Written Answers Nos. 351-372
351. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the selection process to nominate an Irish ambassador to Ireland’s diplomatic missions abroad; the oversight proposals that exist on such appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62491/21]
View answer352. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration is being given to using the Public Appointments Service to source candidates for senior roles in Ireland’s diplomatic missions abroad; the efforts being considered to increase transparency on assigning senior postings abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62492/21]
View answer353. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the grade and associated pay scales for diplomatic ambassadors posted overseas; if this pay scale varies amongst Ireland’s embassies abroad; if so, the variations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62493/21]
View answer354. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current or former Departmental secretary generals, assistant secretary generals or civil servants that have or will undertake diplomatic missions abroad in tabular form; if he will list the name, location of diplomatic mission and previous public sector employment roles in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62494/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 351 to 354, inclusive, together.
I propose to group the Deputy’s four questions together for answer. The Government, on foot of proposals made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, nominates officers for Ambassadorial posts. The nominated Ambassadors are subsequently appointed by the President and take up duty abroad following the receipt of agrément from the receiving state. Only serving civil servants are considered for ambassadorial assignments.
All currently serving Ambassadors are established career civil servants employed by my Department. All civil service grades are recruited through the Public Appointments Service or external competitions administered by my Department in accordance with the Code of Practice as set out by the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). In considering the nomination of Ambassadors, a range of factors is taken into account including political, economic and trade priorities. In addition the management experience, regional knowledge, country knowledge, relevant language skills, policy experience, consular experience, and other factors of the officers are taken into account as part of the assignment process. Officers submit a list of preferences for an overseas posting. Ambassadors are paid on the same pay scales for all Civil Service employees for that grade. These pay scales are available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website. Additional allowances and costs (e.g. healthcare, school fees, transportation of goods) are paid by the Department depending on the conditions in the local county, based on Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sanction.
As requested, I have included the list of Irish Ambassadors broken down by location and grade.
|
Mission |
Surname |
First Name |
Grade |
|
Abu Dhabi |
Cronin |
Aidan |
Counsellor |
|
Abuja |
Maguire |
Sile |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Addis Ababa |
Brennan |
Nicola |
Principal Development Specialist |
|
Amman |
O'Neill |
Vincent |
Principal Development Specialist |
|
Ankara |
McGuinness |
Sonya |
Counsellor |
|
Athens |
Fitzgerald |
Iseult |
Counsellor |
|
Bangkok |
Cotter |
Tony |
Counsellor |
|
Beijing |
Derwin |
Ann |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Berlin |
O'Brien |
Nicholas |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Berne |
Hickey |
Eamonn |
Counsellor |
|
Bogota |
Nic Dhonnacha |
Fiona |
Counsellor |
|
Brasilia |
Hoy |
Sean |
Counsellor |
|
Bratislava |
McGauran |
Dermot |
First Secretary |
|
Brussels Perm Rep. |
Hanney |
Tom |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Bucharest |
McGarry |
Paul |
Counsellor |
|
Budapest |
Gargan |
Ronan |
Counsellor |
|
Buenos Aires |
O'Halloran |
Jackie |
Counsellor |
|
Cairo |
O'Regan |
Sean |
Counsellor |
|
Canberra |
Mawe |
Tim |
Counsellor |
|
Copenhagen |
McDaid |
Adrian |
Counsellor |
|
Dar-es-Salaam |
O'Neill |
Mary |
Development Counsellor |
