Written Answers Nos 224-245
225. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and value all procurement contracts that took place by way of negotiated procedure without prior publication in 2020 and to date in 2021; and the date, value and purpose of each negotiated procedure contract in tabular form. [49730/21]
View answerMy Department ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in procurement and that competitive procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant procurement guidelines. Procurement takes place in compliance with European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 and supported by procurement guidelines published by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
In accordance with Regulation 32, the Department may use the compliant Negotiated Procedure without Prior Publication procurement procedure in a limited number of defined circumstances where necessary.
The Department has invoked the derogation under Regulation 32 for 21 contracts totaling €9,662,282 in 2020 and 13 contracts totaling €2,930,333 in 2021 in circumstances where no tenders or no suitable tender were submitted in response to a tender procedure; in cases of extreme urgency brought about by unforeseen circumstances; direct award due to artistic reasons or the protection of intellectual property rights; for additional services and goods necessary for contract delivery and for a service contract following a design contest organised in accordance with the EU Procurement Directive.
The details of these contracts are shown in the tables below.
Table 1. 2020
|
DATE OF AGREEMENT |
VALUE in € (EURO) Inc. VAT |
PURPOSE OF THE NEGOTIATED PROCEDURE CONTRACT |
|
01 January 2020 |
297,504 |
Specific expertise in relation to the DFA Financial Management Systems. Annual support, maintenance, licencing & system development. |
|
01 January 2020 |
49,119 |
Support and maintenance contract for the Cabhair system required for global consular support |
|
01 January 2020 |
654,521 |
Level Three ICT Technical Support |
|
01 January 2020 |
724,632 |
ICT Helpdesk Support |
|
05 February 2020 |
2,570 |
Property Management Purchase of 6 paintings |
|
12 February 2020 |
3,570 |
Property Management Purchase of 6 prints for missions |
|
25 March 2020 |
111,063 |
Extension of DHL contract for diplomatic mail service pending completion of procurement process for new contract |
|
01 June 2020 |
35,870 |
Employment Conditions Abroad (ECA) provide data, information and advice in relation to cost living indices and other expenses associated with living abroad |
|
13 August 2020 |
2,388,794 |
Contract negotiated following a Published European Union design competition (Total contract value up to 2024) |
|
01 September 2020 |
1,500 |
Temporary Contract Extension for the Civil Society Fund Evaluation Panel |
|
01 September 2020 |
3,250 |
Temporary Contract Extension for the Civil Society Fund Evaluation Panel |
|
01 September 2020 |
1,770 |
Temporary Contract Extension for the Civil Society Fund Evaluation Panel |
|
01 September 2020 |
1,573 |
Temporary Contract Extension for the Civil Society Fund Evaluation Panel |
|
01 September 2020 |
2,200 |
Temporary Contract Extension for the Civil Society Fund Evaluation Panel |
|
01 September 2020 |
48,400 |
Heads of Mission virtual conference facility and associated technical services |
|
01 September 2020 |
7,260 |
Moderator Services for Heads of Mission virtual conference |
|
23 September 2020 |
842,160 |
Supply Of Laptops for Local Staff in Embassies Abroad |
|
14 October 2020 |
2,420 |
Property Management Purchase of painting |
|
11 November 2020 |
855 |
Property Management Purchase of 4 prints for mission |
|
21 November 2020 |
25,116 |
Support & Maintenance Services for DFA Websites |
|
07 December 2020 |
4,458,135 |
Supply the Irish Passport book and card. This contract was extended for 3 years in 2020 to allow it to be renewed to support propriety printing machines. |
Table 2. 2021
|
DATE OF AGREEMENT |
VALUE in € (EURO) Inc. VAT |
PURPOSE OF THE NEGOTIATED PROCEDURE CONTRACT |
|
01 January 2021 |
20,494 |
Specific expertise in relation to the DFA Financial Management Systems. Annual support, maintenance, licencing & system development. |
|
01 January 2021 |
70,580 |
Support and maintenance contract for the Cabhair system required for global consular support |
|
01 January 2021 |
421,900 |
Level Three ICT Technical Support |
|
01 January 2021 |
487,192 |
ICT Helpdesk Support |
|
13 January 2021 |
7,749 |
Extension to a contract for services to the Ireland Fellows Programme. |
|
20 January 2021 |
2,389 |
Commissioned painting Chicago |
|
27 January 2021 |
28,500 |
John Hume bust and 3 replicas |
|
29 January 2021 |
13,192 |
Commissioned painting Washington |
|
20 April 2021 |
2,507 |
Commissioned painting Washington |
|
14 May 2021 |
34,547 |
Property Management Purchase of Edna O’Brien portrait |
|
