Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to introduce or amend relevant legislation to allow Ireland to send the Defence Forces overseas on protection missions (details supplied). [5222/23]
View answerThe Defence Acts set out the conditions under which Permanent Defence Force personnel may be deployed overseas.
My Department will soon commence work on a Strategic Defence Review, which will provide an opportunity to review all aspects of defence policy, including the conditions under which Defence Forces' personnel are deployed overseas. Arising from the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a significant overhaul of the Defence Acts will be required. This will provide an opportunity to modernise the legislation in a range of areas, including, if considered appropriate, in relation to the legal requirements for overseas deployments.
In the context of the legislative changes that will be necessary, my officials will engage with the Office of the Attorney General.
42. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the specific additional equipment for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps that he expects to acquire during 2023; the capital allocated to these acquisitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5152/23]
View answerA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
Capability priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered as part of the capability development planning processes which include both a five-year Equipment Development Plan and a Built Infrastructure Programme.
The Equipment Development Plan recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process. There are a number of defensive equipment acquisition and upgrade projects that are well underway and which will continue to be delivered during 2023. These include the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles and the programme is due to be completed this year. Furthermore, earlier this month saw the completion of the delivery of an additional 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles for the Army, while the roll out of thermal imaging systems to the Cavalry Corps is ongoing with a similar deployment to the Infantry Corps due in 2023.
In relation to air-based capability, the programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Air Corps is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected later this year. These larger more capable aircraft will replace the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft which will enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. An order was placed for a C295W Military Transport Aircraft which will be delivered in 2025.
In relation to the Naval Service, two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government and it is expected that these vessels will be transported to Ireland by mid-2023 following the completion of a programme of works. Meanwhile, a further priority for 2023 is to make further progress with the new Multi Role Vessel (MRV) project. Marine advisors have been appointed to support this procurement project, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Meanwhile, the programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Niamh is ongoing.
Following the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, which included a wide range of recommendations in relation to capabilities and funding, the Government approved a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission. This will result in the Defence budget rising to €1.5 billion, at January 2022 prices, by 2028. This represents the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State and will allow for significant increased investment in capability development over the coming years. The budget for 2023 includes an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence and provides an almost 25% increase in Capital funding. This is a demonstration of the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security challenges.
Finally, allied to this, a key recommendation made by the Commission called for the immediate establishment of a top-down capability development planning process through the creation of a new permanent civil-military structure. This recommendation was accepted by Government last July. Since then, significant work to establish a new permanent civil-military Branch within my Department has been undertaken and the new Branch is now being established and will commence capability development work this year.
43. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress that has been made to date on the strategic defence review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5161/23]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence Published in 2015 set out the Government intention to put in place a new fixed cycle of defence reviews. Such reviews are common practice internationally and give reassurance that policy remains up to date and relevant to changing future circumstances.
The White Paper set out that every three years there will be a White Paper update that would consider progress made up to that time and consider any revisions required with each alternate three-year review in the cycle being more comprehensive in nature and to be styled a Strategic Defence Review. This new review process will also inform strategy statement preparation.
The first of these reviews, the White Paper Update was published in 2019. The second of these reviews, the Strategic Defence Review stage, was due to commence in 2021. With the establishment of the independent Commission on the Defence Forces by Government in December 2020, a decision was taken to pause commencing the Strategic Defence Review until the Commission on the Defence Forces had completed their report and Government had been given time to consider the report.
Following detailed consideration of the Commission Report the Minister for Defence brought to Government a High Level Action Plan and a Memo for Government which were approved on July 12th last year. Part of the High Level Action Plan was the progression of a number of early actions one of these being the commencement of the Strategic Defence Review.
The essential ingredients of the White Paper defence review process is to ensure an updated security assessment and a fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing.
The first stage of this review will be a security environment analysis to be conducted by an interdepartmental working group which is due to commence shortly.
44. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he or other Ministers have sought or looked for legal advice in relation to Ireland's participation in EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5134/23]
View answerPrior to Ireland's first participation in an EU Battlegroup, the legal, operational and other issues surrounding participation in battlegroups were considered by an interdepartmental working group established by the then Minister for Defence.
This interdepartmental group included representatives of the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces.
A report produced by this working group was considered by the Cabinet Committee on European Affairs and, informally, by the Government at the time. Following this report, the Minister for Defence decided to introduce legislation to amend the Defence Acts which was ultimately reflected in the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006.
In the intervening years, the Department of Defence has taken legal advice as necessary in relation to such issues as Memoranda of Understanding, Framework Arrangements and other aspects relating to Ireland's participation in EU Battlegroups.
45. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when he expects to receive the final report of the independent review into dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4740/23]
View answer46. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has received the final judge-led report into the allegations made by a group (details supplied); and when he will publish this report. [4695/23]
View answer61. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 34 of 24 November 2022, the status of the final report of the independent review to examine the effectiveness of the policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Defence Forces, which was to be provided to him by the end of 2022 in line with the terms of reference; when he expects to bring the final report before Government; when he expects to publish the final report; his plans for the publication of all interim reports received by him from the review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4833/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 46 and 61 together.
I 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. That is an absolute priority.
The Judge-led Independent Review Group, established last January by Government , is examining the systems, policies and procedures for dealing with issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces as well as the prevailing workplace culture.
I wish to commend the courage of serving members, the Women of Honour group, the Men and Women of Honour group, and serving members who have shared their experiences of unacceptable behaviour in the Defence Forces. It was clear that there was a very critical and immediate need to address the prevailing work culture, including issues relating to the current systems, policies and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour in the Defence Forces.
The primary objective of all concerned, at the outset, was to acknowledge issues in the current workplace and to establish a course of action that would address that. The Independent Review Group has undertaken this work in the past 12 months. Many stakeholders, including serving members, have lent their support to the Independent Review Group.
In accordance with the Terms of Reference, the Group are provide a Final Report with their findings to me within a year of the Group's establishment. I understand the Group are nearing the conclusion on the report and it will be submitted to me by the end of this week.
I look forward to receiving the Report which I will consider in full, in consultation with the Attorney General, before bringing it to Government, and its publication.
Both I and the previous Minister, have at all times been very clear that we would await this comprehensive report and that any further body of work required was not being ruled out.
It is imperative that the workplace culture is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces. This Report will help us in this endeavour.
47. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently serving on the UNIFIL mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4700/23]
View answer71. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel current serving on United Nations missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4737/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 71 together.
As of 1 January 2023, Ireland is contributing 556 personnel to 7 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 349 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 137 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.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 17 May 2022 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12-month period. The Irish contingent serves as part of a joint Ireland/Poland Battalion, with smaller numbers of additional personnel provided by both Hungary and Malta.
Ireland acts as lead Nation providing the battalion commanding officer and the larger troop and logistics contribution to the joint Battalion.
The Irish Battalion is based in Sector West of UNIFIL’s area of operations, with its primary base at Bint Jbeil in the vicinity of At Tiri in southern Lebanon. Two forward observation posts manned by the contingent are located on the ‘Blue Line’, which separates Lebanon and Israel. The Battalion conducts operational tasks on a daily basis, which include the provision of security, vehicle and foot patrols, checkpoints, establishing and occupying temporary observation posts and liaison/engagement with local leaders. In addition, joint operations are conducted with units of the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed in the UNIFIL area of operations.
During my recent meetings with both the Lebanese Minister for Defence, Maurice Sleem and Foreign Affairs & Emigrants, Dr Abdullah Bou Habib, I assured both Ministers that Ireland remains committed to continuing its support for Lebanon.