|
Freetown |
Buckley |
Claire |
Counsellor |
|
Geneva |
Gaffey |
Michael |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Hanoi |
McCullagh |
John |
Counsellor |
|
Helsinki |
Parkin |
Ruth |
Counsellor |
|
Holy See |
Hannon |
Derek |
First Secretary |
|
Jakarta |
Francis |
Padraig |
Counsellor |
|
Kampala |
Colgan |
Kevin |
Counsellor |
|
Kuala Lumpur |
Reilly |
Hilary |
Counsellor |
|
Kyiv |
Healy |
Therese |
Counsellor |
|
Lilongwe |
O'Grady |
Seamus |
Senior Development Specialist |
|
Lisbon |
Victory |
Ralph |
Counsellor |
|
Ljubljana |
Geiran |
Myles |
First Secretary |
|
London |
O'Neill |
Adrian |
Second Secretary General |
|
Lusaka |
Carr |
Bronagh |
Senior Development Specialist |
|
Luxembourg |
Dawson |
Stephen |
First Secretary |
|
Madrid |
Smyth |
Frank |
Counsellor |
|
Manila |
Carlos |
William |
Principal Development Specialist |
|
Maputo |
O'Brien |
Nuala |
Counsellor |
|
Mexico |
Von Heynitz |
Maeve |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Moscow |
McElduff |
Brian |
Counsellor |
|
Nairobi |
Quinlan |
Fionnuala |
Counsellor |
|
New Delhi |
Ward |
Brendan |
Counsellor |
|
New York PMUN |
Byrne-Nason |
Geraldine |
Second Secretary General |
|
Nicosia |
Long |
Conor |
First Secretary |
|
Oslo |
McBean |
Keith |
Counsellor |
|
Ottawa |
McKee |
Eamonn |
Counsellor |
|
Paris Emb |
Burgess |
Niall |
Former Secretary General |
|
Paris OECD |
Keown |
Gerard |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Prague |
Manahan |
Cliona |
Counsellor |
|
Pretoria |
Gilsenan |
Fionnuala |
Principal Development Specialist |
|
Rabat |
McIntyre |
James |
Counsellor |
|
Riga |
Friel |
Eimear |
First Secretary |
|
Riyadh |
McCoy |
Gerard |
Counsellor |
|
Rome |
O'Brien |
Patricia |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Santiago |
Gleeson |
Paul |
Counsellor |
|
Seoul |
Clare |
Julian |
Counsellor |
|
Singapore |
Bourne |
Pat |
Counsellor |
|
Sofia |
Feeney |
Martina |
Counsellor |
|
Stockholm |
Gormley |
Austin |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Strasbourg |
O'Reilly |
Breifne |
Counsellor |
|
Tallinn |
Kiernan |
Frances |
First Secretary |
|
Tel Aviv |
O'Sullivan |
Kyle |
Counsellor |
|
The Hague |
Rogers |
Brendan |
Deputy Secretary General |
|
Tokyo |
Kavanagh |
Paul |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Valletta |
Duffy |
Patrick |
First Secretary |
|
Vienna Emb |
O'Leary |
Eoin |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Vienna OSCE |
Callan |
Anne-Marie |
Counsellor |
|
Vilnius |
McIvor |
Peter |
First Secretary |
|
Warsaw |
O'Connell |
Emer |
Counsellor |
|
Washington |
Mulhall |
Dan |
Assistant Secretary |
|
Wellington |
Ryan |
Peter |
First Secretary |
|
Zagreb |
Dowling |
Ruaidhri |
First Secretary |
355. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs 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 persons with a declared disability on each board; and the percentage of each board that is made up of persons with a declared disability. [62526/21]
View answerThere are no State boards or agencies under the remit of my Department.
356. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of official and diplomatic Irish passport applications made and passports issued since 1 January 2017 to date in 2021; and if he will provide a schedule of the annual cost related to same. [62585/21]
View answerDiplomatic and official passports are issued in accordance with the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008. Section 16 of the Act makes particular provision for the issuance of diplomatic passports to persons who hold a diplomatic rank or to persons whom the Minister for Foreign Affairs considers it appropriate to issue such a passport in order to carry out their duties. Official passports may to issued to an Irish citizen for the purpose of facilitating travel abroad in connection with the performance of official duties on behalf of the State. Applications are only approved for individuals who are Irish citizens and can demonstrate that they require a passport for travel to undertake official business on behalf of the State.
Diplomatic and official passports are issued free of charge on the grounds that the holder is engaged on official State business. Their use is restricted to travel on official business. Personal passports must be used for all other travel.