01 June 2021 |
35,870 |
Employment Conditions Abroad (ECA) provide data, information and advice in relation to cost living indices and other expenses associated with living abroad |
|
01 September 2021 |
1,682,398 |
Ongoing support for the passport operating propriety system. It is essential in ensuring the continuity of the system through support and maintenance partner with the necessary specialised skills remains in place to manage the passport operating system and associated infrastructures. |
|
01 September 2021 |
123,015 |
Telephonist Contract to supply first contact points for the main Department phone lines |
226. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of any meetings which he or his officials have had with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry or pharmaceutical companies since 1 May 2020, at which the WHO C-TAP initiative was discussed; the names and positions of those present; the content of the discussion relating to C-TAP and any actions taken; and the documents prepared by him or Departmental officials on foot of the discussion. [49766/21]
View answer227. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of any meetings which he or officials of his Department have had with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry or of pharmaceutical companies since 1 October 2021, at which the Covid-19 waiver proposed at the WTO Council on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights were discussed; the names and positions of those present; the actions taken; and the documents prepared by him or Departmental officials on foot of such discussion. [49771/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.
The sharing of technology on vaccines, diagnostics and treatment, is an important part of a broader suite of responses to COVID-19. Ireland has consistently championed collaborative responses to the pandemic, with a focus on ensuring that the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable are served by our collective effort.
Ireland has welcomed the WHO-led Covid-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) as an important initiative. It has the potential to facilitate pooled rights to technologies that can be used for the detection, prevention, control and treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the arrangement, owners of intellectual property (IP) and other forms of knowledge, data and skills relevant for the development and manufacture of tests, equipment, therapeutics and vaccines would make these available, voluntarily, and to facilitate the expansion of production.
Neither I nor officials in my Department have met with representatives from the pharmaceutical industry or pharmaceutical companies to discuss the C-TAP initiative or the Covid-19 waiver proposed at the WTO Council on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights. The European Commission, on behalf of Member States, has been engaging with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to obtain the additional information and clarifications required for industry to engage in the initiative, with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment the lead Department on trade issues. A well-functioning system for the protection, enforcement, and appropriate sharing of intellectual property rights is an important incentive for the research and development of vaccines, medicines and equipment. Ireland, through the EU, will remain open to identifying innovative ways to support these aims, as part of our comprehensive response to the global challenge.
Ireland has shown support for sharing COVID-19 related knowledge and research outputs in a number of ways. This includes engagement in the National Open Research Forum, and the granting of non-exclusive royalty-free licenses through Knowledge Transfer Ireland. It includes Science Foundation Ireland’s alignment with Plan S, an initiative to ensure publicly funded research is openly available, immediately, without embargo for the betterment of societal needs. We have also support the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund, to develop, produce and equitably distribute effective technologies in the COVID-19 global response.
In 2021, Ireland has allocated €100 million in support of Global Health activities, including the COVID-19 response. My Department works with relevant multilateral agencies to support health systems (including the COVID-19 response) and ensuring attention is sustained to other diseases. To promote equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for low and middle income countries, I have allocated €7 million in support of COVAX (the global Covid-19 vaccine facility), and supported the WHO role in ensuring equity and fairness in the process. Ireland has recently donated 335,500 vaccines to Uganda and is in the process of donating a further million through the COVAX facility.
228. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the conflict in Yemen and the efforts Ireland is making at both an EU level and on the UN Security Council to attempt to address the conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49885/21]
View answerYemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis, driven by seven years of conflict, economic collapse and the breakdown of public institutions and services which has left over 24 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Ireland along with all EU member states fully supports the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg in his efforts to secure a nationwide ceasefire, and the resumption of an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, as set out in relevant United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolution 2216 (2015).
As part of our role on the Security Council, Ireland is maintaining a very high level of engagement on Yemen with key parties in the region. I have engaged extensively with both the Government of Yemen and countries of the region this year to urge them to work urgently and constructively towards a sustainable peace. At the High Level Week in New York last month, I met with the Foreign Ministers of Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iran, urging all to support efforts towards peace in Yemen.
The EU also continues its active diplomatic outreach to relevant actors in support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy. During his recent visit to the Gulf from 30 September – 4 October, EU HRVP Josef Borrell reiterated European Union support to the UN-led peace efforts.
229. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the situation in Myanmar and the efforts Ireland is making at both an EU level and on the UN Security Council to attempt to address the conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49886/21]
View answerI strongly condemn the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and the attempts to consolidate or legitimise the regime. I call for an end to violence, the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including the President and State Counsellor, and the restoration of a legitimate, democratic civilian Government. As a result of the coup, there is a political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The situation remains grave, and continues to deteriorate. More that 500,000 people have been displaced and are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The country is suffering from conflict, severe economic recession, large-scale displacement, collapsing public and health services and a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. This crisis affects not just Myanmar, but threatens the stability of the region. Ireland supports an urgent, international effort to address pressing humanitarian issues within Myanmar.
Ireland continues to provide support and assistance for the most vulnerable communities in Myanmar and I have called on the Myanmar military to allow unhindered access to all regions for humanitarian workers.
My Department continues to provide significant resources to humanitarian partners in Myanmar, with approximately €2.5 million approved for 2021 to date. In July, the Emergency Response Fund Scheme (ERFS) was activated in support of a project to ensure that women and girls affected by the crisis in the conflict affected Kayah State are protected from, and treated for, the consequences of Gender Based Violence.My Department is also engaged in regular discussions with the European Union, United Nations (UN) structures, International NGOs, Human Rights Groups and other organisations working actively on the ground.
Ireland supports the adoption of the sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them. In this regard, I endorsed the strong and comprehensive approach set out in the Council Conclusions adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on February 22 and the adoption of sanctions on 22 March, 19 April and 21 June. We continue to work with the EU to consider further actions which will work to restore the democratic path in Myanmar and not negatively affect developmental gains or exacerbate the humanitarian situation.
Ireland also continues to actively engage with discussions at the UN Security Council. The Council must consider how it can contribute to a democratic resolution to the crisis. We cannot just not stand by and watch the current situation be normalised and the actions of the Tatmadaw, in seizing power and utilising brutal force against their own citizens, go without rebuke.
Through the UN and our Embassy network, my Department is encouraging all those who have influence on the military leadership to use it to find a political resolution to this crisis and protect the human rights of the people of Myanmar.
230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which projects that fall within the aegis of his Department and are within the revised National Development Plan are at an advanced stage at present or are in course thereof; the extent to which preliminary work has taken place or on-site works are in hand or proposed; the expected delivery date of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49249/21]
View answerAs part of Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP) sets out the Government’s overarching investment strategy and capital budget for the period 2021-2030. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the public investment projects that will take place over the next ten years. However, the increased investment in Defence under the Plan will allow the Defence Organisation to continue a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper. All suitable Defence Programmes/Projects, are considered as part of an internal Civil Military equipment development and infrastructure planning prioritisation process at the relevant time in the context of the prevailing capital envelope provided by the National Development Plan.
An investment programme tracker which contains details of all significant capital programmes and projects on the NDP, including Defence projects, is published on the DPER website and provides detail on projects including a brief description, type of investment, current project status, commencement date, completion date and indicative cost range. This can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/collection/580a9d-project-2040-documents/.
