design and Build Contractors to which Design and Build projects can be tendered. The tender process to establish the new Framework commenced on the 4th December 2019. The second stage of the tender process which involves the detailed tender for several schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, has commenced and is expected to be concluded in Quarter 1 2021. This is the earliest that the project can be tendered.
It is my Department's intention that the construction plan for the project will be phased to allow a level of permanent accommodation to be provided as early as possible in 2022.
396. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education the reason the national training programme of special needs assistants is not an accredited course; if she will review this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11009/21]
View answerSpecial Needs Assistants (SNAs) play a huge role in helping to ensure the inclusion of pupils with significant care needs in education and in school life. This was acknowledged in the Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme (SNAs) published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in 2018.
The Review made a number of recommendations regarding SNAs and the need for a more broadly based set of supports including therapeutic supports for pupils with complex needs. The Review also referenced the training needs of SNAs. In this regard, the NCSE recommended that a new national training programme at Level 5 of the National Qualification Framework be developed for existing SNAs who do not have the requisite level of training and for new SNAs on appointment. The NCSE also recommended that training tailored to the specific complex needs of some students being cared for by SNAs would also be provided.
The policy advice has been considered by the Department. It was decided that priority should be given to the development of a training programme for SNAs who may not have had a recent opportunity to access a training programme tailored to their role.
A public procurement competition was held for the development and delivery of a new national training programme for SNAs. A detailed specification of need and learning outcomes was developed and published for the competition. Formal accreditation to the National Qualifications Framework was not a requirement for the programme. Following evaluation of the tenders received, the contract was awarded to University College Dublin (UCD) School of Education, in conjunction with UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems.
UCD has a strong reputation in the world of education and training. It brings with it a wealth of experience and research knowledge in the training and has very strong quality assurance arrangements for its programmes. Feedback from programme participants is a key feature of this quality assurance process.
This new programme aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of SNAs whose work is central to the inclusion of students with additional care and complex needs in school life.
The programme consists of five modules, delivered online over a 10-month period. Flexibility is a key part of the approach to the delivery of the programme and participation is voluntary.
The programme is fully funded by my Department and delivered at no cost to the SNA.
Completion of the programme may serve as a stepping stone to further education opportunities in the area.
Each participant who completes the programme successfully will receive a certificate from UCD School of Education which may be of assistance in pursuing further education.
€2.45m will be allocated to this programme over the next 4 year period based on a full uptake of 3,500 SNAs. The first cohort of 500 SNAs enrolled in January and this phase was oversubscribed.
This is the first national training programme for SNAs employed in our schools and is tailored to their needs. The programme will be evaluated and the outcome will inform the approach to the training of SNAs in the future.
The Department recognises that a more strategic approach is required for the training of SNAs. This would deal with a number of matters including the identification of need and the provision of appropriate training programmes. The issue of programme accreditation will be considered further in this context. I look forward to its development.
I am satisfied that the new training programme for SNAs now in place is of high quality and will help to enhance the experience of children with special needs in our schools.
397. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the plans for a post-primary school in Newcastle, County Dublin. [11014/21]
View answerThe Government announced plans in April 2018 for the establishment of 42 new schools over the four year period 2019 to 2022, including a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school to be established in 2020 to serve the Citywest/Saggart (Tallaght & Newcastle_Rathcoole school planning areas) as a regional solution.
This announcement follows nationwide, demographic exercises carried out by my Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country.
The building project will deliver a 1,000 pupil post-primary school and a 16-classroom primary school on a State-owned campus site on Fortunestown Lane in Citywest.
The planning application for the building project is currently the subject of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála. The anticipated date for receipt of a decision is mid-April 2021. It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
The school is currently located in suitable interim accommodation on the permanent site pending delivery of the permanent accommodation.
398. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education the status of an application for a new post-primary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11036/21]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department has received an application for capital funding under the Additional School Accommodation scheme (ASA), from the school in question.
The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. The second half of the NDP (from 2023 onwards) will see an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock. This will include a PE Hall build and modernisation programme to ensure that students in all post-primary schools have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision.
The immediate priority of my Department is providing new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place. The application from the school, in question, will be considered in this regard and on completion of the assessment process the school authority will be contacted directly.
399. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the issues facing parents wishing to avail of the in-person supplementary programme relative to the non-availability of teachers and special needs assistants due to its being voluntary for them to participate and the insurance issues for all parties involved; her plans to accommodate children with Down's syndrome attending mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11039/21]
View answerThe supplementary programme is intended to supplement the teaching and learning provided by the student’s school and alleviate the impact of this period of school closure through the provision of 5 hours per week in-person teaching or care support to be delivered in homes.
The programme must be delivered outside of the normal school day (i.e. evenings and weekends), so that the student can continue to engage as fully as possible with the teaching and learning provided by their school.
My Department’s approach is intended to be flexible so as to maximise the number of students participating.
Any unused hours can be used by families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.
Schools have been requested to assist Parents in sourcing a Teacher/SNA on school staff or other teachers and SNAs known to the school.
In addition, the NCSE provides information on how to source a Teacher or SNA where parents cannot source one through their schools at the following link https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Supplementary-Programme-2021.pdf
Support can also be accessed through Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) at the link: https://www.educationposts.ie/notice/supprog
The programme is structured in similar way to my Department’s home based summer programme. Parents will engage either a teacher or an SNA in a private arrangement. As such it is the responsibility of the parent and teacher/SNA to ensure any necessary insurance arrangements are in place.
My Department has been contacted by schools and families who wish to access the supplementary programme in school settings. My Department is willing to engage with the education stakeholders, particularly the school management bodies on the logistical issues which may need to be considered in the running of this programme in school premises, particularly as this programme is intended to happen outside of school hours such as evenings, weekends and during the Easter holidays.
400. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if her Department will adequately engage with a school (details supplied) to advance essential school building works. [11053/21]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy, that an application for Major Capital Funding, has been received from the school in question. Applications from schools for major capital works must be considered in the context of the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years.
Under the National Development Plan (NDP), increased funding has been provided for the school sector capital investment programme. This funding allows for a continued focus on the provision of new permanent school places to keep pace with demographic demand and also provides for an additional focus on the refurbishment of existing school buildings, starting in the second half of Project Ireland 2040 period.
Should the school authority consider that it does not have sufficient capacity, in terms of mainstream teaching accommodation, it is open to them to apply for accommodation under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme, details of which are available on my Department's website www.education.ie. The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
401. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education the status of a request by a school (details supplied) to put Covid-19 adaptions in place at the school. [11054/21]
View answerI would like to inform the Deputy that following enquiries to the school it was found they had mailed the application to the incorrect section within the Department. We have now made contact with the school and have asked them to email the documentation directly to the team who will assess their application.
