Written Answers Nos. 235-247
237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the Defence Forces in Ireland are equipped and have sufficient upgrades to protect such vital installations as communications networks over ground or under sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49430/22]
View answerThe Naval Service and the Air Corps carry out surveillance of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and periodically patrol beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while conducting their primary day-to-day tasking of providing a fishery protection service in accordance with the State’s obligations as a member of the European Union.
Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron supports this role providing aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft which are due to be replaced in 2023 with the expected delivery of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing, this programme includes equipment upgrades along with the mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class of vessels.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland in 2023 following the completion of a programme of works. The project to procure a Multi Role Vessel for the Naval Service is also being progressed.
The Naval Service retains certain capabilities that allow for underwater search and surveying. As part of the ongoing development of capabilities, further capabilities that will enhance the Naval Service’s under-sea situational awareness, such as multi-beam echo sounder systems are also being developed.
In relation to the development of sub-sea capabilities, the Commission on the Defence Forces report considered that a step up to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2) should seek to deliver enhancement of sub-surface capabilities to monitor sub-sea cables. The report states that to achieve this would mean the Naval fleet should have enhanced air, surface and sub-surface search capabilities, with the latter allowing the Naval Service to monitor activity in the vicinity of sub-sea cables. In order to achieve these desired capability effects associated with a move to LOA2, specific recommendations made by the Commission, that were Accepted in Principle by Government when it published its High Level Action Plan, included an accelerated programme of Naval vessel replacement to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships by early in the next decade.
238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which gender respect has been promoted and any attempts at abuse, sexual or otherwise, completely ruled out in the Defence Forces; if action has been taken to ensure compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49431/22]
View answerI am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality and by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.
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 additionally 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 in recent years however, it is clear from the experiences shared by both current and former members of the Defence Forces 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.
The work of the Judge-led Independent Review Group (IRG), established by me on 25 January last, following Government approval, is examining issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, as well as workplace culture, in the Defence Forces.
In accordance with the Terms of Reference the Group will:
- Advise me on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective;
- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces and thirdly;
- Will provide recommendations and guidance 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.
This Independent Review is a necessary and critical step to fulfill my duty of care obligation to the men and women of the Defence Forces, to provide a safe work environment. The serving members of the Defence Forces, expect nothing less.
I wish to emphasise, that the work of the Independent Review Group is entirely independent in keeping with the Terms of Reference and I must allow the Group full independence and autonomy to undertake its body of work, under its Chair, Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon.
Separately, I am aware that the Military Authorities have undertaken a number of initiatives. In November 2021, the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy convened the Organisational Culture Standing Committee (OCSC) to drive and coordinate the process of cultural change within the Defence Forces. The OCSC will provide appropriate military support to the Independent Review and establish a cultural change programme, framed around the Chief of Staff’s Planning Guidance, and coordinate its implementation. The programme includes but is not limited to:
- Measures of Performance (MOPs) and Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs).
- The requirement for Cultural Audits.
- Appropriate reporting, measurement and oversight mechanisms.
The OCSC is engaging with leaders at all levels across the Defence Forces, and has the authority to engage with any Defence Forces member it deems appropriate throughout the consultation process.
The committee will engage with any relevant stakeholders and agencies as necessary, including, but not limited to, my officials in the Department of Defence, the Representative Associations, and relevant external organisations.
The Deputy will also be aware that I announced last year, interim support measures for members of the Defence Forces impacted by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
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.
In addition, 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.
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.
Finally, I wish to add also that the Terms of Reference for the Independent Review are wide-ranging and provide that Government may consider further work on receipt of the Group’s findings. I am eager for this work to be concluded. The final report which is to be presented to me at the end of the year, will be brought to Government, before being published.
