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Wednesday, 24 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 783-807

Legislative Programme

Questions (783)

Holly Cairns

Question:

783. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress of the maritime jurisdiction Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15930/21]

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Written answers

The Maritime Jurisdiction Bill will consolidate the State's existing maritime jurisdiction legislation in one enactment and revise it to make further provision in domestic law for the the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Bill is partly intended as a complement to the streamlined, single marine planning consent system to be established under the Maritime Area (Planning) Bill which is being brought forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

Drafting of the Maritime Jurisdiction Bill has now been completed by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and, following receipt of final observations from relevant Departments, I intend shortly to bring the Bill to Government for approval and presentation to the Oireachtas.

Human Rights

Questions (784)

Holly Cairns

Question:

784. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his recent visit to Iran including discussions on human rights violations and the treatment of women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15931/21]

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Written answers

I visited Tehran on 7 March, and met with the President of Iran, Dr. Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister, Dr. Javad Zarif.

The visit took place in the context of Ireland's role on the Security Council as Facilitator for Security Council Resolution 2231. This Resolution provides for the engagement of the Security Council with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Iran nuclear deal.

In my meeting with Foreign Minister Zarif I raised concerns over Iran's record on human rights, including use of the death penalty (including for minors), discrimination against the LGBTI+ community, women’s rights, and freedom of expression. I also expressed concern that Iran was preventing the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran from visiting the country.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (785)

David Cullinane

Question:

785. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total Covid-19-related spend in 2020 by his Department, agency and budget line item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16277/21]

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Written answers

In 2020, the total Covid-19-related spend by the Department of Foreign Affairs was €2,556,158.

The largest element of that spend was on the repatriation of Irish citizens and residents abroad. With unprecedented numbers of people stranded across the world in 2020 as a result of Covid-19, the Department developed a comprehensive approach to repatriation of citizens who wished to return home. Priority was given to helping citizens who were normally resident in Ireland to return home safely on commercial flights wherever possible and, where not possible, on flights chartered by EU and other partners.  In exceptional cases, where these options were not available, the Department chartered flights directly to bring citizens home, notably from Peru, India and Nigeria. These flights were arranged in close cooperation with EU partners and were supported through the EU “Union Civil Protection Mechanism” which allows for partial co-financing of flights. In addition, all citizens who received an emergency repatriation and/or assistance loan, including those who travelled on the charter flights, signed an agreement to repay that loan within six months.

Under this comprehensive approach, the Department spent €1.54m on repatriations in 2020. The EU refund process and the Department’s billing process is still ongoing.

Other Covid-19-related spend includes costs relating to the running of the Covid Crisis Centre, the purchase and delivery of PPE to our HQ offices and our Missions abroad, the provision of home and remote working supports to staff, additional cleaning costs and health services costs including Covid tests for staff going to or coming from their overseas posting or other essential travel. Details are provided in the following table:

Item

Costs (€)

Covid-19-related repatriation costs

1,539,503

ICT remote working supports, inc. consumables

296,805

Staff-related health services costs

49,462

PPE and Cleaning materials, inc. transport costs for PPE to Missions abroad

131,303

Costs related to the running of the Crisis Centre

35,211

Additional cleaning services

131,658

Costs relating to the cancellation of 2020 St. Patrick’s Day events

22,270

Covid-19-related staff training

12,680

Furniture, equipment, signage and premises costs

119,456

Travel and accommodation costs inc. air travel, taxis, vehicle hire and ticket cancellation costs

156,687

Communications costs inc. postage

33,082

Professional services inc. translations

5,300

Meeting costs

3,095

Additional security costs

6,338

Miscellaneous

13,073

Consultancy costs

235

TOTAL

2,556,158

Departmental Administrative Arrangements

Questions (786)

Emer Higgins

Question:

786. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the payment options available for persons to pay fines, charges or bills by his Department; and if there are plans to provide further online payment facilities. [16297/21]

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Written answers

The Department for Foreign Affairs provides a number of services to the public in Ireland and through its Embassies and Consulates abroad including passport services, consular services such as authentication and apostille services, and visa services.