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) HQ UNIFIL 121st Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
9 336 4 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
12 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) UNDOF 66th Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
6 131 |
|
TOTAL |
498 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
14 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
12 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
532 |
|
|
|
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
9 |
|
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 |
556 |
|
* 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, Department of Peace Operations |
49. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has ordered any reviews into training procedures and gender discrimination in the Defence Forces since becoming Minister; the number of reviews ongoing presently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5227/23]
View answerI would like confirm to the Deputy that the the Workplace Relations Commission recommendations on anti-discrimination law arising from a decision in December 2020 are currently being implemented by the Military Authorities.
As part of this body of work a report from a Defence Forces Working Group, comprising membership from the Defence Forces HR, Legal and Training & Education HQ Branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces Formations, was completed in Q4 2021 and is being taken forward with the support of my Department, with a view to ensuring that all training programmes, materials and associated documents for Defence Forces personnel as well as Defence Force Regulations are fully aligned, and compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.
A key element of this exercise which is currently very well advanced, has been in the area of maternity and protected leave, including in the context of safety, health and welfare, as well as performance appraisals and promotions.
The Terms of Reference for the Judge-led Independent Review Group into dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces, established in January 2022, additionally includes an assessment of the effectiveness of training syllabi and awareness programmes for all ranks within the Defence Forces.
The Final Report from the Group is expected to be submitted to me later this week, I will be considering this Report in full, in consultation with the Attorney General, before bringing it to Government and its publication.
50. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the implications of the ongoing war in Ukraine for Ireland’s security and defence. [5216/23]
View answerThe invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 has fundamentally changed the security and defence landscape in Europe. This is reflected in a significant increase in investment in defence expenditure across Europe as well as the decision by Finland and Sweden to join NATO, which reduces further the number of non-NATO members in the European Union.
Shortly after the invasion, EU Leaders adopted the Strategic Compass, which is aimed at ensuring that the EU becomes a stronger and more capable actor in security and defence, both to protect the security of its citizens and to act in crisis situations that affect the EU’s values and interests.
In effect, Member States agreed on a common strategic vision for the EU’s role in security and defence and committed to a set of concrete and wide-ranging objectives to achieve these goals in the coming 5-10 years.
The Strategic Compass specifies clear targets and milestones in four work strands - act, secure, partner and invest. The first anniversary of the Strategic Compass is approaching and EU Foreign and Defence Ministers will meet in March to discuss the significant progress made to date in its implementation.
On the 12th July 2022, and against the backdrop of developments in Ukraine, Government approval was given for a move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces (which had been published on 9 February 2022). This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel (civil and military) over and above the current establishment of 9,500.
Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, Ireland has been and remains resolute in solidarity with and support for Ukraine, continuing to provide strong political and practical support for Ukraine.
In terms of external engagement, Ireland has been very supportive of the military assistance provided to the Ukrainian Armed Forces under the European Peace Facility. It is clear that the EU will need to stay the course in terms of the provision of such assistance well into the future. With the approval of the seventh tranche of financial support to Ukraine, Ireland’s total contribution to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility will reach approximately €77 million.
Given Ireland’s steadfast support for Ukraine, we regard the establishment of an EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine is an important signal of that unity and unwavering EU support and solidarity with Ukraine. From the outset, Ireland was a strong supporter of the establishment of the mission and we look forward to participation in it.
The White Paper on Defence published in 2015 set out the Government's intention to put in place a new fixed cycle of defence reviews. Such reviews are common practice internationally and give reassurance that policy remains up to date and relevant to changing future circumstances.
My Department will soon commence work on a Strategic Defence Review, which will provide an opportunity to review all aspects of defence policy. The essential ingredients of the defence reviews process are to ensure an updated security assessment and a fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing.
As well as encompassing the Government agreed recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces, the future role of the Defence Forces both nationally and internationally will also be considered within the Strategic Defence Review.
The first stage of this review will be security environment analysis to be conducted by an interdepartmental working group which is due to commence shortly.
51. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the rationale for Ireland's participation in EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5170/23]
View answerBattlegroups are a key component of the capabilities that the EU can make available in support of UN-authorised crisis management operations. Within the EU Battlegroup concept, the purpose of the Battlegroup, as a rapid response capability, includes the role of acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace support operation which is running into difficulties, and to respond to humanitarian crises.