Tables below shows figures for Passports applied for and issued from 2017 to 30 November 2021.
|
Passports Applied for and Issued |
Diplomatic |
Official |
TOTAL |
|
2017 |
487 |
1624 |
2111 |
|
2018 |
584 |
1513 |
2097 |
|
2019 |
619 |
1318 |
1937 |
|
2020 |
417 |
1055 |
1472 |
|
01/01/2021 - 30/11/2021 |
557 |
1159 |
1716 |
357. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a schedule of foreign travel episodes arranged by his Department for elected representatives, Ministers and their staff and or special advisers since 1 January 2017 to date in 2021; and if he will provide a schedule of locations of the travel arranged or advised on to include the final destination of travel episode by year and the full cost of same. [62586/21]
View answerIt has not proved possible to collate the information requested within the time allocated for responding to this PQ. The Department has followed up with the Deputy's Office directly and will provide the information requested as soon as possible and no later than 31 January 2022.
358. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport application by a person (details supplied); if he will arrange for the return of the applicant’s UK passport given that they are due to travel on 18 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62587/21]
View answer362. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will issue a passport and all supporting documents to a family (details supplied) as a matter of priority in view of fact that their travel episode is imminent. [62778/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 362 together.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputies have enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application, and return of supporting documents, to the applicant.
359. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the Government's response to the current political situation in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62595/21]
View answerPresidential and parliamentary elections took place in Uganda on 14 January 2021, with the incumbent President Museveni returned for his sixth term with 58% of the vote, while his key challenger Robert Kyagulanyi (known as Bobi Wine) garnered 35% of the vote.
The President's reinauguration took place on 12 May 2021, with no legal challenges against the result outstanding. This was notwithstanding a campaign during which opposition candidates, journalists, and civil society actors were harassed. At times there were credible reports of the excessive use of force, notably in November 2020 during which at least 54 Ugandans were killed. The Uganda government has promised accountability. In December 2021, two soldiers were convicted for killing three people during this period, but further investigations remain outstanding.
Ireland, along with other EU Member States, has called on the Ugandan government to respect the freedoms and rights of all political actors and their supporters, and for full investigation of allegations of violations. Ireland has raised concerns about the November violence and the human rights situation in the country directly with Ugandan government interlocutors, including the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and directly with the President.
I visited Uganda in October and heard from a broad range of civil society stakeholders and human rights leaders active in Uganda. I expressed Ireland’s continued support for their work and for civil society in Uganda. I also met with Uganda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jeje Odongo. Our discussions included challenges in relation to civil society space; evolving regional developments; and Ireland’s support for the COVID-19 response in Uganda. In our high-level engagements and through the ongoing work of our Ambassador and the Embassy of Ireland to Uganda, Ireland will continue to raise issues of concern in relation to civil society space and human rights in Uganda with key stakeholders and at the highest levels of government.
In mid-November, four civilians were killed and several dozen injured following two coordinated bomb attacks in Uganda's capital Kampala. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan rebel group largely confined to the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are believed to be responsible for the attacks. In response, the Ugandan and DRC defence forces have launched joint military operations in eastern DRC targeted at the ADF. Ireland, alongside other EU Member States, is monitoring the situation closely. At the UN Security Council, Ireland has stressed that the joint military operations must ensure a strong focus on the protection of civilians and human rights. We have also emphasised the need for strong and effective communication with MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in the DRC, in relation to the ongoing operations.
360. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport renewal application for a child (details supplied) will be dispatched in time for travel plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62619/21]
View answerWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.
361. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts the Government is undertaking to protect the health of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62768/21]
View answerI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. Irish officials are monitoring this matter, in cooperation with partners on the ground.
As I outlined in my response to Questions 16, 23 and 24 of 18 November, Ireland supports the statement by the EU Delegation in Jerusalem on 5 November, calling on Israel to respect international law and avoid loss of life in this case, and reiterating the right of all detainees to a fair trial. I share the concerns raised by EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore on 16 November regarding the deteriorating health of this individual.
