Written Answers Nos. 21-40
22. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the action that has been taken in view of the White Paper on Defence that the ability to effectively defend Defence Forces’ networks from cyber-attacks is an essential capability that must be retained and developed. [13197/22]
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. This is primarily to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out in the White Paper on Defence 2015. The White Paper sets out that the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific cyber activities and the resourcing of same by the Defence Forces, for both security and operational reasons.
I would note, however, that the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State in line with the Programme for Government commitment to implement the National Cyber Security Strategy, recognizing the potential and important role of the Defence Forces. The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is the home of the National Cyber Security Centre which is the primary authority responsible for cyber security in the State, including incident response, cyber resilience and information provision.
With regard to the National Cyber Security Strategy, my Department officials and members of the Defence Forces are actively involved in its implementation. This Strategy, in conjunction with the White Paper on Defence 2015, will continue to inform our engagement in this critical area. This includes work to develop an updated, detailed risk assessment of the current vulnerability of all Critical National Infrastructure and services to cyber-attacks and the secondment of a member of the Defence Forces to the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. My officials were also part of the steering group that developed a Baseline Cyber Security Standard for Government Departments and Agencies and they participate in the UK-Ireland Critical National Infrastructure Cyber Cooperation Working Group. My officials actively participate on the Inter-Departmental Committee overseeing the overall implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy.
In addition, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have a Memorandum of Understanding and a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to provide support in the area of national cyber security. The overall aim is to improve the cyber security of the State through various types of assistance and support while also ensuring the operational requirements of the Defence Forces are prioritised, including the ongoing sharing of information and analyses of risks.
25. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on recent engagements he has had with his European Union counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13469/22]
View answerAn informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence format took place by video conference on Monday 28 February. At this meeting, discussions focused on the current situation in Ukraine, following Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military invasion and the efforts already underway in terms of support to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility (EPF) Assistance Measures.
A package of €500 million in military assistance for Ukraine was agreed by EU Member States. This is split between two separate EPF assistance measures, focusing respectively on (i) supplies not designed to deliver lethal force, such as personal protective equipment, first aid kits and fuel to a total value of €50 million and (ii) a lethal assistance component, valued at €450 million. Ireland's contribution, which will be provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs, will be exclsuively towards the first measure for non-lethal assistance.
Prior to this, an Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers took place in Brest, France on 12 and 13 of January. At this meeting, a working dinner attended by representatives of NATO and the UN took place on the topic of “interferences and actions of state and non-state actors in our operational theatres”. Following a short presentation on Current Affairs a working session was held on “Safeguarding the EU’s strategic interests in contested domains: focus on outer space”.
A joint meeting of both EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Defence took place over a Working Lunch to discuss the first revision of the draft Strategic Compass text. At this session, Ministers provided their first reactions to the revised text with a view to providing guidance for further work within the Council. Ireland welcomed the progress on the Strategic Compass as set out in the revised draft and urged a continued emphasis on multilateralism and the importance of the EU-UN strategic relationship. Discussions on the Strategic Compass are continuing at official level in Brussels. EU Foreign and Defence Ministers are expected to resume their consideration of the text on 21 March in Brussels.
26. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if the Naval Service sea-going service commitment scheme is being extended in 2022; and if the criteria will be adjusted to broaden the pool of possible beneficiaries. [13517/22]
View answerA new sea-going service commitment scheme for Naval Service personnel came into effect from 1 January 2021. The Scheme was aimed at retaining experienced personnel and incentivising those personnel to undertake sea going duties.
The Scheme offers eligible participants an opportunity to receive €10,000 for a two-year sea-going service commitment, to be delivered within a 48 month reference period. This payment is in addition to existing pay and allowances, including patrol duty allowance.
As at March 2022, 103 applications have been approved for participation in the scheme. This comprises 81 Enlisted Personnel and 22 Officers.
The scheme was initially open to applications for a 12 month period. Discussions are currently taking place with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the future of the Scheme.
27. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the details of Ireland's participation and contribution to European Union defence schemes and initiatives by scheme since 2017. [13160/22]
View answerSince 2017 Ireland has engaged with a number of European Union defence-related initiatives, including the European Defence Agency, the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the EU Satellite Centre (EU SatCen), the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Peace Facility (EPF).
