Written Answers Nos. 40-62
40. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the engagement he has had with the Minister for Health in relation to utilising Defence Forces personnel in the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25112/21]
View answer46. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the Defence Forces have been contributing to the Covid-19 vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24914/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 46 together.
Whilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. It has the authority to draw together, in a joint manner, the contribution of all of the elements of the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve, etc. This was provided for in a Defence Forces Regulation signed by and under the authority of the Minister for Defence.
The Defence Forces Joint Task Force is based in McKee Barracks and its priority from the beginning has been to provide support to the HSE, while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support.
The Defence Forces has provided a wide range of supports to the HSE, as coordinated by the Joint Task Force as part of the national response to Covid 19. As the vaccine programme is rolled out the main effort and focus of Defence Forces assistance to the HSE has shifted from test and trace supports to the national vaccination programme and to supporting the mandatory hotel quarantine system.
In terms of the national vaccination programme, the Defence Forces are represented on the High Level Task Force for Covid-19 Vaccination, providing planning advice and staffing support to the Vaccine Supply Chain and Logistics work stream.
At the present time, the Defence Forces deploy approximately 75 personnel on a daily basis to support the HSE National Vaccination Programme. This support includes the provision of vaccinators through Defence Forces medical staff (Doctors, Advanced Paramedics, Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians). This also includes Defence Forces personnel providing assistance across 9 vaccination sites in the area of site management, administrative and logistical support.
In addition through the Joint Task Force, the Defence Forces continues to support the rollout of the vaccination programme through secure storage supports; transportation of vaccinators in adverse weather conditions; transportation of vaccines, consumables and vaccinators by air at the request of the National Ambulance Service.
42. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding use of the provisions of section 15 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 to address the issues arising for post-2013 Defence Forces personnel in relation to the gap between early retirement and the State pension age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25049/21]
View answerI take it that the Deputy is referring to the absence of the concept of ‘supplementary pensions’ from the provisions of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
The occupational pension scheme terms of post-1 January 2013 new entrants to the public service, including the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), are governed by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The terms and rules of the Single Scheme – which are fundamentally different to previous superannuation public service arrangements – make no provision for the concept or award of ‘supplementary pensions’ for any new entrants joining any public service group from 1 January 2013 onwards.
I have not had discussions with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the question of using the provisions of section 15 of the 2012 Act to address the matter of ‘supplementary pensions’. Under the 2012 Act, overall statutory responsibility for the Single Scheme pension terms and conditions comes under the remit of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the appropriateness or otherwise of the application of that particular provision would of course be a matter for that Minister and his Department.
I understand that the situation regarding ‘supplementary pensions’ has previously been confirmed by the Official Side, which includes the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to the Defence Forces Representative Associations. They were advised by DPER officials in October 2017 that – given the overriding policy and fiscal objectives of the Single Scheme – there were no plans to provide for the supplementary pension concept in that Scheme.
Since then, the issue has of course featured very prominently in discussions under the established machinery between the Official Side and the Representative Side. This includes discussions at the Defence Forces Conciliation Council, at the negotiations on the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-20, in RACO’s submissions to the Public Service Pay Commission, and again in RACO’s recent submission to the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The then Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, met with RACO in September 2019 and the matter was discussed. Later, at the 2019 RACO Annual Delegate Conference, the then Minister with responsibility for Defence advised RACO that he had arranged with the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for officials to meet with RACO to discuss this matter in early 2020. Due to unforeseen circumstances including Covid-19, the meeting did not take place until 30th September 2020. At that meeting, I understand the DPER officials re-stated their Department’s position that supplementary pensions are inconsistent with the terms of the Single Pension Scheme Act 2012; and that there are no plans to review the Act.
44. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the recent engagement he has had with the UK Secretary of State regarding the defence memorandum of understanding between Ireland and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23958/21]
View answerI held an introductory telephone conversation with the current UK Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, MP in July of last year where areas of mutual interest covered by the UK-IRL Memorandum of Understanding on aspects of defence cooperation were the main focus of our discussion.
We both recognise the value of the work undertaken to-date under the agreement, share a desire to continue the development of the relationship post-Brexit, and have an appreciation for the value of collaboration in security and defence for Ireland, the UK and Europe.
