Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:875. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagements he has had in relation to the Conference on the Future of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41018/21]
View answerEU Meetings
Questions (875)
Written answers
The Conference on the Future of Europe (COFOE) is a series of conferences aimed at promoting greater citizen involvement in the European Union and engendering reflection on Europe’s future direction. My Department is the lead Department for the Conference and Minister of State Byrne has been assigned lead responsibility within Government for Ireland’s participation in the Conference. The inaugural EU event of the Conference took place on Europe Day (9 May) in Strasbourg. Minister of State Byrne attended that launch event virtually.
Ireland ‘s national launch event took place virtually on 14 May and included contributions by An Taoiseach, Minister of State Byrne, EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and myself. The EU Ombudsman, Emily O Reilly also took part in a panel discussion with Minister of State Byrne. This was a Government of Ireland event organised in partnership with European Movement Ireland. Youth participants also featured in the launch event, reflecting the Conference’s emphasis on engaging young people. The event has currently been viewed online over 1,200 times.
The inaugural plenary for the Conference was held on 19 June in Strasbourg and was attended virtually by Ministers of State Byrne and Josepha Madigan. Its agenda was broadly constitutive focusing on the Conference’s overall purposes and future calendar of events. I will participate in at least one future Plenary meeting, in accordance with our practice of deciding the second Ministerial representative at Plenary meetings on the basis of the subject matter being discussed.
Ireland’s national programme of events is also now underway. My Department is working closely with European Movement Ireland (EMI) on the Conference, continuing on collaboration from the earlier Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe which took place in 2018. EMI has already hosted a series of regional events online over the last number of weeks in Leinster, Munster and Connacht-Ulster. Minister of State Byrne has addressed each of these seminars. My Department is also planning to collaborate with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) on the Conference. A programme of events for later in the year to be informed by Conference’s nine core themes is currently in planning.
The national programme also includes Government-led events where Minister of State Byrne engages with smaller groups of citizens in virtual discussions. The first set of these events took place over the last number of weeks and included sessions with representatives of the LGBTQI community, Comhairle na nÓg (a joint event with Minister Roderic O’Gorman), participants of Gaisce - The President’s Award and the New Irish communities. A second round of these smaller consultations will resume in the autumn.
Question No. 876 answered with Question No. 804.
Question No. 877 answered with Question No. 803.
Question No. 878 answered with Question No. 803.
Overseas Development Aid
Questions (879)
Gary Gannon
Question:879. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the annual budget, contribution and breakdown of the State’s international aid since 2000 as a percentage of GDP and in monetary value. [41399/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department publishes a report on Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme on the Irish Aid website each year. The report includes statistical information on programme expenditure in a series of annexes which clearly show the distribution of aid, including the amounts given to developing countries, and the amounts allocated to our priority focus areas as set out in A Better World, Ireland’s international development policy. The Annual Report serves as a core accountability and transparency tool, providing a comprehensive overview of expenditure under the aid programme, and demonstrating the results that have been achieved. A breakdown of the State’s ODA since 2000 and to include this as a percentage of GDP and Euro is shown Annexes two and three. The link to the report is:
www.irishaid.ie/news-publications/news/newsarchive/2020/november/irelands-official-development-assistance-annual-report-2019.html.
Irish Aid
Questions (880)
Gary Gannon
Question:880. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the annual budget of Irish Aid since its inception. [41400/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department publishes a report on Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, known as Irish Aid, each year on its website. The report includes statistical information on programme expenditure in a series of annexes which clearly show the distribution of aid, including the amounts given to developing countries, and the amounts allocated to our priority focus areas as set out in A Better World, Ireland’s international development policy. The Annual Report serves as a core accountability and transparency tool, providing a comprehensive overview of expenditure under the aid programme, and demonstrating the results that have been achieved. A historical breakdown of the State’s ODA is shown Annex three at this link:
www.irishaid.ie/news-publications/news/newsarchive/2020/november/irelands-official-development-assistance-annual-report-2019.html.
Irish Aid
Questions (881)
Gary Gannon
Question:881. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the annual budget of the Irish Aid training centre. [41401/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Aid Centre in Clonmel Street, Dublin provides workshops for Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle pupils on global issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals, food and hunger, and the role of international development.