The methods of payments available depend on the service and the location. These payment methods include debit and credit cards, online payments, bank transfers, bank drafts and postal orders. In certain locations, visa application fees are paid via a Visa Application Centre. In some limited circumstances, cash can be used.

In addition, the Department is currently using PayPal to facilitate the payment of Covid-related repatriation bills.

The Department will continue to seek to use the most efficient and secure methods of payment as possible, taking into account the broad range of services it provides and locations in which it operates.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (787)

Gerald Nash

Question:

787. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties associated with Defence Forces personnel that are non-Irish passport holders, in terms of serving in some operations overseas; if his Department is engaging with the Defence Forces to develop a solution to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15235/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Defence Forces are currently serving in 13 missions in 12 countries worldwide in the cause of peace, and this service has continued throughout the pandemic.

In preparing for overseas deployments, 'Host Nation' national requirements and cultural sensitivities must be considered, and this extends to official documentation.

I am informed by the Military Authorities that in a limited number of cases, issues have arisen whereby 'Host Nation' requirements do not allow for the deployment of Defence Forces personnel who do not hold an Irish Passport.

Opportunities for overseas service are available in alternative missions for those personnel who do not hold an official Irish Passport.

The issues highlighted for those personnel who do not hold an Irish Passport are currently being considered.

Defence Forces Strength

Questions (788, 794, 808)

John Lahart

Question:

788. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces as of 1 March 2021; the breakdown of all ranks across the three services; the gender breakdown of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16255/21]

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John Brady

Question:

794. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women in the Defence Forces according to rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14948/21]

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Pauline Tully

Question:

808. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces by rank and gender across the three services as of 12 March 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15729/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 788, 794 and 808 together.

The following table shows the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) as at 28th February 2021, the latest date for which such data is available, broken down by rank, service and gender.

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. These include:

- 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.

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.

Strength by Rank

Legislative Process

Questions (789)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

789. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the details of the process through which his Department drafts and produces legislation; if his Department outsources the drafting of legislation; if so, the Bills for which the drafting was outsourced since he took office; and the costs associated with the drafting of each Bill. [14415/21]

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Written answers

Bills from my Department are drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on foot of a general scheme prepared by the Department which has been approved by Government. Once drafting of a Bill has been completed, approval is sought from Government for the publication of the Bill and its introduction to the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The preparation of secondary legislation is carried out as required by officials of the Department.

Since taking office, my Department has not outsourced the drafting of any legislation.

Defence Forces Reserve

Questions (790)

John Brady

Question:

790. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the optimum strength level of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14751/21]

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Written answers

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the Army Reserve (AR), the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) and the First Line Reserve (FLR).

Defence Force Regulation CS4 determines the regulatory establishment limits for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the RDF. The establishment figure for the RDF as provided in this Regulation, is 4,069 personnel comprising 3,869 for the Army Reserve (AR), and 200 for the Naval Service Reserve. (NSR). There is no set establishment for the FLR.

A key ongoing challenge for the RDF is to recruit and retain personnel and the Government remains committed to improving the strength level of the RDF.

This commitment is exemplified by the rolling recruitment model for the RDF being implemented this year which is similar to the model currently used for the PDF General Service recruitment, as well as other outreach initiatives.

Paid training rates for members of the RDF have now been restored, having previously been reduced as part of cost savings measures during the economic downturn. In addition, the Government has approved proposed amendments to the Defence (amendment) Bill 2020, which will update Defence legislation relating to utilisation of the RDF.

As part of its terms of reference, the Commission on the Defence Forces will also examine the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation; the regulations governing the RDF; the development of the First Line Reserve; and the utilisation of the RDF in support of the PDF and on overseas missions. The Commission is due to report at the end of the year.

