Written Answers Nos. 674-701
674. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of discussions he has had with his UK counterpart in respect of potential threats to the Northern Ireland Protocol and its consequences. [2199/22]
View answerFollowing her appointment as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs in September 2021, I had a video call with Liz Truss on 13 October on a range of issues including Brexit and the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. Since the Foreign Secretary was subsequently assigned responsibility for Brexit in December 2021, we spoke by phone on 21 December, and met in person in London on 6 January.
During all these engagements, I emphasized that Ireland and the EU remain fully committed to providing certainty and stability for people and business in Northern Ireland. I noted that the Protocol is the joint EU–UK solution to mitigate against the disruption Brexit causes for citizens and businesses on the island of Ireland and that it can work if we allow it to with flexibility and pragmatism. Furthermore, reaching an agreed approach on the Protocol would be an important factor in allowing open new chapter in a forward-looking EU–UK partnership.
The Taoiseach and other Ministers also regularly raise the Protocol in contacts with their UK counterparts.
I am pleased that Foreign Secretary Truss and Commission Vice President Šefcovic had an opportunity to meet in person recently. The meeting was an important opportunity for both sides to clarify their positions and to establish a positive working relationship. It is welcome that the Vice President and the Foreign Secretary will meet again on 24 January and that in the meantime intensified technical talks will resume between their respective teams.
675. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public sector workers under his remit by sectors (details supplied) in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2348/22]
View answer676. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2365/22]
View answer678. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2386/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 675, 676 and 678 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has no offices and therefore no employees based in County Clare.
679. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport application processed during 2019, 2020 and 2021, by type, namely renewals and first-time applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2414/22]
View answerPassport Service operations have been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as were many Government services. The Passport Service maintained operations throughout the pandemic, notwithstanding the fact that the processing of passports requires physical attendance on site to deliver this service.
Despite the disruptions related to the pandemic throughout last year, the Passport Service issued over 640,000 passports in 2021 and 45% of simple adult renewals issued within one business day.
The current passport processing times are:
- 10 working days for Simple Adult online renewals
- 15 working days for Complex or child online renewals
- 40 working days for First Time Applications on Passport Online
- 8 weeks for An Post’s mail-in “Passport Express” service
The Passport Service continually examines how to improve processing times and engagement with applicants. Preparation is currently underway for several system and service improvements that will enhance the customer service experience and will improve processing times. In addition to this, my Department has been actively working with the Public Appointments Service to recruit additional permanent and temporary staff for assignment to the Passport Service. This recruitment drive has been underway since the last quarter of 2021 and will double the number of staff in the Passport Service from June 2021 levels. Over 180 additional staff are being assigned to the Passport Service in January alone and further staff will be assigned in February. I am confident that the additional staff currently being assigned to the Passport Service will help to reduce turnaround times and to respond to the current and anticipated high demand for passports in 2022.
In the context of the National Development Plan, my Department is making a major investment in the future of the Passport Service. Over the next couple of years, we will replace the core technology underpinning the service, which will deliver efficiencies and a more resilient passport system.
Budget 2022 also included an investment of an additional €10m in passport services in response to the increasing demand for passports both at home and abroad.
The figures requested by the Deputy are outlined in tabular form below.
Passports issued by the Passport Service
|
Year |
Renewal Passports |
First Time Passports |
|
2019 |
685,501 |
234,008 |
|
2020 |
358,100 |
93,588 |
|
2021 |
569,334 |
72,639 |
680. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacancies by rank in the Defence Forces school of music; and when each of the vacancies will be filled in tabular form. [62971/21]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that there are 18 vacancies, out of an establishment of 123, in the Defence Forces School of Music. The breakdown of the vacancies by rank is below.
|
Rank |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Commandant |
Captain |
Lieutenant |
- |
|
Vacancies |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
- |
|
Rank |
Company Sergeant |
Company QM Sergeant |
Sergeant |
Corporal |
Private |
|
Vacancies |
1 |
0 |
4 |
7 |
5 |
Vacancies will be filled by a combination of recruitment and promotion. Seven successful candidates from the most recent recruitment campaign for instrumentalists are currently undergoing recruit training and upon completion of same will join the School of Music at Private rank. Additionally, the interview stage of a recently concluded Direct Entry competition for Band Conductor (Captain) will commence shortly.
681. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if his Department will work in relation to the report prepared by the military authorities with the injured parties to ensure that they are satisfied that the terms of reference include and investigate all of the avenues that they have requested (details supplied). [63073/21]
View answerI am committed to establishing an Independent Review to examine the effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces
Extensive consultations on the development of Terms of Reference for the Review have taken place with a range of stakeholders, including serving members of the Defence Forces, the Women of Honour Group, and the Defence Forces Representative Associations. I am having further meetings with stakeholders this week with a view to progressing this important Review.
