Peadar Tóibín
Question:19. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the reason the technical pay agreement concluded with the Defence Forces in 2019 has not been implemented. [23899/21]
View answerDefence Forces
Questions (19)
Written answers
A review of technical pay in the Defence Forces was provided for in the Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 (Croke Park Agreement). The purpose of the review, in the context of the agreement, was to rationalise existing technical pay arrangements and consider if the requirements could be met in a more cost effective manner. A review of Technical Pay Group 1 was conducted in 2014 and came into effect at the beginning of 2015.
While the review of Technical Grades 2-6 was underway, the recommendation from the Public Service Pay Commission relating to the review which related to retention of personnel, was substantially different to the focus of the original review. The Public Service Pay Commission recommended that the review of Technical Pay Groups 2 - 6, be completed at the earliest opportunity, without compromising the Public Service Stability Agreement.
An initial report (October 2019) and final report (January 2020) were completed. The approach to implementing the findings of the review of Technical Grades 2-6 remains under consideration. My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to finalising this matter.
Defence Forces
Questions (20)
Bernard Durkan
Question:20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current position in regard to the optimum strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24969/21]
View answerWritten answers
The military authorities have advised that the whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force, across all services and ranks, as at 31st March 202, was 8,524 personnel comprised of
6,885 - Army; 739 - Air Corps; 900 - Naval Service.
I am aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the overall current strength figures and that of the establishment. I remain committed to restoring the strength of the Permanent Defence Force to 9,500 personnel and there are positive developments which are restoring capacity in certain areas which were previously significantly depleted. However, further work is required.
Recruitment is ongoing and has resulted in 149 personnel being inducted as at 30 April 2021 and further inductions are planned. General Service recruitment continues and the 2021 Cadet competition has recently launched. The Air Corps Apprentice competition, closed in March 2021, attracted 663 applications and these are currently being processed.
There has been significant progress in pay within the Defence Forces arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations and the benefits of recent pay agreements. A new pay agreement provides an opportunity for further increases should it be accepted by the Permanent Defence Forces Representative Associations. A range of non-pay measures, aimed at attracting people into and making a career in the Defence Forces more attractive, have also been progressed.
A Commission on the Defence Forces has also been established to examine a range of matters relating to the Defence Forces, and I am aware that the Commission is consulting widely. I look forward to receiving their recommendations in due course.
Defence Forces
Questions (21)
Cathal Berry
Question:21. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the plan for the old post office building at the crossroads in the Curragh Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24606/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Post Office building in the Defence Forces Training Centre, which was a feature of the military installation for many years, was closed in July 2019. My Department was not involved in the decision to discontinue its use as a Post Office.
As this building is within an active military installation, its long term use will be determined first and foremost by the military authorities. The future use and any associated refurbishment works for this building will be determined by the long term use it is to be put to. My Department and the military authorities will of course be guided by the County Council in terms of any works required to safeguard the architectural importance of the building. This collaborative approach has worked very successfully with Dublin City and Cork County Councils in relation to major renovation projects for historical important buildings in McKee Barracks and Block 8 on Haulbowline Island. Any future building project will be incorporated into the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Plan.
Defence Forces
Questions (22)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:22. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that the Defence Forces cadets who were recently awarded the payment of military service allowance following a third party adjudication finding after their training was suspended in order to be deployed on contact tracing for the HSE will be paid in full, in keeping with the normal payment of this allowance as recommended by the adjudicator. [24896/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) submitted a claim to the Conciliation Council on the 23rd April, 2020. This claim had sought the payment of Military Service Allowance (MSA) to Cadets when deployed on contact tracing duties in support of the HSE during the COVID-19 crisis.
The matter went to third party adjudication and the hearing took place on 17 February 2021.
This matter is still currently being processed through the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. As discussions in the scheme are confidential to the parties concerned, it would not be appropriate to comment further on this matter.
Defence Forces
Questions (23, 57)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:23. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence his plans to recruit and improve retention within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24890/21]
View answer
Gary Gannon
Question:57. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence the measures his Department plans to take to address the shortage of Naval Service staff. [25146/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 57 together.
As at 31st March 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, was 8,524 personnel. The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel as set out in the White Paper on Defence (2015).
