Bernard Durkan
Question:243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent of any recent discussions with his EU colleagues in regard to defence and security. [8521/23]
View answerDefence Forces
Questions (243)
Written answers
Since my appointment as Minister for Defence, I have corresponded with a number of my EU colleagues and I look forward to engaging with them in-person in the future, both bilaterally and in the format of formal and informal meetings of EU Defence Ministers.
I recently attended the 59th Munich Security Conference which was attended by a large number of Defence Ministers from the EU and beyond, where the focus was very much on the international response to the war in Ukraine.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the recent informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Stockholm.
EU Defence Ministers can ordinarily be expected to meet on four occasions annually - two informal meetings hosted by the respective presidencies and two meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers' format in Brussels, one in each half of the year. I look forward to engaging directly with EU colleagues at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Defence configuration, which is due to take place in May.I also intend to take such opportunities as I can to meet my defence colleagues bilaterally, whether in the course of bilateral visits or in the margins of ministerial meetings. Ireland is determined to continue playing a full part in the evolution of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy and, given particular interests and concerns we have, it is important that Ireland's position is well understood and I regard bilateral engagements as a key element in ensuring that this is the case.
Departmental Policies
Questions (244)
Catherine Murphy
Question:244. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the protocols and or guidelines he has issued in respect of the use of personal social media accounts by officials in his Department; the number of sanctions imposed by his Department on its own officials in the past ten years to date in respect of social media output by its officials, verbal, written or otherwise; if social media platforms are restricted on his Department’s network; if an application (details supplied) is available to use and or download onto Departmental-issued mobile phones; and if not, if it is barred from use. [14508/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department
Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 44.
Defence Forces
Questions (246)
Bernard Durkan
Question:246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that the Defence Forces have access to adequate equipment such as air and seagoing vessels in order to meet any emergency that might arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14602/23]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects by means of a five-year rolling plan. The EDP builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
A step change in military air-based capability is being achieved through the delivery into service of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. While nominally a replacement for the Cessna, the new aircraft move capabilities considerably ahead of the previous level. The original order of three aircraft which were delivered in September 2020 was augmented on an urgent basis by an additional aircraft delivered in April 2020 to enhance fixed wing capacity to meet demands arising from Covid-19. The PC-12 has proven itself an effective and versatile asset.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected later this year. In relation to new air-based capability a contract has been awarded at a cost of €68 million, including VAT, for the provision of a new Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025.
This significant investment in air capability is an example which demonstrates my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available.
I also remain committed to ensuring a programme of investment in the Naval Service. The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel to replace the now decommissioned flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace the decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland by May 2023 following the completion of a programme of works.
Whilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Principal Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces 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.
Defence Forces
Questions (247)
Bernard Durkan
Question:247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which military equipment of a defensive and offensive nature remains available to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14603/23]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability 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.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020. The Equipment Planning process 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 for which there will be capital expenditure in the coming years. These include the midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicles which is well underway as well as the completion of the delivery of an additional 30 Armoured Utility Vehicles. In addition, the Army's non-armoured fleet continues to be updated..
In relation to air-based capability, in December, a contract was awarded at a cost of €68 million, including VAT, for the provision of a new Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery is expected in 2025.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. Alongside the recently acquired PC-12 aircraft some €344 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing and the programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of multi-role vessel to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara and it is expected these vessels are expected to arrive in Ireland in Quarter 2 this year following the completion of a programme of works.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. The Defence annual capital budget for 2023 is €176 million. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and demonstrates 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 threats.
This is following Government approval 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 on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
Defence Forces
Questions (248)
Bernard Durkan
Question:248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which ongoing training continues throughout the Defence Forces, including the Reserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14604/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
Air Corps
Questions (249)
Bernard Durkan
Question:249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which the Air Corps continues to be upgraded in line with the needs of an island country and the need to ensure regular coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14605/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish EEZ.
Following a competitive tender competition in 2019 a contract was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space for delivery of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in 2023 at a cost of some €228 million inclusive of VAT. These aircraft will feature updated and upgraded equipment to ensure that the Air Corps can continue to deliver the required capability required of an island country. Both aircraft are now at an advanced stage of production with the first aircraft making its first flight in September 2022.
Following the delivery of the two new C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a period of training on their use, the new aircraft will take over from the CN235's fulfilling the Maritime Patrol function.
The Naval Service and the Air Corps provide assistance and support to search and rescue missions on an as available basis, however, the lead agency for search and rescue (SAR) in Ireland's SAR domain is the Irish Coast Guard.
In terms of fishery protection the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the EEZ. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority are the competent authority in relation to fisheries control in Ireland's EEZ.
Naval Service
Questions (250)
Bernard Durkan
Question:250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Naval Service continues to be upgraded in terms of equipment and seagoing vessels in order to ensure adequate coastal surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14606/23]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability 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.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020. The Equipment Planning process 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.
The Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main day to day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks in tandem with maritime surveillance, and as such any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity.
The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing. The programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh. Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel to replace the now decommissioned flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in due course. Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace the decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland by May 2023 following the completion of a programme of works.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. The Defence annual capital budget for 2023 is €176 million. The recent Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This includes an almost 25% increase in Capital funding and demonstrates 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 threats.
This is following Government approval 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 on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment in order to fulfil the roles assigned to them by Government.
Defence Forces
Questions (251)
Bernard Durkan
Question:251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Irish Defence Forces continue to co-operate with their peers throughout the European Union with a view to ensuring interoperability in the event of emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14607/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
Defence Forces
Questions (252)
Bernard Durkan
Question:252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which reforms proposed in the recent report of the Defence Forces are being put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14608/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. The Commission has undertaken a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommends 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.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken over a period of 5 months by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Following this engagement, a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government were brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022.