Defence Forces Reserve

Questions (791)

John Brady

Question:

791. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current strength level of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14752/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the Army Reserve (AR), the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) and the First Line Reserve (FLR).

As at 31 January 2021, the effective strength of the AR is 1,458 personnel and the NSR is 125 personnel. The strength of the FLR at that date, is 263 personnel.

The Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, however the capacity to induct and train recruits has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The same personnel and resources are utilised for both Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and Reserve Defence Force (RDF) recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruitment is, and will remain a priority.  However, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

Taking public health guidelines into account, the Defence Forces have remained committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted and last year new members were inducted into the Army Reserve (62), and Naval Service Reserve (7).

I have been advised that the Defence Forces are introducing ongoing recruitment to the AR and NSR this year, similar to the model currently used for the PDF General Service recruitment.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (792)

Richard Bruton

Question:

792. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the five most recent significant capital projects in the major functional responsibilities of his Department which have required his sanction; the time which elapsed between the initial submission of the proposal for consideration until the construction commenced; the significant elements making up this period; the time spent in assessment prior to approval in the planning process; the time spent in assessment prior to approval in the procurement process of contractors; and the way this duration compared with the targeted time to delivery set out at the outset of the process. [14773/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025 was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe including timeframes for the delivery of projects. Over the course of the programme it is projected that some €145m will be allocated to ensure programme delivery.

In my Department there is a joint Civil/Military High Level Public Procurement Group which is assigned to act as the Sanctioning Authority for capital and current expenditure proposals. Its function is to develop and implement multi-annual plans for equipment procurement and infrastructure development based on the policy proposal set out on the White paper.

The five most recent significant capital projects entered into by the Department are listed in the following table:

Capital Project

HLPPG Business Case Approval

E Tenders Closing of Competition Date

Letter of Intent initiated with Successful Tenderer

Contract Award

Impact on Timeframe

Proposed Personnel Support Services Resource Centre, Camp Field, Collins Barracks

December 2019

July 2020

September 2020

October 2020

4 months- Covid Affected – Re-tendered

Military Training Facility, No Danger Area Range, Gormanstown, Meath  

May 2020

August 2020

September 2020

October 2020

On target

Remediation of Spencer Jetty at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cork            

June 2020

July 2020

November 2020

February 2021

6 months – Covid Affected

Military Training Facility, No Danger Area Range, Kilworth, Cork 

July 2020

August 2020

October 2020

October 2020

On target

Replacement of Stand By Generators, Casement

August 2020

October 2020

December 2020

February 2021

5 months- Covid Affected

Following the Public Health Measures announced on 27 March 2020, aimed at slowing the spread of Covid 19 virus, work on three of the infrastructure projects listed above was affected.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (793, 798, 800)

John Brady

Question:

793. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women currently serving in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14859/21]

View answer

John Brady

Question:

798. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women members of the Defence Forces who have served overseas in each of the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14954/21]

View answer

John Brady

Question:

800. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women who have left the Defence Forces in each of past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14956/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 793, 798 and 800 together.

As at 28th February 2021, the latest date for which such data is available, the number of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) was 599. 

The following table details the number of females who discharged from Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the number who have served overseas, in each of the past 5 years:

Year

Females discharged

Females Served Overseas 

 2016

 23

66

 2017

 42

79

 2018

 53

 78

 2019

 47

101

 2020

 28

105

Personnel discharge for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges.  Discharges also include trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training. 

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. These include:

- 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.

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.

Question No. 794 answered with Question No. 788.

