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Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 427-447

Human Rights

Questions (427)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

427. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland's delegation at the United Nations attended a human rights briefing on the persecution of Uyghurs in China on 12 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26123/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland remains deeply concerned about the treatment of Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the province of Xinjiang. We are closely following the situation, including in relation to reports of systemic abuse, torture, arbitrary detention, forced labour, forced sterilisations, and restrictions on freedom of religion and belief. As part of these efforts to remain informed about the situation in Xinjiang, Ireland was represented at a senior level at the briefing held on 12 May 2021 in New York.

Ireland and the EU regularly raise our concerns with Chinese authorities in both bilateral and multilateral contexts. Over the course of 2020, the EU raised its concerns regarding the human rights situation in China with Chinese authorities during its high-level engagements at the EU-China Summit and EU-China Leader's Meetings. 

Ireland has also raised concerns regarding the situation in Xinjiang in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in March this year. Prior to this, we also reiterated our concerns in our National Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in September last year, which urged China to allow unrestricted access to the region for the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Northern Ireland

Questions (428)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

428. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he will take in view of the plans by the UK Government to give an amnesty to British soldiers accused of crimes during the troubles in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26288/21]

View answer

Written answers

The position of the Government with respect to dealing with the legacy of the Troubles has been clear and consistent. The Stormont House Agreement framework is the way forward on these issues. It was agreed by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations, and it should be implemented. 

Where the British Government are proposing significant changes to that framework, we have made clear that these must be discussed and agreed by both Governments and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive. Only through a collective approach can we hope to deal with these issues comprehensively and fairly, and in a way that responds to the needs of victims and survivors, and society as a whole.

It is the consistent position of the Government that there should be effective investigations into all Troubles-related deaths, regardless of the perpetrator. The rule of law and the protections afforded by the European Convention on Human Rights must apply equally to everyone and must be upheld, and this principle is at the core of the Stormont House framework.

As the Stormont House Agreement framework does, there is a need to take a comprehensive view of how to achieve progress and reconciliation for society as a whole, but the needs of victims and families cannot be sidelined. They need to be at the heart of the process. 

The Government has engaged regularly on legacy issues with the British Government, including since the UK Written Ministerial Statement on Legacy of March 2020. In every engagement, we have urged them to progress the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement framework. When I met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland earlier this month, I strongly advised against any unilateral action on these sensitive issues.  

We have made clear that we are ready to engage and work with the British Government and the parties in relation to any concerns around the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, but have made equally clear at every point that this must be a collective process.

Foreign Policy

Questions (429)

Neale Richmond

Question:

429. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the work he is carrying out on Belarus; if his Department has engaged with the ambassador regarding the detention of protestors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26348/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland remains engaged in international efforts seeking to bring about a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis in Belarus. Mr. Lukashenko has sought to legalise the severe repression of his regime, which has produced a chilling effect on dissent within the country. Impunity breeds violence and we have been clear in publicly calling for that impunity to end. We continue to work with our international partners to address the situation in Belarus and play an active role in formulating EU policy and responses.

The Belarusian Ambassador resident in London has not at this time been accredited to Ireland and my Department has had no interactions with him.

Ireland fully supports the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. We regret that the authorities continue to deny her access to the country in her official capacity. It is imperative that human rights violations are transparently and independently investigated. To that end, Ireland played a constructive role in the successful EU-led resolution at the UN Human Rights Council that enhanced the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate over 2,000 reported violations.

We also support other investigative mechanisms such as the International Accountability Platform for Belarus and international criminal investigations under the concept of Universal Jurisdiction. Those responsible for violations and abuses must be brought to justice. 

Sanctions are another method through which the international community can bring accountability. The EU is currently readying further restrictive measures against those responsible for implementing and enabling the regime's repression. Ireland fully supports the imposition of a fresh round of sanctions. Pressure must be maintained on the authorities to adhere to their international obligations and commitments.

Our support for the Belarusian people is unwavering and we will continue to do what we can to ensure their human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected. 