I also support the call made on October 21 by UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, and the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, to end completely the practice of administrative detention.
Ireland, and the EU, have repeatedly raised the treatment of Palestinian prisoners with the Israeli authorities. At the Human Rights Council, Ireland has called on the Israeli authorities, in accordance with their obligations under Article 9 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to refrain from conducting arbitrary arrests and to follow the acceptable procedure established by law regarding arrest and detention.
Both Ireland and the EU also provide financial support to NGOs in Israel and in oPt who are active in bringing issues regarding the treatment of detainees to light.
363. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised at the United Nations and at the Foreign Affairs Council the security situation in the occupied part of the Ukraine along the border with Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62787/21]
View answerIreland is a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and has condemned Russian violations of Ukrainian sovereignty. The build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine is a matter of great concern. The potential effect of the build-up on the security situation in the non-government controlled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk, which border Russia, is also of concern. It is important that dialogue be maintained, with the primary goal of de-escalating tensions in the region.
Ireland has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for Ukraine at United Nations Security Council meetings on Ukraine, including at Arria formula meetings. We have also stressed our non-recognition of the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, encouraged full, secure and unimpeded access for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, and called for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine at the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 December and, in my own remarks, I underlined the need for strong and unified messaging from the EU. In remarks after the Foreign Affairs Council, High Representative Borrell made clear that aggression against Ukraine, will come with political consequences and with a high economic cost for Russia. I and my counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council have dedicated significant time to the security situation in Ukraine this year, including through engagements with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. I also discussed these matters with Minister Kuleba when I travelled to Kyiv on 23 August to represent Ireland at the International Crimea Platform, a diplomatic initiative by Ukraine to seek a peaceful end to the illegal Russian occupation of the peninsula.
364. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are plans to introduce a pension payment for the victims and survivors of terrorist activity related to the era of the Troubles between 1966 and 2010 for persons injured in this State similar to the payments scheme introduced in Northern Ireland and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62788/21]
View answerThe Government has always sought to acknowledge and address the legitimate needs and expectations of victims’ families and survivors of Troubles-related attacks in this jurisdiction. We are deeply conscious of the enduring suffering and hardship that survivors of Troubles-related violence bear, both North and South, and indeed in Britain and Europe.
The Government established a Remembrance Commission in 2003, to administer a Scheme of Assistance and remembrance for victims of the Northern Ireland conflict, and their families, in this jurisdiction. The Commission continued this work until 2008. In administering the scheme, the Remembrance Commission, which operated independently of Government, funded Acknowledgement payments, Economic Hardship payments, Displacement payments and Medical payments for victims’ families and those who were seriously injured in Troubles-related incidents in this jurisdiction.
Acknowledgement payments were paid to 309 applicants in respect of 109 victims killed in Troubles-related incidents in the South. Over the lifetime of the Commission from 2003 to 2008, €3.87 million in funding was made available to individual victims and survivors of the Troubles, resident in this jurisdiction to acknowledge their suffering, and to address economic hardship and certain medical expenses.
Funding for certain ongoing medical needs was also provided for those injured in Troubles-related attacks in this jurisdiction, and following the conclusion of the Commission, this continues to be provided through the Department of Justice and Equality.
The Minister for Justice has responsibility for victims’ issues and will certainly consider and respond to representations from people in the jurisdiction who want to raise views with her on this issue. It is essential that the voices of victims and survivors are heard, and the Government is committed to addressing the legacy of the past, taking into account the many ways that it impacts on our society as a whole and the path toward deeper reconciliation and peace.
365. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the attention of British Government has been drawn to the outrage felt by many persons on this island in relation to its plans to provide amnesty in respect of atrocities carried out in Northern Ireland pre-1998; if the British Government has been advised by him of the enormous damage this would do to the peace process and Anglo-Irish relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62923/21]
View answerIt has been the clear and consistent position of the Government that the Stormont House Agreement provides a balanced and comprehensive framework to address the legacy of the Troubles. It was agreed by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations, and it should be implemented – for the families and victims who have waited for too long.
