Tuesday, 29 Jun 2021

Written Answers Nos. 41-62

EU Meetings

Questions (41)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

41. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number of European Defence Fund Expert Group meetings attended by representatives of his Department in 2020 and to date in 2021; if the minutes of these meetings will be provided; if his Departmental representatives have attended any meetings of the Programme Committee Group since the adoption of the regulation establishing the European Defence Fund on the 29 April 2021; if so, if the minutes of these meetings will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34637/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is a co-funded industrial sectoral programme, which provides funding for research and capability development, fosters innovation and allow economies of scale, which will enhance the competitiveness of the EU defence industry. It facilitates Member States to better coordinate and supplement national investments in defence and to achieve greater output and develop defence technology and equipment that may not otherwise be feasible.

The EDF, which is funded through the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, operates similarly to other EU industry and research support programmes, such as Horizon 2020, in supporting the European Defence and Industrial Technology Base in delivering capabilities for the EU's Common Security Defence Policy operations.

The EDF Expert Group first met on 12 June 2020 and most recently on 7 May 2021. My Department participated on the 15 occasions the expert group has met. As this is a working group and not a programme committee, there are no minutes available.

Since the adoption of the Regulation establishing the EDF on the 29th of April 2021, my Department has participated in all five meetings of the EDF Programme Committee Group, the first of which was on 20 May 2021.

It is the European Commission's (DG DEFIS) intention to make the summary reports of the meetings available online as soon as they have been approved. In that regard, my Department understands that the minutes for the meetings of 20 May and 25 May will be published online shortly.

Defence Forces

Questions (42)

John Brady

Question:

42. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current search and rescue capacity of the Defence Forces; the plans in place to increase that capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34622/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Defence Forces are not the primary response agency for serach and rescue (SAR) services in Ireland, either on-island or at sea. This being said, the Defence Forces provide supports and services to the relevant Lead Department or Primary Response Agency on an as available basis as and when required.

In relation to on-island SAR, as I have already noted, the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, however they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department or Principal Response Agency, 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.

In relation to maritime SAR, since 2004 the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) has had overall responsibility for the provision of SAR services within the Irish Search and Rescue domain. The IRCG fall under the remit of the Minister for Transport. From within the Defence Organisation, both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the IRCG in maritime SAR operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard setting out agreed roles and responsibilities in this regard.

In terms of the Air Corps' current role in the aviation aspect of SAR, at the request of the Irish Coast Guard, services currently provided by the Air Corps to the Coast Guard on an “as available” basis include:-

- Search & Rescue, search support in a number of settings including the potential to act as on-scene air Co-ordinator if required,

- Island Medevacs when the IRCG are unable to respond,

- Maritime counter pollution patrolling & monitoring,

- Maritime surveillance,

- Air Deployed life raft tasks,

- Environmental escort duties,

- Representation on Committees,

- Partake in joint training exercises as required

- Emergency temporary accommodation at Baldonnel for IRCG helicopters in the event of extraordinary circumstances (subject to availability and security requirements),

- And technical advice as appropriate.

I have acknowledged in this House and in other fora that I would like to explore further the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the SAR aviation service, given their historical role in this area. I have confirmed previously that late last year I asked my officials to engage further with the Department of Transport, to explore the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the next generation SAR aviation service while at the same time ensuring that the service meets domestic and international obligations for search and rescue and represents value for money for the State.

I have not been prescriptive as regards what model any potential SAR marine aviation service delivery by the Air Corps could take. There is much to consider and exmaine, including legal considerations, as part of this process. Any future SAR capacity of the Air Corps will be depedent on the outcome of this process. Ultimately, decisions on the scope, nature and procurement strategy for the next SAR marine aviation service will be a matter for Government once the detailed appraisal and business case has been finalised by the Department of Transport. Should the Air Corps be assigned responsibility for some aspect of SAR marine aviation service then the requiremet for increased SAR capacity will be examined.

In addition the Naval Service also has roles in the maritime SAR domain. At the request of the Irish Coast Guard, services currently provided by the Naval Service to the Coast Guard on an “as available” basis include:-

- Search & Rescue/Recovery support,

- Accommodation of IRCG personnel onboard Naval Service ships as required,

- Towage in restricted circumstances,

- Escort supports,

- Enforcement of Exclusion Zones,

- Diving Unit Assistance,

- Technical Assistance and Support,

- Ship Casualty & Pollution Monitoring & Control,

- Representation on Committees,

- Partake in joint training exercises as required.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 21.

White Papers

Questions (44)

Dara Calleary

Question:

44. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the implementation of the White Paper on Defence. [34680/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The White Paper on Defence sets the defence policy agenda over a ten year planning horizon and covers all aspects of defence within the broader security policy framework. Since publication of the White Paper, a total of 95 separate projects have been identified for completion over a ten-year period. To provide flexibility, projects may be sub-divided or merged, changing the top-line number. Project and Programme Management Governance arrangements were put in place to monitor the ongoing status of individual projects and to review the scope of projects within the programme.

