Written Answers Nos. 215-234
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which candidate countries for European Union membership continue to receive support for their cause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56792/21]
View answerIreland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries. It was welcome that the draft Declaration adopted at the EU-Western Balkans Summit this year contained a clear signal of the continuing priority afford by the EU to the Enlargement dossier and to achieving early progress in advancing the accession process.
Serbia and Montenegro, which remain front-runners in terms of EU accession, both need to increase the dynamism in their reform agenda.
Both North Macedonia and Albania have clearly fulfilled the conditions necessary to commence accession negotiations. In our view, the negotiating frameworks for both countries should be agreed and Intergovernmental Conferences held as soon as possible to start the accession process.
Kosovo is a potential candidate for Membership of the EU. The Commission’s report on Kosovo in 2021 noted that the political situation there remains challenging.
The EU has clearly set out the fourteen priority areas for reform which need to be progressed, if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to advance on its European path. The country's leaders now need to respond in pursuing the necessary reforms.
Ireland will continue to support strongly the enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to candidate countries engaged in accession negotiations to the EU.
217. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider using qualified members of the Defence Forces to address the urgency and shortage of staff in hospitals. [56754/21]
View answerWhilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force (JTF) was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. It has the authority to draw together, in a joint manner, the contribution of all of the elements of the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve, etc, under a single command structure. This was provided for in a Defence Forces Regulation signed by and under my authority as Minister for Defence.
The priority of the Defence Forces Joint Task Force from the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic has been to provide support to the Health Service Executive (HSE), while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support.
To date, the Defence Forces personnel have provided significant supports in response to the Covid-19 crisis, with in excess of 112,000 personnel days and there have 22,700 instances of Defence Forces vehicles being deployed in an extensive range of supports from the Defence Forces. This has provided surge support to our health services through bolstering their capacity and providing them with the additional resiliency needed to respond to the Covid 19 pandemic. The wide range of supports that the Defence Forces have provided to the HSE, as coordinated by the Joint Task Force during the COVID-19 crisis included:
- operation of the COVID-19 testing centre at the Aviva stadium;
- support for contact tracing efforts;transportation by the Air Corps of COVID-19 tests to Germany;
- collection of PPE from more than 260 cargo flights and the ongoing storage and distribution of this PPE to various HSE sites;
- support for HSE testing efforts including through deployment of Naval Service vessels to Dublin, Cork and Galway;
- PPE training to workers at Cork and Waterford harbours by Naval service personnel;
- provision of tentage and marshalling support at various HSE testing sites around the country;
- transportation of patients for testing;
- a range of non clinical and administrative supports in a number of residential care home facilities;
- assistance with the fit out of temporary facilities for the HSE (for example, the HSE facilities at City West and the University of Limerick);
- production and assembly of PPE using 3D printing facilities; and
- the use of lands at Ballymullen Barracks as a COVID-19 testing facility and contact tracing hub.
Vaccination Programme
The Defence Forces provided logistical and operational planning advice for the national vaccination programme.
Vaccinator support has been provided by the Defence Forces across a number of vaccination centres and Long Term Residential Care settings.
Through the Joint Task Force, the Defence Forces has also supported the rollout of the vaccination programme through:
- Marshalling, administration, logistical and security supports at a number of vaccination sites
- Secure storage supports
- Transportation of vaccinators in adverse weather conditions
- Transportation of vaccines by air at the request of the National Ambulance Service.
Mandatory Quarantine Scheme (MQS)
The Department of Health was the competent authority and had overall responsibility for implementation and operation of the system of MQS in accordance with the Health (Amendment) Act 2021 and associated regulations.
It had been agreed that the Defence Forces, acting in an Aid to Civil Authority role, would provide 24/7 assistance and support to the new mandatory quarantine requirements for passengers arriving from ‘designated states’ in accordance with the Health (Amended) Act 2021 through fulfilling the role of the State Liaison Officer. This role provided for the day to day oversight and quality assurance of the Mandatory Quarantine System. The Defence Forces role was confined to designated airports, ferry ports and at mandatory quarantine facilities.
A Service Level Agreement was put in place between the Department of Health and the Department of Defence for the provision of the Defence Forces support to the Covid 19 MQS.
Under this SLA, the roles fulfilled by the Defence Forces under the State Liaison Official function were:
- Overarching State Liaison Official (SLO) role. The DF provided a senior officer to hold the appointment of the SLO who was the official representative of the State for the MHQS. A designated officer was also appointed to the role of Deputy SLO.
- Assistant State Liaison Official (ASLO) role at Dublin Airport.