We have taken every opportunity in our regular engagements with the British Government, including at the recent British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) on 2 December, to set out this position. We have cautioned the British Government strongly against any unilateral action on this most sensitive of issues.
As agreed at the BIIGC on 24 June, the Government joined the British Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland in a process of engagement on these issues, with discussions beginning in July. The intention has been to find an agreed way forward that will allow implementing legislation to be introduced in both the UK and Ireland.
As we have consistently stated, a statute of limitations as proposed by the UK Government in their command paper is not something the Government can support. There has been a clear message from victims groups throughout this process that this cannot be the way forward. It has also been strongly and publicly opposed by all the parties.
We have consistently said that we are ready to engage with concerns or issues to do with the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement but any such changes must be discussed and agreed by the parties and both Governments. It is vital that any approach is collective if it is to work, and crucially, that it meets both the needs of victims and our shared international human rights obligations.
366. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will use all available diplomatic channels to secure the immediate release of a political prisoner (details supplied) imprisoned for over two years in Belarus and for an end to the persecution of and release of opposition political activists in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62924/21]
View answerThere are now over 900 political prisoners in Belarus, according to the Belarusian human rights organisation, Viasna. They have been detained for challenging the rule of Alexander Lukashenko. Their ongoing detention is inexcusable.
It is vital that human rights violations in Belarus are independently investigated. Ireland and the EU have clearly stated that the impunity enjoyed by the security services must end.
Ireland has supported EU efforts to enhance the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate human rights violations in Belarus. We also welcomed the establishment of an NGO-led International Accountability Platform for Belarus to gather and retain evidence of human rights violations.
We have also supported and co-sponsored EU sanctions against Lukashenko’s regime and associated individuals and commercial entities. This includes, for example, prosecutors involved in the imprisonment of individuals for political reasons. EU citizens and companies are now forbidden from making any funds available to those on the sanctions list.
Ireland will continue to put coordinated pressure on the Lukashenko regime that will hopefully lead to the release of the political prisoners currently held in Belarus.
367. 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 persons with a declared disability on each board; and the percentage of each board that is made up of persons with a declared disability. [62521/21]
View answerThe only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 to provide for the payment of pensions, allowances and gratuities in certain circumstances to members of the Defence Forces. The 1927 Act specifies that the Board shall consist of 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. The Secretary of the Army Pensions Board is a civil servant in my Department.
As disability returns are anonymous, my Department cannot provide a breakdown on the number of persons with a declared disability as requested by the Deputy. It should also be noted that there is no onus on an employee to declare a disability. In 2020, 4.28% of the civil servants in my Department had declared a disability, and 6.15% of the civilian employees who are employed to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces and work in military installations.
In compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, the Department of Defence has undertaken, where practicable, to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities. The Department continues to operate in a non-discriminatory environment in accordance with the Equality Acts and aims to ensure that the principles of employment equality are implemented in recruitment, promotion, training and work experience.
368. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current position in relation to the issue of post-94 contracts in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62591/21]
View answerA joint civil/military review has been conducted on mandatory retirement ages for all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force. As Defence Forces superannuation arrangements are based on contracts of service and mandatory retirement ages, the recommendations in the review require consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions. The matter is currently the subject of detailed discussions with that Department.
Discussions with the Permanent Defence Force representative associations will take place following the conclusion of the consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
369. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence when the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces is expected to issue its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62592/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government committed to an independent commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces. The independent Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020, with a mandate to report within 12 months. 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 it's terms of reference 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.
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. Members of the Commission conducted site visits to a number military locations across the country, meeting nearly 1,000 military personnel.
The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll 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 work of the independent Commission on the Defence Forces underpins this Government's commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces are fit for purpose, in terms of meeting immediate requirements and also in terms of seeking to develop a longer term vision beyond 2030.
I understand that the Commission are continuing their work with a view to completing the Report as soon as possible. The Report will be fully considered at that point.
370. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the status of the proposed transfer of lands at Rockbrae House, Bray, County Wicklow to Wicklow County Council; the stage the handover is currently at; the estimated timeframe for the transfer of such lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62863/21]
View answerOfficials from my Department are currently liaising with the Chief State's Solicitors Office on the necessary legal matters with regard to finalising contracts and the intention is to conclude the transfer as soon as possible, subject to the normal exigencies of the conveyancing process. I understand that this matter is now at an advanced stage.
371. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence if he will appropriately honour all the Irish soldiers who served with distinction at Jadotville; if his attention has been drawn to the time urgency of doing same and the broad range of historical primary and secondary evidence that would justify such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62897/21]
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. The range of actions taken to date to recognise the bravery of the men stationed in Jadotville in 1961 include:
- A presentation of scrolls to "A" Company in 2006.
- Portraits of Lt Col McNamee (35th Battalion Commander) and Comdt Quinlan (Company Commander “A” Company) were commissioned in 2006.
- In July of 2010 the 50th anniversary of the first deployment to the Congo was commemorated in a highly publicised and well attended event in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. A Congo photographic book was also produced for the occasion; a section of which was dedicated to the events at Jadotville in 1961.
- A nominal roll of “A” Company, printed in copper, was affixed to the monument in Costume Barracks and was unveiled as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Jadotville affair in September 2011.
- On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville, it was decided to issue a Unit Citation to honour the collective actions and bravery of the men of “A” Company. This was the first time a Unit Citation was awarded within the Defence Forces.
- On 13th June 2017, the Government decided, to award a medal known as “An Bonn Jadotville” or “The Jadotville Medal” to each member of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and to the family representatives of deceased members to give full and due recognition in honour of their courageous actions at the Siege of Jadotville. This medal presentation ceremony took place in Custume Barracks, Athlone on 2nd December 2017. It is from Custume Barracks that “A” Company assembled in advance of their fateful deployment to the Congo. The “An Bonn Jadotville” or “The Jadotville Medal” has the word “Jadotville” depicted on the clasp of the medal and the medal ribbon represents a combination of an Irish tricolour and the United Nations Operation in Congo (ONUC) mission medal. The medal depicts a warrior of the ancient Fianna with sword and shield. To the left is a reproduction of the Irish overseas flash. Surrounding the central motif are the words “Cosaint Chalma” (Valiant Defence) and “Misneach” (Courage). The reverse contains a unique unit identification representing A Coy, 35 Cathlan Éireannach (Irish Battalion).
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 Independent Review Group completed its research in July and has submitted its report to the Chief of Staff, as the convening authority. The work of the Independent Review Group has now concluded.
The report, which was published in full, is substantial and makes a number of recommendations in respect of the issue of award of medals, honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans and in respect of veterans affairs.
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.
A judicial review is under way at present regarding a recommendation of the IRG report relating to the convening of a Military Board to consider the award of medals. Given that the matter is now before the Courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
372. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Defence if Defence Forces recruitment and retention issues are being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62898/21]
View answerA range of actions have been taken to address recruitment and retention issues in the Permanent Defence Force and bridge the shortfall between the current strength figures and those of the establishment.
The strength of the PDF at the end of October 2021 was 8,572 personnel. Ongoing recruitment initiatives have resulted in a total of 574 personnel being inducted to date in 2021. The scope of direct entry competitions was expanded in 2021 to include a new Air Corps Aircraft Technician competition. Direct entry terms and conditions continue to be revised to improve intakes. Additionally, the re-entry campaign for former members of the PDF continues.
Concurrent retention initiatives such as a service commitment schemes in the Air Corps (for pilots) and the Naval Service have been launched. Furthermore, fifteen projects were undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the Public Service Pay Commission Report on Recruitment and Retention and most of these projects have been completed.
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. Its recommendations will be fully considered and will inform future decisions regarding the Defence Forces.
My focus remains on restoring all branches of the Defence Forces to their full capacity and in that context there has been significant work undertaken to date.