The Terms of Reference for the Review are based to a large extent on those developed by the respective Departments of Defence in Canada, UK and the US, where similar serious workplace issues were identified to those we face in the Irish Defence Forces.
I have also liaised with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre to satisfy myself that our course of action is appropriate and thorough. In addition, the advice of the Office of the Attorney General has guided us on the preparation of the Terms of Reference.
The Independent Review Group will be totally independent in undertaking its function and will be given any access it requires, to records or personnel, in both the Defence Forces and the Department, in order to undertake its role. It's Terms of Reference will be sufficiently broad to allow the Independent Review Group members latitude to explore the areas that they need to explore and to bring forward recommendations for future actions. The Terms will explicitly provide an opportunity for the Independent Review Group, to consider in their final report, whether further reports are needed.
This Review is a necessary and critical first step in fulfilling my duty of care obligations to make the workplace safe for serving members of the Defence Forces.
Separately, the Deputy will be aware that I have have already introduced a number of interim measures for both serving and retired personnel.
The appointment of a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) within Raisecaconcern is available to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and provides a safe place to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing in the workplace. The confidential contact person is independent and outside of the chain of command and their role is listen to the caller, assist them in documenting their allegations, and provide guidance on follow-on options.
The INSPIRE confidential helpline, which is available on a 24/7 basis for all serving members of the Defence Forces, has also been made available to anyone who has contacted the Confidential Contact Person.
In addition, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) in the Defence Forces assists members and their immediate family with the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.
I would also, however, once again ask anyone with allegations or evidence of abuse to confidentially contact the Garda National Protective Services Bureau on gnpsb@garda.ie or to call 01-6663423.
As Minister for Defence, I wish to reitertate that I am committed as an absolute priority, to ensure that each member of the Defence Forces, male and female, is able to carry out their duties in a safe workplace, underpinned by dignity and equality.
682. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish the terms of reference for an independent review into allegations of bullying, sexual abuse and harassment in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63210/21]
View answerI am committed to establishing an Independent Review to examine the effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces.
Extensive consultations on the development of Terms of Reference for the Review have taken place with a range of stakeholders, including serving members of the Defence Forces, the Women of Honour Group, and the Defence Forces Representative Associations. I am having further meetings with stakeholders this week with a view to progressing this important Review.
I hope to finalise the Terms of Reference very shortly and intend to publish them once finalised.
The draft Terms of Reference for the Review are based to a large extent on those developed by the respective Departments of Defence in Canada, UK and the US, where similar serious workplace issues were identified to those we face in the Irish Defence Forces.
I have also liaised with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre to satisfy myself that our course of action is appropriate and thorough. In addition, the advice of the Office of the Attorney General has guided us on the preparation of the Terms of Reference.
The Independent Review Group will be totally independent in undertaking its function and will be given any access it requires, to records or personnel, in both the Defence Forces and the Department, in order to undertake its role. It's Terms of Reference will be sufficiently broad to allow the Independent Review Group members latitude to explore the areas that they need to explore and to bring forward recommendations for future actions. The Terms will explicitly provide an opportunity for the Independent Review Group, to consider in their final report, whether further reports are needed.
As Minister for Defence, I wish to reitertate that I, the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General are committed as an absolute priority, to ensure that each member of the Defence Forces, male and female, is able to carry out their duties in a safe workplace, underpinned by dignity and equality.
683. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence if Defence Forces personnel have been involved in the meetings or events of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1292/22]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces have no record of participation by Defence Forces personnel in any events held by this organisation.
684. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence if Defence Forces personnel have been involved in exercises (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1295/22]
View answer685. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence if Defence Forces personnel have taken part in the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence Locked Shields exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1296/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 684 and 685 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, cyber attacks pose a major challenge to the security of the State, to our society, to our national socio-economic wellbeing and to the security of our citizens. We only need to look at the recent attack on the HSE to understand the impact cyber attacks can have on the health and wellbeing of our citizens. I am sure the Deputy will agree that we should take all steps available to us to ensure that we have the capacity and capability within the public service to secure and defend our systems from cyber attacks. Cyber exercises are a key component in preparing civil and military personnel to protect and to respond to cyber attacks on our systems.
The primary role of the Defence Forces in the cyber domain is to ensure the security of their own systems both at home and overseas. Participation in international cyber exercises is a key element in developing and testing this capability in defending the Defence Forces networks and in responding to attacks when they occur.