The European Defence Agency is an Agency of the European Union, which supports Member States to develop a range of capabilities and capability standards to support CSDP, in particular the deployment of military capabilities in support of Crisis Management Tasks, as outlined in the Treaty on European Union. Ireland’s participation in the Agency provides access to research and information on developing and maintaining professional capabilities and research that we cannot self-generate. This is important in terms of Ireland's ability to participate in UN-mandated Peacekeeping Operations. Ireland contributes, on an annual basis, to the operational budget of the EDA. The financial commitment to this budget is in accordance with EDA funding principles, based on gross national income (GNI) key. Since 2017, Ireland has contributed a total of €3.3m, this includes contributions to the operational budget and also to the capability development projects in which Ireland has or is participating.
In May 2017, the Council endorsed the modalities to establish the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD). This is a process which aims to create greater transparency by sharing Member States information on future defence policy, capability development, budgets and investment. All 27 EU Member States, including Ireland, participate and contribute to the CARD process. There is no financial requirement to Ireland’s participation in the CARD.
Ireland joined the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in 2017. The establishment of PESCO represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. Under PESCO, Member States come together in different groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations. Ireland is currently participating in one PESCO project and is an observer on a further nine projects. To date, no additional costs have been incurred through PESCO-related activities other than costs associated with attendance by Defence Forces Subject Matter Experts at PESCO project planning meetings. Ireland is currently a participant in one PESCO project and an observer on a further none projects.
Ireland has participated in The EU Satellite Centre (EU SatCen) since 2007. The EU SatCen is an Agency working for the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union under the Political Supervision of the Political and Security Committee and the Operational Direction of the High Representative, which is governed by a Council Joint Action. In the international security and defence field, it handles sensitive and classified data to support CSDP military operations and civilian missions. The Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs contribute to the budget of the EU SatCen. Since 2017, the total contribution to the budget of the SatCen by Ireland is €1.1m.
The European Defence Fund (EDF) is an industrial sectoral programme, providing funding for research and capability development, which supports the European Defence and Industrial Technology Base in delivering capabilities for Common Security Defence Policy operations. The fund is designed to foster innovation to address new security and defence challenges and allow economies of scale through greater industrial and research cooperation and enhancing the competitiveness of the EU defence industry. The EDF is funded within the Multiannual Financial Framework which itself is funded directly by the Exchequer. Member State contributions to the EU Budget (Own Resources) are currently calculated annually by the EU Commission in line with the provisions outlined in Own Resources Decision (ORD) Regulation. As Ireland’s contributions go into the general pool of revenue that funds all EU budget expenditure, including the EDF, there is no defined cost to the Exchequer for the EDF.
Ireland contributes to the funding of common costs for EU military crisis management operations through the European Peace Facility (EPF). The EPF, established in March 2021, replaced the Athena Mechanism and the African Peace Facility. Under the EPF, the Department of Defence has responsibility for the financing of common costs relating to EU military operations under the EU's common security and defence policy (CSDP). The Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for the funding of African peace support operations, previously handled by the African Peace Facility, as well as Assistance Measures in order to provide assistance to individual countries and regional or sub-regional organisations. In 2020, the European Council agreed a €5bn financial ceiling for the EPF over the seven years of the 2021-2027 MFF. Actual spending of EPF funds require separate unanimous Council Decisions for each operation or assistance measure, such as the recent examples of the EPF Assistance Measures in support of Ukraine. An annual ceiling for each of the seven years is set out in the Council Decision establishing the EPF.
In 2017, Ireland’s contribution to the common costs of EU missions and operations via the Athena mechanism was approximately €730,000, in 2018 it was approximately €1.1m, in 2019 €1m, in 2020 €1.7m and in 2021, the first year of the European Peace Facility, €2.1m. The 2021 figure of €2.1m was reduced to a spend of €1.9m in practical terms by a credit note of approximately €220,000 due to a surplus from the previous year.
Ireland’s contribution to EU Assistance Measures under the EPF is currently funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
28. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Naval Service on 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018, 31 December 2019, 31 December 2020 and 28 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13198/22]
View answerThe strength of the Naval Service from 2017 to 2020 is as follows:
|
Year |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Total WTE Strength |
1,053 |
989 |
936 |
903 |
As at 31 January 2022, the latest date for which such data is available, the strength of the Naval Service was 869 personnel.
The government has acknowledged there are ongoing challenges in the Naval Service and, in that context, a number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges and these will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity. These include:
- A Naval Service seagoing commitment scheme
- A special tax credit for seagoing Naval Service personnel
- A re-entry scheme for former personnel
- Ongoing recruitment, including direct entry competitions
- The ongoing review of the scope, and terms and conditions, of direct entry competitions to improve intakes
- Significant progress on pay within the Defence Forces arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations and increases from recent pay agreements
In additon, following consideration by a high-level civil military group, a range of recommendations on the regeneration of the Naval Service are also being progressed.
