Written Answers Nos. 242-261
244. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if a former member of the Defence Forces currently in receipt of an Army pension based on 31 years service will be entitled to retain that full pension payment along with a full State contributory pension when they reach pension age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4118/22]
View answerIt is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the cessation of a portion of the military retirement pension of certain Defence Forces pensioners on qualifying for the Social Welfare State Pension (Contributory).
Under the Defence Forces occupational pension scheme applicable to Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Privates enlisting in the Defence Forces before April 2004, 21 years is the minimum service required for an immediate retirement pension and gratuity, regardless of age. Under this ‘fast accrual’ pension scheme, maximum retirement benefits accrue after 31 years. The 21-year pension, the rate of which varies according to retiring rank and other factors, is payable for the person’s lifetime.
Where qualifying service is more than 21 years, an ‘additional increment’ is payable at a flat rate (generally €9.21 a week currently) for each year of service in excess of 21 years up to a maximum of 31 years’ service. This gives a maximum additional increment of €92.10 weekly. However, under the ‘pre-April 2004’ pension scheme rules, this additional increment ceases to be payable if and when the pensioner reaches the prescribed age for the State Pension (Contributory), that is, at age 66 to 68 depending on a person’s date of birth.
These arrangements are in accordance with the long established principle of integrating occupational pensions with Social Insurance benefits of employees who are in full PRSI class. This includes NCOs and Privates who are fully insured for the range of social insurance benefits under the Social Welfare Acts, such as the State Pension (Contributory).
Integration means that a person’s entitlement to social insurance benefits is taken into account when calculating the rate of their occupational pension payable. In an integrated pension scheme, the State Pension or similar contributory Social Welfare benefit is regarded as part of the overall pension package payable to the individual. The integration principle applies right across the public service and, indeed, in many areas of the private sector as well as in other countries.
It might be noted that the method of integration for these ‘pre-April 2004’ military pensioners is in fact more favourable than in other areas of the public service. In the public service generally, integration begins from the time the occupational pension commences payment, for example from age 60/65 where ‘standard accrual’ pensions apply in pre-2013 public service schemes.
Furthermore, the maximum personal rate of State Pension payable (€253.30 a week currently if under age 80) is considerably more than any reduction that could happen under the Defence Forces pension schemes by virtue of the loss of the additional increment on qualification for the State Pension. This is the scenario for any former member who retires with between 22 and 31 years’ service under the ‘pre-April 2004’ pension scheme.
The foregoing atypical integration arrangements do not apply to NCOs and Privates enlisting on or after 1 April 2004, and whose occupational pensions are subject to standard integration with social insurance benefits along with other public service employees insured for full PRSI.
245. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he and or the Defence Forces staff met with Russian officials, diplomats or military staff in respect of Russian plans to conduct artillery drills off the coast of this jurisdiction (details supplied); and if so, if he will publish minutes and or memos attached to those meetings. [4134/22]
View answerI have not met with any Russian officials, diplomats or military staff in relation to plans for Russian naval exercises off the south-west coast of Ireland in early February. In my capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have spoken to the Russian Ambassador to convey the Government's concerns in respect of these exercises, particularly in light of the current political and security environment in Europe.
The Russian Ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the new Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces on 21 January. It is normal practice that foreign ambassadors and or defence attachés would pay routine courtesy calls on a newly appointed Chief of Staff. Since his appointment in September 2021, he has had a number of such meetings with foreign ambassadors and defence attachés and others are foreseen over the coming weeks.
There was no discussion in the course of this meeting about the forthcoming Russian naval exercises in the Atlantic.
246. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Defence Forces in its various areas over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4166/22]
View answer249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which efforts continue to ensure the maintenance of the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps at optimum levels having particular regard to Ireland’s position on the periphery of Europe and its extended coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4190/22]
View answer255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains assured that no attempt is being made to reduce the strength of any branch of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4196/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 246, 249 and 255 together.
As at 31 December 2021, the strength of the PDF was 8,468 whole time equivalent personnel comprised of 6,841 Army, 876 Naval Service and 751 Air Corps. There is an establishment of 9,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, 7,520 for the Army, 1,094 for the Naval Service, and 996 for the Air Corps which the Government remains committed to returning to and maintaining. The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. The Naval Service, for example, continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and security operations with aerial assistance in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone provided by the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron.
The strength, by Branch, for each of the past five years is attached.
Permanent Defence Force Strength (WTE)
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
2021 |
6,841 |
751 |
876 |
8,468 |
|
2020 |
6,923 |
746 |
903 |
8,572 |
|
2019 |
7,002 |
721 |
936 |
8,659 |
|
2018 |
7,243 |
725 |
989 |
8,957 |
|
2017 |
7,386 |
734 |
1,053 |
9,173 |
A 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.