A key focus of Ireland’s participation in NATOs Partnership for Peace is to support Defence Forces capability development and interoperability, particularly in evolving capability domains. To this end, in the cyber domain, Defence Force personnel have participated in a range of exercises including the NATO exercise Cyber Coalition. The aim of this exercise is to enhance coordination, cooperation and information sharing across the Cyber Space domain. Cyber Coalition presents a very real opportunity for the Defence Forces to enhance its capability and training in this increasingly important domain.
Defence Forces personnel did not participate in any of the other exercises listed in the question during 2021, nor did they participate in 2018 exercise referenced.
The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre (CCDCOE) provides a leading role in the development of capacity and capability to develop cyber security capacity and respond to cyber attacks. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has the lead role across Government on our engagement with the Centre. A member of the Defence Forces is currently on secondment to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to act as a National Expert in the CCDCOE for a period of two years. Participation in the CCDCOE provides valuable training, experience and insights which enhance the capacity of Defence, Communications and the National Cyber Security Centre to protect our networks.
Personnel from the National Cyber Security Centre, along with the seconded Defence Forces' Officer, participated in the Locked Shields exercise in 2021, an annual cyber defence exercise organised by the Centre as part of the high-level strategic element of the exercise.
686. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [1548/22]
View answerThe table below provides details of live studies, reviews and research being undertaken by my Department, or commissioned by me as Minister for Defence. It also includes the scheduled completion dates.
|
Activity |
Details |
Scheduled date of completion |
|
Live Study |
Project 88 under the White Paper is a Defence funding study to capture in a new way the expected long-term costs of meeting Ireland's Defence requirements using a ten year planning horizon linked to the proposed new framework of fixed cycle reviews. |
Ongoing |
|
Live Study |
Curragh Plains Consultancy Study |
June 2022 |
|
Review |
Review of high level command and control in the Defence Forces ( White Paper Project 26) |
Ongoing |
|
Review |
Review of the circumstances into the retirement of Donal de Róiste |
Ongoing |
|
Review |
Review of Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) Service (White Paper Project 16) |
August 2022 |
|
Research |
The Defence Organisation established a Research, technology and Innovation (RTI) unit in 2021. The initial phase of the RTI Unit work includes an innovation challenge run in conjunction with Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). This challenge will enable research, development and innovation activities to respond to and contribute to the capability needs of the Defence Organisation. |
December 2022 |
|
Research |
Planned publication from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection |
Qtr 4 2022 |
687. Deputy Patrick Costello 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. [1647/22]
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. 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.
The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing the Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.
688. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent on social media by his Department and agencies under his remit in 2021; and the platforms the monies were spent on in tabular form. [1695/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy the spend on Social Media in 2021 by my Department was as follows.
|
Item |
Cost |
|
Promoted tweets for Be Winter Ready (Twitter) |
€5,220.02. |
|
Promoted tweets for Be Summer Ready (Twitter) |
€4,596.54. |
|
Moderation and input into OEP social media crisis communications programme |
€1,936.00. |
In addition, Defence Forces specific spend on Social Media in 2021 was as follows.
|
Item |
Cost |
|
Defence Forces recruitment, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and VOD (video On Demand – YouTube). |
€189,389.82 (includes management fee of €17,629.39). |
689. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent on consultancy services by his Department in 2021; the reason for each consultancy; and the name of the consultancy in tabular form. [1713/22]
View answerThe table below provides details of consultancy services engaged by my Department in 2021; the reason for each consultancy, the name of the provider of the consultancy service and the cost incurred.