I have acknowledged in the past that there are on-going difficulties in the Defence Forces, and these have been well-documented. The sea-going service commitment scheme and an extension of a tax credit, both for sea-going Naval Service personnel, are examples of targeted measures I have introduced which are aimed at retaining experienced personnel. This follows the reintroduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps.
Recruitment is ongoing and has resulted in 149 personnel being inducted as at 30 April 2021 and further inductions are planned. General Service recruitment continues and the Cadet competition was launched recently. The Air Corps Apprentice competition, closed in March 2021, attracted 663 applications and these are currently being processed.
Further initiatives, that also play a role in restoring capacity and in boosting specialist’s numbers, include:
The campaign to re-enlist and re-commission former members of the Permanent Defence Force. This campaign has resulted in 15 re-commissioning officers and 42 re-enlisting personnel being inducted in 2020 and 1 re-commissioning officer and 14 re-enlisting personnel being inducted in 2021 as at 30th April. Along with direct entry provision for Doctors, direct entry is also currently utilised in the Naval Service for the recruitment of specialists with further competitions being progressed. For these Naval Service specialties, sanction has been received to provide for direct entry at a higher point on the salary scale where previous earnings indicate earnings in excess of the first point on the scale.
There has been significant progress on pay within the Defence Forces arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations and increases from recent pay agreements. A new pay agreement provides an opportunity for further increases, should it be accepted by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations.
A Commission on the Defence Forces has also been established to examine a range of matters relating to the Defence Forces and are consulting widely. I look forward to receiving their recommendations in due course.
European Council Meetings
Questions (24, 27)
Colm Burke
Question:24. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence if the role of the Defence Forces in combatting Covid-19 was a topic that was discussed at the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council which met in defence Ministers’ configuration in Brussels on 6 May 2021; if so, the outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25081/21]
View answer
Seán Haughey
Question:27. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a report on the meeting of European Union defence Ministers on 6 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24911/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 27 together.
I attended the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Defence Ministers’ configuration on the 6th of May where there were three main items on the Agenda including Current Affairs (updates on the Sahel, Mozambique and Ukraine), a discussion on the Crisis Management pillar of the Strategic Compass, and a lunch meeting with the NATO Secretary General on co-operation in theatres of Operation (in particular OP ALTHEA and OP IRINI, as well as a discussion around Afghanistan.)
The role of Member States Defence Forces in combatting COVID-19 was not an agenda item at this meeting and was therefore not discussed. It has been a topic at previous EU meetings at ministerial level.
During discussions on the Sahel, I foregrounded Ireland’s stabilisation efforts on the ground in Mali, both through our peacekeeping contribution to MINUSMA and with the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM). I also emphasised that Ireland’s focus on embedding with larger Member States is a good template which allows us to make a significant commitment to a wider range of peacekeeping operations.
With regard to the Strategic Compass, I reiterated Ireland's belief in the continued need for consensus in relation to CSDP decision making and the desirability of avoiding any general use of the constructive abstention provisions of the treaties. Consensus which supports unanimity of decision making promotes greater solidarity across the Union as a whole. I also drew attention to the importance of the force generation process in ensuring the EU is capable of fulfilling its military missions and operations.
The informal working lunch with the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg presented EU Ministers of Defence with an opportunity to engage on the topic of cooperation in theatres with partners such as NATO. The primary focus was on areas of mutual interest such as the Western Balkans and the Central Mediterranean. Ireland currently has four Defence Forces personnel deployed with EUFOR Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina and three with EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI.
EU Ministers of Defence also endorsed the recently agreed Council Conclusions on Security and Defence in advance of their formal adoption by Foreign Affairs Ministers, and approved three Council Decisions relating to the participation of Norway, Canada and the United States in the PESCO project on Military Mobility.
In advance of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers’ configuration I attended the EDA Steering Board and following that I attended the EU Satellite Centre (SatCen) Ministerial Board Meeting.
Defence Forces
Questions (25)
Sorca Clarke
Question:25. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if he or his Department in view of recent allegations of sexual abuse in the Defence Forces will consider establishing an inquiry to look into the structural and institutional conditions that can allow this behaviour to prevail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25110/21]
View answerWritten answers
All members of the Defence Forces, Permanent and Reserve, have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. These unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces.