Further, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included consideration of recruitment and retention matters. The Commission’s report was published on the 9 February 2022. The next stage in the process will involve careful consideration of the recommendations and inter-departmental and stakeholder consultation. On completion of this process, I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to the Government for consideration.
29. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence if he will extend the Air Corps service commitment scheme for pilots. [13474/22]
View answerThe retention of experienced Pilot Officers in the Air Corps has been a significant challenge for the Defence Forces in recent years. Arising from the implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force, a Service Commitment Scheme was reintroduced for Air Corps pilots and came into effect in December, 2019.
The Scheme is an incentive for newly qualified pilots to remain in service after they have completed their 12-year Wings Course commitment or if recommissioned in the Permanent Defence Force, have completed their short service recommissioning and moved on to a commission without limitation as to time. The current Service Commitment Scheme has afforded eligible applicants the opportunity to commit to three, five or eight year employment terms in return for annual lump sum payments. 31 applicants have participated in the Scheme to date.
The Service Commitment Scheme was initially open to applications for 2019, 2020 and 2021. Discussions are taking place between officials in the Department of Defence and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the future of the Scheme.
30. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Defence his views on the finding by the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to the Defence Forces that the continuation of business as usual will leave Ireland unable to meet its desired level of military deployment overseas, weak on aid the civil power (ATCP) and aid to the civil authority (ATCA) capabilities and without a credible military capability to protect Ireland, its populace and its resources for any sustained period. [13273/22]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership. The report was published on the 9th February 2022.
The Commission undertook a significant body of work encompassing their wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.
The report proposes significant changes for the Defence Forces, including to Defence Forces culture, high-level command and control structures, and for the level of Defence provision in Ireland. Clearly, there are matters that will require careful consideration and in some critical aspects inter-departmental discussion and agreement. This includes the level of resourcing that may be allocated to Defence, legislative implications and the governance framework that will be required to underpin any changes the Government approve on foot of the Commission's report.
I will also be seeking the views of my Department and the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces Representative Associations will be consulted on all matters that fall within the scope of representation, relating to the implementation of any approved plan. I will also engage with key stakeholders and the Oireachtas, and I welcome the Dáil statement on the report which took place on the 16th February. I firmly believe that this is an opportunity to have a mature debate around the type of defence capabilities that we require and I am very much open to such a discussion. Current events are highlighting the importance of such a debate.
The intent is that following relevant consultation, and before the summer recess, I will to revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan. This high level plan will set out proposed timelines and oversight arrangements for its implementation.
It would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion regarding the outcome of an ongoing deliberative process, prior to completion of that process and Government approval of any proposed plan of action.
31. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the actions he intends to take to facilitate members of the Reserve Defence Forces to serve overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13223/22]
View answerHeretofore, there was no provision in the Defence Acts to allow Reserve Defence Force (RDF) personnel to be deployed overseas. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the Permanent Defence Force.
The Report of the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, published on 9 February 2022, includes proposals on the role and contribution of the RDF.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, including the future role of the Reserve Defence Force. There is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.
32. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence his views on the need to ensure the Defence Forces have the capability to patrol Irish territorial waters and airspace in particular in view of recent events in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13192/22]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence 2015 set out the defence policy framework for a ten year period and 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 (MRV). 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.
The White Paper, in addressing Air Corps capability, provided for the replacement of the Cessnas and Casa 235 fleets. The Cessnas have now been replaced by three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role providing a substantially increased capability with their state of the art surveillance technology. A further Pilatus PC-12 was also procured arising from the demands of Covid. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to replace the two Casa 235s was signed with Airbus in 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. These C295s are larger and more capable aircraft than those they replace and will enable the Air Corps to conduct maritime patrols and surveillance across Ireland's area of maritime interest, with enhanced capabilities.
The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was published on the 9th February 2022. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. There is now a process underway to consider these recommendations. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.
The Deputy will note the strong emphasis by the EU on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the current situation in Ukraine. Ireland strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a position I have repeatedly reaffirmed at the UN Security Council meetings on Ukraine and in EU meetings. I would like to assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to work with our EU partners and at the UN to shape a collective response, and has supported the adoption of a package of sanctions on Russia, some of the hardest sanctions the EU has ever imposed.
33. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence his views on and response to the recommendation in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces that an office of veteran affairs be established. [13339/22]
View answerI welcome the completion of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, and commend the Commission for its work.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, including a recommendation in the chapter on Defence Forces structures, on the establishment of an Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA). There is a process underway to consider all recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of Government consideration.
My Department formally recognises two veterans associations which represent all former personnel - Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). My Department and I engage on an ongoing basis with these associations.