|
Provider of Consultancy Service |
Purpose of Consultancy |
Amount |
|
Marman & Associates Ltd |
Watercraft Safety Consultancy in relation to Passenger Boat Licences in Civil Defence Units in 13 Local Authorities across the country. |
€14,400 |
|
Survey Drones Ireland |
UAS (Drones) Consultancy: Advice on the implications of EU/EASA Regulations (EU) 2019/945 and (EU) 2019/947 and how these regulations may impact the responsibilities of Civil Defence at a national and local authority level. |
€3,198 |
|
Padraig Love |
Review of recruitment practices and processes in the PDF: project arising out of the 2019 Report of the Public Service Pay Commission on Recruitment and Retention in the Permanent Defence Force |
€25,200 |
|
John O'Hehir Consultancy Ltd |
Embedding Workforce Planning in the PDF: project arising out of the 2019 Report of the Public Service Pay Commission on Recruitment and Retention in the Permanent Defence Force |
€34,629.97 |
|
The Circa Group |
Feasibility Study regarding proposed Institute for Peace Support & Leadership: project arising out of the 2015 White Paper on Defence |
€7,405.20 |
|
Col EV Campion |
To provide expert advice to the Army Equitation School’s Horse Purchase Board |
€5,000 |
|
Quadra Ltd |
Covid-19 risk assessments for Department offices in 2020 and 2021 and the provision of online ergonomic assessments home workstations. |
€26,783.09 |
|
Storm Technology Ltd |
IT consultancy services |
€79,886.04 |
|
Iron Mountain |
File decant project carried out in late 2020 |
€50,825.47 |
|
Info Security Assur Services Ltd T/A Isas |
ICT SECURITY |
€78,540.60 |
|
KPMG |
ICT TARGET STATE ARCHITECTURE REPORTING |
€69,187.50 |
|
Dr Aoife Hunt T/A IUSMEDICUS LTD |
Medical |
€800 |
|
Dr Mike Scully |
Medical |
€3,520 |
|
Dr Patricia Walsh |
Medical |
€2,400 |
|
Michael P Colreavy |
Medical |
€5,184 |
|
Anthony Kerr SC |
Professional legal opinion under direct access. |
€8,241 |
The following revised reply was received on 10 May 2022.
It has come to my attention that the answer contained an incorrect figure, which I wish to correct. The answer stated that the cost incurred in respect of Iron Mountain was €50,825.47. It was in fact €18,810.29. The figure for 2020 was erroneously provided instead of the 2021 figure.
690. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a schedule of all client and or customer facing and or orientated services that his Department provide via a contracted service provider; the contractor that provides the service; and the cost of same for the past five years to date in 2022. [1795/22]
View answerMy Department is not responsible for the provision of any public services which have been outsourced.
The Military Authorities have advised me that none of the roles outlined in the White Paper on Defence 2015, Chapter 5 – Roles of the Defence Forces, are contracted to a service provider.
691. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if a new cadetship recruitment campaign for the Naval Service and Air Corps will be launched in quarter 1 of 2022. [1891/22]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that it is intended to launch cadetship competitions, supported by a specific media campaign, for all three services of the Defence Forces in the first quarter of 2022.
692. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence if he spoke formally with the United States Secretary of Defence during 2021. [1892/22]
View answerI have not had an engagement with the United States Secretary of Defence, Mr. Lloyd James Austin III, during 2021 as the opportunity did not arise.
693. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant positions for dentists, nurses, advanced paramedics and doctors in the Medical Corps of the Defence Forces; and when each of the vacancies will be filled in tabular form [1893/22]
View answerI am informed by the military that the current number of vacancies for each of the requested positions are as follows:
|
Position |
Vacancies |
Timeline for Completion/ Remarks |
|
Dentists |
Four |
The Terms and Conditions for a competition for the recruitment of Dental Officers are being finalised. It is anticipated that a competition will be launched in Q1 2022. |
|
Nurses |
N/A |
The Employment Control Framework for the Defence Forces provided in the past for 14 Army Nursing Service (ANS) staff. However, this is not included in the 9,500 Permanent Defence Force establishment. A review of the ANS is currently ongoing and will provide recommendations on the future of the Service. |
|
Advanced Paramedics |
N/A |
There is no provision in the Defence Forces establishment for Advanced Paramedics. |
|
Doctors |
Three* |
Medical Officer positions are advertised on an ongoing basis. There are currently four valid applications for this competition under assessment. |
(*The overall figure comprehends four individuals who are currently undertaking the Military Medicine Training Scheme).
694. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the current status of a ship (details supplied). [2098/22]
View answerI am aware of the MV Alta which washed onto rocks close to Ballycotton, County Cork in February 2020.
Under the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act, 1993, it is the Minister for Transport who has particular resposibilities relating to wrecked or stranded vessels. The Act also sets out the responsibilities for the owner, the harbour authority, a local authority or the Commissioners of Irish Lights. I therefore do no have any legal role in relation to any potential salvage operation of the MV Alta.
It should be noted that a working group has been established by the Department of Transport on foot of a recommendation in a report by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board on the grounding of the MV Alta . The group's role is to explore the risks and potential costs to the State presented by derelict ships entering Irish territorial waters and coming ahsore in Ireland, and to make proposals for means to identify, monitor, track and interdict derelict ships before they endanger others ships and seafarers. The Group is chaired by the Irish Coastguard and the Department of Defence, the Naval Service and the Air Corps are also represented.
695. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if his Department is considering an increase in the daily budget for catering in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2249/22]
View answerA wide range of non-capital goods and services are procured directly by the Defence Forces. These include items associated with day to day operations such as food, clothing, transport, utilities and the maintenance of equipment. The services of the Office of Government Procurement and centralised framework agreements are also used to acquire items that may be in common demand by a number of Departments.