Defence Forces Medical Services

Questions (795)

John Brady

Question:

795. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the measures in place to provide for the healthcare and welfare of members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14949/21]

View answer

Written answers

A wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at the State's expense. These include:

- an annual medical examination,

- sick parades,

- attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out-of-hours GP services,

- prescription services,

- laboratory services,

- physiotherapy,

- chiropody,

- radiology,

- ophthalmic examinations,

- clinical mental health services provided by an in-house psychiatrist and two in-house psychologists,

- in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges,

- routine dental treatment, and

- the provision of overseas medical services, including global comprehensive medical insurance in the case of Defence Forces personnel (including dependents) assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts.

Commissioned Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service may also avail of private consultant appointments and diagnostic tests, and private/semi-private hospital treatment dependent on rank. The Programme for Government contains a committment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do". A Working Group has been established to bring forward proposals on this matter and report back to me during 2021.

In addition, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Services (PSS) provide a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service, that is professional, responsive and confidential, to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families and to civilian employees, and in a limited role to veterans, to sustain and enhance the individual wellbeing of personnel, and to promote a safe and positive work culture in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces. The PSS provides a friendly and familiar service to discuss any issues, big or small, that may be giving cause for concern. In addition, the service provides an array of professional skills to support military personnel and their families. For routine advice and for more serious issues, PSS provides confidential and professional support, giving military personnel and their families advice, information and guidance.

As additional support, the Department of Defence has arranged the provision of a confidential counselling, referral and support service, on a wide range of personal and work related issues, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence members. A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and is staffed by fully-trained and experienced counsellors.

The Chaplaincy Service also provides confidential, comprehensive pastoral support and spiritual care to personnel at home and overseas.

Military Honours

Questions (796)

John Brady

Question:

796. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the status of the review process which he informed Dáil Éireann in November 2020 was in progress to examine the awarding of military honours to those members of the Defence Forces who were recommended for medals following their acts of gallantry during the siege at Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14950/21]

View answer

Written answers

The issue of awarding of Military Medals for Gallantry (MMG) and Distinguished Service Medals (DSMs) to personnel who served in Jadotville in September 1961 has been considered on a number of occasions over the years and a number of actions have taken place to give due recognition to the courage and bravery of all the members of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion who were stationed in Jadotville in 1961.

Notwithstanding the actions that have been undertaken to date, the Minister asked the Chief of Staff to consider whether it is possible, as an exceptional measure, to have a retrospective examination of the events at Jadotville in September 1961 in the context of the award of medals and the possible implications for the integrity of the award of medals system.  In response the Chief of Staff proposed the establishment of an independent group of external experts to consider the entire case and evidence, including new evidence, if any, available.

The Independent Review Group has now been established by the Chief of Staff and consists of the following members:

Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham (Retired) (Group Chairperson).

Dr Michael Kennedy, Royal Irish Academy.

Commandant Billy Campbell (Retired).

RSM Michael Dillon (Retired).

Ms Linda Hickey, Military Archives.

Their Terms of Reference are as follows:-

(a)  The Review Group will consider ONUC’s operational environment in Katanga, and in particular in Elizabethville and Jadotville

(b)  The Review Group will consider the historical evidence and processes in relation to all recommendations for military medals received with respect to the events at Jadotville or encompassing Jadotville.

(c)  The Review Group will engage with national and international stakeholders (including Jadotville veterans) as appropriate, with a view to uncovering any additional or new evidence in this case.

(d) The Review Group may consider the actions of individuals not already the subject of a recommendation for a medal in respect of Jadotville

(e)  The Review Group will report its findings to the Chief of Staff. The Review Group may make recommendations in relation to possible awards in respect of Jadotville.

In line with the Terms of Reference, the Independent Review Group will examine, report and make recommendations in relation to the ‘Battle of Jadotville’ from 13 to 17 September 1961 and will report its findings to the Chief of Staff. The Independent Review Group has commenced its work and was due to conclude by 31st March 2021. However, a request for an extension to the reporting date has been submitted by the Chairperson of the Independent Review Group to the Convening Authority. This is currently under consideration.