A suite of services are provided by the Department of Defence to the associations. My Department has entered into service level agreements with both ONE and IUNVA, which provide for an annual grant to be paid to each to assist with their administrative overheads. As a further means of assistance, my Department has secured total funding of €500,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects. Almost €300,000 was spent in 2021 while the remainder will be used to fund further special projects in 2022.
On 3 October 2021, I officially opened ONE's new residential home which can accommodate 5 retired members of the Defence Forces, incorporating a new Veterans Support Centre in Cobh, Co. Cork. This building was refurbished with funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund. IUNVA has used funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2021 to pay for the development of a new United Nations museum at its headquarters in Mount Temple Road, Dublin 7. Other funding was used to purchase IT equipment for IUNVA posts.
Furthermore, in line with the commitment in the current Programme for Government, my Department continues to facilitate, where possible, the establishment of ONE Veterans Support Centres (VSCs) around the country. VSCs are available to all veterans to seek support and advice, not just to ONE members. On 29 November 2021, I officially opened the new building housing the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service and ONE's Veterans Support Centre at Campfield, Collins Barracks, Cork. This project was funded by my Department and replaced a temporary Veterans Support Centre in the Cork Barracks.
My Department and I continue to work closely with the recognised veterans associations.
34. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Defence his views on and response to the belief expressed by the Commission on the Defence Forces that representative bodies should be active participants in future public service pay bargaining processes. [13221/22]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, as well as a Government decision, in December 2020.
The Commission undertook a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference, and I welcomed its report on 9th February last. The Report is substantial, containing a wide range of recommendations and sub-recommendations, including touching on certain issues with regard to collective bargaining.
The report recommends significant changes to the Defence Forces and in how defence provision is managed in Ireland. Clearly these are matters that will require careful and detailed consideration, including in many aspects, inter-departmental discussion and agreement.
The Defence Forces Representative Associations will be consulted on matters that fall within the scope of representation relating to the implementation of any approved plan. I also intend to engage with other key stakeholders and the Oireachtas - this engagement includes my Dáil statement on 16th February last. When these deliberations are completed, I intend to revert to Government with a proposed action plan.
It is anticipated that this process will take at least four to five months, in order to bring a considered and comprehensive proposal back to Government, one that will address the fundamental recommendations that the Commission has made.
On the specific matter of public sector pay bargaining, national negotiations, on behalf of public servants, are conducted as part of collective pay bargaining talks.
For the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, the PDF representative associations were represented alongside other public sector trade unions and representative associations, at these negotiations which were held under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The process of negotiations for the most recent pay agreement, Building Momentum – A New Public Service Agreement 2021 – 2022 was unfortunately somewhat constrained by COVID 19.
The scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) for members of the Permanent Defence Force also provides a formal mechanism for the determination of claims and proposals from the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations, relating to remuneration and conditions of service and having regard to the provisions of public sector pay agreements.
Officials from my Department continue to work with the Representative Associations in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme to resolve issues. There is also ongoing engagement on a regular basis between the Official side and the Representative side on a range of items which are processed through C&A.
35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces and equipment available to same; if the current levels are deemed optimum; his plans to increase the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps including equipment in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13457/22]
View answer253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when the strength of Naval Service will be brought up to date in line with international requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13763/22]
View answer259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when the concerns of the recent report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to issues of morale and strength are expected to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13769/22]
View answer260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are likely to have their strength and military equipment updated in line with requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13770/22]
View answer261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the strength of operability of all branches of the Defence Forces are regularly monitored to ensure their readiness in the event of an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13771/22]
View answer262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the steps that are in hand to increase the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13772/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 253, 259, 260, 261 and 262 together.
My 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 provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
I can assure the Deputy that the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services to ensure they maintain their operational capability. As at 31st January 2022, the current strength of the Defence Forces is 8,467 comprised of 6,848 Army personnel, 750 Air Corps personnel, and 869 Naval Service personnel.
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining, the agreed strength of 9,500 and, in that context, a number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges that will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity. These include:
- Commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service
- A special tax credit for seagoing Naval Service personnel
- A re-entry scheme for former personnel
- Ongoing recruitment, including direct entry competitions
- The ongoing review of the scope, and terms and conditions, of direct entry competitions to improve intakes
- Significant progress on pay within the Defence Forces arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations and increases from recent pay agreements
In addition, following consideration by a high-level civil military group, a range of recommendations on the regeneration of the Naval Service are also being progressed.
Further, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, staffing and morale. The commission’s report was published on 9 February 2022. The next stage in the process will involve careful consideration of the recommendations and inter-departmental consultation. Once all recommendations have been carefully considered and an approach discussed, I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to Government for consideration. It is envisaged that this process will take at least four to five months.
36. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the capital investment that is being made in the Naval Service in 2022; and the plans that are in place to strengthen the naval fleet. [13199/22]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure the operational capacity 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. Further additions to the equipment development plan are under consideration.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the national development plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. Within that capital allocation, the defence annual capital budget for 2022 is €141 million. Over recent years the capital budget has also been augmented through the reallocation of a pay underspend within the Defence Vote.
Among the major Naval Service capital projects set to be prioritised over the coming years are:-
- the ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, including radar and other equipment upgrades, replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches, the mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel and the replacement of the older ships, LÉ Eithne, LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla that have been in service since the mid-1980's.
- upgrade to accommodation facilities in various military locations including the Naval Base, Haulbowline.
The Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompassed the identification of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing and their report, will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces. The Commission's recommendations are currently being considered.
37. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the status and readiness of the Air Corps. [13335/22]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
Priorities for the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development, infrastructure and equipment planning processes and are also now being considered in the context of the recently published Commission on the Defence Forces report.
The Air Corps operate a fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft which provide military support to the Army and Naval Service, together with support for non-military air services such as Garda Air Support Unit, air ambulance, fisheries protection and the Ministerial Air Transport Service.
The Air Corps has an existing fleet of eight (8) Pilatus PC-9 training aircraft, four (4) Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, two (2) CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft, two (2) EC 135 and six (6) AW 139 helicopters which deliver Defence Forces support and other support capabilities as required. The Air Corps also operates one (1) Lear LR45 aircraft which is used primarily in the provision of the Ministerial Air Transport Service.
In addition to the training and operational aircraft outlined above, the Air Corps operates one (1) Britten Norman Defender fixed wing aircraft and two (2) EC135 helicopters for An Garda Síochána.
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.
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.
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.
38. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the status of discussions with a group (details supplied). [13410/22]
View answerMy Department and I have engaged extensively in recent months with the Women of Honour Group and with other stakeholders, including both serving and former members of the Defence Forces, the Representative Associations, PDFORRA, RACO and RDFRA and with a second group representing former members, the Men and Women of Honour Group, on the establishment of an Independent Review to examine issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces as well as the workplace culture.
The most recent engagement with stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group, took place on Tuesday 25 January last, where I provided an update to stakeholders on the Government decision to proceed with the Independent Review. This was the seventh meeting at senior level that has been held with the Women of Honour Group since last September, three of which I personally attended.
Current and former members of the Defence Forces have welcomed the Review and whilst I acknowledge the disappointment expressed by the Women of Honour group, who have been seeking a Tribunal of Inquiry, I am strongly aware that the current systems, policies and procesures as well as the pervading workplace culture, have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
There is a critical need therefore, for immediate action to ensure that serving members of the Defence Forces can undertake their duties in a workplace underpinned by dignity and equality and where there is a zero-tolerance for unacceptable behaviour.
The Independent Review Group, which has commenced its work under the Chair of Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, has been tasked to provide me with an interim report within 6 months and a final report within 12 months, which I will be bringing to Government.
Since the establishment of the Review Group, I understand that some stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group, and the Men and Women of Honour Group have also met with the Taoiseach and President.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that the information provided from former members, including Women of Honour, regarding incidents of a historical nature together with information from current serving members have been taken very seriously and are not being ignored. Both the Taoiseach and I have confirmed that we are not ruling out a further body of work in the future, but recognise the need to allow the Independent Review Group to do its work as a critical and necessary first step.
The Terms of Reference which are published on gov.ie website provide that submissions can be made to the Review Group and that both serving and former members of the Defence Forces can engage with the Group and share their experiences. I sincerely hope that all stakeholders and serving members will engage with the Independent Review Group, as their contribution will be critically important in taking this work forward.
40. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered the potential role the Irish Defence Forces might have in peace-keeping measures that might arise given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13365/22]
View answerIrelands commitment to 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).
As of 1 March 2022, Ireland is contributing 569 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
Ireland takes its obligations under the United Nations Charter very seriously. We have a strong tradition through the years of principled engagement on development, humanitarian assistance, disarmament, human rights and peacekeeping.
Requests in relation to participation in new missions overseas are considered on a case-by-case basis. Any request received by Ireland to participate in a new UN or CSDP peacekeeping mission associated with the conflict in Ukraine would be given careful consideration.
Ireland’s participation in overseas peacekeeping missions is subject to the “Triple Lock” requirements of a UN Mandate and Government and Dáil approval, as appropriate, in accordance with the Defence Acts.