Common Travel Area

Questions (430)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

430. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will prioritise the resumption of freedom of travel arrangements heretofore enjoyed under the common travel area subject to the appropriate public health advice in view of the improved Covid-19 situation and given that the United Kingdom operates a robust mandatory quarantine regime and has made significant progress on its vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26355/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government has had to introduce a range of restrictions on domestic and international travel to address the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions were developed on the basis of public health advice and are being amended on the basis of such advice, as conditions allow.  

Our current arrangements are set out on the “Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic” and “Travelling outside of Ireland” pages of the gov.ie website. The Government continues to advise against non-essential international travel, including between Ireland and Great Britain.  Those travelling are required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator form; obtain a pre-travel negative RT-PCR test; and to quarantine on arrival in Ireland.  

The Common Travel Area allows for Irish and British citizens to move freely between Ireland and the UK. I wish to see British and Irish citizens travelling in as seamless a manner as possible, as soon this is feasible and safe. The Common Travel Area  plays a vital role in facilitating the way in which Irish and British people live on these islands and it will continue to enhance and nurture our bilateral relationship.  The temporary health measures which currently apply remain consistent with the CTA, in that they apply equally to all passengers arriving into Ireland, including Irish citizens, with only very limited exceptions. 

Ireland and the UK have remained in close contact at political and official level on our respective approaches to managing travel in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including in relation to our systems for mandatory hotel quarantine.  Liaison takes place on a North-South and East-West basis and has been highly productive.  We will continue to prioritise all aspects of this dialogue in the period ahead.

Passport Services

Questions (431)

Michael Ring

Question:

431. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport application by a person (details supplied) will be processed in view of the fact that the application was received by the Passport Office on 10 December 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26362/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Passport Service scaled up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.

Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is up to four times as fast as a paper application. In addition, the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.

The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that the Passport Online applications on hand can be cleared in six to eight weeks.

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service was in contact with the applicant on 14 May 2021 to provide an update on the status of the passport application.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (432)

Neale Richmond

Question:

432. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had engagement with his UK counterpart regarding the detention of EU citizens in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26387/21]

View answer

Written answers

Citizens’ rights were a priority issue in the negotiations which ultimately led to the Withdrawal Agreement. The Agreement protects those EU citizens who were lawfully residing in the United Kingdom, and UK nationals lawfully residing in one of the 27 EU Member States at the end of the transition period. It also protects the family members that are granted rights under EU law to join their family member in the future.

The EU-UK Specialised Committee on Citizens' Rights continues to meet regularly to monitor the implementation and application of the Citizens’ Rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement.

While the Withdrawal Agreement protects citizens who had moved to the UK prior to their withdrawal from the European Union, it is important to note that EU freedom of movement rules no longer apply with regard to the United Kingdom. New restrictions, including visa requirements for certain categories of travellers, now apply.

My Department is aware of reports regarding the recent detention of certain EU citizens in the UK. We are monitoring developments carefully and officials in the Embassy in London and in the Permanent Representation in Brussels are engaged in this regard.

Notwithstanding Brexit, Irish and British citizens can continue to move freely and reside in either jurisdiction and enjoy associated rights and entitlements by virtue of the Common Travel Area.

Ministerial Communications

Questions (433)

Neale Richmond

Question:

433. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 337 of 5 May 2021, his views on whether it is appropriate to engage with the Georgian and Ukrainian Ambassadors regarding their engagement with Dublin City University given that the Ambassadors have sought to engage him on this issue by sending several letters to his Department and other Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26406/21]

View answer

Written answers

I have made my position on Ireland's firm and sustained commitment to academic freedom as a cornerstone of an open and democratic society publicly clear, including in the context of the matter raised by the Deputy. I am certain it is well known by both Embassies. 

I would recall that Ireland's support for the promotion of respect for academic freedom and freedom of speech form key parts of our wider global advocacy on human rights. I remain strongly opposed to any attempts to interfere with these rights either domestically or abroad.

It is not uncommon for my Department to copied in correspondence for information only, as is the case here.

Passport Services

Questions (434, 438)

Dara Calleary

Question:

434. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the An Post passport express system will reopen for applications. [26413/21]

View answer

Denise Mitchell

Question:

438. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the backlog of the Passport Office will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26608/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 438 together.

