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Thursday, 18 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 81-108

Defence Forces

Questions (83)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

83. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the status of plans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the battle of Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56532/21]

View answer

Written answers

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 served at 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.

In July, 2021, 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.

Last September, the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, and the then Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces marked the 60th anniversary of Jadotville by paying tribute to the extraordinary courage, skill, commitment and sacrifice of the men of ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion when attending the peacekeeping memorial event at UNHQ New York.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that Military Archives has an online exhibition marking the 60th Anniversary of the battle at Jadotville on its website www.militaryarchives.ie.

With regard to planning for an appropriate specific commemorative event to mark the 60th anniversary of Jadotville and which would also honour the families of the Jadotville veterans, a judicial review related to a recommendation of the IRG report is under way at present. As a result, planning for an appropriate commemorative event is paused until the Defence Organisation has legal clarity on implementing the recommendations of the IRG Report.

Question No. 84 answered orally.

Defence Forces

Questions (85)

Brendan Smith

Question:

85. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of new recruits that have enlisted in the Reserve Defence Forces to date in 2021; when the next recruitment campaign will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56381/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very significant impact on Defence Forces recruitment, including to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) and has resulted in a reduction of most collective induction processing and training activities. The pandemic resulted in the enactment of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020 and the subsequent delays in Defence Forces applicant processing are now being addressed, including for RDF applicants.

The Military Authorities have advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID -19 is in place and is reviewed on an ongoing basis. This revised framework, I understand, affords more scope for RDF training and induction within the parameters of Government guidelines. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.

While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment.

Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible and an additional 29 new RDF members have been inducted as at the end of October this year, with 17 inducted into the AR and 12 inducted into the NSR.

I also had the pleasure this week of attending a Commissioning Ceremony where a cohort of 29 officers were newly commissioned into the Army Reserve. These 29 personnel, men and women, received their commissions following their successful graduation from a Potential Officers Course.

Additionally, I understand that measures are currently under consideration by the military authorities with a view to streamlining elements of the induction process. The outcome of a pilot initiative in this regard is awaited and will further inform next steps.

In recent years the Defence Forces have advertised AR and NSR recruitment competitions on a twice yearly basis, in spring and autumn, through all social media platforms, websites and the national newspapers. The military authorities have advised that they propose to launch a recruitment competition for the RDF in early 2022.

Question No. 86 answered with question No. 80.

Air Corps

Questions (87)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

87. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence when the replacement aircraft for the current Casa CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft will arrive; if he is satisfied with Ireland’s current capacity to patrol its maritime territory; if he has plans to further expand the Air Corps capacity to patrol territorial waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56539/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone.

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. 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.

The White Paper on Defence has identified and prioritised the need for capital investment on a broad range of replacement defensive equipment programmes and on upgrading the Defence Forces built infrastructure. 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.

In relation to air-based capability, three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role have been acquired. 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. Some €276 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.

The larger Airbus C295 MPA's are more capable aircraft which will enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. The two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft due for delivery in 2023.

The Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.

Ports Policy

Questions (88)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

88. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the details of discussions he has held with Drogheda Port in respect of the proposed deep-water port development at a site at Bremore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56292/21]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that officials from my Department met with Drogheda Port officials, at their request, earlier this year. At this meeting, the officials from Drogheda Port outlined in broad terms their intentions to develop the port facilities at Bremore which according to the Port authority would entail the full acquisition of my Department's land holding at the Gormanstown facility.

I am advised that this meeting, which was also attended by the military authorities, involved a frank exchange of views, during which it was outlined by my officials that the Gormanstown facility is and will remain a strategic Defence Forces asset and that it was not available for acquisition. In fact, the use of this military facility has grown in importance for training purposes and the increased level of usage can be expected to continue in the coming years. As the only operational training camp on the East coast, Gormanstown Camp continues to be essential to the Defence Forces. While my Department will enter into further discussions on the matter if requested to do so, I want to make it clear that it is not intended to transfer or dispose of any aspect of this important land bank.

Air Corps

Questions (89)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

89. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence his plans to purchase training jets for the Air Corps; and the locations in which they will be stationed. [56318/21]

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Written answers

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained 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. 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. 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.