During this conversation, the Secretary of State and I undertook to arrange a future meeting in Capitals. An in-person meeting was planned to take place in April of this year in London, however it was regretfully cancelled at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances. It is hoped to reschedule this meeting when circumstances permit.
45. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current numbers of serving members in the Naval Service; and the number of occasions that Naval Service vessels were unable to take to sea due to personnel shortages. [25006/21]
View answerThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The main day-to-day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
On any given patrol day the Naval Service can carry out a number of taskings on behalf of other State agencies such as the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.
With regard to the number of personnel in the Naval Service, the current establishment is 1,094 and, as of 31 March 2021, the effective strength of the Naval Service personnel is 900.
Scheduled patrol days can be impacted by a range of factors including adverse weather conditions, unscheduled maintenance as well as staffing issues. The table below sets out the number of patrol days completed in 2021 up to the end of April against the number of scheduled patrol days cancelled.
|
2021 |
|
|
Number of Fishery Protection Patrol Days carried out |
275 |
|
Number of Non-Fishery Protection Patrol Days carried out |
Nil |
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Lost: Mechanical Reasons |
44 |
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Lost: Personnel Issues (including impacts of Covid-19) |
86 |
47. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the details of the way he plans to deal with the land asset owned by his Department at Knockalisheen, Meelick, Limerick in view of the fact that the Knockalisheen direct provision centre which is sited there will cease operations in 2024. [26219/21]
View answerMy Department has previously given permission to the Office of Public Works for the use of part of this holding as a Direct Provision centre which has been in operation for a number of years. My Department has not received any notification of the intention to vacate the premises in the time period mentioned by the Deputy. In the circumstances the Deputy will appreciate that I am therefore not in a position to comment further at this juncture.
48. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops in Mali and in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24876/21]
View answerDefence Forces personnel are currently deployed in two (2) separate missions in Mali. The Government has approved the continued provision of up to twenty (20) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the EU mission to train the Malian Armed Forces in Mali, known as EUTM Mali, up to 22 March 2022. In addition, Government has approved the continued deployment of up to 14 Defence Forces personnel, drawn primarily from the Army Ranger Wing, to continue to participate in MINUSMA, the United Nations authorised operation in Mali, up until 30 September 2022.
Ireland has participated in EUTM Mali since the mission was launched in 2013. Defence Forces personnel are primarily deployed at Koulikoro and Bamako, and also deploy as part of Combined Mobile Advisory Training Teams across Mali.
Defence Forces personnel first deployed to MINUSMA in September 2019 as part of a joint deployment with German Armed Forces. Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in GAO and in MINUSMA HQ in Bamako and carry out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate.
Between July 2002 and March 2016 Defence Forces personnel served with the UN Mandated International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and with the follow on Resolute Support Mission (RSM). Ireland no longer has troops deployed in Afghanistan.
The Department of Defence reviews the deployment of Defence Forces Personnel overseas on an ongoing basis. Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
49. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence his plans to bring forward legislation to enable members of the Reserve Defence Forces to serve overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24982/21]
View answerI gave an undertaking during the Committee Stage debate on the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020 to introduce Report Stage amendments to enable the Reserve Defence Force to be deployed in support of the Permanent Defence Force at home and overseas. That remains my intention.
The amendments will enhance the role of the Reserve Defence Force by removing the current legislative restrictions within the Defence Act 1954 on the activities performed by it, including the restriction on serving overseas. The purpose of any deployment of a member of the Reserve Defence Force on military service on foot of these amendments will be to provide support to the Permanent Defence Force by addressing specific skills gaps. Any deployment will be on an entirely voluntary basis.
While the proposed amendments may appear to be relatively straight-forward, there are a number of provisions in relation to the voluntary nature of the service, the nature of consent to be given by a member and how that can be withdrawn, the duration of any deployment, the application of military law and other such provisions that need to be carefully considered as part of the preparation of this legislation. These provisions also need to be woven into the existing Defence Act in the appropriate manner.
