Paul Murphy
Question:481. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 356 of 25 October 2022, the locations within Brussels and Ramstein that those meetings took place. [54675/22]
View answerUkraine War
Questions (481)
Written answers
Ireland has been represented at three in-person meetings of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group following receipt of an invitation to join.
Two of those meetings took place in NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium and the other at the Ramstein Air Base, in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Defence Forces
Questions (482, 483)
Duncan Smith
Question:482. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number, name and location of former military barracks still in State ownership; the amount of land in each of these barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54710/22]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:483. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number, name and location of current military barracks in use by the State; the amount of land in each of these barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54711/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 482 and 483 together.
The table below sets out current and former military barracks owned or administered by the Department of Defence.
|
Property |
Location |
Area (Hectares)* |
Current / Former |
|
Knockalisheen Camp |
Clare |
51.24 |
Former |
|
Collins Barracks |
Cork |
24.22 |
Current |
|
Kilworth Camp and Range |
Cork |
1,377.55 |
Current |
|
Old Barracks Fermoy |
Cork |
4.23 |
Former |
|
Fitzgerald Camp |
Cork |
0.40 |
Former |
|
Fort Davis, Whitegate |
Cork |
22.04 |
Current |
|
Fort Templebreedy, Crosshaven |
Cork |
14.97 |
Former |
|
Finner Camp, Bundoren |
Donegal |
337.01 |
Current |
|
Casement Aerodrome |
Dublin |
276.93 |
Current |
|
Cathal Brugha Barracks |
Dublin |
18.62 |
Current |
|
McKee Barracks |
Dublin |
18.21 |
Current |
|
Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa |
Galway |
29.95 |
Current |
|
Ballymullen Barracks |
Kerry |
6.07 |
Former |
|
Fort Shannon |
Kerry |
0.81 |
Former |
|
Curragh Camp (DFTC) and Lands |
Kildare |
1,968.12 |
Current |
|
Stephen's Barracks |
Kilkenny |
5.67 |
Current |
|
Sarsfield Barracks |
Limerick |
5.99 |
Current |
|
Aiken Barracks |
Louth |
7.28 |
Current |
|
Gormanston Camp |
Meath |
105.82 |
Current |
|
Birr Barracks |
Offaly |
1.98 |
Former |
|
Boyle Barracks |
Roscommon |
0.20 |
Former |
|
Nenagh Barracks |
Tipperary |
1.2 |
Former |
|
Waterford Barracks |
Waterford |
0.28 |
Former |
|
Columb Barracks |
Westmeath |
9.61 |
Former |
|
Custume Barracks |
Westmeath |
5.26 |
Current |
|
Kilbride Camp |
Wicklow |
636.98 |
Current |
|
Coolmoney Camp |
Wicklow |
97.53 |
Current |
* Hectares stated are approximate.
Other barracks which were surplus to military requirements have been disposed of by way of public auction or private treaty, some to other public bodies. The Department is not in a position to attest to the current ownership or usage of said properties.
Question No. 483 answered with Question No. 482.
Question No. 484 answered with Question No. 468.
Question No. 485 answered with Question No. 468.
Question No. 486 answered with Question No. 468.
Defence Forces
Questions (487)
Sorca Clarke
Question:487. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the engagement he has had with Department officials and Defence Force personnel regarding the 325 personnel who purchased their discharge from the defence forces to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54720/22]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that I have ongoing engagement with civil and military management on all matters affecting the Defence Forces, including staffing matters.
The military authorities have advised that, as at 30 September 2022, 243 Defence Force personnel had discharged by purchase. The Government has previously acknowledged the recruitment and retention difficulties in the Defence Forces which are presenting ongoing challenges. This is particularly the case for specialist positions as the current competitive jobs market is proving challenging for all sectors. The high standard of training provided to Defence Forces personnel makes them ever more attractive to private sector employers.
My focus is 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.