I urge anyone who has any complaint which they think constitutes a criminal offence to report their concerns to an Garda Síochána. A serving member of the Defence Forces could report such matters via the chain of command or the military police.
Over quite a number of years, there have been positive and welcome developments within the Permanent Defence Force to address inappropriate behaviour. There is now a robust system in place including a regulatory framework for dealing with such matters for serving members of the Defence Forces in both a formal and informal way. Administrative Instruction A7, Chapter 1 sets out the Defence Forces policy and procedures regarding interpersonal relationships in the Defence Forces including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying.
From time to time matters pertaining to allegations of sexual abuse are brought to my attention and I treat these with the utmost importance from the point of view of both the complainant and of those accused of wrongdoing who must have their right to fair procedures protected. The Gardaí have the power, expertise and skills to treat all of those in this process with dignity and respect and especially those who come forward with traumatic detail.
The Chief of Staff has provided me with a report to help inform me regarding matters raised recently in the print and broadcast media and I am considering it. I am all too aware that the history of many institutions including those of the State in regard to sexual offences is not a proud one. Nevertheless, at this point in time, it is my opinion that I do not have a verified persuasive body of evidence in relation to the Defence Forces as a place of work that warrants the establishment of an inquiry. All current complaints are with An Garda Síochána, who are the competent authority in the State to deal with such matters.
Current laws and Defence Force Regulations along with a supportive workplace culture help to minimise the occurrence of such abhorrent behaviour and increase the likelihood that such offenders will be held accountable.
European Defence Agency
Questions (26)
John Brady
Question:26. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the purpose of the recent meeting between the chief executive of the European Defence Agency and a representative of the Defence Forces. [25007/21]
View answerWritten answers
Mr Jirí Šedivý was appointed Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA) on 5th March 2020. In his role as Chief Executive Mr Šedivý has regular dialogue with the participating Member States of the EDA.
Mr Šedivý is currently hosting a series of bilateral meetings with Military Representatives and Defence Policy Directors from all member states. These bilateral meetings are informal in nature and are an opportunity to discuss views on the defence initiatives and how the EDA can support the Member States.
The bilateral meeting with the Irish Military Representative and the Chief Executive was held on 3rd May 2021. Topics discussed included the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence; the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces; PESCO projects; the European Defence Fund; and personal experiences of serving overseas.
Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 24.
Naval Service
Questions (28)
Cormac Devlin
Question:28. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence if a commitment will be given to ensure that Dún Laoghaire Harbour maintains a continued connection between Dún Laoghaire and the Naval Service within the Defence Forces. [24886/21]
View answerWritten answers
There is a long standing and ongoing tradition of Naval Service Ships using Dún Laoghaire Pier and Harbour both for shelter and shore leave. The Naval Service also make use of the harbour for training by the Naval Service Reserve.
The Flag Ship LÉ Eithne is twinned with Dún Laoghaire as a part of the Naval Service Fleet Adopted Ports. The Commissioning Ceremony of LÉ James Joyce took place in Dún Laoghaire in 2015 and the Freedom of Entry to the County was bestowed on the Irish Naval Service by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Co Council in 2017 in recognition of its work in the Mediterranean humanitarian crisis. Most recently LÉ James Joyce berthed in Dún Laoghaire on 26th Feb 2021
I am satisfied that the Naval Service continues to maintain and further develop its strong connection with the Harbour and the local community today and into the future.
Defence Forces
Questions (29)
Neale Richmond
Question:29. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the status of the vaccine roll-out for Defence Forces members serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23957/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 (updated 30 April 2021). 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 fall into a prioritised grouping and they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to deployment, subject to availability of the vaccine which is coordinated through the HSE.
There may be a small number of personnel who, for a variety of reasons, will not be vaccinated against Covid 19 prior to their deployment; planning is ongoing in relation to facilitating the vaccination of these personnel at the earliest possible opportunity.
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.
Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 8.