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 capabilities.

There are currently has no plans to purchase training jets. The Pilatus PC9 aircraft, which entered into service in 2004, is the Air Corps trainer aircraft, as well as contributing to other military roles. The Equipment Development Plan provides for a mid-life refit of these aircraft.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards, to enable them to meet operational requirements.

Question No. 90 answered orally.

Defence Forces

Questions (91)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

91. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the review of the central recruitment that has taken place regarding the ongoing recruitment issues highlighted in both the press and at committee by the Reserve Defence Forces representatives; and the outcome in terms of improving the pathways to becoming a member of the Reserve Defence Forces. [56519/21]

View answer

Written answers

The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very significant impact on Defence Forces recruitment, including to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) and has resulted in a pause to most collective induction processing and training activities.

The Military Authorities have advised me that a revised Defence Forces General Framework for Living with Covid-19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions. This revised framework is reviewed by the Joint Operational Planning Group (JOPG) on a regular basis and facilitates the commencement of the RDF Induction Process, with planned induction training to commence shortly. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.

Additionally, I understand that measures are currently under consideration by the military authorities with a view to streamlining elements of the induction process. The outcome of a pilot initiative in this regard is awaited and will further inform next steps.

While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will be progressed to the greatest extent possible. An additional 29 new RDF members have been inducted as at the end of October this year, with 17 inducted into the AR and 12 inducted into the NSR.

I was also delighted last week to attend a Commissioning Ceremony where a cohort of 29 officers were newly commissioned into the Army Reserve.

Separately the Deputy will be aware that the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, which is due to report at the end of the year, is also expected to include proposals on the role and contribution of the RDF. I look forward to receiving this Report.

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

Question No. 92 answered orally.
Question No. 93 answered orally.

Defence Forces

Questions (94, 99, 109, 112, 117)

Brendan Smith

Question:

94. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of new recruits that have enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces to date in 2021; when the next recruitment campaign will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56380/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of women at all ranks currently in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the extent to which ongoing recruitment exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56458/21]

View answer

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

109. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Defence the work being done to increase the number of members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56187/21]

View answer

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the number of members recruited to the Defence Forces to date in 2021; the number that have left; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56483/21]

View answer

Cormac Devlin

Question:

117. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons that have left the Permanent Defence Forces to date in 2021; the number of new recruits there have been over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56500/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 99, 109, 112 and 117 together.

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), as at 31st October 2021, is 8,572 of which 601 are female. The detailed breakdown of the female strength requested will be provided separately.

Strength v establishment

Female Strength

As of the same date, 541 personnel left the PDF. Personnel leave the Permanent Defence Force for a number of reasons including on age grounds, at the end of contract and voluntary discharges.

As at 15th November, 577 personnel (including 455 General Service Recruits) have been inducted into the Defence Forces. This arises from the ongoing General Service recruitment campaign and the expanding scope of direct entry competitions, along with reviews of direct entry terms and conditions to improve intakes. 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.

There has been significant progress on pay arising out of increases due from recent pay agreements, the most recent of which was a 1% increase on annualised salaries or €500, whichever is greater, on the 1st October 2021, with further increases to follow. There are now Service Commitment schemes in both the Air Corps and the Naval Service, and a Special Naval Service tax credit for sea-going personnel.

Furthermore, in light of the particular challenges faced by the Defence Sector, the Government tasked the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) to undertake a comprehensive review and analysis of underlying difficulties in recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. I am confident that the pay benefits delivered by the Public Service pay agreements, in tandem with the implementation of the PSPC's recommendations will improve recruitment and retention challenges currently being experienced by the PDF.

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.

I remain committed to maximising recruitment and retention of personnel to maintain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and abroad.

Emergency Planning

Questions (95)

Gino Kenny

Question:

95. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the role of the Office of Emergency Planning as it relates to dealing with extreme weather events in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56575/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) is a joint civil military office which supports me in my role as Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning. The Government Task Force coordinates emergency management policy across Government Departments and Agencies. The OEP acts as a focal point in matters of emergency planning and risk assessment and also acts to improve coordination of emergency planning across the various Departments and Agencies. The OEP manages the National Emergency Coordination Centre in Dublin which is available in the event that a Lead Government Department convenes the National Emergency Coordination Group.