The Passport Service scaled up to more normal operational levels on 4 May 2021, in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.

The Passport Service is now processing all Passport Online applications. It is expected that the 89,000 applications on hand at the end of April will be processed by the end of June. Significant progress has been made thus far with approximately 24,000 passports issued since 4 May.

Passport Online will continue to be the priority given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is up to four times as fast as a paper application. In addition, the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.

The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that any Passport Online backlog can be cleared in six to eight weeks.

The Passport Service plans to resume processing of paper based applications such as Passport Express and Northern Ireland Passport Express once online applications have been processed. There are currently approximately 1,500 paper based applications in the system.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (435)

Carol Nolan

Question:

435. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the powers he has to summon ambassadors of foreign jurisdictions to meet him to discuss any urgent matters; the basis on which such power or practice to summon ambassadors arises; and the dates and particulars of each occasion on which he has summoned a foreign ambassador to meet him from 14 June 2017 to date. [26478/21]

View answer

Written answers

Diplomatic relations between States, and with their diplomatic missions, are regulated by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, as transposed into Irish law by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967.

Under the Vienna Convention, there are a suite of measures provided for the conduct of relations between States including measures to allow States to express displeasure with the policies or actions of another State. Article 3 of the Convention describes the functions of a diplomatic mission as consisting, inter alia, in representing the sending State in the receiving State; negotiating with the Government of the receiving State; and promoting friendly relations between the sending State and the receiving State.

There are currently 64 resident Embassies in Ireland, with a further 86 Ambassadors accredited to Ireland on a non-resident basis. Meetings between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Ambassadors may be arranged at the request of the Minister, or of the Ambassador. Ambassadors and other officials of Embassies are frequent visitors to the Department of Foreign Affairs for discussions at Senior Official level on a wide range of issues. Such exchanges are an important element in promoting positive international relations.

Given the recent and ongoing measures in place to protect public health, I have also held meetings with Ambassadors by means of phone calls or video conferences.

Given the numerous and varied nature of my interactions with foreign Ambassadors, and the many issues raised in such discussions, it is not feasible to provide an accurate account of the arrangements made for every meeting I have undertaken with a foreign Ambassador since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs in June 2017. However, I can assure the Deputy that I frequently meet with Ambassadors accredited to Ireland and will always use such occasions to raise any concerns I may have in relation to the policies or actions of their Governments.

Departmental Staff

Questions (436)

Pauline Tully

Question:

436. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of full-time qualified architects employed by his Department in each of the years of 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; the number of vacant architects posts currently within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26521/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department's Property Management Unit in our Corporate Services Division, has a number of architects employed to manage the professional and technical elements of development and maintenance of my Department's properties overseas.

Please see below the number of architects in my Department for the years requested in tabular form.

There are currently no vacant architect posts in my Department.

 

2018

2019

2020

2021

Architect

3

2

3

3

Social Media

Questions (437)

Holly Cairns

Question:

437. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts and platforms that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2020 and 30 April 2021, inclusive; the percentage of posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts and platforms that featured bilingual translations in Irish and English between 1 May 2020 and 30 April 2021, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26581/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department takes its obligations under the Official Languages Act 2003 seriously, and we are committed to providing services in both official languages, including communications campaigns promoting the Irish language at home and overseas around International Mother Language Day, Seachtain na Gaeilge, and European Day of Languages.

The Department, including through our network of global diplomatic Missions, operates a large number of social media accounts which are often targeted at foreign audiences and therefore provide content in multiple languages in addition to English and Irish. Along with running our own communications campaigns around St Patrick’s Day, St Brigid’s Day, Bloomsday, Hallowe’en and other significant events in multiple languages, we also participate in initiatives such as World Portuguese Language Day and International Francophonie Day, amongst others.  In the time available, it is not possible to provide a percentage breakdown of content posted exclusively in English, Irish or both.

Question No. 438 answered with Question No. 434.