My officials are engaging closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to finalise the legal text of the Report Stage amendments. Subject to the completion of the drafting of the amendments, it is my intention to progress the matter as soon as possible.
51. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence his plans to upgrade facilities at the Naval Service base at Haulbowline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24983/21]
View answerThe 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 relation to the Naval Base, Haulbowline, the Deputy may wish to note that the following major capital projects have recently commenced construction: remedial and upgrade Works to Spencer Jetty at a cost of €1.6m; upgrade & conversion of Block 8 – the refurbishment of the structure to provide suitable accommodation for 70 living-in Naval Service personnel at a cost €4m.
52. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has conducted an investigation into allegations by Defence Forces Chief of Staff that his Department released factually incorrect information in relation to the repatriation of two Irish soldiers from Myanmar. [23900/21]
View answerI can confirm that there are no Defence Forces personnel deployed in Myanmar. I assume the Deputy is referring to the MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As part of its response to the global Covid pandemic, the United Nations Secretary General in April 2020, directed the suspension of all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in United Nations missions until 30 June 2020. The UN direction impacted over 100,000 UN uniformed personnel from over 120 countries serving world-wide, including Ireland and Defence Forces personnel serving with UN missions. The suspension was based on the protection of local communities as well as that of the peacekeepers during the Covid pandemic.
Two Defence Force personnel serving in the MONUSCO mission were due to complete their 6 months deployments in March/mid-April but were extended within the mission by a further month. This then brought them into the period when the UN suspended rotations in all UN missions due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The rotation of these personnel was further extended at mission level by a further three months.
As the deployment of the personnel to a sub-Saharan African country had been extended beyond their initial six month deployment, there was a requirement to extract them to allow for a national medical assessment of the officers. The officers in question returned to Ireland on Sunday, 31 May by commercial means.
This matter has been the subject of a number of recent FOI and media queries. An examination of the background documentation shows attempts to extract our personnel in a very dynamic and complex situation with changing diplomatic, medical, overflight, access and UN restrictions. Records released appropriately as part of FOI requests revealed some, but not all military information and advice. As a result any inference from comments in the documents released do not relay the full extent of the situation.
54. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the role of the Air Corps air ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1470/21]
View answerThe Air Corps provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary defence and security role. It also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks on an ‘as available’ basis including the provision of air ambulance services to the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE’s Aeromedical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of all health-related air transport arrangements. In addition to the Air Corps, the Irish Coast Guard and private air ambulance operators also provide air transport services for the HSE.
The Air Corps’ inter-hospital service operates out of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. This service provides transport for patients and medical teams primarily between hospitals within Ireland and the UK. To the end of April 2021, the Air Corps have completed a total of 18 inter-hospital missions utilising aircraft from the entire fleet, 16 of which were to the UK, including two priority transfers.
The Air Corps also operates the Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) Service. It is a daily, day-time service based out of Custume Barracks, Athlone. Since the commencement of this service in June 2012, the Air Corps has completed over 3,100 missions with 95 missions completed from 1 January 2021 up to 30 April 2021.
The EAS and inter-hospital services are good examples of the Air Corps and HSE combining their resources to deliver life-saving services for the people of Ireland.
There are no plans to change the current operation of the aeromedical services based out of Baldonnel or Custume Barracks, Athlone.
55. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the allocation of the 1916 centenary medal to ex-service personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24960/21]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government of 2016 provided for the award of the 1916 Commemorative medal to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who served during the centenary year of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016. There are no plans to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to former members of the Defence Forces.
Discussions took place between the Department and the Veterans’ Associations; the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), to explore alternative means of recognition of the contribution of veterans to the centenary commemorative events in 2016.
Following these discussions, it was agreed that a single presentation would be made to each of the Veterans Associations of a framed medal with an accompanying citation in recognition of the significant contribution of members of the three organisations to the 1916 centenary commemorative events and their service to the State. The medal has a bar with the term Veteran inscribed on it. In addition, plaques were given to IUNVA and ONE for distribution to their network of posts and branches around the country.
56. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the approval of EU funds for the European Defence Fund. [25128/21]
View answer58. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the analysis his Department has carried out into the expected cost to the Exchequer associated with Ireland’s involvement in the European Defence Fund; if he has raised any concerns with his EU counterparts over the spending of EU funding through the EDF on military research and development projects, and the implications of same for Ireland’s stated policy of neutrality; the checks and balances that are in place at EU level with regard to ensuring transparency in decisions on financial allocations under the EDF; the role, if any, his Department will play in the functioning or administration of the EDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25091/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 58 together.
The European Defence Fund (EDF) is an industrial sectorial programme, providing funding for research and capability development, which supports the European Defence and Industrial Technology Base in delivering capabilities for Common Security Defence Policy operations. In that regard, it is similar to other EU industry and research support programmes, such as Horizon 2020 also funded from the MFF.
The EDF provides a financial mechanism designed to enable and accelerate cooperation among Member States to better coordinate, supplement and amplify national investments in defence. Through the co-funded European Defence Fund, Member States will be able to achieve greater output and develop defence technology and equipment that may not be feasible on their own, by pooling national resources. The Fund will also foster innovation and allow economies of scale, which will enhance the competitiveness of the EU defence industry.
The Regulation establishing the European Defence Fund was adopted on the 29 April 2021. In relation to transparency on funding allocation this is fully explained in Chapter III of the Regulation "Eligibility Conditions, Award Criteria and Financing". Participation in the EDF does not broker any consideration or obligation in respect of a common or mutual defence commitment or participation in a military defence alliance. As such, participation in the EDF will not compromise Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
The Fund will be divided into two windows, which are complementary - the Research Window and the Capability Window. As part of the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 a final budget which translates into a current value of just under €8 billion was agreed in July 2020. It will be split between a research budget of €2.651 billion, and a capability budget of €5,302 billion. EU Budget revenue is general, and is not assigned to any particular fund. As such, the European Defence Fund (EDF) does not have a defined cost to the Exchequer; rather, Ireland’s contributions go into the general pool of revenue that funds all EU budget expenditure, including the EDF. The EDF is encompassed within the funding being provided for the MFF which is funded directly by the Exchequer. As such, no charge arises for my Department's Vote as a result of the establishment of the EDF.
My Department attends the EDF Expert Group Meetings, which will shortly progress to the Programme Committee Group meetings now that the Regulation has been adopted. We have also worked with a number of like-minded EU Member States to ensure that optimal conditions exist within the instrument for national SMEs to avail of funding.
My Department has no role in administering the EDF; that is the function of the EU Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS).
59. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the future plans for Custume Barracks in Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1471/21]
View answerThe Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Plan provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a rolling five year timeframe and is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities of the Defence Forces.
The commitment to the ongoing operation of Custume Barracks, Athlone, has been reaffirmed with the recent completion of the new Dining Hall complex. It was recognised that there was a need to refurbish and upgrade the Dining Hall for the purpose of providing a modern kitchen and dining facility to accommodate all ranks stationed at the Barracks. The main works contract, valued at €4.1m, was awarded in October 2018 and work was completed in 2020. The facility is now fully operational and the upgrade and refurbishment ensures the long-term viability of the complex at the Barracks.
The Built Infrastructure Plan recognises the need for the development of a permanent EAS hangar and associated helicopter facilities at Custume Barracks. The development of strategic infrastructure of this nature will be progressed further as the Plan is implemented.
Custume Barracks is and will continue to be an important operational military barracks. There are no plans to change this.
60. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence when the review of the post-1994 contracts will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24988/21]
View answerA review of service limits for enlisted personnel is being progressed in the context of a broader review examining barriers to extended participation in the Permanent Defence Force, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission and provided for in the High Level Implementation Plan - "Strengthening Our Defence Forces". The review is currently underway.
61. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance at the meeting of the European Defence Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24875/21]
View answerI attended the EDA Ministerial Steering Board meeting on 6th May 2021 in Brussels. The meeting was held back-to-back with a Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) meeting. The only agenda item for the EDA meeting was a discussion on the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD).
The meeting was chaired by Head of Agency/High Representative, Josep Borrell. In addition to Ministers for Defence, other attendees included Mr Jirí Šedivý, EDA Chief Executive, General Claudio Graziano, Chair of European Union Military Staff, and EU Commissioner Thierry Breton. The purpose of the meeting was to inform on the first steps taken and on the way ahead regarding the implementation of the 2020 CARD recommendations in the areas of defence spending, defence planning and defence cooperation.