The Strategic Emergency Management National Structures and Framework, approved by Government in July 2017, outlines the Lead Government Department principle and how this is applied across a "whole of Government" approach to managing responses to emergencies. In the case of severe weather emergencies, the Framework identifies the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as the lead Government Department for such emergencies. In this regard the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage would collect information on severe weather and bring it to the attention of the Government Task Force, as appropriate.

Also of note is that the Government Task Force adopted a Strategic Emergency Management Guideline on Climate Change Adaptation in December 2020. This guidance document is aimed at Lead Government Departments to aid them in linking their emergency planning with the National Climate Adaptation Framework, which is led and coordinated by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

Defence Forces

Questions (96, 134)

Patrick Costello

Question:

96. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Defence his plans to commit Irish personnel to serve in MINURSO. [56578/21]

View answer

Gary Gannon

Question:

134. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence the reason Ireland has withdrawn two officers from the MINURSO mission in Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56549/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 134 together.

In July this year, the decision was taken to withdraw the two Defence Forces' personnel deployed to the MINURSO mission. This followed a review of current overseas deployments and a proposal from the General Staff. The withdrawal of the personnel arose from a need identified by the General Staff to consolidate current operational deployments in the context of additional commitments by Ireland in recent years to peacekeeping operations including UNDOF, MINUSMA, EUTM Mali and EU CSDP Operation IRINI.

I can assure the Deputy that Ireland remains a strong supporter of the United Nations role and its engagement in the Western Sahara, including the role played by the MINURSO mission.

The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces constantly review the deployment of Irish personnel overseas. Any decision with regard to future deployments of Defence Forces personnel, including any possible return to MINURSO, would have to be considered by reference to a number of other considerations, including the resourcing of the mission and the level of existing commitments to other peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home.

Defence Forces

Questions (97, 107)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

97. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the efforts being made by him and his Department to address the retention of post-1994 personnel some of whom face discharge from the Defences Forces in December 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56583/21]

View answer

Mark Ward

Question:

107. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Defence the status of discussions with an organisation (details supplied) on the recommendations to resolve the issue of post-1994 contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56300/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 107 together.

Military life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. For this reason compulsory retirement ages for ranks in the Permanent Defence Force are considerably lower than in other employments.

The age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force have been the subject of a number of reviews. A range of policies were introduced to ensure an appropriate age profile and levels of fitness. This included fixed term contracts for certain ranks enlisted from 1994 onwards.

Arising from an adjudication in 2015, it was agreed that a further review of contracts of service for Line Corporals and Privates and Corporals in receipt of Technical Pay 1 and 2 would be conducted. It was subsequently agreed with PDFORRA that all Privates and Corporals recruited post 1994, would be allowed to continue in service to 31 December 2022 (or until they reach the age of 50), provided these personnel meet certain criteria during the interim period, including medical grades and fitness tests.

This agreement was also extended to include post 1994 Sergeants, who also can continue to serve to the same date, subject to their meeting similar criteria in the interim period. These measures are in place to provide time for the review to be completed.

A joint civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages of all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force has been conducted. The review has taken into account the Report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force, which included in their recommendations, the need to consider options to tackle barriers to extended participation in the Permanent Defence Force.

The recommendations in the joint civil/military review requires consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions. Discussions with PDFORRA on the recommendations will take place following the consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

I have said previously that I want to provide clarity on this issue before the end of the year. This is not solely my nor my Department's decision. We have to work with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as well. Nonetheless that is a commitment I have given and I want to follow through on it.

Question No. 98 answered orally.
Question No. 99 answered with question No. 94.

Defence Forces

Questions (100)

David Stanton

Question:

100. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the efforts being made by his Department to encourage and increase diversity in the ranks of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56185/21]

View answer

Written answers

I believe it is critically important that the Defence Forces reflects the modern demographics of today’s Irish society. To that end, the Defence Forces is committed to supporting a diverse workforce through its various policies and strategies.

The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan, launched in 2016, commits to an inclusive workplace environment where dignity and respect are afforded to all. In addition, the Defence Forces comply with the legal provisions of the Gender Recognition Act, 2015.