Defence Forces
Questions (31)
James Lawless
Question:31. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence if he supports the introduction of overtime in the Defence Forces in line with other public sector organisations. [24898/21]
View answerWritten answers
Unlike other areas of the Public Service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime payments are not available to members of the Defence Forces and comparisons with other areas of the Public Service must be cognisant of the unique role, structure, duties and working conditions of service which are particular to military personnel.
In that regard a Military Service Allowance, which is designed to compensate for the special disadvantages associated with military life including long and unsocial hours, is paid to all ranks up to the level of Colonel. It is of course also the case that in addition to basic pay and military service allowance, certain positions in the Defence Forces also attract specialist and technical pay and that a range of duties also attract additional allowances. These duty based allowances are not analogous to overtime as such payments are in addition to basic pay and MSA and are related to the duties undertaken.
The Deputy will also be aware a Commission on the Defence Forces has been established and is currently working to meet its terms of reference. As part of its Terms of Reference the Commission will examine the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces noting what the Programme for Government states in relation to a future Permanent Pay Review Body. Upon completion of the Commission’s work, the Minister for Defence will consult with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the establishment of a permanent pay review body, reflecting the unique nature of military service in the context of the public service. All recommendations by the Commission or the successor body and their implementation must be consistent with national public sector wage policy
I look forward to the Commissions Report, expected at the end of this year.
Departmental Properties
Questions (32)
Cathal Berry
Question:32. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant residential properties owned by his Department in the State; the plans that exist to refurbish them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24603/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware it is a long standing policy that long term residential married quarters are no longer provided.
I am advised that there are seventy three vacant buildings in total and they are located as follows
|
Barracks |
Location |
Inside Barracks |
Outside Barracks |
Total |
|
Fort Templebreedy |
Cork |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
9 |
0 |
9 |
|
Haulbowline |
Cork |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Cathal Brugha |
Dublin |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
McKee |
Dublin |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Baldonnel |
Dublin |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
DFTC |
Kildare |
54 |
0 |
54 |
|
Totals |
70 |
3 |
73 |
In standing with the policy to discontinue with provision of Married Quarters and given the historical nature of many of these buildings some of these vacant properties are no longer in a habitable state and it would be very challenging to bring same up to modern residential standards. Many of the properties require significant works in order to comply with modern standards for use as living accommodation and the overall cost would likely be prohibitive.
In considering properties for alternative use, my Department must take into account their general condition. These properties are reviewed from time to time in light of plans for the overall development of military properties. Single-Living-In accommodation is provided in every permanently occupied military installation.
Army Barracks
Questions (33)
Colm Burke
Question:33. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the progress of refurbishment works in Collins Barracks, Cork, in line with the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25080/21]
View answerWritten 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.
In respect of Collins Barracks, two significant capital works projects are provided for in the Infrastructure Development Plan, namely the provision of a new Accommodation Block and the refurbishment of Block 7 Officer/NCO Accommodation.
Detailed design specifications are currently being developed in respect of the new accommodation Block and it is intended that the procurement of main contractor will commence in the coming months with a view to construction starting in early 2022. The commencement of the second project (Refurbishment of Block 7) is scheduled to commence in 2025 for completion in 2026.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (34)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Question:34. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Defence the cost to date of all Covid-19-related payments in his Department to individuals and corporate entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15409/21]
View answerWritten answers
The response by my Department to the Covid-19 pandemic has involved Permanent Defence Force personnel, Civil Servants, Civilian Employees, members of the Reserve and Civil Defence Volunteers and has amounted to expenditure of some €18.2 million, to date.
Expenditure was incurred across a range of areas and included €5.2 million towards the acquisition of a new PC-12 utility aircraft which was used to provide additional fixed-wing capacity response and support to the HSE, as required; some €6.5 million in respect of additional Allowance payments to Defence Forces personnel; some €5.5 million in respect of additional Medical, Engineering, Building, Personal Protective Equipment, Audio-Visual and Transport costs across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and some €0.4 million in respect of additional Civil Defence costs.
In addition, investment of some €0.6 million in Information and Communications Technology has facilitated remote working and other operational efficiencies across the Department and has ensured ongoing business continuity throughout a very challenging period.
