Written Answers Nos. 1-20
12. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the recently purchased naval vessels from New Zealand will commence operation; the progress to date in obtaining a replacement flagship vessel for the L.E. Éithne; his view on the optimum number of naval vessels and naval personnel and his plans to achieve this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13682/23]
View answer35. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide a report on the proposed crewing of the newly received refurbished P70 ships; where the ships will be stationed; the area the ships will operate in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14186/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 35 together.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) were purchased for €26 million on a Government to Government basis from New Zealand, to replace the now decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. The ceremonial handover of the vessels took place in Auckland last week, representing the culmination of a year long project to regenerate and modify the vessels operational seaworthiness standards. The work was undertaken by the New Zealand Defence Forces and overseen by the Irish Naval Service and Department of Defence.
Both vessels are expected to complete their acceptance testing and commence transportation to Ireland by the end of this month, and with a transit time of at least a month, the vessels are expected to arrive in Cork in May.
On arrival, the vessels will undergo a comprehensive programme of works including crew familiarisation and training. It is expected that these vessels will be in a position to commence operational service in 2024. The core crew complement of each vessel will be between 20 and 24 suitably qualified and experienced personnel. The specific ranks and specialisations of these personnel will be an operational matter.
The intention is to operate the vessels primarily on the east coast of Ireland. The vessels will initially operate from the Haulbowline Naval Base.
With regard to the replacement of LÉ Eithne, marine advisors have been appointed by my Department to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) to replace the now decommissioned former flagship. This work is underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course. It is a priority for 2023 to make further progress on this project. The MRV is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the Government’s intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks.
With regard to the optimum number of naval vessels and naval personnel, the High Level Action Plan agreed by Government on the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a range of recommendations in relation to future capabilities of the Naval Service both in terms of vessels and personnel which have been accepted in principle by the Government, including an accelerated programme of Naval vessel replacement to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships by early in the next decade, and that all modern vessels be double crewed to ensure each vessel spends an absolute minimum of 220 days at sea per year, with this being phased in over the course of the vessel replacement programme.
In addition, the Naval Service Regeneration Plan was approved in 2021 with the aim of addressing the issues facing the Naval Service in the context of human resources, operational capacity and infrastructure, and this plan is being progressed and monitored by a high level civil -military team in my Department.
Notwithstanding the current staffing challenges, the Naval Service continues to carry out all roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations surveillance in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and their ongoing capacity to do so is carefully monitored. I am advised that the fleet is managed and maintained to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements.
13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the role the Defences Forces play in fulfilling the security needs of the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14235/23]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Minister for Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.
Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners, again, when requested to do so.
There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, and co-ordination and liaison meetings take place on a regular basis. However, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the detail of these security related meetings.
One of the early actions identified in the High Level Action Plan in response to the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces is the commencement of a 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.
14. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the considerations of expanding cooperation with NATO in areas of cyber-attack and maritime intelligence; if this has implications for Ireland’s position of military neutrality; its implications on the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13385/23]
View answerIreland has been a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) since 1999. Our relationship with NATO is partner-led, which allows us to choose those areas on which we wish to cooperate and the extent to which we wish to cooperate.
Over the past 24 years, participation in Partnership for Peace has been fundamental to Ireland being able to keep abreast of developments in areas such as training, peacekeeping capabilities and interoperability which enhances the ability of our peacekeepers to work alongside those of our partners.
NATO is the international standards organisation for military forces. Through our participation in Partnership for Peace, our Defence Forces have access to NATO training and standards which has proved invaluable in the development of Defence Forces capabilities for the increasingly complex and challenging crisis management operations we face today. It improves the quality of our contribution to UN missions and UN-mandated missions including those led by regional organisations such as the EU and NATO.
Ireland is currently at the early stage of developing a renewed partnership programme for the 2023 - 2027 period (the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme, or ITPP). This new framework presents an opportunity to enhance our cooperation in relevant areas of choice. These could, for example, include areas such as cyber and hybrid, enhancing resilience and improved maritime situational awareness.
Ireland is currently participating in a number of Cyber and Maritime Surveillance related projects at EU level and exploring opportunities in these areas through our participation in Partnership for Peace could bring added value. This engagement does not have any implication for Ireland's position of military neutrality nor on the Triple Lock.
The primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems both at home and overseas. Cyber security is an issue with very significant implications for governmental administration, for industry, for economic wellbeing and for the security and safety of citizens.
Any engagement with NATO through Partnership for Peace in relation to Cyber will naturally involve the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications as the national agency with lead responsibility for Cyber Security.
15. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the Government decision to participate in an EU battlegroup erodes Irish neutrality. [13944/23]
View answerLet me be clear, participation in a Battlegroup has no effect on our traditional policy of military neutrality which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements.
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.
Battlegroups 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’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.Ireland has participated in seven EU Battlegroups since 2008 and following a recent Government decision will participate in a German led Battlegroup for the period 2024-2025. 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 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.
A commitment to a Battlegroup does not involve any commitment to common or mutual defence.
16. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the role Defence Forces' personnel will play in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine. [14168/23]
View answer17. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the direct and indirect cost to the Exchequer to date of Irish Defence Forces' participation in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine); and the budget allocated to meet the costs arising from Irish Defence Forces' participation in the mission in 2023. [13885/23]
View answer42. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will detail the role Ireland will play in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12644/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 17 and 42 together.
On 21st February, the Government approved the participation of up to 30 Defence Forces’ personnel in the newly established European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
The primary role of the Defence Forces will be to provide training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in one or more EU Member States in which the training will take place. These trainers will be supplemented by a small number of staff positions based in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) staff based in Brussels, Belgium and in the multi-national Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany.
In respect of training, Ireland’s Defence Forces have significant expertise in a number of areas where we believe we can bring some added-value to the mission, including in areas such as C-IED training (Counter Improvised Explosive Devices), EOD training (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Medical Combat and Engineering.
It will be necessary now to match the Defence Forces capacity and capabilities with the identified training needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). This exercise is currently underway but, until such time as it has been completed, it is difficult to anticipate exactly when and in what areas the DF will commence the delivery of such training. However, it is anticipated that the delivery of modular training will commence relatively soon with small training teams being deployed for short periods, not normally for more than few weeks at a time.
Based on current available figures, the likely contribution from the Defence Vote to common costs for the EUMAM Ukraine over the next twenty four months are estimated at €2.45m. These are costs paid by Ireland separate to its participation in the mission.
A further cost of €1.4m is currently anticipated in relation to Ireland's share of EUMAM related assistance measures, with Ireland's contribution routed to non-lethal assistance.
In addition, travel and subsistence payments, in line with public service rules, will be paid to personnel deployed as part of the modular training teams. Personnel appointed to longer-term staff support roles will benefit from Financial Support Packages provided to members of the Defence Forces when posted to certain overseas appointments, which are standardised with those that apply across the rest of the public service.
18. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if all Defence Force pensioners are included in the next payment tranche of 2% due in March 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14095/23]
View answerThe benefit of the 2% pay increase effective from 1 March 2023 under the extension of the Building Momentum Agreement 2022-2023 is applicable to the vast majority of Defence Forces pensioners. Currently there are in excess of 13,100 Defence Forces pensioners in receipt of payments.
The existing government pension policy, as it applies to the Defence Forces, is as follows:
For Defence Forces pensioners who are members of the pre-2013 pension schemes, the principle of maintaining parity with pay has been agreed up to the end of 2023. The concept of pay parity means that any and all benefits of general round pay increases granted to serving Defence Forces staff will be passed on, as appropriate, to relevant Defence Forces pensioners. This policy of maintaining pensions pay parity will apply up to the end of 2023, after which the Government will consider its approach for future pension increase policy.
The Single Public Service Pension Scheme applies, in general, to staff who have joined the public service from 1 January 2013 onwards. Defence Forces pensioners who are members of the Single Pension Scheme have their pensions increased on the basis of the Consumer Price Index. Therefore such pensions will not be adjusted with reference to the 1 March 2023 pay increase. Instead a CPI based increase of 8.2%, effective from 1 January 2023, has already been applied to Single Pension Scheme pensions that are in payment. Currently there are only six such Defence Forces pensions under this Single Pension Scheme, as it is a relatively recent scheme.
Defence Forces pensioners who are in receipt of disability pensions will benefit from these increases as well.
I can confirm that preparatory work is well underway to implement the benefit of the 1 March 2023 increase as soon as practicable.
The implementation of pension increases for Defence Forces pensions is a significant administrative undertaking for my Department and its payroll provider, the National Shared Services Office, due to the unique nature and structure of Defence Forces pensions.
Military pension rates are not based on the usual generic service/salary decimal calculations, but on a multiplicity of flat rates (not directly pay-related) which are a combination of retiring rank, service in rank and overall service with a range of components driven by pay-codes, and not by position points within pay scales as applies in other Public Service Bodies.