- Assistant State Liaison Official (ASLO) role at Cork and Shannon Airports.
- Terminal Liaison Official (TLO) role at Dublin Airport. The TLO role was unique to Dublin airport as there are two terminals.
- Assistant State Liaison Official (ASLO) role at Dublin, and Cork Sea Ports.
- Assistant State Liaison Official (ASLO) role at Mandatory Quarantine Facilities (MQF).
The Defence Forces will continue to consider all requests from the HSE in assisting with the national response to Covid 19.
218. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the status of the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces; when he expects to receive the final report of the Commission; if he has received interim reports to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56586/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to an independent commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. An independent Commission on the Defence Forces was subsequently established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the terms of reference, based on the Programme for Government, and the membership of the Commission. The Commission’s overall approach is guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019. The work of the Commission will inform the future development of the Defence Forces and encompasses the following matters;
- Structure and size of the Defence Forces encompassing consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing.
- Leveraging the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in their supports to the Permanent Defence Force and make service in the RDF more attractive.
- Governance and high level command and control structures in the Defence Forces.
- The evolution of remuneration systems and structures in the Defence Forces.
- A strategic perspective on HR policies and associated strategies, recruitment, retention and career progression.
As part of a broad consultation process, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and organisations on matters related to its terms of reference. The Commission received nearly 500 submissions, all of which have been published on their website, together with an initial report on the public consultation.
The Commission has been established as an independent body and, while it is a matter entirely for the Commission, I understand that the Commission has met with a broad stakeholder group including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, commissioned and enlisted members of the Defence Forces, senior officials and personnel from my Department and the Defence Forces as well as other groups. Site visits to military locations by members of the Commission have taken place at a number of barracks across the country.
The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll also met with members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in April to discuss the on-going work of the Commission. The Commission also held two webinars, one in conjunction with the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and one in conjunction with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
The establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins the Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, both in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030.
The Commission is mandated to submit its report by the end of the year and I look forward to receiving it. The Commission has not submitted any interim reports.
219. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the status of the implementation of the report by the independent review group on Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56587/21]
View answerThe siege of Jadotville was a prominent event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961 where "A" Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, came under attack. From the 13th to the 17th September the men of “A” Company endured almost continuous attack. At the end of the Siege, the men were taken into captivity until finally released on the 25th October 1961.
The issue of awarding of Military Medals for Gallantry (MMG) and Distinguished Service Medals (DSMs) to a number of personnel who served in Jadotville in September 1961 has been considered on a number of occasions over the years and a range of actions have taken place to give due recognition to the courage and bravery of all the members of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion who were stationed in Jadotville in 1961.
Notwithstanding the actions that have been taken to date to recognise and honour the valiant actions and bravery of all of the men stationed at Jadotville sixty years ago, an Independent Review Group (IRG) was established to examine and report on matters relating to recommendations for military medals relating to events at Jadotville. The IRG completed its research in July and has submitted its report to the Chief of Staff, as the convening authority. The Chief of Staff has submitted the report to my Office along with his advice. The work of the Independent Review Group has now concluded.
The IRG made a number of recommendations in their report including a recommendation that the 60th anniversary of Jadotville be commemorated. Other recommendations relate to the awarding of medals, veterans affairs and honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans. All recommendations have been considered at a high level.
The deeply unsettling aftermath of Jadotville is detailed in the report as is the lack of personal welfare supports afforded to the men following events at Jadotville, their period in captivity and upon their return home. I have apologised to veterans and to their families on behalf of the State and the Government to the men of ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and to their families for the lack of necessary supports or deserved recognition of their valiant service on their return from the Congo and for the many issues that arose as a result, some of which had tragic consequences. I have also acknowledged that the lack of supports in place at that time is extremely regrettable. There have been great steps in the intervening years to support Defence Forces personnel, their families and veterans through the work of the Defence Forces personnel support services.
As a matter relating to the IRG recommendations is currently before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to provide any further information in relation to the various recommendations made by the IRG at this time.
220. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Air Corps Pilates PC9 aircraft is sent to Switzerland for inspections; if it relates to poor staffing levels in Casement Aerodrome; the cost of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56652/21]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavors to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of performance based maintenance contracts with original equipment manufacturers assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum and this is in line with international best practice.