All Covid-19 related expenditure has been met from within the overall Defence (Vote 36) allocation and reflects the positive contribution made by the Defence Organisation in reacting to this crisis.
Defence Forces
Questions (35)
Cathal Berry
Question:35. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence when the abatement waiver deal recently awarded to retired teachers who return to work in the public service will be extended to retired soldiers who return to work in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24604/21]
View answerWritten answers
Public sector pension policy is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Section 52(4) of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 provides for the granting of a waiver of abatement where the particular skills, training or experience required for a specific position are such that those skills, training or experience cannot be met other than by the engagement of a retired public servant.
Such waivers are granted at the discretion of the Minister of Public Expenditure & Reform in exceptional circumstances for a very limited and short period of time and each waiver application is assessed on its individual merits.
The exceptional nature of the Covid-19 crisis has required some sectors, including the education and health sectors in particular, to source staff at short notice to address the manpower challenges on the frontline of the COVID 19 crisis and I understand that temporary waivers of pension abatement have been sought and granted by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform under the legislation in order to specifically facilitate those sectors response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Consideration was given to the question of applying a pension abatement waiver to returning members of the Permanent Defence Force but the re-enlistment and recommissioning schemes were not considered to be eligible given the length of service contracts on offer and the possibility of those contracts being further extended.
Defence Forces
Questions (36)
Brendan Smith
Question:36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if he has met with the representative organisations from the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24900/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel).
The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service.
Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative side on a range of items which are processed through C&A.
Since my appointment as Minister with responsibility for Defence, I have met with the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) and the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) on three occasions: 17 July 2020, 20 October 2020 and 17 December 2020. I have also met with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association on one occasion on 23 November 2020.
I look forward to further continued constructive engagement with the Defence Forces Representative Associations.
Defence Forces
Questions (37, 53)
John Brady
Question:37. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the plans for the development of live in-base accommodation for serving members of the Defence Forces. [25005/21]
View answer
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:53. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will invest in accommodation and ancillary services for members of the Defence Forces or their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24989/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 53 together.
It has been a long-standing policy, to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to DF personnel. This policy of discontinuing housing provision was introduced for the Defence Forces in the late 1990's. It is not intended to reverse this long-standing policy.
The provision of housing is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and my Department assists in any way it can in support of such applications for assistance, when requested to do so.
Single-Living-In accommodation is provided in every permanently occupied military installation. It is provided for long term and transient use.
There is a 5 year infrastructure plan in place which is now being implemented that will significantly improve the quality of the Defence Forces building stock. The Plan forecasts the allocation of €145m towards investment over the period 2020 to 2025.
Some noteworthy projects aimed at improving accommodation standards for personnel are expected to commence on site in the coming months such as USAC (Renmore. Galway) and upgrades to Block H at McKee Barracks. The Deputy may wish to note the refurbishment project in Block 8 Haulbowline has now commenced. These projects represent a combined cost of €17m.
Army Barracks
Questions (38)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:38. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the progress of refurbishment works at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk and Gormanston Camp, County Meath in line with the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme 2020-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24777/21]
View answerWritten 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
The following capital projects are included in the Infrastructure Development Plan for progression in respect of the locations referenced by the Deputy:
Dundalk Aikens Barracks - Central Heating Boiler Decentralisation-Tenders in respect of this project are currently under evaluation and a Main Contractor is expected to be appointed in the coming months; Dining Hall Upgrade- planned for commencement in 2024 for completion in 2025.
Gormanstown Camp - Upgrade to NDA Range- Contractor is currently on site with works expected to be completed later his year; Dining Hall Upgrade- planned for commencement in 2024 for completion in 2025.
Overseas Missions
Questions (39)
James Lawless
Question:39. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel on overseas service at end of April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24897/21]
View answerWritten answers
As of 10 May 2021, Ireland is contributing 561 personnel to 10 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 338 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 133 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS AS OF 10 May 2021
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 117th Infantry BattalionUNIFIL Sector West HQ |
93254 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
MINUSMA (United Nations mission in MALI) |
14 |
|
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
2 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side)UNDOF 63rd Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
8125 |
|
TOTAL |
502 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
4 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
542 |
|
* |
* |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
6 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
2 |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative in PSC Delegation (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
561 |