This investment programme tracker is managed by the National Investment Office, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and periodically updated with data from this Department. The following Defence programmes/projects are currently included on this tracker:-
- Naval Vessel Replacement Programme – including acquisition of Multi-Role Vessel and mid-life refit of LÉ Roisin and LÉ Niamh;
- Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme;
- Armoured Personnel Carrier Mid-Life Upgrade & Replacement Programme;
- Fixed Wing Utility Aircraft Project;
- Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Project;
- Next Generation Software Defined Radio Project;
- 4*4 Troop Carrying Vehicle Project;
- Other Defence Equipment Projects.
The capital investment provided to the Defence Sector in the National Development Plan emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the necessary capabilities to deliver on all roles assigned by Government.
231. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the status of the Naval Service vessel renewal and replacement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49275/21]
View answerThe Naval Service have nine ships, with LÉ Eithne and LÉ Orla currently in operational reserve. The White Paper on Defence sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service, including the mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class of vessels. This programme of works has been completed on LÉ Róisín and that ship has returned to operations, while works have commenced on LÉ Niamh.
The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks.
Following a public tender competition, Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of the MRV. This work is now underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course.
Projects for other vessel replacements are being considered over the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence in the context of overall capability development and funding along with the overall Equipment Development Plan process.
232. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an overview of the Air Corps aircraft renewal and replacement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49276/21]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is 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, capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566m over the 2022-2025 timeframe. Within that captial allocation the Defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141m. This will enable continued investment in Defence major equipment platforms and barracks infrastructure.
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 to acquirer two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft. An additional PC-12 was also acquired in response to the Covid 19 situation. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was signed with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
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.
233. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who departed or left the Defence Forces in each of the past five years to date in 2021. [49331/21]
View answerThe table below shows the number of personnel who discharged from the Defence Forces (including those in training) in each of the years 2016-2020 and to date in 2021.
|
Year |
In Training |
Total Departures |
|
2016 |
171 |
679 |
|
2017 |
209 |
742 |
|
2018 |
139 |
740 |
|
2019 |
187 |
882 |
|
2020 |
190 |
636 |
|
2021* |
107 |
379 |
*As at 31st August 2021, the latest date for which such data is currently available.
Discharges include personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges. More than 50% of those who leave the Defence Forces do so with some form of pension. This can make taking up a position in the private sector very attractive where a full-time position, even at the same rates as those in the Defence Forces, could lead to an increase in an individual’s earnings.
Included in the figures above is the number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training. The average turnover rate of General Service Recruits who do not complete training has been around 30% over the last number of years. In any position where there is a training period prior to appointment there will always be fall off at different stages of the process.
234. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Government failed to implement the Technical Pay Agreement concluded with the Defence Forces in July 2019. [49332/21]
View answerAs the Deputy was previously advised on 29th June 2021 the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 25 May 2021 conveyed sanction for the implementation of the findings of the review.
The purpose of the review, in the context of the agreement, was to rationalise existing technical pay arrangements and consider if the requirements could be met in a more cost effective manner. A review of Technical Pay Group 1 was conducted in 2014 and came into effect at the beginning of 2015.
While the review of Technical Grades 2-6 was underway, the recommendation from the Public Service Pay Commission relating to the review which related to retention of personnel, was substantially different to the focus of the original review. The Public Service Pay Commission recommended that the review of Technical Pay Groups 2 - 6, be completed at the earliest opportunity, without compromising the Public Service Stability Agreement.
An initial report (October 2019) and final report (January 2020) were completed and the approach to implementing the findings of the review of Technical Grades 2-6 was the subject of extensive enagement with the Department of Public Expediture and Reform. At the conclusion of that process, and as noted earlier, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 25 May 2021 conveyed sanction for the implementation of the findings.
My officials are currently engaging with PDFORRA to implement the recommendations of the Tech 2-6 Review and while the the matter is progressing there remain areas where some matters require further clarification and consideration before the review can be fully implemented. I wish to assure the Deputy that all parties are working hard to conclude this matter at the earliest possible opportunity.
235. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the EU defence programmes or initiatives Ireland is party to; and the contribution by Ireland to these programmes monetarily in terms of participation of Defence Forces personnel and any other contribution as Ireland as a member state makes to EU defence initiatives. [49333/21]
View answerThe European Defence Agency (EDA) is an Agency of the European Union, which supports Member States to develop a range of capabilities and capability standards to support CSDP, in particular the deployment of military capabilities in support of Crisis Management Tasks, as outlined in the Treaty on European Union. Ireland’s participation in the Agency provides access to research and information on developing and maintaining professional capabilities and research that we cannot self-generate. This is important in terms of Ireland's ability to participate in UN mandated Peacekeeping Operations. Ireland contributes, on an annual basis, to the operational budget of the EDA. The financial commitment to this budget is in accordance with EDA funding principles, based on gross national income (GNI) key. A total of €7,596,093 has been made to the EDA over the seventeen years since Ireland joined in 2004, which includes both contributions to the operational budget and also to capability development projects which Ireland has or is participating in.
The Coordinated Annual Review of Defence (CARD) is a process which aims to create greater transparency by sharing Member States information on future defence policy, capability development, budgets and investment. Participation in CARD is open to all Member States on a voluntary basis, recognising that the defence policies of Member States, including defence spending and capabilities, is entirely a national competence. The EDA and the EU Military Staff (EUMS) act as the CARD Secretariat. Defence Forces personnel and Department of Defence staff participate in EDA and CARD meetings where relevant and appropriate, any costs arising would be in relation to travel to these meetings.
The establishment of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. Under PESCO, Member States will come together in different groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations.
Ireland is currently participating in one PESCO project and is an observer on a further nine projects. To date, no additional costs have been incurred through PESCO related activities other than costs associated with attendance by Defence Forces Subject Matter Experts at PESCO project planning meetings.
The EU Satellite Centre (EU SatCen) is an Agency working for the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union under the Political Supervision of the Political and Security Committee and the Operational Direction of the High Representative, which is governed by a Council Joint Action. In the international security and defence field, it handles sensitive and classified data to support CSDP military operations and civilian missions. The Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs contribute to the budget of the EU SatCen. Over the 14 years since 2007, the total contribution to the budget of the Sat Cen by the Department of Defence is €1,180,701. Defence Forces Personnel attend the EU SatCen Technical Expert Group meetings and Brussels based Department of Defence staff attend the Board meetings, any costs arising from attendance at these meetings would be in relation to travel.
The European Defence Fund (EDF) is an industrial sectoral programme, providing funding for research and capability development, which supports the European Defence and Industrial Technology Base in delivering capabilities for Common Security Defence Policy operations. The fund is designed to foster innovation to address new security and defence challenges and allow economies of scale through greater industrial and research cooperation and enhancing 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. Member State contributions to the EU Budget (Own Resources) are currently calculated annually by the EU Commission in line with the provisions outlined in Own Resources Decision (ORD) Regulation (2014/335). EU Budget revenue is general, and is not assigned to any particular fund. As such, the EDF does not have a defined cost to the Exchequer. Ireland’s contributions go into the general pool of revenue that funds all EU budget expenditure, including the EDF. The EDF is encompassed within the funding being provided for the Multiannual Financial Framework which is funded directly by the Exchequer. The EDF Progamme Committee meetings are attended by Brussels based Department of Defence staff.
Ireland also contributes to the funding of common costs for EU military crisis management operations. These costs are currently financed by the new European Peace Facility (EPF) which has replaced the Athena Mechanism and the African Peace Facility. Both the Athena Mechanism and the African Peace Facility were established in 2004 and operated until 2021.
Under the EPF, the Department of Defence has responsibility for the financing of common costs relating to EU military operations under the EU's common security and defence policy (CSDP), previously handled by the Athena mechanism The Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for the funding of African peace support operations, previously handled by the African Peace Facility. In addition, the EPF can extend financing for peace-support operations to partners other than the African Union and provide assistance to individual countries and regional or sub-regional organisations.