Following on from the White Paper Update 2019 and the Government’s High Level Implementation Plan to implement the Report of the Public Service Pay Commission, senior civil and military management have concluded a review of the projects which has resulted in reprioritisation of certain projects. This takes account of work that is progressing across the organisation which has been contributing to implementation of the White Paper.

The review of progress on all projects has led to the approval of an updated White Paper Programme Implementation Roadmap. Of the initial 95 projects, 47 are now formally completed and closed with an additional 3 in the closing process. The objectives and outputs of a number of these closed projects are now being addressed through the High Level Implementation Plan and its' associated projects, others are ongoing as part of the Defence Organisation’s normal business processes. A further 14 projects related to the Defence Forces Reserve will be considered post-Commission on the Defence Forces. 12 projects are currently active with a further 4 due to be initiated during 2021 and the remaining 15 projects to be initiated during 2022 and 2023.

Work in certain areas will in its nature continue beyond 2025 in order to ensure that changes, improvements and actions envisaged in the White Paper are fully implemented and are embedded in the day to day business of the Defence Organisation. Implementation of all of the projects is being carried out on a phased basis through the use of a project management framework with each being managed by a joint Civil-Military Project Team. The overall process is being kept under on-going review and will be subject to change as issues arise and other business dictates.

Defence Forces

Questions (45)

Gary Gannon

Question:

45. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to Irish controlled airspace repeatedly being entered by Russian aircraft with its transponders turned off; his views on the need for the State to have the capacity to be aware of aircraft movements in the air space for which it is responsible; and if he will report on this issue. [34674/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Air Corps is not tasked or equipped to monitor and communicate with aircraft overflying Irish airspace, military or otherwise and irrespective of whether the transponder is switched on or not. However, on a routine basis the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.

The IAA exercises Air Traffic Control responsibilities for an airspace of some 450,000 sq. kms comprising of both sovereign airspace and also airspace over the high seas, largely off the western seaboard. All air traffic, both civil and military, is monitored and controlled by the IAA in respect of this airspace and in line with ICAO rules it is normal practice for the IAA to be informed by the relevant State of any military flights operating in Irish controlled airspace.

In answer to the Deputy's specific question of capacity to be aware of aircraft movements in our air space, it remains Government policy, as per the 2015 White Paper on Defence, that should additional funding, beyond that provided for in existing plans, becomes available the development a radar surveillance capability will be considered. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence, reinforced by the White Paper Update 2019, as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process.

The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects to be advanced over the next five years. The EDP includes reference to a primary radar project. Consideration of this project will be prioritised should additional appropriate funding become available. The overall priorities in the EDP will remain under review as it is progressively implemented and taking account of funding availability.

Acquisition of primary radar capability would have to be assessed against the significant investment of public funds, in respect of both the initial investment and the on-going operational costs, which would have to be considered alongside other spending priorities and the nature of the threats Ireland faces.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.

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. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.

Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 25.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 34.

Defence Forces

Questions (48, 54, 55)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

48. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if there is a timeframe for the numbers in the Defence Forces to reach the approved threshold of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34513/21]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

54. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence the number of new recruits who have enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34599/21]

Cathal Berry

Question:

55. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the level of uptake on the recent recruitment campaign for direct entry technicians in the Air Corps; if he is satisfied with these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34706/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 54 and 55 together.

The military authorities have advised that, as at 31st May 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 8,570 personnel. While the Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, there are a number of factors, many of which are hard to predict, which will impact on the timeframe within which this will be achieved.

I have acknowledged that there are on-going challenges in the Defence Forces, and these have been well-documented. However recruitment is ongoing and has resulted in 228 personnel (including 210 General Service recruits) being inducted as at 31st May 2021 and further inductions are planned. General Service recruitment continues. I launched a recruitment campaign on 25th June, specifically targeting potential Naval Service Recruits. The intention is to induct a further 80 Naval Service recruits and bring the overall Naval Service induction target to 130 this year.

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 initiative has resulted in 15 re-commissioned officers and 42 re-enlisted personnel in 2020 and, in 2021, a further 1 recommissioned officer and 15 re-enlisted personnel as at 31st May.

Furthermore, along with direct entry provision for Doctors, direct entry is also currently utilised in 8 competitions in the Naval Service for the recruitment of both Officers and 'Other Ranks', Defence Forces School of Music Instrumentalists and Air Corps Aircraft Technician. The latter competition, launched on 28th May and remains open until the 30th June, had attracted 39 applications as at 22nd June.

A sea-going service commitment scheme and a tax credit, both for sea-going Naval Service personnel, are examples of targeted measures I have introduced, aimed at retaining experienced personnel. This follows the reintroduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps.