While the premises are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre’s facilitators have been providing on-line, virtual workshops and have pre-recorded material for use in the classroom.
The 2021 budget for the Irish Aid Centre is €267,594. This covers running costs, materials, advertising and IT. The Centre is run on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs by SUAS Educational Development, an NGO focused on educational disadvantage.
Departmental Staff
Questions (882)
John Brady
Question:882. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of civilian contractors employed by his Department; the role and the area of responsibility of each; the facility in which they were employed in each of the years 2010 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39388/21]
View answerWritten answers
The detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available, but my Department is retrieving and collating the information requested. I will arrange to have it forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Defence Forces
Questions (883)
Catherine Connolly
Question:883. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence if staff from either his Department or the Defence Forces have been seconded to the EU military planning and conduct capability structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39418/21]
View answerWritten answers
The EU's Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) was established on 08 June 2017 with the aim of enabling the EU to react in a faster, more efficient and effective manner as a security provider outside its borders. The MPCC is responsible for the operational planning and conduct of the EU’s non-executive military missions. It comprises personnel deployed by EU member States to support the overall planning function of the EU Military Staff in respect of CSDP Operations. Ireland is currently engaged in a range of CSDP operations and having members of the Defence Forces deployed within the MPCC is an essential element in supporting those operations and maintaining situational awareness.
Ireland currently has one (1) officer seconded to the EU Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) until 07 Aug 2022. While there are no plans at present to deploy additional officers to the MPCC, such matters are kept under review on an ongoing basis.
The Department of Defence does not have any civil servants on secondment to the MPCC.
Defence Forces
Questions (884)
Mattie McGrath
Question:884. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding Defence Forces vehicles that are considered no longer fit for purpose; if they can be sold at auction and funds raised allocated to the Defence Forces or if the vehicles can be donated to health organisations, charities and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39818/21]
View answerWritten answers
Mobility is a key component in the ability of the Defence Forces to maintain a flexible and agile response regarding such tasks and operations it undertakes. In order to maintain the requisite military mobility in the operational, logistical and training spheres it is my priority to ensure that the various vehicle platforms which comprise the overall transport fleet are maintained and replaced in accordance with the Equipment Development Planning process.
To that end currently fifty four of the armoured Mowag personnel carriers have been upgraded as part of an ongoing mid-life refit, the fleet of ¾ tonne 4x4 utility vehicles has recently been replaced and 120 new 4x4 troop carrying vehicles are being rolled out to the units concerned. In addition, electric vehicles are being purchased to reduce the carbon footprint of the organisation.
I am advised by the military authorities that the introduction of replacement vehicles invariably precipitates disposal of the replaced vehicles whereby Defence Forces vehicles are considered no longer fit for purpose when either of the following criteria are met:
a. When they reach the end of their notional life, or
b. If they are deemed to be beyond economic repair.
All Defence Forces vehicles are assigned a notional life. Vehicles are depreciated on a sliding scale starting from their purchase price to a residual value at the end of their notional life. Where a vehicle is required to be repaired, an assessment is made of the cost of repairs (parts and labour) against the notional value of the vehicle. This determines if a vehicle will be put forward for disposal by the military authorities.
Ordinarily, for security reasons vehicles will be disposed of through a certified end of life treatment facility. Monies generated through this process are recognised by the Exchequer as Appropriations in Aid, and not reassigned specifically to the Department of Defence Vote 36. In addition, the disposal of a limited number of vehicles can take place through donation, on request to the Minister for Defence by interested bodies. In such cases a memorandum of donation for a vehicle would be required and administered through the Department of Defence.
Air Corps
Questions (885)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:885. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence if consideration has been given to purchasing Jordanian aircraft (details supplied) which may be able to be purchased by the State for significantly less than the already ordered new aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39821/21]
View answerWritten 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 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 such as Defence Forces vehicle fleet. The increased capital funding for 2021 builds on increased levels of capital expenditure totalling €392m over the years 2018 – 2020.
In relation to air-based capability, my immediate priorities have been the acquisition of three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role and for two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft. An additional PC-12 was also acquired in response to the Covid 19 situation. Some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of these enhanced capabilities.
The White Paper provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft with consideration to be given to their replacement with larger more capable aircraft which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was entered into with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. The cost of the contract including ancillary support is €229m inclusive of VAT. The project is progressing well. No decisions have been made for the acquisition of additional aircraft such as the 2 Jordanian C295s mentioned in Deputy O’Callaghan’s question.