Ireland has previously participated in the Nordic Battlegroups in 2008, 2011 and 2015, the Austro/German led EU Battlegroup 2012, the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2016, the UK led EU Battlegroup in 2016 and the German led Battlegroup in 2020. To date no Battlegroup has ever been deployed.
Ireland’s full engagement in EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and in Battlegroups significantly enhances our capacity to influence the development of CSDP and of the Battlegroup concept. Participation also demonstrates Ireland’s continuing commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union.
The Defence Forces participation in EU Battlegroups also supports Ireland’s efforts in securing partners for UN blue hat operations due to the close civil and military relationships built through our participation.
Experience has shown that Ireland’s previous participation in EU Battlegroups has enhanced the Defence Forces’ ability to work with other nations in a multinational environment and has served to enhance the Defence Forces reputation as a provider of a credible military capability for CSDP peacekeeping operations under UN mandates.
The Government has recently approved Ireland's participation in the next German-led EU Battlegroup, 2025, which will involve a two-year commitment from 1 January 2024. The decision to participate in an EU Battlegroup does not presume any further decision in relation to participation in an actual Battlegroup operation. Any such decision is subject to national decision-making procedures which, in Ireland’s case, means the “triple lock” of a UN Mandate and Dáil and Government approval.
52. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how European defence policy has evolved since the start of the war in Ukraine. [5217/23]
View answerSince the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, Ireland has been and remains resolute in solidarity with and support for Ukraine. Ireland continues to provide strong political and practical support for Ukraine and we continue to assert Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
At European level, significant time and effort over the past number of years has been invested in the development of the Strategic Compass, culminating in its approval in March of last year - shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
This Strategic Compass sets out an analysis of the strategic environment and, in particular, the security and defence challenges faced by the EU, including emerging threats, the increasingly contested multi-polar world and the strategic implications for the EU and will help guide the way towards realising an ambitious plan of action for strengthening the EU's security and defence policy by 2030. Member States have and continue to work on the implementation of the Strategic Compass, taking into account the additional challenges faced as a consequence of Russia's actions.
In light of the war in Ukraine, the European Peace Facility has been used to provide significant support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The seventh tranche of EPF funding was recently agreed, which will increase Ireland's commitment to €77 million. Ireland's contributions through this facility are routed exclusively to the provision of non-lethal support.
At its core, defence remains a national competence, something borne out by the differing responses and actions taken by EU Member States in the aftermath of the invasion. From decisions on defence investment and orientation taken across the Union to the choices made by Sweden and Finland in applying for NATO membership, Member States have assessed and taken action in ways which best fit their national needs.
54. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the properties that have been identified to accommodate Ukrainians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5020/23]
View answerAs part of the whole of Government response to the Ukrainian situation, the following military installations have been made available for accommodation needs:
- Kilbride Camp, Wicklow,
- Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee,
- Former Columb Barracks, Mullingar.
Previously a facility was made available at the request of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth at the Gormanston training facility, Co. Meath. This facility has been stood down.
It is in the first instance a matter for that Department to satisfy itself as to the suitability of properties made available to it and to ensure that the local communities in these areas are engaged with.
56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will review the structures and organisation of the Defence Forces with particular reference to the security needs of the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5146/23]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government. The report of the Commission was published on 9th February 2022. The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
In July last year Government approved a High-Level Action Plan in response to the Commission report. As part of this, approval was given for a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission, which will entail funding increases to reach a defence budget of c. €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates process.
Implementation structures have been put in place encompassing an Implementation Oversight Group, a High-Level Steering Board and an Implementation Management Office (IMO) to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The High-Level Action Plan also sets out all the recommendations contained within the report and designates a response of Accept, Accept in Principle, Further Evaluation or Revert.
There are a number of recommendations contained in the report which may impact on the structure of the Defence Forces including that the structure of the Army be reviewed, and in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered.