I am advised by the Defence Forces that the Office of Government Procurement has put framework contract arrangements in place for major food procurements for the Defence Forces and other public services bodies. The centralised framework contract arrangements allow for the procurement of fish, dairy, frozen foods, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables, bread and eggs.
Defence Forces personnel are entitled to avail of daily meals in certain circumstances which include personnel engaged in security duties, approved training courses, on operational exercises and single personnel living in barracks. I am advised by the military authorities that the daily ration rate equates to €4.20 per day. I am advised that this rate is kept under review and is subject to the re-tendering of OGP food contracts, a process which is currently underway.
I am satisfied that the procurement of food by the Defence Forces using the centralised framework arrangements sourcing model is consistent with Government procurement policy.
I am assured by the military authorities that the food procured under the Office of Government Procurement's centralised framework arrangements is to the required standard.
696. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the number of public sector workers under his remit by sectors (details supplied) in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2343/22]
View answerThe Military Authorities have advised on the number of Defence Forces personnel in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare as follows:
|
|
2020 |
2021* |
|
Clare: Ennis |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare: Ennistymon |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare: Kilrush |
33 |
0 |
|
Clare: Killaloe |
23 |
0 |
|
Clare: Shannon |
58 |
0 |
|
Clare: No electoral area |
55 |
182 |
*Defence Forces personnel are required to fill out a Postal Voting form annually and return to their relevant Units. Once returned, the Defence Forces send them onto their relevant County Council who then assign the Electoral area within the County, depending on the requirement to do so. This requirement is based on the need for a voting process (General Election). In 2021, there was no Electoral requirement for assigning the Electoral area by the County Council due to the lack of election of any type.
697. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Defence the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/22]
View answerThe Military Authorities have advised on the number of Defence Forces personnel in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021 as follows:
|
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021** |
|
Clare: Ennis |
45 |
46 |
47 |
47 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare: Ennistymon* |
- |
- |
- |
14 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare: Kilrush* |
- |
- |
- |
37 |
33 |
0 |
|
Clare: Killaloe |
26 |
24 |
25 |
24 |
23 |
0 |
|
Clare: Shannon |
34 |
35 |
36 |
40 |
58 |
0 |
|
Clare: No electoral area |
43 |
45 |
52 |
22 |
55 |
182 |
*New electoral areas introduced after 2018.
**Defence Forces personnel are required to fill out a Postal Voting form annually and return to their relevant Units. Once returned, the DF sends them onto their relevant County Council who then assign the Electoral area within the County, depending on the requirement to do so. This requirement is based on the need for a voting process (General Election). In 2021, there was no Electoral requirement for assigning the Electoral area by the County Council due to the lack of election of any type.
698. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Defence the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2381/22]
View answerThe Military Authorities have advised on the number of Defence Forces personnel in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021 as follows:
|
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021** |
|
Clare: Ennis |
45 |
46 |
47 |
47 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare: Ennistymon* |
- |
- |
- |
14 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare: Kilrush* |
- |
- |
- |
37 |
33 |
0 |
|
Clare: Killaloe |
26 |
24 |
25 |
24 |
23 |
0 |
|
Clare: Shannon |
34 |
35 |
36 |
40 |
58 |
0 |
|
Clare: No electoral area |
43 |
45 |
52 |
22 |
55 |
182 |
*New electoral areas introduced after 2018.
**Defence Forces personnel are required to fill out a Postal Voting form annually and return to their relevant Units. Once returned, the DF sends them onto their relevant County Council who then assign the Electoral area within the County, depending on the requirement to do so. This requirement is based on the need for a voting process (General Election). In 2021, there was no Electoral requirement for assigning the Electoral area by the County Council due to the lack of election of any type.
699. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence if additional funding will be allocated to radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps; and if so, the timeline for such funding given the increasing threat concerns and flight safety concerns as outlined by the IAA (details supplied). [2667/22]
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. 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.
It remains Government policy, as per the 2015 White Paper on Defence, that should additional funding, beyond that provided for in existing plans becomes available, the development of a radar surveillance capability will be considered.
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.
700. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education when the appropriate level of capital funding will be provided to facilitate the building of a new school at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62946/21]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for additional school accommodation from Gaelscoil Shlí Dála, Ballaghmore, Co. Laois. Once the application has been assessed, the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.
701. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the number of legal cases her Department faced in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021; the amount spent in settlements, legal costs and awards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62948/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated by officials in my Department. A response will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