Once this work has been concluded, the Chief of Staff will make recommendations as appropriate to the Minister.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (797)

John Brady

Question:

797. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of current members of the Defence Forces who are parents broken down by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14953/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am unable to provide a response to the Deputy as I am advised by the Military Authorities that these details are not routinely recorded and there are no parameters within the Defence Forces Personnel Management System Database to faciliate an accurate return.

Question No. 798 answered with Question No. 793.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (799, 801, 802)

John Brady

Question:

799. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women recruited to the Defence Forces in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14955/21]

View answer

John Brady

Question:

801. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces has undertaken recruitment drives or campaigns specifically targeted at women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14957/21]

View answer

John Brady

Question:

802. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces has undertaken recruitment drives or campaigns specifically targeted at citizens from an ethnic background; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14958/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 799, 801 and 802 together.

The following table shows the number of women inducted into the Permanent Defence Force in each of the past five years:

Year

Total Females Inducted

 % of Total Inductions

2016

54

 7.8%

2017

69

 9.2%

2018

50

 8.2%

2019

44

 7.3%

2020

42

 7.8%

The military authorities advise that a number of initiatives have been undertaken with a view to increasing the number of women who join the Defence Forces.

These include the launching of a strategic campaign with the specific objective of increasing the induction of women into the organisation. In addition to traditional media, the campaign was supported by social media posts, using serving female personnel as role models.

Current campaigns have an enduring requirement to reach out to females within the recruitment demographic via a variety of channels, including social media, sporting organisations and schools.

The military authorities further advise that potential applicants from an ethnic background are included in the target demographic that the Defence Forces seeks to reach in regular campaigns and ongoing promotions through various channels.

The target demographic and associated gatekeepers, are reached through traditional media, schools and various recruitment events, including multicultural events when such opportunities present.

Question No. 800 answered with Question No. 793.
Questions Nos. 801 and 802 answered with Question No. 799.

Defence Forces Remuneration

Questions (803)

John Brady

Question:

803. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the pay and renumeration structure for all ranks in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15004/21]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that the current rates of pay and allowances for all members of the Defence Forces are publicly available through the Department of Defence Website (www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e8132-routinely-published-information/#defence-forces-pay-scales).

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (804)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

804. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if the Minister of State in his Department has engaged in any meetings with representatives of foreign governments, organisations or state bodies involved in the defence sector or in relation to defence policy since 31 January 2021; if so, the details of such meetings; and if the Minister of State represented the Department of Defence at any of these meetings. [15032/21]

View answer

Written answers

During February, I met with the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Mr. Jack Chambers, T.D., on two occasions where we discussed defence policy priorities.

I am also aware that on the 12th February, the Minister of State met with the recently appointed UK Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Paul Johnston.  Meetings with Ministers and Ministers of State are usually held by newly appointed ambassadors to introduce themselves and familiarise themselves with current issues.

The main issue of discussion at the meeting on 12th February was Ireland's parliamentary process and Minister of State Chamber's role as Government Chief Whip.  Issues relating to his role as Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Sport were also discussed at this meeting. In relation to Defence, the future role of the UK in EU Security and Defence matters, the Irish/UK Memorandum of Understanding in relation to Defence Cooperation and the ongoing work of the Commission on the Defence Forces were referenced.  MoS Chambers was accompanied at this meeting by a senior official from my Department.

Departmental Transport

Questions (805)

Duncan Smith

Question:

805. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of vehicles owned or leased and operated by his Department and agencies and semi-State companies under his remit broken down by the number of ICE and non-ICE vehicles and fuel category, that is, petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15115/21]

View answer

Written answers

The acquisition of new equipment and the upgrading of equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for the Defence Organisation. 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.

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 €131 m for investment in Defence equipment and barracks infrastructure and will enable continued investment in major equipment platforms such as Defence Forces vehicle fleet. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.