Ongoing recruitment initiatives resulted in a total of 576 personnel being inducted in 2021. While the 2022 Recruitment Plan is not yet finalised, the Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted.
The scope of direct entry competitions, along with the terms and conditions, continue to be expanded and revised to improve intakes. 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. The PSPC report on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made a range of recommendations with a view to addressing recruitment and retention issues and these have been progressed through a series of projects.
Additionally, the Commission on the Defence Forces is finalising its work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission’s Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.
The Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively.
247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Ireland can rely on the European Union for the resources necessary to ensure the future availability of adequate coastal surveillance, air sea rescue or other services necessary for an island nation inside the European Union but some distance from the European mainland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4188/22]
View answer248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the European Union will offer assistance towards the replacement and or upkeep and operation of air and sea rescue and or other services given the nature of the Irish coastline and the possible exploitation by others of perceived weakness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4189/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.
The Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main day to day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks in tandem with maritime surveillance, and as such any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 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 EEZ.
The Naval Service and the Air Corps provide assistance and support to search and rescue missions on an as available basis, however, the lead agency for search and rescue (SAR) in Ireland's SAR domain is the Irish Coast Guard.
In terms of fishery protection the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the EEZ. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority are the competent authority in relation to fisheries control in Ireland's EEZ.
My Department has applied for EU funding in support of the Defence Forces via the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme (2014-2020). Approval in principle has been received for a number of relevant projects, including projects specifically linked to Naval Service and Air Corps capabilities and operations.
My Department has also begun discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to investigate the possibility of securing additional future funding to support Naval Service and Air Corps operations under the new European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021 – 2027.
Ireland is currently involved in an European Defence Agency project named Maritime Surveillance (MARSUR) Networking - Operations Support & Development (MARSUR III). This is the third iteration of the MARSUR projects. The main objective of the EDA Maritime Surveillance programme is to further develop a Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) exchange network amongst Member States. An RMP is a picture or map that shows all vessels and activities that are present in a particular maritime area. It links to national and international data and information on vessels, the marine environment, infrastructure etc. that has been compiled from various monitoring and surveillance systems. The MARSUR Project continues to enhance, upgrade and develop the capability for participating Member States to share different levels of classified information across the network.
The MARSUR projects have assisted Member States, including Ireland, to combat drug trafficking, smuggling, illegal immigration and migration and international terrorism. Better exchange of information plays an important part in protecting maritime trade, the maritime environment and natural resources.
As a committed EU Member State, Ireland supports fully the efforts of EU Member States to improve the Union's capacity to respond to the prevailing challenging security environment, including in the area of defence.
250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the steps in hand or being taken to ensure the availability for service of all Naval Service vessels at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4191/22]
View answerThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The main day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. In relation to fisheries protection, the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. I am advised that the fleet is managed to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements.
On any given patrol day the Naval Service can carry out a number of taskings on behalf of other State agencies such as the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.
At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations around the Irish EEZ whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.
The operational patrol profile of the ships cannot be discussed in detail due to the security implications to ongoing operations, however, Naval Operations Command operate a rotating patrol schedule to maintain a constant presence in the Irish EEZ.
The White Paper on Defence sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service, including the mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class of vessels, and the replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel. The MRV, is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the Government’s intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks.
Projects for other vessel replacements , such as the replacement of the Coastal Patrol Vessels, the LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla will being considered over the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence in the context of overall capability development and funding along with the overall Equipment Development Plan process. These ships will be replaced with similar sized vessels with countermine and counter-IED capabilities. This will provide an enhanced capability for the Naval Service in meeting a broad range of ongoing requirements and contingencies, including the protection of Ireland’s vital sea lanes of communication.
Current recruitment initiatives are aimed at increasing the number of available sailors within the Naval Service in order to restore the full fleet to operational status. The recruitment and retention of technical and non-technical personnel for the Naval Service is central to the ongoing Naval Service Regeneration plan. My focus is on returning the Naval Service to its full capacity.
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the steps in hand or being taken to ensure the availability for service of all Air Corps equipment at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4192/22]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
All Air Corps aircraft and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Air Corps’ maintenance regulations, the Air Regulation Manual Part E (ARM E). The ARM E ensures that all maintenance is carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, and in adherence to industry best standards. Maintenance schedules are planned in so far as possible with a view to maximising fleet availability.