Defence Forces

Questions (439)

Niall Collins

Question:

439. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the person or body a person would contact to claim an Army pension after the death of a soldier who died when retired and not while serving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25705/21]

View answer

Written answers

Queries in relation to pension entitlements in respect of serving or deceased members of the Permanent Defence Force can be directed to Pensions Administration Section, Department of Defence, Áras an tSáile, Renmore, Galway, H91 AN2E, telephone number 091 743900 or email pensions.admin@defence.ie.

Sustainable Development Goals

Questions (440, 441)

Holly Cairns

Question:

440. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to include reference in all new statements of strategy to all sustainable development goal targets for which his Department has lead responsibility as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25744/21]

View answer

Holly Cairns

Question:

441. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the specific sustainable development goal targets his Department is responsible for implementing; the progress made in implementing those targets since 26 April 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25762/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 440 and 441 together.

The Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020 was published in direct response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and provides a whole-of-government approach to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has lead responsibility for promoting and overseeing the coherent implementation of the SDGs on a whole-of-government basis.

The SDGs represent the most ambitious agreement the UN has ever reached.  The Goals are unique, because they apply equally to every country, and are based on the idea that ending poverty, protecting the environment and strengthening human rights are mutually beneficial and reliant on each other for success, and cannot be achieved separately.

Meeting all the 17 Goals by 2030 will be a challenge for Ireland, as it will be for every other country.  Some of the specific challenges for Ireland in 2018 related to housing, levels of obesity, achieving sustainable consumption patterns, halting the decline in biodiversity and habitat destruction, mitigating and adapting to climate change, reducing youth unemployment, reducing poverty, addressing entrenched inequalities and mainstreaming a gender perspective into policy.  The plan sets out 19 specific actions to implement over the duration of this first SDG National Implementation Plan.

As Minister for Defence I retain responsibility for implementing the individual SDGs relating to issues under the aegis of the Department of Defence.  My Department works with other stakeholder Departments' to ensure a coordinated whole-of-Government approach to implementation of the Goals, both domestically and internationally is achieved.  A number of the issues that are relevant to the performance of the functions of the Department of Defence are reflected in our Statement of Strategy 2021-2023.

The Defence Forces are committed to promoting equality in all aspects of their work.  This is set out in the Defence Forces Equality Policy, which commits to ensuring that the principles of equality are adhered to in all its employment policies, procedures, instructions and regulations.  This ongoing commitment is also exemplified in the Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan.

In line with such policies and commitments a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female recruitment and participation in the Defence Forces, which include the following:

- A Gender, Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.

- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.

Over the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence 2015, further projects will be progressed to ensure the development and promotion of strategies that continue to support increased female participation in the Defence Forces.

The Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning Defence that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme including:

- The establishment of a Commission on the Defence Forces.

- Support for the establishment of centres for retired members of the Defence Forces.

- Development of a new Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training in the Curragh.

- To ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do.

- Amend the Organisation of Working Time Act, bringing the Defence Forces within the scope of its provisions.

This work will continue alongside the on-going work of White Paper implementation projects, the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Public Service Pay Commission Report on the Defence Forces,  the Equipment Development Plan and the Infrastructure Development plan, both five year rolling plans published last year, and all the other work being undertaken by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to ensure the Defence Organisation can fulfil all roles as set out by Government.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is a key strategic partner with the Defence Organisation with whom we will continue to have a close and effective working relationship in the areas of UN Peacekeeping; international security policy; disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control; and sustainable development.  The Defence Organisation will support the “Global Ireland 2025” ambitions to expand and grow the contribution Ireland makes abroad.  The Defence Organisation will continue to contribute to the implementation of the relevant sustainable development goals and targets, as set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Question No. 441 answered with Question No. 440.

Social Media

Questions (442)

Holly Cairns

Question:

442. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if he has engaged a third-party company to date in 2021 to conduct online and or social media monitoring and-or provide reports on social media coverage of his Department; if so, the cost of same; and the name of the social media platforms being monitored. [25780/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department engages the company Truehawk Media for media monitoring to include print, broadcast, online and Twitter, and provide reports as required.