It is currently the case that various aspects of aircraft maintenance are out-sourced by the Air Corps because the cost of in-house provision of such niche expertise and the specialist equipment required to certify airframes would be prohibitively expensive and not cost effective in the context of the number of airframes operated by the Air Corps.In relation to the Pilatus PC-9M aircraft fleet of 8 aircraft, I am advised by the military authorities that the aircraft are routinely sent to the original equipment manufacturer Pilatus, in Switzerland, in order to complete certain maintenance inputs. These are most commonly annual inspections concurrent with 300 flight hour interval checks. Approximately 50% to 60% of the PC-9M fleet of 8 aircraft are sent to Pilatus manufacturing facilities on an annual basis for this purpose.
Since the introduction of the aircraft type into service, the Air Corps has had a performance based contract with Pilatus for the logistical and technical support of its PC-9M fleet. Pilatus are therefore in a position to provide the fastest turnaround times for these inspections and have all the required expertise at hand. The cost of the maintenance varies between €50k and €100k per maintenance visit, depending on the work scope and defects uncovered during the aircraft inspections.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them to ensure that they can fulfil the roles assigned by Government.
221. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Air Corps AgustaWestland AW139 aircraft is sent to Belgium for inspections; if it relates to poor staffing levels in Casement Aerodrome; the cost of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56653/21]
View answer223. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid to a company (details supplied) in each of the past two years to date in 2021; if these payments relate to aircraft maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56655/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 223 together.
I am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavors to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of performance based maintenance contracts with original equipment manufacturers assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum and this is in line with international best practice.
It is currently the case that various aspects of aircraft maintenance are out-sourced by the Air Corps because the cost of in-house provision of such niche expertise and the specialist equipment required to certify airframes would be prohibitively expensive and not cost effective in the context of the number of airframes operated by the Air Corps.In relation to the AW139 helicopter fleet of 6 aircraft I am advised that the aircraft are routinely dispatched to the original equipment manufacturer Leonardo Aircraft, in Belgium, under a logistics supply agreement to support the AW139 fleet in order to complete certain larger inspections and maintenance inputs. Approximately 60% of the fleet undergo these larger inspections on an annual basis and this involves carrying out 48 month calendar inspections and 300 and/or 600 flight hour interval checks on each aircraft.
I am further advised that Leonardo Aircraft are in a position to provide the fastest turnaround times for these inspections and have all the required expertise at hand to ensure airworthiness certification of the aircraft. The cost of the maintenance varies between €100k and €200k per aircraft maintenance visit and the amount varies depending on the scope of works uncovered during the inspections. The payments made to Leonardo Belgium for maintenance and larger inspections on the fleet of 6 helicopter AW139 airframes during the period 1 Jan 2020 to date amounts to €1,555,376 inclusive of VAT.
All other maintenance works up to 1 year or 300 hour inspections on the aircraft are carried out by Air Corps aircraft technicians.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them to ensure that they can fulfil the roles assigned to them by Government.
222. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Aer Corps Casa CN 235 aircraft is sent to Spain for inspections; if it relates to poor staffing levels in Casement Aerodrome; the cost of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56654/21]
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 the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
I am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavors to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of performance based maintenance contracts with original equipment manufacturers assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum and this is in line with international best practice.
It is currently the case that various aspects of aircraft maintenance are out-sourced by the Air Corps because the cost of in-house provision of such niche expertise and the specialist equipment required to certify airframes would be prohibitively expensive and not cost effective in the context of the number of airframes operated by the Air Corps.In relation to the CASA CN 235 aircraft, I am advised by the military authorities that the two aircraft are routinely dispatched to the original equipment manufacturer Airbus under a maintenance contractual arrangement which is in place. The maintenance is at 2,400 flight hour interval checks, commonly referred to as ‘C’ checks which usually occur at intervals of 2.5 to 3 years and take place at the Airbus manufacturing facility in Spain. This has been the practice since the aircraft were introduced into operational service in 1994 and is not linked to technical staffing levels. As the fleet size is 2 aircraft it would be inefficient to provide resources to conduct this specific type of maintenance in Casement Aerodrome given the relevant infrequent interval. All other flight hour and calendar interval maintenance inputs are conducted at Casement Aerodrome by Air Corps technical personnel. Given the age of these aircraft, the cost of these maintenance inspections is around €1M per maintenance visit, but largely depends on the work scope undertaken during inspection.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available so that they can fulfil the roles assigned to them by Government.
224. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence the steps he will take to reintroduce the service that was recently stopped in which members of the Civil Defence provide transport to persons who need to attend hospital appointments; the reason the service was stopped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56665/21]
View answerThe Department of Defence is responsible for the development of Civil Defence at national level. In this context my Department provides policy direction, centralised training through the Civil Defence College, administrative support, guidance and centralised procurement of certain items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.