The aircraft are made available in accordance with scheduled operations and non-scheduled operations. Service Level Agreements (SLA) stipulate the amount of hours dedicated to each area, as well as the required availability. Where SLAs are not applicable to an operation, Air Corps Headquarters directs the respective Units to have aircraft available, as necessary.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects by means of a five-year rolling plan. The EDP builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
A step change in military air-based capability is being achieved through the delivery into service of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. While nominally a replacement for the Cessna, the new aircraft move capabilities considerably ahead of the previous level. The original order of three aircraft which were delivered in September 2020 was augmented on an urgent basis by an additional aircraft delivered in April 2020 to enhance fixed wing capacity to meet demands arising from Covid-19.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the strategic use of State aircraft ensured the continuity of operations, both domestically and overseas, which had been impacted by the worldwide restrictions on civilian air transport services. In 2020, the Air Corps utilised fixed wing assets to conduct over 125 military transport missions involving the movement of Defence Force personnel (incl. MEDEVAC), equipment and PPE to Defence Overseas missions with a further increase in Air Corps flights in 2021.
The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the CASA 235s with consideration to be given to their replacement with larger more capable aircraft. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was entered into with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. The cost of the contract including ancillary support is €229m inclusive of VAT. In addition to the principal role of maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection, the aircraft will also enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, search and rescue and a general utility role.
This significant investment in maritime patrol aircraft is an example which demonstrates my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the recruitment of women to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to receive attention; if the numbers responding is indicative of an awareness of the need to ensure adequate gender balance in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4193/22]
View answerIt is Government policy to increase female participation rates at all levels of the Defence Forces in order to increase capability and to better reflect the society from which the Defence Forces are drawn and serve.
As of 31 December 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 8,468 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) personnel. Of this some 598 personnel or 7% were female, broken down as follows:
- Army: 488 Female Personnel
- Air Corps: 39 Female Personnel
- Naval Service: 71 Female Personnel
In the two general service recruitment campaigns conducted in 2021, approximately 11% of the Applicants were female while the figure for cadet Applicants was approximately 15%.
In line with current policies and commitments a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force. For example:
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework, including a Female Recruitment Standing Committee reporting on initiatives for 2022, with dedicated female recruitment teams proposed. In addition, a female specific "Always on" (constant targeting of the female demographic) campaign commenced in October 2021.
- The Defence Forces actively engage with schools to conduct career talks and regularly attend events aimed at future career choices for schools.
- A Gender Equality and Diversity Officer has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are committed to gender equality and employ a gender perspective in the planning and execution of operations both at home and overseas and in all policies and regulations. Gender Advisors are available to all Brigades and Services and trained Gender Focal Points are deployed with all overseas units and ships in order to promote a gender perspective in operations.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
Over the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence, a number of projects will be progressed to ensure the development and promotion of strategies that continue to support increased female participation in the Defence Forces.
In addition, a review of recruitment practices and processes in the PDF, tasked under the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report, has additionally examined all aspects of the recruitment process, including diversity, as part of its work. I have recently approved the final report.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all branches of the Defence Forces, that is, the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps with Reserves have adequate training upgrades with a view to ensuring smooth operation in the field as and when necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4194/22]
View answerThe primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The Defence Forces conduct training under four broad categories, namely; Leadership, Skills, Career, and Collective. Leadership Training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensure that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills Training ensures that Defence Forces personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career Training, and education, provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms of the organisation against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards and engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice and employ all relevant modern training methods.
I remain committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards.
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which all seagoing and military equipment in the Naval Service is being upgraded and updated in line with requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4195/22]
View answerEquipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are 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 White Paper on Defence sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service including the mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class vessels, LÉ Róisín and LÉ Niamh, as well as the replacement of LÉ Eithne. The P50 mid-life upgrade programme is well underway, with the return to operations of LÉ Róisín and works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh.
The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi-role vessel, MRV, is an important element of the EDP and is provided for in the Government's NDP as a major capital project. It is the intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks. Following a public tender competition, Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of the MRV. This work is now underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course.
Projects for other vessel replacements and equipment for the Naval Service are being considered in the context of overall capability development and funding along with the overall EDP process.
The Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing and their report will inform decisions regarding the the future development of the Defence Forces.
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the necessary radar and other tracking equipment remains available to all branches of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4197/22]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 was completed following extensive joint civil-military work. It provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology and this is an ongoing process.
Modern secure communications are essential for the Defence Forces and in that regard Defence Force personnel are suitably equipped in a variety of roles with required communications and global positioning systems (GPS) equipment. GPS systems are used to aid navigation and as a force protection measure. They are integrated on board vehicles, vessels and aircraft control systems and embedded in communications systems used by Defence Force personnel in order to achieve a Joint Common Operating Picture.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Defence Forces operate many different types of radar systems. Existing capabilites available to the Army include radar systems such as the Giraffe Mk4 short-range air defence system and the Foxtrack X-Band ground surveillance radar. The Air Corps use surface search radar on the CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft and all aircraft are fitted with a transponder and the automatic identification system (AIS) for identification and tracking. The Naval Service use maritime surface search radar and the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) systems for surveillance and tracking.