In addition to the above, it is important to highlight that there are ongoing numbers of PDF personnel retiring who need to be prioritised ahead of all other tasks, to ensure that their pensions come into payment on a timely basis following cessation of their salaries and to avoid them being left without any income.
19. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the latest engagement he has had with the Defences Forces in terms of pay improvements. [13921/23]
View answerI last met both Permanent Defence Forces Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, on 13th February this year. At this meeting, we had discussions on a number of key issues, including on pay and conditions matters for Defence Forces personnel.
There have been a number of key recent improvements in pay for Defence Forces personnel, which I will take this opportunity to outline to the House.
With its approval of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, the Government committed to a range of measures which have (and will) positively impact pay and conditions for personnel. My Department has already implemented two of the pay-related recommendations of the Report; namely,
- All personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank, and
- The requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at the rank has been removed.
These measures resulted in the pay rates (including MSA) for Private 3 Star and Able Seamen, in their first three years of service, starting at €37,147 in Year 1, rising to €38,544 in Year 2, and €39,832 in Year 3.
For newly recruited Officers, starting Pay, including MSA, amounts to:
- €46,406 for a graduate cadet on commissioning, and
- €41,123 for a school leaver cadet on commissioning.
As with the enlisted, there is also scope for further income from duty allowances. There are also opportunities for frequent career advancement to higher ranks & to qualify for additional allowances.
These compare very well to starting rates of pay across the public service, I'm sure you will agree.
My Department also delivered the Commission recommendation on temporary associate membership for the Representative Associations with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) for the purpose of participation in public sector pay negotiations in mid-2020. This allowed RACO and PDFORRA, for the first time, to take part in discussions on the extension to the Building Momentum Pay Agreement under the ICTU umbrella.
Aside from these improvements, and specifically in terms of pay, the Defence Forces are paid increases in pay and allowances in line with Public Service pay agreements.
The most recent agreement, the extension to ‘Building Momentum’, provided for increases in pay and allowances of 6.5% to members of the Defence Forces in 2022 and 2023. This includes:
- 3%, backdated to 2nd Feb 2022
- 2 % on 1st March 2023
- 1.5% or €750, whichever is the greater, on 1st October 2023.
Pensionable allowances in the nature of pay also benefit from this.
The 3% increase, back-dated to February 2022, was paid to all serving members of the Defence Forces by 30th November 2022 last. The remaining Building Momentum 1% increase, due on October 2022, was also paid by this date.
I am also pleased to inform the Deputy that the latest increase of 2%, due on 1st March last, has been paid to Enlisted personnel, while Officers will see their increases on 31st March.
Finally, and in addition to general round pay increases arising out of ongoing national pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Forces have also benefited from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces duty allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019. It is important also to note that for those Defence Force personnel who have specialist appointments, based on training or qualifications, there is a range of additional allowances available to them. For example, members of the Army Ranger Wing receive an allowance of €225 per week, on top of their salary.
20. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the actions that have been taken by his Department to support and encourage the retention of personnel in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14191/23]
View answer22. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made by the Government in terms of reaching the number of Defence Forces personnel targeted. [13922/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 22 together.
The military authorities advise that as at the end of February 2023, the number of personnel in the Defence Forces stood at 7,917, some 83% of the authorised strength of 9,500.
The Defence Forces are developing strategies to achieve increased recruitment and to address the current shortfall in numbers. The longer-term target is to realise a Defence Forces strength of 11,500 by 2028, incorporating an appropriate civilian component, in line with the recommendation of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. However, in the short-term the focus is on stabilising current numbers.
As I have outlined in an earlier response, there are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives currently underway. There is ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment and the re-entry schemes remain open. A specific general service stream is also now open for Air Corps recruits. The 'Be More' recruitment campaign, launched last year, highlights the career opportunities available in the Defence Forces and also the wider benefits of membership.
Retention measures include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit. Agreement has also been secured to allow for an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals and on an interim arrangement, for Sergeants.
There has been significant progress on pay as a result of increases arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report and from recent pay agreements. The early implementation of some of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces report, have also had a substantial impact on starting pay rates in the Defence Forces.
Current pay rates including Military Service Allowances for the ranks of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman, in their first three years of service start at €37,147 in Year 1, rising to €38,544 in Year 2, and €39,832 in Year 3 of service. A graduate cadet on commissioning starts on a payscale, which includes Military Service Allowance that ranges from €46,406 to €54,696 depending on the type of appointment. A school leaver cadet starts at €41,123 whilst in full-time third level education. These compare very favourably with the starting pay with other areas of the public service.
As noted, my immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