A number of initiatives with a particular focus on diversity in communications have already been implemented with a view to increasing the diversity of Defence Forces personnel. These include:

- Information on Defence Forces careers provided to cultural, religious and ethnic groups throughout Ireland via the Irish Centre for Diversity;

- Schools receive briefs on careers in the Defence Forces on an ongoing basis and this is coordinated and conducted by Brigades and Formations;

- The Defence Forces website also includes an education piece on Gender, Equality and Diversity;

- And 2020 also saw a review of the Defence Force’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan which provided recommendations for the development of the strategy into the future.

The Defence Forces’ approach to diversity and inclusion is also anchored in the White Paper on Defence 2015. A number of projects were identified with a view to ensuring that the Defence Organisation was reflective of Irish society and its changing nature.

Other measures which support the Defence Force’s commitment to a workplace underpinned by diversity and inclusion include the following:

- Both the Department and the Defence Forces, are represented on a Committee, led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth established to oversee and monitor progress on the implementation of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021.

- Additionally, the Defence Forces LGBTQI+ Network “Defend with Pride” was launched in October 2016 with the aim of providing support, information and guidance for LGBT personnel and allies who wish to support colleagues, family and friends. The Defence Forces were subsequently winners of the HR Leadership & Management Awards 2020 for ‘Best Public Sector Initiative’.

- A Joint Civil/Military working group was established in 2019, to progress the of Transgender Employment Policy for the Defence Forces. This work is continuing.

- The Defence Forces participated in Dublin Pride for the first time in 2018 and contributed to the 2020 virtual Pride Parade in the form of a virtual pride message from the Chair of Defence with Pride, the Defence Forces LGBTQI+ and Allies Network and a message of support and solidarity from the Chaplaincy Service led by the Head Chaplain.

- In addition, the Defence Forces and my Department, also contributed to ‘Our Public Service 2020 Action 16’, which aims to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, across the Public Sector.

I am satisfied that through its various policies and strategies, the Defence Forces with the support of my Department, is committed to supporting a diverse workforce reflecting the Ireland of today.

Departmental Priorities

Questions (101)

Gary Gannon

Question:

101. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has carried out a threat assessment in relation to Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56547/21]

View answer

Written answers

The situation at the Belarussian border has escalated further and presents a significant challenge for Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, but also more broadly to the European Union as a whole. The situation in Belarus was discussed earlier this week by EU Foreign and Defence Ministers and is clearly very serious. Ministers expressed solidarity with Polish, Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues at the meeting.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, EU Foreign Ministers, myself included, discussed the escalation in the crisis along the EU’s borders with Belarus. We took swift action and agreed to broaden the listings criteria for sanctions on the Belarusian regime.

The EU is continuing to monitor developments in Belarus and at the border very closely. It is likely that the Council will come back to the issue in due course and on the basis of the most up-to-date information available.

Ireland has repeatedly demonstrated our solidarity with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, and with those trapped at the border. Just three weeks ago, Minister of State Byrne visited the Lithuanian-Belarussian border, accompanied by members of the Lithuanian Government. As part of that visit, he viewed some migrant camps that have been established by the Lithuanian Government, met with the Lithuanian Border Guards and also with the Lithuanian Red Cross, which, this year, has received a contribution of €100,000 from Irish Aid to help provide relief to the migrants.

Threat assessments carried out by the Defence Forces relate primarily to those locations and theatres where Defence Forces personnel are deployed on operations. Given the intelligence and security issues involved in such assessments, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time.

Question No. 102 answered orally.

Departmental Funding

Questions (103)

James Lawless

Question:

103. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence the estimate allocation for Defence in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56409/21]

View answer

Written answers

The total gross allocation provided to the Defence Sector in Budget 2022 is €1,107 million, comprising of €836 million for Vote 36 (Defence) and €271 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions). This allocation represents an overall increase of €35 million on 2021 and ensures that sufficient funding is available to the Defence Organisation to carry out all its assigned roles, both at home and overseas and to deliver on White Paper commitments.