The PSPC report on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made a range of recommendations with a view to addressing recruitment and retention issues and these have been progressed through a series of projects. In addition, the independent Commission on the Defence Forces is tasked with examining a range of issues, including recruitment and retention.

Increasing the capacity of the Defence Forces will take time. However, the challenges are being addressed and work in this regard is a priority for me and my civil and military management team.

Defence Forces

Questions (49)

Gary Gannon

Question:

49. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence his plans to ensure that talent, skills and personnel of the Reserve Defence Forces can be utilised in the near future in view of the current situation between the retention crisis in the Defence Forces and reservist contributions during the HSE cyber-attack; and if he plans to engage with employers to facilitate paid leave and job protection for reservists being mobilised. [34671/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The 2015 White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF.

The White Paper acknowledges that there may be professional skills that on occasion may not be readily available in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and outlines an intention to harness specialist skills that members of the Reserve may have to better support the PDF. A White Paper project relating to a skills survey of the RDF was initiated and the completed survey provides an overview of the range of skills available within the Reserve.

As part of the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Report of the Public Sector Pay Commission on recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, a Workforce Planning project is underway which will identify skills sets in the PDF and identify appropriate measures to address any such gaps. The skills survey already undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of members of the Reserve will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold.

The Government has additionally given approval for proposed amendments to the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020, which will update Defence legislation relating to utilisation of the RDF. These amendments will enhance the role of the RDF by removing the current legislative restrictions on the activities they perform, including the restriction on serving overseas. The Report Stage debate relating to this amendment is scheduled for Wednesday 30 June.

The Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, which as the Deputy will be aware, is also expected to include proposals on the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation, the regulations governing the RDF, the development of the First Line Reserve (FLR) and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas.

The proposed amendments to the Bill, do not prejudge any possible recommendations from the Commission, but will facilitate the implementation of any recommendations the Commission may make, which would, of necessity, require legislative amendments.

A number of RDF members are currently engaged, on a voluntary basis and where personal circumstances allow, in authorised COVID-19 activities in a supporting role to the response of the Permanent Defence Force to the COVID19 crisis. In this regard, members of the Reserve served a total of 1,457 Covid-related days in 2020 with a further 505 such days served by Reservists in 2021, to the end of May. Members of the Reserve are paid in such circumstances and their support is welcomed.

Members of the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) are not employed or engaged under a contract of employment and are not employees per se . Furthermore, service with the AR and NSR is not pensionable under the Army Pension Schemes. As members of the Reserve undertake activities on a voluntary basis, there are presently no plans to introduce paid leave or employment protection legislation in relation to their voluntary activities within the RDF.

While the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020 has provided for employment protection for members of the Reserve when called up on permanent service, there are no plans to call RDF members out permanently.

While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, including the RDF, are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State.

Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 34

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 16.

Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 22.

Defence Forces

Questions (53)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

53. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the efforts he has made in respect of the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do. [34698/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government contains a commitment to “ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do”.

I am advised that a joint military-civilian working group has been established to identify an approach to implementing this commitment. The Working Group will analyse the range and cost of treatments currently provided to Officers and assess how best to provide this access to enlisted personnel. The Working Group is currently due to produce its report by the end of 2021.

At present, a wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force at State expense. These include: an annual medical examination, sick parades, attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out of hours GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, mental health services provided by a psychiatrist and two psychologists, in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges and routine dental treatment. In addition, commissioned Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service can avail of private consultant appointments and diagnostic tests, and private/ semi-private hospital treatment dependent on rank.

In the case of Defence Forces personnel assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts (e.g. EUMS, OSCE), these personnel, and any accompanying dependents are provided with global comprehensive medical insurance for which a formal arrangement is in place with a health insurance provider. This involves the organisation paying the difference between a basic minimum payment and the cost of the global plan.

The provision of this range of benefits is unique in the public and indeed the private sectors and these benefits are exempt from benefit-in-kind taxation.

Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 48.

Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 48.

Defence Forces

Questions (56)

Barry Cowen

Question:

56. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34678/21]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations.

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 May 2020, is set out below:

Service	Total Effective Personnel
Army Reserve	1433
Naval Reserve	122
First Line Reserve	262

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

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

I have been advised that the Defence Forces are currently considering recruitment options for the Reserve including the introduction of ongoing recruitment, similar to the model currently used for the PDF General Service recruitment.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capability.

Central Statistics Office

Questions (57)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

57. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Taoiseach the size in units, net asset value and gross asset value of the real estate sector by residential and commercial in Dublin city and county and outside of Dublin, respectively in tabular form. [34415/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

The exact breakdown of information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has published the following statistics in relation to housing stock in Ireland on Census night, 24 April 2016.