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.
Naval Service
Questions (886)
John Brady
Question:886. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service operations and patrols which have had to be cancelled between 2015 and to date in 2021; the reason for each cancellation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39964/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking 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. Notwithstanding some mechanical and staffing challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
Scheduled patrol days can be impacted by a range of factors including adverse weather conditions, unscheduled maintenance as well as staffing issues. Please see below table setting out the material requested.
|
- |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
To end June 2021 |
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Lost: Mechanical Reasons |
276 |
104 |
72 |
154 |
42 |
53 |
47 |
|
Scheduled Patrol Days Lost: Personnel Issues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
53 |
52 |
28 |
118 |
Defence Forces
Questions (887)
John Brady
Question:887. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made to date on the high-level implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39965/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on Recruitment and Retention in the Defence Forces was published on the 4th of July 2019. The Report was accepted in full by the Government at that time and, to facilitate implementation, an extensive High Level Plan titled "Strengthening our Defence Forces – Phase One” was also agreed and published on the same date.
There are fifteen projects in total in the plan. For some, the original target dates and timelines for completion were extended due to external factors, including Covid and the progress status of the projects is as outlined below.
The immediate pay measures set out in the plan i.e. an increase in Military Service Allowance, the reversal of 10% cuts to allowances under the Haddington Road Agreement, and the restoration of weekend premium rates for overtime were implemented immediately upon their acceptance by the PDF Representative Associations in late 2019. A service commitment scheme for pilots was also re-introduced, with very positive uptake.
For the project Review of Technical Pay Groups 2 – 6, sanction has recently been received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to proceed with the recommendations in the report. This will now be progressed through the Department’s Conciliation and Arbitration Process.
The Review of Pay Structures project, led by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, was intended to examine pay structures in the Defence Forces and to fall under the new public service pay agreement “Building on Momentum”. However, in the intervening period, the Commission on the Defence Forces was tasked with examining pay structures and also with some aspects of pay under the sectoral bargaining arrangements of this agreement. The recommendations of a further project dealing with incentivised long service arrangements for certain Officer and NCO ranks, will be considered in the context of the sectoral bargaining element of “Building on Momentum”.
The project relating to Bespoke Management training for leaders and managers was completed in July 2020. The project on Non-Pay Retention Measures in the PDF was completed in October 2020. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy was launched on 2nd December 2020. A further project to develop a Professional Military Education strategy was completed in March 2021 and I formally launched the Strategy on 14th July. The project relating to additional specialist posts for high turnover/long lead in appointments was finalised in April 2021. The report relating to the review of recruitment in the PDF has been completed and will be submitted for my approval imminently.
The project examining Barriers to Extended Participation in the PDF was split into two phases. Phase 1 focussed on reviewing mandatory retirement ages for Officers and is nearing completion pending clarification from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a matter relating to pension rules. Phase 2 is examining the contracts of service for enlisted personnel and is at an advanced stage.
The final project, looking at the embedding of strategic workforce planning in the Defence Forces has commenced and its work is ongoing. As this is a long term project it will be progressed through the joint civil/military Strategic Human Resources Group.
Defence Forces
Questions (888)
John Brady
Question:888. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the rates of pay for civilian workers in Defence Forces facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39966/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department employs civilian staff at various military installations to support the work of the Defence Forces. The grades employed are spread across a wide spectrum and include craft workers (Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, Fitters, Welders etc.), services (General Operatives), administrative (Clerks, Storemen), healthcare professionals (Social Workers, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists) and other specialist grades (Archivists, Aircraft Inspector/Instructor, Technicians, Quantity Surveyors, Draughtsmen).
Public Sector pay and allowance rates are determined centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I will arrange for my officials to forward a copy of the most recent pay scales to the Deputy.
Defence Forces
Questions (889)
John Brady
Question:889. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of civilian job vacancies that are currently open at Defence Forces facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/21]
View answerWritten answers
Civilian Employees are employed by my Department to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces. The recruitment of Civilian Employees for military instillations is an ongoing process, informed by prioritisation of posts by military management.