The Defence Vote provides for pay and non-pay current expenditure of some €695 million. The pay allocation of €545 million provides for the pay and allowances of over 10,400 public service employees within the Defence Sector, including a Permanent Defence Force of up to 9,500, along with civil servants and civilian employees employed by my Department. The non-pay allocation of €150 million provides for expenditure on essential and ongoing Defence Forces standing and operational costs including utilities, fuel, catering, maintenance, information technology and training.

The White Paper on Defence, updated in 2019, highlighted the importance of capability development and the necessity for continued renewal, upgrade and acquisition of military equipment and infrastructure. To this end, the capital allocation of €141 million provided for 2022 will facilitate the ongoing programme of equipment replacement and infrastructural development, as set out in the Defence Equipment Development Plan and the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme.

Civil Defence and the Irish Red Cross Society will also receive funding from the Defence Vote in 2022.

The 2022 allocation for Vote 35 (Army Pensions) is some €271 million, an increase of €8 million on 2021. This allocation ensures that sufficient funding is available to meet the retirement benefits of some 12,750 former members of the Defence Forces and certain dependants.

I welcome the outcome of Budget 2022 and the significant funding envelope of over one billion euro provided to the Defence Sector which will enable the Defence Organisation to continue implementing its organisational priorities into 2022. The Commission on the Defence Forces is due to report by the end of this year and will make recommendations which will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces. I look forward to receiving the report.

Defence Forces

Questions (104)

John Brady

Question:

104. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the progress to provide a new cadet school at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56497/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that tenders for the provision of a new Cadet school in the Defence Forces Training Centre are currently being examined with a view to a contractor being awarded the contracts in the coming weeks. I am advised that subject to contract award, the project should commence construction in early 2022.

Defence Forces

Questions (105)

Dara Calleary

Question:

105. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if he has had recent engagement with the representative organisations from the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56479/21]

View answer

Written answers

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 was delighted to be given the opportunity to attend and speak at PDFORRA's Annual Delegate Conference (ADC) on 6 October 2021. I welcome the opportunity to attend and speak at RACO's Biennial Delegate Conference on 23 November 2021.

I look forward to further continued constructive engagement with the Defence Forces Representative Associations. I will continue to engage with the Representative Associations on matters that fall within the scope of their representation.

Cybersecurity Policy

Questions (106)

James Lawless

Question:

106. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the Defence Forces remit in the area of cyber-security. [56408/21]

View answer

Written answers

My colleague Minister Ryan, as Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, has overall responsibility for cyber security at a national level. The National Cyber Security Centre in his Department is the national response authority for cyber security incidents. But, of course, response to cyber threats is a whole-of-Government challenge with inputs in the security domain from An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.

The primary responsibility of the Defence Forces relates to the defence and security of their own networks and systems. However, as in any emergency situation, once Defence systems are supported, the Department of Defence and Defence Forces provide support to the National Cyber Security Centre. For example, during the recent cyberattack on the HSE, the Defence Forces supported the response to it including provision of operational support to the HSE and, in particular, logistical and organisational support.

The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State. This is being done in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognizing the potential and important role of the Defence Forces.

To this end, officials from the Department of Defence and members of the Defence Forces are actively involved in implementing the National Cyber Security Strategy such as through secondment of an officer to the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Estonia and departmental membership of the Inter-Departmental Committee overseeing implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy.

This Inter-Departmental Committee has recently been charged with the additional work of overseeing the plan to significantly expand the National Cyber Security Centre so that it can further develop its competence and capacity to help defend and protect IT systems and key services into the future.

For operational security reasons, no public comment will be made regarding Defence Forces Cyber Capability but I would note that 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. Amongst the issues that the Commission is examining are Defence Force capabilities, structures and staffing in a number of areas. The Commission 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.

Question No. 107 answered with question No. 97.

Naval Service

Questions (108)

John Brady

Question:

108. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence his plans to review patrol allowances for the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56499/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force provides a formal mechanism for the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, that is RACO (in respect of Commissioned Officers) and PDFORRA (in respect of other ranks), to bring forward claims for improvements in the remuneration and terms and conditions for their members.

At present a claim for an increase in Patrol Duty Allowance is currently before Conciliation Council. As discussions under the C&A scheme are confidential to the parties involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter, at this time.

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