The cost for complete service to include social media, print, online and broadcast is €798.27 per month inclusive of VAT.

Social Media

Questions (443)

Holly Cairns

Question:

443. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if officials in his Department are tasked with conducting online and social media monitoring and completing reports on social media coverage of his Department and his Ministerial activities; if so, the number of staff involved; the respective grades of each; the estimated working hours committed to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25798/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department currently has a communications specialist at Higher Executive Officer grade.  As part of his role he is tasked with monitoring and completing reports on social media coverage of my Department and Ministerial activities.

This official spends between 3 and 5 working hours per week on these activities.

Departmental Investigations

Questions (444)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

444. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he and bodies under his aegis have engaged private investigation companies or persons in the past three years to date; and if so, the cost, duration and purpose of these engagements of this type of contractor. [25820/21]

View answer

Written answers

In the past three years my Department has not engaged any private investigation companies or persons.

Defence Forces

Questions (445)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

445. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacancies by rank currently in the Defence Forces School of Music. [25916/21]

View answer

Written answers

The overall establishment strength of the Defence Forces School of Music (DFSM) is 123 personnel. The table below details the vacancies, by rank, in the DFSM that existed on 31st March 2021.

 Rank

 Lt Col

 Comdt

 Captain

 Lt

 CS

 CQ

 Sgt

 Cpl

 Pte*

 Vacancies

 0

 0

 1

 0

 1

 0

 3

 17

 0

*There are six extra Privates in addition to the establishment for Privates currently serving in the DFSM

Vacancies are filled on an ongoing basis in line with promotional arrangements and direct entry competitions. Previously, the Defence Forces have held recruitment competitions for DFSM instrumentalists every 3 years, the last competition being held in 2018, and the Defence Forces advise that the current induction plan envisages such a recruitment competition being held in 2021.

Naval Service

Questions (446)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

446. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if there are plans to replace LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla. [25917/21]

View answer

Written answers

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This is primarily to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process.

In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. Budget 2021 provides a Capital allocation of €131m for investment in Defence equipment and barracks infrastructure and will enable continued investment in major equipment platforms, including the replacement and refurbishment of Naval Service vessels. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.

As a result of the White Paper commitment to Naval Service vessel replacement, the replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel (MRV) is the immediate White Paper project in this context. The MRV project is an important developmental project and indicative of the commitment to on-going investment and development of defence capabilities. It is a major project and work remains on-going in progressing it. This project is at currently underway and it is intended to hold a public tender competition in due course to cover the supply of the MRV, subject to availability of funding within the overall Defence capital funding envelope. Projects for other vessel replacement will be considered over the life-time of the White Paper in the context of overall capability development and funding along with the overall EDP process.

Defence Forces

Questions (447)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

447. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the full list of capital works projects valued at over €2 million in the Defence Forces that are ongoing at present; and when each capital project will be completed. [25918/21]

View answer

Written answers

The ‘Defence Forces 5 year Infrastructure Programme 2020 – 2025’, provides for the implementation of the policy approach outlined in the White Paper on Defence and will enhance Defence Forces physical infrastructure and accommodation as an important component of defence capability.

This Programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide for accommodation and training of personnel and the maintenance and storage of equipment for land, sea and airborne operational requirements.

The Revised Estimates for Public Services 2021 provides for a capital expenditure allocation of €27 million for Subhead A.13 - Defence Forces Built Infrastructure: Construction and Maintenance - in the Defence Vote.

This allocation facilitates the progression of a significant number of Defence Forces Built Infrastructure projects in various military installations throughout the country.

The table below sets out the Defence capital works projects, valued at over €2 million, that are currently under construction and their anticipated completion date.

Ongoing Capital Works Projects > €2m

Project/Programme

Anticipated Completion Date

Construction of new Gymnasium at Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny.

Quarter 2, 2021

Construction of new Gymnasium at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick.

Quarter 3, 2021

Provision of Electric Target Range and installation of associated Automatic Marking System, Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp.

Quarter 4, 2021

Upgrade of Block 8 Accommodation, Haulbowline, Cork.

Quarter 2, 2022

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