The local authorities have operational responsibility for Civil Defence. There is a Civil Defence Unit in each local authority area. Civil Defence services are delivered through the Civil Defence Officer (CDO) of the relevant Local Authority for that area and the CDO is a full time employee of the local authority.
The decision of a Civil Defence Unit to provide or to discontinue a particular service is ultimately a matter for each local authority. The Minister for Defence has no role in the day to day management of local Civil Defence Units.
225. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if he plans to amend administrative instruction A10 in relation to the use of the national flag at funerals of deceased retired members of the Defence Forces to ensure that in all cases in which a deceased member had 20 years’ service with a satisfactory record the family of the deceased would be presented with the national flag at the graveside or at the crematorium as a mark of gratitude for their long service to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56737/21]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that the National Flag which drapes the coffin of personnel who die in service is presented to the next-of-kin at the time and place of burial or cremation. At present it is not custom for the National Flag to be presented to the next-of-kin of former Defence Forces personnel.
Administration Instruction A10 sets out that in certain circumstances, where the next-of-kin of ex-service personnel request to be presented with the National Flag draping the coffin, the General Officer Commanding the Brigade, the Defence Forces Training Centre, the Air Corps or the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service may accede to such a request.
At present there are no plans to change the procedures currently in place.
226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Defence Forces has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; if it is planned to recruit to augment the numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56793/21]
View answer228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of outstanding positions to be filled within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56795/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 228 together.
The table below details the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) for each of the past five years:-
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Strength WTE |
9,126 |
9,173 |
8,957 |
8,659 |
8,572 |
I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the PDF, as at 31st October 2021, is 8,572 personnel.
I have previously acknowledged the current staffing issues within the Defence Forces and am very much aware that there continues to be a shortfall, currently of 928 personnel, between the current strength figures and those of the establishment.
A range of actions have been taken to address recruitment and retention issues. There is continuing recruitment, which has resulted in a total of 577 personnel being inducted as at 15th November. The scope of direct entry competitions was expanded in 2021, from 10 competitions, to include a new Air Corps Aircraft Technician competition. Additionally, direct entry terms and conditions continue to be revised to improve intakes. The re-entry campaign for former members of the PDF continues.
Concurrent retention initiatives such as a commitment scheme in the Air Corps (for pilots) and the Naval Service have been undertaken which complement the above recruitment measures in countering current staffing challenges. Furthermore, 15 projects were undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the PSPC Report on Recruitment and Retention. Most of these projects have been completed with others being considered in the context of wider public sector pay arrangements.
Additionally, the Commission on the Defence Forces is due to submit their report by the end of the year and I look forward to receiving the report in due course. The recommendations will then be fully considered and will inform future decisions regarding the Defence Forces.
My focus remains on retaining/restoring all branches of the Defence Forces at their full capacity, but there is no quick fix to the current challenges. In that context, I would reiterate that there has been significant work undertaken to date, and such work continues, but it will take time to see the full effect of the measures introduced.
227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department continues to engage with representative bodies in the Defence Forces with a view to achieving an equitable resolution to outstanding matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56794/21]
View answerThe Defence (Amendment) Act 1990 and Defence Force Regulations S6 provided for the establishment of representative associations for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The associations that have since been established are RACO (for commissioned officers) and PDFORRA (for enlisted personnel).
The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, relating to remuneration and conditions of service.
Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side (comprising officials from the Department of Defence, military management, the Department of Expenditure & Public Reform) and the Representative side on a range of items.
In tandem with the above, since my appointment as Minister for Defence in 2020, I have met with the Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) on four occasions: 17 July 2020, 20 October 2020, 17 December 2020 and 13 October 2021. I have met with the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) on five occasions: 17 July 2020, 20 October 2020, 17 December 2020, 24 May 2021 and most recently on 13 October 2021.
I look forward to further continued constructive engagement with the Defence Forces Representative Associations and I can assure the Deputy that there will be continued engagement with the Representative Associations on all matters that fall within the scope of representation.
229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps continues to receive training on par with other forces throughout the European Union with particular reference to the need to ensure the ability to work together with other forces in the event of an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56796/21]
View answer230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which members of the Air Corps continue to receive training on an ongoing basis with particular reference to the need to familiarise themselves with modern aviation technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56797/21]
View answer231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army including the Army Reserve continue to participate in modern training exercises in order to ensure the ability of the force to operate with other forces in the context of United Nations deployments and the need to maintain an ability to work alongside colleagues from the United Nations or the European Union ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56798/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 229, 230 and 231 together.
The primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The Defence Forces conduct training under four broad categories, namely; Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I remain committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which vessels in the Naval Service have been upgraded in line with best international requirements thereby facilitating their ability to engage in surveillance or rescue operations around Ireland’s coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56799/21]
View answer238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent of audits carried out to ascertain the extent to which all equipment, navigation and otherwise used by the Naval Service whether on a regular or occasional basis is up to specific standards of an international level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56805/21]
View answer241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all seagoing vessels whether in permanent or occasional use meet international standards in respect of reliability or action worthiness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56808/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 232, 238 and 241 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained and developed to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The main day-to-day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. There are nine ships in the fleet, with LÉ Eithne and LÉ Orla currently in operational reserve. The Naval Service is tasked with patrolling from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. Patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis. I am advised by the military authorities that the fleet is managed and maintained so as to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements, including taskings on behalf of other State agencies.
Naval Service vessels are required to complete drydock maintenance, survey and inspection, twice during each ship five (5) year cycle. An intermediate drydock is carried out between two and a half (2.5) and three (3) years on each ship. A full drydock maintenance programme is carried out at five (5) years. Naval Service ships which are beyond their originally projected thirty (30) year asset life, are drydocked for inspection every year, in order to manage ageing hull risk.
Notwithstanding the capital maintenance programme for drydocks detailed above, Naval Service ships are required to undertake planned routine and non-routine maintenance on plant and machinery every day, 365 days a year, regardless of whether the vessel is on patrol, or alongside the Naval Base off Sailing Order.
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 Defence Equipment Development Plan EDP provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the EDP 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 EDP process.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment in order to fulfil the roles assigned to them by Government.
233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that all equipment used by the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps is in keeping with the best available in order to ensure their safety when operating on or offshore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56800/21]
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 to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process. 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, including response to security risks and other emergencies, both at home and overseas.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over a five year period. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrades and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
I am committed to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, having regard to the financial envelope available. The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566m over the 2022-2025 timeframe. Within that capital allocation the Defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141m. This will enable continued investment in defence equipment, including major platforms, and barracks infrastructure.
The level of capital funding available will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to ensure their safety as they fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that all aircraft available to the Air Corps are fully equipped with the most up to date navigational equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56801/21]
View answer239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent of audits carried out to ascertain the extent to which all equipment, navigation and otherwise used by the Air Corps whether on a regular or occasional basis is up to specific standards of an international level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56806/21]
View answer242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all equipment used by the Air Corps whether in permanent or occasional use meets international standards in respect of reliability and have valid certification of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56809/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 234, 239 and 242 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained and developed to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment priorities planning process. 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, including response to security risks and other emergencies, both at home and overseas.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over a five year period. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrades and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
I am committed to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, having regard to the financial envelope available. The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566m over the 2022-2025 timeframe. Within that capital allocation the Defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141m. This will enable continued investment in defence equipment, including major platforms, and barracks infrastructure.
The level of capital funding available will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years. 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 acquire 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 air capabilities.
The Air Corps operate a wide variety of aircraft and equipment, which are selected on the basis of detailed in-depth and rigorous selection and evaluation process. Part of the acquisitions process looks at the operational reliability and performance of such equipment to meet the required performance. Aircraft possess relevant military or civilian type certification and as such, any equipment carried is in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and certain required standards.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the General Officer Commanding Air Corps publishes an annual audit plan which pertains to a number of different strands from flight safety, maintenance quality assurance and flight operations. Air Corps aircraft routinely operate in civilian airspace both, domestically and internationally and at all times conform to the prevailing international standards as it may pertain to aircraft equipment and navigation systems. Equipment and systems are checked and continuously approved by both the Air Corps technical staff and by commercial technical staff if aircraft are undergoing maintenance with the original equipment manufacturer. Similarly, Air Corps crews are trained in synthetic training devices (simulators) on a regular basis and this includes periodic checks by external third party approved training organisations to ensure ongoing competence and that international standards with respect to the operation of such equipment and systems are met.
All Air Corps aircraft are equipped with the most up to date navigational equipment as appropriate. The CASA C235 aircraft have received midlife upgrades in relation to certain safety and navigation equipment that was not available at the time of manufacture in the early 1990s which included the installation of traffic awareness and collision avoidance systems, enhanced ground proximity warning systems and upgraded Flight Navigation System. These aircraft will be replaced by the new Airbus C295 aircraft which are scheduled for delivery in 2023. These new aircraft, when delivered, will be equipped with a contemporary and comprehensive navigational system.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them in order to ensure that they can fulfil the roles assigned to them by Government.