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 for the Air Corps, will be considered.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. 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.
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which members of the Defence Forces are currently deployed overseas; the number involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4198/22]
View answerAs of 1 January 2022, Ireland is contributing 582 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 355 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 134 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS As of 1 January 2022
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQUNIFIL 119th Infantry BattalionUNIFIL Sector West HQ |
93424 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
MINUSMA (United Nations mission in MALI) |
14 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side)UNDOF 64th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
8126 |
|
TOTAL |
518 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
559 |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
8 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
3* |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative in PSC Delegation (Brussels) |
4 |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Military C-IED expert, UN Training Entebbe |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
582 |
* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs,
258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if payments in respect of troop deployment overseas have been brought up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4199/22]
View answerIn general, Overseas and Armed Peace Support allowances are paid along with the pay of the members of the Permanent Defence Force serving overseas and payment is commenced following notification from the military authorities that a member has proceeded overseas on a particular mission. Payment of the allowances is then ceased following notification of his/her return from overseas. From time to time there are variations in planned departure and return dates and, once notified by the military authorities, the relevant allowances are adjusted on the next possible pay date.
In addition, my Department is in the process of paying a number of allowances in relation to mission leave and other matters to personnel who have now returned from overseas duty. Where all necessary information is to hand these payments will be made in the coming weeks. Any remaining allowances due will be paid on receipt of the outstanding information required.
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which allegations of abuse within the Defence Forces have been fully investigated and preventative measures put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4200/22]
View answerA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is my duty of care obligation to all members of the Defence Forces. I am fully committed to ensuring that every member has the right to be treated with dignity, equality and respect to carry out their duties in a safe workplace underpinned by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.
As the Deputy is aware, this week I announced the establishment of an Independent Review to examine issues relating to unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. The Independent Review will:
- examine current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices,
- assess the pervading culture in the workplace, and on the basis of this work,
- make recommendations on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
Over the last twenty years since the 2002 publication of the External Advisory Group on the Defence Forces and the three subsequent reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), a number of reforms have been implemented for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, which are contained in policy documents and in Defence Force regulation.
The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan aims to ensure that a transparent culture exists, that encourages personnel to report inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
Despite the reforms that have taken place, current and former members of the Defence Forces have been clear that the culture that is pervading, and the application of those policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
It is of critical importance therefore that I proceed with this Review to ensure that the workplace is safe for all serving members.
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which retirements throughout the Defence Forces are due in 2022; the plans for replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4201/22]
View answer263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions to be filled in each branch of the Defence Forces; the number of new positions likely to arise over 2022; if all positions will be filled on becoming vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4204/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 263 together.
As at 31 December 2021, the following vacancies existed in the Permanent Defence Force:
|
- |
Strength |
Establishment |
Vacancies |
|
Army |
6,841 |
7,520 |
679 |
|
Air Corps |
751 |
886 |
135 |
|
Naval Service |
876 |
1,094 |
218 |
|
Total |
8,468 |
9,500 |
1,032 |
Vacancies are filled on an ongoing basis in line with promotional arrangements and, in certain cases, direct entry competitions and re-entry of ex PDF personnel. It is not possible to give a precise estimate of future vacancies as this would be influenced by a range of factors such as the timing of departures, inductions and promotions etc.
The military authorities have advised that there are 91 personnel due to retire in 2022 on age grounds, which is the only category that can be predicted with any accuracy.
A number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges and these will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity.
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which pay and conditions in the Defence Forces have been addressed or resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4202/22]
View answerThe Defence Forces are paid increases in pay and allowances in line with Public Service pay agreements.
The current public service pay agreement, ‘Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022’ provides for increases in pay and allowances to all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces. Most recently, a general round increase in annualised basic salary of 1% or €500, whichever was the greater, came into effect on 1st October 2021. In addition, fixed periodic pensionable allowances, as well as allowances in the nature of pay, were also increased by 1% on this date.
The current pay agreement also provides for further increases in 2022, namely:
- The equivalent of a 1% increase in annualised basic salaries to be used as a Sectoral Bargaining Fund, in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Agreement, on 1st February 2022.
- A general round increase in annualised basic salaries for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater on 1st October 2022. Fixed periodic pensionable allowances and allowances in the nature of pay will also be increased by 1% on this date.
In addition to general round pay increases, arising from pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Force have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019.
The Government remains fully committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. The Commission on the Defence Forces, which was established by Government, includes in its terms of reference, an examination of the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures, currently in place in the Defence Forces.
The Commission is due to submit their report shortly and I look forward to receiving this document, in due course. The recommendations will then be fully considered and will inform future decisions regarding the Defence Forces
As provided for in the Programme for Government, I will then consult with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the establishment of a permanent pay review body, reflecting the unique nature of military service in the context of the Pubic Service.