CARD is a process within the EU where Member States exchange data on future plans in relation to defence policy, capability development, budgets and investment. The process aims to create greater transparency through sharing information on defence plans and thus facilitating opportunities for greater collaboration among member States on defence capability development, investment and procurement. The objective of CARD is to review the participating member States defence activities in order to provide, over time, a comprehensive picture of the European defence landscape, which includes capability development, Research &Technology efforts, the defence industrial dimension, and operational aspects. Potential benefits include more focused spending, cost sharing and greater interoperability.
The first full CARD Cycle was completed in 2020 and the CARD report was presented to Defence Ministers in November 2020. The Report makes recommendations across defence planning, defence spending, defence cooperation, and on the fulfilment of the EU CSDP level of ambition and operational dimension.
The focus of the EDA meeting on the 6th May was on defence cooperation. The CARD Report identifies a total of 55 collaborative opportunities throughout the whole capability spectrum, considered to be the most promising, most needed or most pressing ones, also in terms of operational value. The report recommends Member States should concentrate their collaborative capability development efforts on “next generation” capabilities in six focus areas – Main Battle Tank; European Patrol Class Surface Ship; Soldier Systems; Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS); Defence in Space; and Enhanced Military Mobility. While not all focus areas are of interest or applicable to Ireland, those which are of interest are (1) European Patrol Class Surface Ship; (2) Soldier Systems and (3) Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) .
During the Steering Board meeting Members States voiced their support for CARD and welcomed the work done to date. Member States also stressed a need to be realistic and clear in relation to how quickly Member States can implement the CARD recommendations into their military planning, a position which I would also support. Each Member State will need time to embed the CARD initiative within its own defence planning structures and procedures.
As the purpose of the meeting was to inform and discuss there were no decisions made or adopted.
62. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence the way in which he intends to protect Ireland’s undersea fibre cables from the threat of interference or sabotage. [25147/21]
View answerI am advised that the operators of subsea telecommunications cables are subject to the provisions of the Authorisation Regulations (SI 335 of 2011) and must notify the Communications Regulator (ComReg) of their intention of providing such a service. They are bound by the conditions of their General Authorisation which includes the condition to take all measures necessary to ensure the security of Public Electronic Communications Networks against unauthorised access, as well as to comply with all applicable national and EU legislation regarding personal data and privacy protection.
Under Regulation 23 of SI 333 of 2011 (Framework Regulations), undertakings providing public communications networks or publicly available electronic communications services shall take appropriate technical and organisational measures to appropriately manage the risks posed to security of networks and services. In particular, measures shall be taken to prevent and minimise the impact of security incidents on users and interconnected networks. Networks in this context can include subsea cables. This legislation is to be updated in the context of both the transposition of the European Electronic Communications Code, as well as the proposed revised Directive on Security of Network and Information Systems (the NIS 2 Directive). Recital 51 of the European Commission’s proposed NIS 2 Directive on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the EU states that submarine communications cables are to have appropriate cybersecurity measures in place. In that respect, the obligation on undertakings will continue under the new legislative framework.
As part of the development of the 2015 White Paper on Defence, the Department engaged in a broad-ranging consultation process, including with all other Departments. At that time the Department of the Communications, Energy and Natural Resources outlined that resilience is built into the system to mitigate against any damage to submarine cables. High capacity and multiple routes provide resilience in the event of route failure. Business Continuity Planning is of interest to all major international corporations. Where damage has occurred to a cable in the past, the operators have shared a cable while repairs are made. Under the National Cyber Security Strategy, an updated detailed risk assessment of the vulnerability of all Critical National Infrastructure and services to cyberattack is being performed.
The Defence Forces are aware of active subsea fibre optic cables landing on the island of Ireland. While these may present strategic locations for marine counter terrorism, the locations and security of these telecommunication resources does not rest with the Defence Forces. As any threat to these installations would be considered an on-island domestic security matter the responsibility rests with An Garda Síochána.