My Department is currently running the following open competitions:
1. Barrack Foreman of Works in Cathal Brugha Barracks
2. 12 civilian electricians across 11 locations as follows:
Collins Barracks, Cork; Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny; McKee Barracks, Dublin 7; Gormanston Camp, Co. Meath; Finner Camp, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal; Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, Co. Louth; Coolmoney Camp, Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow; Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin; Naval Base, Haulbowline, Co. Cork; Sarsfield Barracks, Co. Limerick; Defence Forces' Training Centre, Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare, (2 positions).
A number of internal competitions are also currently underway.
Defence Forces
Questions (890)
John Brady
Question:890. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the pay and renumeration structure for all ranks in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39968/21]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the current pay and remuneration structure including the current rates of pay and allowances for all members of the Defence Forces are publically available through the Department of Defence Website at: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/e8132-routinely-published-information/#defence-forces-pay-scales.
Defence Forces
Questions (891)
John Brady
Question:891. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the measures in place to provide for the healthcare of members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39969/21]
View answerWritten answers
A wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force. These include:
an annual medical examination,
sick parades,
attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out-of-hours GP services,
prescription services,
laboratory services,
physiotherapy,
chiropody,
radiology,
ophthalmic examinations,
clinical mental health services provided by an in-house psychiatrist and two in-house psychologists,
in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges,
routine dental treatment, and
the provision of overseas medical services, including global comprehensive medical insurance in the case of Defence Forces personnel (including dependents) assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts.
Commissioned Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service may also avail of private consultant appointments and diagnostic tests, and private/semi-private hospital treatment dependent on rank. The Programme for Government contains a committment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do". A Working Group has been established with a view to bringing forward proposals on this matter during 2021.
In addition, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Services (PSS) provide a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service, that is professional, responsive and confidential, to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families to sustain and enhance the individual wellbeing of personnel, and to promote a safe and positive work culture in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
As additional support, the Department of Defence has arranged the provision of a confidential counselling, referral and support service, on a wide range of personal and work related issues, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence members. A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and is staffed by fully-trained and experienced counsellors.
The Chaplaincy Service also provides confidential, comprehensive pastoral support and spiritual care to personnel at home and overseas.
Defence Forces
Questions (892, 894, 896)
John Brady
Question:892. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women in the Defence Forces by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39970/21]
View answerJohn Brady
Question:894. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women members of the Defence Forces who have served overseas in each of the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39972/21]
View answerJohn Brady
Question:896. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women members who have left the Defence Forces in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39974/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 892, 894 and 896 together.
As at 30th June 2021, the latest date for which such data is available, the number of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) was 594. A breakdown of this strength by rank is attached.
The table below details the number of females who discharged from Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the number who have served overseas, in each of the past 5 years:
|
Year |
Females discharged |
Females Served Overseas |
|
2016 |
23 |
66 |
|
2017 |
42 |
79 |
|
2018 |
53 |
78 |
|
2019 |
47 |
101 |
|
2020 |
28 |
105 |
|
- |
LT |
MAJ |
BRIG |
COL |
LT |
COMDT |
CAPT |
LT |
TOTAL |
|
GEN |
GEN |
GEN |
COL |
OFFRS |
|||||
|
Strength |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
62 |
53 |
50 |
169 |
table cont.
|
- |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
SGTS |
CPLS |
TOTAL |
PTES |
CADETS |
TOTAL |
|
NCOS |
||||||||||
|
Strength |
0 |
0 |
5 |
9 |
71 |
95 |
180 |
241 |
4 |
594 |
Personnel discharge for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges. Discharges also include trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
In line with current policies and commitments a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force. These include:
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework.
- A Gender Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are committed to gender equality and employ a gender perspective in the planning and execution of operations both at home and overseas and in all policies and regulations. Gender Advisors are available to all Brigades and Services and trained Gender Focal Points are deployed with all overseas units and ships in order to promote a gender perspective in operations.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
Over the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence, a number of projects will be progressed to ensure the development and promotion of strategies that continue to support increased female participation in the Defence Forces.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
Defence Forces
Questions (893)
John Brady
Question:893. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of current members of the Defence Forces who are parents, by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39971/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am unable to provide a response to the Deputy as I am advised by the Military Authorities that these details are not routinely recorded and there are no parameters within the Defence Forces Personnel Management System Database to faciliate an accurate return.