Certain purchasing is carried out by the Defence Forces directly under delegation of financial responsibility which permits the Defence Forces to procure a wide range of goods and services directly, this includes the purchasing of non-armoured vehicles. I am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces vehicle fleet consists of approximately 1,700 individual vehicles of different types and configurations. There are no leased vehicles in the Defence Forces Fleet. The table below provides a breakdown of ICE and Non-ICE by fuel type.

Ice Vehicles

Number of Vehicles

 Diesel

 1618

 Petrol

 79

 Petrol Hybrid

 3

 Total

 1700

 Non ICE Vehicles

 

 Electric

 19

 Total

 19

 Grand Total

1719 

I am further advised by the miltiary authorities that they maintain two fleets of vehicles; the military fleet and the administrative fleet. The military fleet, which consists of military specific vehicles such as armoured vehicles, trucks and off-road SUVs, comprises approximately 55% of the fleet. The administrative fleet are vehicles that can be purchased commercially such as saloon, stores vehicles and minibuses. They comprise approximately 45% of the Defence Forces fleet.

In line with Government policy in relation to the Clean Vehicle Directive, the Defence Forces are committed to procuring vehicles that have reduced carbon emissions.

Due to the specific nature and requirements of the military fleet of vehicles and the locations where they are likely to operate, these vehicles are ICE type and will be replaced, as required, with fossil fuel ICE vehicles for the reasons outlined above. The Defence Forces, however, endeavours to replace these ICE vehicles with more energy efficient models where possible. For example, the new SUV and Troop Carrying Vehicle (TCV) fleets will be replaced with EURO 6 compliant engines which will result in a 50% reduction in emissions compared to the older EURO 3 engines which they replace.

The Defence Forces has committed to replacing the administrative fleet with energy efficient (green vehicles) as the technology allows and has committed to spend a minimum of 6% of the DF vehicle replacement budget on EV in 2020 and a minimum of 7% in 2021. In 2020, the Defence Forces procured 8 Nissan Leafs vehicles, 10 electric All Terrain vehicles and a Groupil electric utility vehicle. It is planned to procure a further 16 electric vehicles in 2021.

All Defence Forces installations have been fitted with Elective Vehicle charging points to sustain the enlargement of the Defence Forces Electric Vehicle fleet into the future.

I am satisfied that, with these new acquisitions and the planning for future clean vehicle procurements, the Defence Forces will continue to have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (806, 809)

Dara Calleary

Question:

806. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the vaccination of overseas Defence Forces personnel. [15303/21]

View answer

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

809. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange vaccinations for the 117th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon given that it is experiencing difficulty and isolation due to measures to stop the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15852/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 806 and 809 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.

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.

As you will appreciate, there are signifcant logisitical challenges in transporting and administering the  Covid 19 vaccines to personnel currently deployed overseas on Peacekeeping duties.  Those personnel will be vaccinated on their return in accordance with the Defence Force prioritisation within the national allocation strategy.

As Minister for Defence, I am keenly aware of the impact the COVID 19 pandemic is having on members of the Defence Forces  deployed overseas and their families. I recognise and appreciate the additional personal sacrifices being made by troops deployed overseas at this time.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (807)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

807. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons dismissed from the Defence Forces for misconduct of a sexual nature in each of the years 2000 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15555/21]

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Written answers

The discharge of personnel from the Defence Forces is governed under the provisions of Defence Forces Regulation (DFR) A10 – Enlistment, Promotions, Reductions, Transfers to the Reserve Defence Forces and Discharge. An individual member of the Permanent Defence Force may be discharged for any one of the twenty-six reasons identified in DFR A10, with the relevant reason used in recording the reason for discharge.

I am informed by the Military Authorities that discharge as a result of misconduct of a sexual nature is not specifically classified or recorded electronically on the Personnel Management System.

Separately, I have been informed by the Military Authorities that, in the past 10 years, two members of the Defence Forces were court- martialled for sexual offences. In both cases, the charges were proven and both individuals were discharged from the Defence Forces.

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