Defence Forces
Questions (488)
Sorca Clarke
Question:488. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the engagement that his Department has had with PDFORRA and RACO regarding their efforts to seek clarification on the mandatory retirement age in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54721/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Permanent Defence Force was not included in the review in relation to the retirement ages of Public Servants by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform carried out in 2017. It was agreed then with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that the retirement age for members of the uniformed fast accrual group, which included members of the Permanent Defence Force along with the Garda, Firefighters and Prison Officers, was best dealt with at sectoral level. The detailed policy, operational and manpower issues relevant to these groups could be appropriately considered at that level.
Accordingly, the members of the uniformed fast accrual group, who are currently required to retire early due to the nature of their work, were not covered by the increase in compulsory retirement age from 65 to 70 for Public Servants recruited before 1 April 2004.
A Project arising from the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) report on recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force was undertaken to examine the contracts of service and mandatory retirement ages for enlisted personnel.
In December 2021, agreement was secured with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which will allow for an extension in service limits for all Privates and Corporals to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
Interim arrangements have also recently been secured, following further discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which will allow for Sergeants recruited after January 1st 1994, who are or would reach 50 years of age by the end of 2024, to continue to serve for a further two years to the end of 2024, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
Other recommendations will be considered in the forum of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform-established Inter-Departmental Working Group, which is considering mandatory retirement ages for all public service groups with fast accrual pension arrangements.
A claim to increase the mandatory retirement age for all Officers was received from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) under the Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The Deputy will appreciate that as discussions under the C&A Scheme are confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the matter at this time.
Correspondences outside of Conciliation Council has been received from the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) within the C&A Scheme, in relation to the mandatory retirement ages of Enlisted Personnel, which the Department of Defence has also engaged with.
Defence Forces
Questions (489)
Pauline Tully
Question:489. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Defence the membership of the independent review group to examine the effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces; if new members have been appointed to this group since it was first established; the details as to the process for appointing these new members in an open and transparent manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54734/22]
View answerWritten answers
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.
I can assure the Deputy that the process I have undertaken for appointing the members of the Group has been entirely transparent with due regard to members' level of expertise and independence.
I determined that the Chairperson of the 3-person Group would be a former High Court Judge with relevant experience. I also decided that at least one of the members should be someone with extensive legal expertise. With regard to these 2 appointments, I consulted with the Attorney General who provided me with nominees, which I subsequently approved.
In the same vein, I also approved the membership of Jane Williams, having regard to her extensive experience in HR matters including in particular, as a former member of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Current membership of the Group , as approved by me therefore, is as follows:
Chair: Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon (Retired High Court Judge)
Member: Ms Jane Williams, HR Specialist and former member of the Commission on the Defence Forces
Member: Mr Don Hegarty, HR Specialist. Following receipt of a proposal from the Independent Review Group for a 4th member of the Group, I approved the nomination from the Chair of the Independent Review Group of Mr. Don Hegarty, on the basis of his extensive HR experience.
Member: Mr Simon Boyle SC (replaced Mr Mark Connaughton SC in August 2022). Mr. Boyle was nominated by the Attorney General's Office for my consideration and approval.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Group are due to submit a final report to me before the end of the year. This report will be brought to Government before being published. As I have already stated, I am particularly keen for this body of work to conclude.
Defence Forces
Questions (490)
Gino Kenny
Question:490. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on his visit to Irish troops in UNIFIL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54795/22]
View answerWritten answers
On 27 October, I travelled to Camp Shamrock (UNP 2-45) to meet with and preside at the medal parade for members of the 120th Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces, who are currently deployed in UNIFIL alongside members of the Polish, Hungarian and Maltese Armed Forces, which make up the multinational IrishPolBatt contingent in UNIFIL.
I delivered an address to the troops in which I thanked them on behalf of the Government for the invaluable work that they are doing in south Lebanon. I also had the opportunity to spend time with and engage directly with members of IrishPolBatt.
As Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, it is always a great honour and privilege to visit Irish Defence Forces' personnel serving overseas and have the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable work they are doing in the pursuit of peace.
In addition to the visit to Camp Shamrock, my itinerary included a wreath-laying ceremony at Tibnin Bridge to mark the 40th anniversary of the deaths of Corporal Gregory Morrow, Private James Murphy and Private Peter Burke. This was a fitting and appropriate tribute to these three soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the cause of peace in Lebanon.