239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are currently being brought up to optimum levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49432/22]
View answerAs at 31 August, 2022, the latest date such details are available, the strength of the PDF was 8,146 personnel or 86% of the current agreed strength of 9,500. This was comprised of
- Army 6,621
- Air Corps 704
- Naval Service 821
My focus is now on bringing the strength of the Defence Forces to the numbers required to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. There are a number of initiatives which are presently being implemented to counter current staffing challenges including:
- 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 including increases from recent pay agreements
The capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake the tasks assigned by Government continues to be carefully monitored to ensure they retain their capacity to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and abroad.
240. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm the contracts that her Department has with Top Security. [49262/22]
View answerMy Department has no record of a current contract with the company referred to by the Deputy.
241. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to a pupil (details supplied) given that there are a number of spare seats on the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48578/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme and was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as they did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July. Bus Éireann further advise that they have allocated tickets for all seats on existing services and as previously advised to the Deputy, have confirmed that all existing services in this area are currently operating at capacity.
At the beginning of the school year, some families may prefer to drop or collect their children from school for a period of time. This may continue on odd days throughout the school year too, based on the family circumstances.
It is recognised that all pupils issued with tickets will not travel every morning and every evening. In addition, certain after school activities may also result in pupils not travelling on certain days.
Bus Éireann organises for vehicles to be full to capacity with tickets based on applications received and based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. It is not feasible to issue additional tickets over and above the seating capacity of the vehicle which could result in a potential overload situation arising and all pupils not being carried on the service.
242. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on an application under the additional accommodation scheme for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49145/22]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school authority in question.
Officials from my Department have corresponded with the school authority and on receipt of their response the application will be progressed and a decision will issue to the school authority directly.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
243. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education if her Department has any contracts with a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49162/22]
View answerMy Department has no record of a current contract with the company referred to by the Deputy.
244. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if a matter will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in view of the extensive negotiations that have taken place between this person and her Department and the undue hardship that this is causing to this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49178/22]
View answerThe position is that officials in my Department have been in direct contact with the representative of the individual concerned in order to address outstanding issues relating to the overpayment and payment of the pension lump sum.
245. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the name, function and establishment date of all the organisations and agencies that are funded by her Department; the number of employees in each; the salary of the chief executive in each organisation and agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49182/22]
View answerThe information requested on the state agencies which are funded by my Department is included in the attached table.
The funding allocated to my Department, as set down in the annual Estimates, is used to meet costs associated with the provision of First, Second & Early Years’ Education.
In the course of its work, my Department makes a significant number of payments. Such payments include payments made to individuals and organisations by way of grants. However, my Department would not hold the details requested by the Deputy on these organisations.
246. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm a date or week for when the junior certificate results for 2022 will issue. [49214/22]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
247. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she has circulated any memos or advice, or both, to primary and secondary schools in respect of the way in which uniform and book costs can be reduced. [49215/22]
View answerAs Minister for Education, I am acutely aware of the costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school.
Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at post-primary level, determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the decisions on which textbooks, programmes and resources to use in primary and post-primary schools are taken at school level.
Policy on school uniforms is a matter for individual schools and Boards of Management.
My Department’s Circular 0032/2017, was issued to the Boards of Management of all recognised primary and post-primary schools and to the Chief Executives of the Education and Training Boards. This Circular sets out the principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of returning to school.
Under these measures, schools should select school uniform items which are generic and can be purchased from an array of retailers. Only "iron on" or "sew on" crests should be used. Additionally, schools should consider Book Rental schemes and phase out single-use workbooks.
Schools should also consult with parents as to their views on how to reduce costs.
As part of Budget 2023, I have announced new funding of €47 million for school books for all children in primary school, which will bring total investment in free school books at primary school level to over €50 million. This ground-breaking new provision will significantly reduce the burden on families. This follows the free school book pilot scheme which has operated in 102 DEIS primary schools since September 2020 and is a commitment of the Programme for Government.
The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill is currently before Dáil Éireann. When enacted, it will improve how schools engage with students and their parents by requiring each school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities, including school costs. This will help ensure that the various views of students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools.