Table 1 below indicates the housing stock as recorded in Census 2016, in Dublin City, County Dublin (excluding Dublin City) and the rest of the country.

Table 1 – Housing Stock, 2016.

Area	Housing stock, 2016
Dublin City	240,553
County Dublin (excluding Dublin City)	290,200
Rest of Ireland	1,472,892
Total Housing Stock	2,003,645

The CSO expects to produce equivalent data on housing stock arising from Census 2022.

The CSO also publishes an annual estimate of the Capital Stock of Fixed assets at the end of each year. Fixed Assets are non-financial produced assets that are used repeatedly or continuously in production for more than one year (such as buildings, machinery and equipment, and computer software).

The Net Capital Stock and Gross Capital Stock are shown in Table 2 below for Dwellings (excluding Land), and Other Buildings and Structures (excluding roads). The Net Capital Stock includes the effect of depreciation while the Gross Capital Stock does not. The figures exclude the value of land. These figures were published by the CSO in November 2020 and are based on the National Income and Expenditure release of 2019 (NIE 2019). There is no regional breakdown available for the Capital Stock data.

Table 2 – Net and Gross Capital Stock of Dwellings, and Other Buildings and Structures (excluding Roads).

-							€ million
		2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
	Net Capital Stock Held at End of Year at Current Market Prices, Euro Million	218,698	226,011	235,615	248,337	254,448	274,299
	Net Capital Stock Held at End of Year at Constant Market Prices (base 2018), Euro Million	250,099	249,704	250,102	251,717	254,448	257,128
	Gross Capital Stock Held at End of Year at Current Market Prices, Euro Million	279,300	290,895	305,373	323,500	332,850	360,167
Dwellings (excluding Land)	Gross Capital Stock Held at End of Year at Constant Market Prices (base 2018), Euro Million	319,621	321,541	324,285	327,973	332,850	337,587
	Net Capital Stock Held at End of Year at Current Market Prices, Euro Million	96,345	106,053	118,137	132,292	150,995	172,038
	Net Capital Stock Held at End of Year at Constant Market Prices (base 2018), Euro Million	123,102	128,441	134,650	142,238	150,995	161,262
	Gross Capital Stock Held at End of Year at Current Market Prices, Euro Million	161,025	176,942	196,420	218,597	247,641	279,519
Other Buildings and Structures (excluding Roads)	Gross Capital Stock Held at End of Year at Constant Market Prices (base 2018), Euro Million	205,899	214,363	223,915	235,048	247,641	262,004

Central Statistics Office

Questions (58, 59, 60, 61, 62)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

58. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach if the cost of each directorate of the Central Statistics Office by directorate will be provided. [34727/21]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

59. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach the minimum salary and expenses allowable for a director of a directorate of the Central Statistics Office. [34728/21]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

60. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach the minimum salary and expenses allowable for a senior statistician for a directorate of the Central Statistics Office. [34729/21]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

61. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach the estimated cost to recruit and appoint an additional senior statistician for a directorate of the Central Statistics Office. [34730/21]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

62. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach the estimated cost to recruit and appoint an additional director for a directorate of the Central Statistics Office. [34731/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 59, 60, 61 and 62 together.

There are six directorates in the Central Statistics Office and the breakdown of the CSO's gross expenditure by directorate in 2020 is set out in the following table:

Directorate	Gross Total €m
Business Statistics	9.098
Corporate Affairs	9.886
Economic Statistics	6.956
Social and Demographic Statistics	19.273
Statistical Systems Co-Ordination Unit	5.295
Technology	14.471
Total	64.979

Head of Directorate posts in the Central Statistics Office are generally at Assistant Director General level, which is equivalent to the Assistant Secretary grade, in Civil Service Departments and Offices. The minimum salary scale point for Assistant Director General, with effect from 1 October 2020, is €135,299 for those appointed to the Civil Service before 6th April 1995; and €142,421 for those appointed on or after 6th April 1995 paying the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits for General Service grades (PPC).

The minimum salary scale point for the Senior Statistician grade, with effect from 1 October 2020, is €84,752 (for those serving before 6th April 1995) and €89,072 (PPC). For the Senior Statistician (Higher Scale) grade, the corresponding figures are €91,003 (for those serving before 6th April 1995) and €95,661 (PPC).

There are no specific expense allowances payable for any of the grades outlined. Official expenses incurred in the course of duty (e.g. official travel and subsistence) are paid in accordance with Civil Service policies and circulars. Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 13/2019 sets out the domestic subsistence rates as of 1st July 2019 and Circular 07/2017 outlines subsistence allowances abroad.

Recruitment at Assistant Director General level is carried out through the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) and recruitment costs are met through this process. Recruitment at Senior Statistician level is managed either via open competition through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) or internal competition within the CSO, and related recruitment costs are met from within the respective annual administrative budgets.