Because of his unavailability at short notice, a scheduled office call with the UNIFIL Force Commander, Major General Lázaro Sáenz did not take place.
I was accompanied on my visit by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt General Sean Clancy.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the Officer Commanding 120th Infantry Battalion and to all the Irish personnel in Lebanon for the extremely warm welcome afforded to me during the visit.
Defence Forces
Questions (491)
Gino Kenny
Question:491. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will expand on his comments where he spoke about greater involvement by Irish companies in the global military industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54796/22]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that the question relates to remarks included in a recent media article, following a recent information and networking event at the Aviva Stadium hosted by my Department and the Defence Forces. That event provided opportunities for Irish Industry and research institutions interested in collaborating on security, defence and dual use technology projects.
While I have spoken recently about the potential role for Irish Industry and researchers working on individual projects or collaborating in security, defence and dual use technologies, at no point did I refer to the “greater involvement by Irish companies in the global military industry”.
Indeed, at the recent information and networking event, I specifically said that “Ireland does not have a defence industry like other European member states, and it is unlikely that we will ever have one”. I also expressed my support for the development of “defence innovation in Europe and strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) in response to rapid developments of new and disruptive technologies as an essential geostrategic factor in shaping an international security environment.”
I also said in the Dáil, in relation to the likelihood of the Defence Forces participation in Chapter VII missions, that “we need to see this as a challenge that we can only respond to over a number of years. That means investing more in defence and being unapologetic and transparent about what that means, rather than pretending that somehow a neutral country does not have to invest in defence”.
The information and networking event at which I spoke was in support of Irish companies, especially SMEs, and Irish research institutions who are engaged in the development of technologies that enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces and keep them safe, whether they are on missions and operations overseas or undertaking their range of duties at home in Ireland. These companies and research projects also create high-level employment across Ireland and export cutting edge technology around the world.
Ukraine War
Questions (492)
Gino Kenny
Question:492. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will detail Irish participation in an EU training exercise for the Ukrainian military; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54797/22]
View answerWritten answers
On 17 October, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted a Council Decision establishing and launching an EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The Mission will provide specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinate existing Member State training activities. The mission has been developed within the framework of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
The objective of this assistance mission is to train Ukrainian soldiers on EU soil to respond to the urgent short-term needs expressed by Ukraine and to aid Ukraine in exercising its inherent right of self-defence against Russian aggression in defence of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
While it has always been and remains a matter for each Member State to decide whether or not to participate in any given military or civilian CSDP mission or operation, I have supported the establishment of this mission and Defence Forces' participation in it. Already, Ireland has been invited to fill a senior staff position in the mission’s Operational Headquarters, which will operate within the EU’s Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels. My officials and the Defence Forces are also engaged with Ukraine to assess how best to respond to a specific request from the Ukrainian Prime Minister for support in the area of demining.
Foreign Policy
Questions (493)
Gino Kenny
Question:493. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline Ireland’s relationship with NATO under the NATO-PfP; the funding that Ireland has supplied under the NATO-PfP to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54798/22]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s relations with NATO are set within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and Partnership for Peace (PfP), including its Planning and Review Process (PARP). Ireland joined EAPC and Partnership for Peace (PfP) on 1 December 1999.
The primary aim of Ireland's PfP participation is to enhance the Defence Forces’ interoperability with other professional military forces for the purpose of engaging in UN authorised peacekeeping and peace support operations led by the UN, EU or NATO. Participation in PfP is fundamental to Ireland being able to meet its obligations in providing professional peacekeepers for international crisis management and peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN. Membership of PfP has allowed the Defence Forces to gain access to NATO standards which are internationally recognised as representing best practice for the development of military capabilities.
PfP is a voluntary and cooperative framework between NATO and individual non-members of NATO and as such there is no funding obligations arising from Ireland’s involvement. In order to manage our partnership with NATO, Ireland maintains an office in a NATO building in Brussels, the rental and maintenance costs of which are directly payable to NATO.