In 2020, the European Council agreed a €5bn financial ceiling for the EPF over the seven years of the 2021-2027 MFF. Actual spending of EPF funds will require separate unanimous Council Decisions for each operation or assistance measure and an annual ceiling for each of the seven years is set out in the Council Decision establishing the EPF. Brussels-based Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs staff attend EPF Committee meetings in the course of their normal duties.
236. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence when the independent review of the revelations disclosed by a radio programme (details supplied) will be established; and the projected timeframe of the review. [49334/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I met recently with participants from the Women of Honour group and with a group of serving female members of the Defence Forces, where I had the opportunity to listen carefully to their experiences, in what were very informative meetings. I have expressed my deep appreciation to the women, both former and serving members, for highlighting this serious matter and for taking the time to meet with me. Participants from the Women of Honour group have also met with the Secretary General and a senior official from my Department.
Discussions had been taking place over a number of months on Terms for an Independent Review to examine the effectiveness of policies, systems and procedures relating for dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. On foot of the recent meetings, I have asked that the draft Terms are reviewed and that the Review is established without delay. Further engagement with the Women of Honour Group on the Terms of the Review is intended. In addition engagement with other stakeholders, including with the Representative Associations, is also scheduled, and will additionally inform the Terms.
The Commission on Defence Forces established in December 2020, is due to report by end December 2021 and their views will also be an important aid to the Independent Review.
I also announced, last week, interim support measures for both former and serving members of the Defence Forces who have been affected by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
An agreement has been reached with Raiseaconcern, an organisation working with private sector and public bodies on issues relating to workplace wrongdoing, on the appointment of a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) who will be available to assist members of the Defence Forces who may find themselves the victim of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or gender discrimination in the workplace. This will provide a safe place to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing.
An external Confidential Contact Person will be available to serving and former members of the Defence Forces, both female and male, on a confidential basis, to listen to and assist them in documenting their allegations and to provide guidance on follow-on options open to them. These options will differ depending on whether the individual involved is a serving or former member of the Defence Forces and on the nature of the allegations. This will allow each individual to make an informed decision in relation to next steps regarding their allegations. The CCP is entirely independent and outside of the Defence Forces Chain of Command.
My Department and the Defence Forces are also engaging with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in terms of assistance for both serving and former personnel who have suffered sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape, in the workplace.
Finally, I wish to assure you that I, as Minister, and both the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General are fully committed to ensuring that each and every single member of the Defence Forces, both male and female, has the right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties in a safe workplace, underpinned by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, or harassment.
237. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the date that the Spanish air attaché visited Casement Aerodrome in the spring of 1992; and the rank and names of the foreign personnel involved in this visit. [49340/21]
View answerFollowing consultation with my Department and the Defence Forces, there are limited records of this visit available. I can confirm that Lt. Col. D. Perez-Cobaleda visited Casement Aerodrome as Spanish Air Attaché on the 27th April 1992.
238. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant promotions positions waiting to be filled in the Defence Forces as of 4 October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49473/21]
View answerThe table below outlines the variance between current strength and the establishment strength, by rank, within Permanent Defence Force as at 31st August 2021, the latest date for which such information is available.
Vacancies, where current strength is less than the establishment strength, are filled on an ongoing basis in line with promotional arrangements and, in certain cases, direct entry competitions and re-entry of ex PDF personnel. A number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges and these will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity and boosting specialist numbers.
It is normal, at a particular point in time, for some ranks to be oversubscribed and others to be undersubscribed. For example, whilst there are vacancies at the rank of Captain, as can be seen in the table below, there are currently substantially more Lieutenants than are provided for in the establishment.