This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. 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 Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This demonstrates 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 threats.
The High Level Action Plan set out a total of 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision. Substantial progress has been made on the early actions, with most currently at an advanced stage and due to be completed shortly. I will be reporting in detail on these actions later today with full details of the progress for all of the early actions, in a comprehensive published document.
The move to LOA2 will require an additional 2,000 personnel, including both civil and military, over and above the current establishment of 9,500. Work has commenced on this with the ‘BE MORE’ recruitment campaign.
Retention measures being implemented include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and in the Naval Service and the sea going naval personnel tax credit.
Pay has improved as a result of increases arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report, from recent pay agreements, and the early implementation of some of the recommendations of Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF). The implementation of two of these recommendations, namely personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank being paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank; and the removal of the requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank, have had a substantial impact on starting pay rates in the Defence Forces, and compare very well to starting pay rates across the public service.
The High Level Action Plan set out initial implementation and oversight structures. An independently chaired Implementation Oversight Group has been established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations approved by Government, and met for the first time on the 3rd of October. Ms. Julie Sinnamon has been appointed as the independent chair of the Implementation Oversight Group. There have been four meetings of the Group to date, most recently on the 27th of February. A High-Level Steering Board has been established, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, to oversee the implementation. The High Level Steering Board met for the first time on the 1st of March. A civil/military Implementation Management Office (IMO) has been established to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Government noted that, in light of the Commission’s report, there is an urgent need for HR and cultural transformation in the Defence Forces and this will be prioritised. The High Level Action Plan identified the recruitment, through an open process, for the new senior-level civilian positions of Head of Transformation and Head of Strategic HR for the Defence Forces as early actions required to progress this transformation. Recruitment is currently underway for these two key appointments, which were advertised in Q4 2022.
It is important to acknowledge that a key factor in ensuring that the required progress is achieved will be effective and timely stakeholder engagement. The Defence Forces Representative Associations have been part of that stakeholder engagement and will continue to be fully consulted on all matters that fall within the scope of Representation. Engagement with relevant Government Departments also remains ongoing.
A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is at an advanced stage and is expected to be published in Q2 of 2023. This plan will clearly set out the work needed to fully realise the transformation of the Defence Forces and defence provision in Ireland. It is a priority for me that this plan is both ambitious and credible if we are to realise the necessary transformation of the Defence Forces. It is important that the development of this plan is completed expediently but more important that we get it right.
Defence Forces
Questions (253)
Bernard Durkan
Question:253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which women in the Defence Forces can expect to be treated with dignity and respect as per reports in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14609/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
Air Corps
Questions (254)
Bernard Durkan
Question:254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied that the Air Corps is adequately equipped in terms of aircraft and training to do its job in the event of an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14610/23]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects by means of a five-year rolling plan. The EDP builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
A step change in military air-based capability is being achieved through the delivery into service of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. While nominally a replacement for the Cessna, the new aircraft move capabilities considerably ahead of the previous level. The original order of three aircraft which were delivered in September 2020 was augmented on an urgent basis by an additional aircraft delivered in April 2020 to enhance fixed wing capacity to meet demands arising from Covid-19. The PC-12 has proven itself an effective and versatile asset.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is well underway with delivery of the aircraft expected later this year.
In relation to new air-based capability a contract has been awarded at a cost of €68 million, including VAT, for the provision of a new Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025.
This significant investment in air capability is an example which demonstrates my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available.
I also remain committed to ensuring that all personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be trained to appropriate standards. The primary function of training in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable them to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The scheduling of training across all three arms of the organisation, including the Air Corps, is underpinned by an analysis of training required to meet operational output and capability development requirements.
Whilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Principal Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.
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.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (255)
Holly Cairns
Question:255. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to encourage special needs assistants to undertake continuing professional development through Irish universities and institutes of technology. [6625/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and reassure her that the provision of education for children with special needs is a priority for Government and for me as Minister for Special Education and Inclusion. This is reflected in my Department’s 2023 budget allocation of more than €2.6 billion to support special education. This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department of Education’s total allocation for 2023.
Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) provide schools with additional adult support staff to assist children with additional care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate attendance by those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
The 2018 Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) includes a recommendation for the provision of a national online training programme. Arising from this recommendation my Department awarded a four-year contract to University College Dublin (UCD) School of Education to design and deliver a new national online training programme for SNAs employed in schools. The programme is fully funded by the Department and delivered at no cost to the SNA.
The national on-line training programme for SNAs is a major educational initiative, which will enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of SNAs who are crucial to the inclusion of students with additional care needs in education. This is a high-quality and innovative pilot training programme which will inform ongoing policy considerations relating to future training options for SNAs.
Approximately 1,300 SNAs have completed the course to date and it is intended that the programme will be delivered to up to 3,500 SNAs over the four year scheme funded by my Department.
Reflecting ongoing engagement with stakeholders on SNA issues my Department is committed to reviewing this programme after the four-year period has concluded.
By the end of 2023, there will be over 20,000 Special Needs Assistants working in our schools and I want to assure the Deputy that my Department is very aware of the continuing need to provide appropriate training and development opportunities with a view to supporting the inclusion of students with additional care needs in education.
In this regard, in December 2022 my Department established a dedicated SNA Workforce Development Unit within our Special Education Section, in order to ensure that sufficient time and attention is given to examination of the SNA role and any reform or development required.
This allows for a more strategic approach to policy and other developments in this area, including in the area of learning and development for SNAs and delivering an enhanced SNA service.