The recommendation, that the structure of the Army be reviewed, was identified as an Early Action in the High-Level Action Plan. Military authorities are progressing the establishment of an office of Army Force design which will undertake the work required to give effect to this recommendation. The Implementation Management Office is working on the production of a detailed implementation plan for the remaining recommendations which will include those which may assist with informing any decision about the future structure and organisation of the Defence Forces.
Another of the Early Actions identified is the commencement of the Strategic Defence Review. This review is the second in the cycle of reviews as proposed in the White Paper on Defence and follows the 2019 White Paper Update. These cycles of reviews are to give assurance that defence policy remains up to date and relevant to the changing circumstances and bring certainty and regularity to defence planning.
As set out in the White Paper these reviews will be based on an updated security assessment and a fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing.
The first stage of this review will be a security environment analysis to be conducted by an interdepartmental working group which is due to commence shortly.
57. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will engage with representative bodies of the Defence Forces to discuss concerns regarding patrol duty allowances, the Naval Service tax credit and the sea service commitment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4805/23]
View answerAs Tánaiste and Minister of Defence, I look forward to meeting with the Representative Associations for the Permanent Defence Force and engaging with them on matters that fall within the scope of representation. This could include the matters that the Deputy has raised, should the Representative Associations indicate a wish to discuss these matters.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is currently ongoing within my Department on these matters.
Firstly, on Patrol Duty Allowances, the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces recommended that there should be a review of existing sea-going allowances to consider their replacement with less complex sea-going duty measures. Work has been ongoing on this by my Department in consultation with the Defence Forces management. A review has been conducted and a submission has been made to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The review took into account material that the Representative Associations had submitted previously in relation to an increase in Patrol Duty Allowance. Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter.
Secondly, a sea-going naval personnel tax credit was introduced in the 2019 Finance Act, to incentivise sea going duties for members of the Naval Service. The tax credit was initially available as a temporary measure in the 2020 year of assessment only. It has since been extended to the 2023 tax year.
Finally, a sea-going service commitment scheme for Naval Service personnel came into effect from 1 January 2021. The Scheme is aimed at retaining experienced personnel and incentivising those personnel to undertake sea going duties. The scheme was initially open to applications from Officers and enlisted personnel in the Naval Service, with a minimum of three years’ service, serving on board a Naval Vessel at enlisted ranks of Able Rating or above, or Officer ranks of Ensign and above. Following a review of the Scheme in 2022, the eligibility criteria to apply has been reduced from 3 years to 1 year's service.
My Department continues to engage with the Representative Associations on all matters within the scope of representation via the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. This is the key avenue available for the Representative Associations to raise matters of concern to their members with my Department.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme is the mechanism for addressing industrial issues within the Defence sector. In line with the Irish model of industrial relations, it is a voluntary mechanism which provides structures for management and staff to engage on collective issues that may arise. These structures have helped to maintain positive industrial relations in the sector over a number of years.
58. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how it is proposed to enhance Ireland’s defence capability in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5136/23]
View answerA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
Capability priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered as part of the capability development planning processes which include both a five-year Equipment Development Plan and a Built Infrastructure Programme.
The Equipment Development Plan recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process. There are a number of defensive equipment acquisition and upgrade projects that are well underway and which will continue to be delivered during 2023. These include the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles. 90% of the fleet have now been upgraded and the programme is due to be completed this year. Furthermore, earlier this month saw the completion of the delivery of an additional 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles for the Army while the roll out of thermal imaging systems to the Cavalry Corps is ongoing with a similar deployment to the Infantry Corps due in 2023.
In relation to air-based capability, the programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Air Corps is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected later this year. These larger more capable aircraft will replace the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft which will enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. An order was also placed recently for a C295 Military Transport Aircraft, and this will be delivered in 2025.