|
Rank |
Strength In Excess of Establishment |
Strength Under Establishment (Vacancies) |
|
Lt Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
- |
|
Maj Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
- |
|
Brig Gen |
At Establishment Strength |
- |
|
Col |
1 |
- |
|
Lt Col |
- |
-4 |
|
Comdt |
14 |
- |
|
Capt |
- |
-110 |
|
Lt |
136 |
- |
|
Sgt Maj |
- |
-3 |
|
BQMS |
- |
-1 |
|
CS |
- |
-12 |
|
CQMS |
- |
-4 |
|
Sgt |
- |
-293 |
|
Cpl |
- |
-349 |
|
Private |
- |
-383 |
|
Cadet |
58 |
239. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Defence if paid leave is provided to compensate for the period following overseas Army assignments abroad, independent of the normal annual leave entitlement of Army personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49523/21]
View answerSpecial leave on return from overseas service is governed by Paragraph 17 of Defence Force Regulations A. 11 (New Series) Leave, which specifies that -
Special leave with pay and allowances may be granted to a member of the Permanent Defence Force on his or her return from service outside the State with an International United Nations Force, as defined in the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, on the basis of 6 days in respect of each calendar month of external service from the first day of the month in which the period of external service commenced to the first day of the month on which the period of external service ceased, subject to a maximum of 30 days in respect of the period of external service involved.
240. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the number of State boards under the remit of his Department or its agencies in tabular form; the number of members of each board; the number of women on each board; and the percentage of each board that is made up of women. [49555/21]
View answerThe only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of 3 members, a chairman and two ordinary members.
The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non-military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
One of the three members of the current Board is a woman, or 33.33% of its membership.
241. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the number and value all procurement contracts that took place by way of negotiated procedure without prior publication in 2020 and to date in 2021; and the date, value and purpose of each negotiated procedure contract in tabular form. [49725/21]
View answerThe detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available within the time frame sought. At the request of my Department the military authorities are conducting the search, retrieval and collation of same. I will arrange to have this information forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
242. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the organisations operating out of Columb Barracks that have a lease. [49924/21]
View answerThe majority of current occupiers of Columb Barracks are there without the express legal permission of the Department of Defence. I am advised that my Department's records indicate that three legal indentures were sought or entered into for occupiers of Columb Barracks. In October 2018, the Department wrote to all occupiers of Columb Barracks, informing them of the need to vacate the premises having regard to the eventual transfer of the property to the Land Development Agency (LDA).
The Department of Defence has had proactive engagements with the Land Development Agency (LDA), following confirmation of its interest in acquiring the former Columb Barracks in Mullingar for the development of housing provision. To this end, officials continue to liaise with the LDA in order to facilitate the transfer of these lands and property. On completion of the transfer all issues associated with the future development of the site will be a matter for the LDA.
243. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the engagement between his Department, the Land Development Agency and a group (details supplied) regarding the future of Columb Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49925/21]
View answerThe Department of Defence has had proactive engagements with the Land Development Agency (LDA), following confirmation of its interest in acquiring the former Columb Barracks in Mullingar for the development of housing provision. To this end, officials continue to liaise with the LDA in order to facilitate the transfer of these lands and property. On completion of the transfer all issues associated with the future development of the site will be a matter for the LDA.
My officials are aware that the LDA have engaged with stakeholders in relation to their future plans. As these are matters primarily for that Agency, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment further.
244. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the prescribing figures for malarone, doxycycline and lariam for overseas service in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [49926/21]
View answerInformation is not readily available for the numbers prescribed malarone, doxycycline or lariam. Patient medical records are confidential and access to prescription information is restricted to medical professionals. Collation of information regarding individual prescriptions would require all Medical Officers in the Defence Forces to examine each medical record for patients treated in the periods in question and is unfeasible.
245. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost in 2022 of increasing the funding for the school completion programme by 10%. [49364/21]
View answerThe School Completion Programme (SCP) is a key support under my Department’s Delivering Equality of Opportunity in School (DEIS) programme. The 2021 initial allocation for the School Completion Programme was €24.686 million.
In March 2021, I announced further supports to those schools catering for children and young people who are experiencing the highest levels of educational disadvantage, including a 5% increase in the funding for the programme together with an extension of SCP to include a further 28 schools that were new to DEIS in 2017. This additionality to SCP, costing €2.235 million in a full year, is effective from 1 September 2021.