Separately, the Department of Foreign Affairs has made a number of voluntary contributions to NATO Trust Funds which provide capacity-building support to partners including Jordan, Georgia, Tunisia, Serbia and Moldova, as well as other UN Troop Contributing Countries. Ireland has provided this support where the activities supported by the Trust Fund align with Ireland’s foreign and security policy. Other associated costs made by the Department of Defence relate to the Defence Forces attendance at NATO Training centres, secure communication costs and our engagement in the NATO Cyber Defence of Excellence Centre in Tallin.
Foreign Policy
Questions (494)
Catherine Connolly
Question:494. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence when and by whom the decision was made to affirm Ireland's participation in the EU military assistance mission; the number of Irish personnel to be provided; the capacity in which; the duration of their participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54932/22]
View answerWritten answers
On 17 October, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted a Council Decision establishing and launching an EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The Mission will provide specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinate existing Member State training activities. The mission has been developed within the framework of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
The objective of this assistance mission is to train Ukrainian soldiers on EU soil to respond to the urgent short-term needs expressed by Ukraine and to aid Ukraine in exercising its inherent right of self-defence against Russian aggression in defence of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
While it has always been and remains a matter for each Member State to decide whether or not to participate in any given military or civilian CSDP mission or operation, I have supported the establishment of this mission and Defence Forces' participation in it. Already, Ireland has been invited to fill a senior staff position in the mission’s Operational Headquarters, which will operate within the EU’s Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) in Brussels. My officials and the Defence Forces are also engaged with Ukraine to assess how best to respond to a specific request from the Ukrainian Prime Minister for support in the area of demining.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (495)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:495. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the type of non-clinical assistance and administrative supports offered by location, cost and duration to nursing homes and other residential care settings during the first outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020; if any of these costs were subsequently recovered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54985/22]
View answerWritten answers
In supporting the national effort in countering COVID-19, the Defence Forces provided a range of non-clinical and administrative supports in a number of residential care home facilities at the request of the HSE. All requests for assistance from the HSE were managed centrally by HSE Head Office who liaised directly with the Defence Forces Joint Task Force established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response.
The Defence Forces provided assistance to the HSE/National Ambulance Service (NAS) in the conduct of COVID-19 testing at some residential care facilities in the east of the country as members of joint testing teams. In total, the Defence Forces expended over 3700 work days in 2020 on COVID testing duties across all settings, including residential care facilities.
The Defence Forces also provided assistance to HSE West in the distribution of PPE to residential care facilities in the west of the country to alleviate supply and delivery problems, involving 84 work days in 2020.
I am further advised by the Military authorities that the Defence Forces provided catering support to a community nursing unit in Co Offaly which involved the assignment of 2 Defence Forces personnel for 4 days in November 2020.
All Covid-19 related expenditure was met from within the overall Defence Vote (Vote 36) allocation for 2020 and there was no requirement to cover these costs.
Departmental Properties
Questions (496, 497, 498)
Joe Flaherty
Question:496. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Defence the number of army reserve training centres, excluding military barracks or military camps, that are currently owned or leased by his Department. [55099/22]
View answerJoe Flaherty
Question:497. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Defence the number of army reserve training centres, excluding military barracks or military camps, that are staffed; and the normal office hours of each centre. [55100/22]
View answerJoe Flaherty
Question:498. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Defence the number of army reserve training centres, excluding military barracks or military camps, that are being used to deliver training for army reservists. [55101/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 498, inclusive, together.
The Military Authorities have confirmed to me that there are 15 such premises, at various locations throughout the State, that are used for weekly training by the Reserve Defence Forces.
The premises have a permanent staffing cohort, maintaining normal working hours of 0900hrs to 1630hrs, Monday to Friday. In addition, these locations are in use at weekends to facilitate Reserve field training days and for one weekday night each week, for what are termed as ‘Parade Nights’ for Reservists.
8 of these premises are currently owned by the Department of Defence, with the remainder under lease.
Question No. 497 answered with Question No. 496.
Question No. 498 answered with Question No. 496.