In relation to the Naval Service, two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government and it is expected that these vessels will be transported to Ireland by mid-2023 following the completion of a programme of works. Meanwhile, a further priority for 2023 is to make further progress with the new Multi Role Vessel (MRV) project. Marine advisors have been appointed to support this procurement project, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Meanwhile, the programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Niamh is ongoing.
The Built Infrastructure Programme is a rolling five-year Plan for the period 2022-2027 with over €300m in building investment planned over the next five years. The Plan is iterative in nature thus ensuring that it remains relevant, and that investment is targeted where most needed. A midterm review of the Plan was recently completed by my Department and the Defence Forces to ensure that it continues to reflect current operational requirements. The Plan provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces' built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe and is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities of the Defence Forces. There are currently over €100m worth of projects underway at different stages of development, many of which will come to fruition in 2023. This level of expenditure will continue to increase as the Programme is implemented.
The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the necessary capabilities. The Defence Forces deliver in-house military training programmes and modules meeting national, EU and international standards. They also engage with external educational institutions and international educational institutions, military and civilian. All training, internal and external, is provided to ensure that the Defence Forces are in line with best international practice and this will continue throughout 2023.
Following the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, which included a wide range of recommendations in relation to capabilities and funding, the Government approved a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission. This will result in the Defence budget rising to €1.5 billion, at January 2022 prices, by 2028. This represents the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State and will allow for significant increased investment in capability development over the coming years. The budget for 2023 includes an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence and provides an almost 25% increase in Capital funding. This is a demonstration of the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security challenges.
Finally, allied to this, a key recommendation made by the Commission called for the immediate establishment of a top-down capability development planning process through the creation of a new permanent civil-military structure. This recommendation was accepted by Government last July. Since then, significant work to establish a new permanent civil-military Branch within my Department has been undertaken and the new Branch is now being established and will commence capability development work this year.
60. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on his recent trip to Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5167/23]
View answer64. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on his trip to Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4736/23]
View answer70. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on his meeting with the Lebanese Defence Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4699/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 64 and 70 together.
Having visited Lebanon in May 2022 as Taoiseach, I wanted to make an early return to Camp Shamrock in my capacity as Minister for Defence. The tragic death of Private Seán Rooney on 14th December made that return visit to Lebanon even more important.
During my visit to Lebanon last week, I was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Ms Jacqui McCrum, and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt Gen Seán Clancy.
The visit was an important opportunity for me to meet with members of the 121st Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL. I conveyed my sympathies and those of the Government to the colleagues of Private Seán Rooney on their loss and I expressed our heartfelt appreciation as they continue to fulfil their duties with the professionalism and dedication that one associates with the Defence Forces.
I also visited the memorial at Tibnine and laid a wreath in honour of all the Irish personnel who died while serving with UNIFIL over the years. Sadly, Pte. Rooney's name is now listed as one of the 48 Irish solders who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the cause of peace in Lebanon.
Pte. Rooney’s death is currently the subject of a number of parallel investigations.
During the visit, I had a number of separate meetings in Beirut, with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, as well as the Lebanese Minister for Defence, Mr Maurice Sleem, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Emigrants, Dr Abdullah Bou Habib.
UN Under Secretary General Lacroix committed to make available to Ireland the UNIFIL investigation report into the tragic incident of 14th December following its completion, which is likely to be some time in February.
I underlined to the Lebanese Defence and Foreign Ministers the need to ensure that the ongoing Lebanese investigation into Private Rooney's death, is as thorough as possible. I reiterated the Irish Government's determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident in which Private Rooney was killed, are fully established and that those responsible are brought to justice.
I also thanked the Ministers for the expressions of sympathy from the Lebanese Government and I assured both Ministers that Ireland remains committed to continuing its support for Lebanon, as part of the UNIFIL mission since 1978, as well as having provided significant humanitarian support for many years. We also discussed a number of other issues, including the political and economic issues in Lebanon and the ongoing conflict in Syria.
During my meetings with UN officials, I gave an assurance of Ireland’s continued commitment, within its capability, to contribute troops to UN missions, including UNIFIL.
