Written Answers Nos. 173-193
173. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department and public bodies/agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for wild species, such as, but not limited to, insect hotels, bat boxes, nesting towers and beehives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24260/23]
View answerMy Department's office in Booterstown has an insect hotel.
As part of the preparations for the relocation of my Department's HQ next year , staff in my Department have established a number of subgroups to look at different aspects of the move. One such group deals with biodiversity which is developing a work programme which includes the establishment of a biodiversity team in the office. I welcome this initiative which I'm confident will develop projects that address biodiversity loss, help our environment, natural heritage and also our individual quality of life.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
174. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to address the rising cost of materials to install solar panels on private residences and farm buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24345/23]
View answerOn 5th of April 2023 the Government approved an amendment to Finance Bill 2023. As part of this amendment the Government has agreed to apply a zero percent VAT rate within category 10c which is for the ‘Supply and installation of solar panels on and adjacent to public and other buildings used for activities in the public interest, housing and private dwellings.
My Department has estimated that a zero rate of VAT passed on to consumers would reduce the average cost of the supply and installation solar panels for consumers from €9000 to €8000 and would thus help support households reducing their electricity bills. At €0.32c per KWh, this will reduce the payback period for installation from 7 to 6.2 years.
This is a permanent change that came into effect from 1 May 2023. This measure underlines the Government’s commitment to help households to save money on their energy bills, deal with cost-of-living increases and reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to our national climate change targets.
The Micro-generation Support Scheme (gov.ie - Micro-generation (www.gov.ie)) is continuing to prove very successful, following record levels of installations supported in 2022 via the Domestic Solar PV Scheme – operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Currently over 50,000 homes have solar panels, with 17,000 microgeneration installations connecting to the grid taking place just last year.
Grants for Solar PV installation under the Microgeneration Support Scheme are administered by the SEAI led by policy from my Department. Decisions regarding VAT, including this most recent decrease and when and how it is applied, are made by the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners. More information can be found on VAT rates relating to the supply and installation of solar panels here: Revenue eBrief No.105/23
175. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to address the issue of the subsea cable to Sherkin Island, which has been out of order since November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24346/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department
176. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will adjust the excellence in energy efficient design grant scheme guidelines 2023 to enable SMEs with assets with annual final energy consumption of at least 50,000 kWh to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24347/23]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland support schemes are under regular review to ensure their effectiveness. The Excellence in Energy Efficient Design (EXEED) programme was relaunched in March 2023 to provide projects with increased support to a maximum of €3 million and an improved application process. The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) relaunched in March 2023 will provide for an increase in the support for heat pump installations of up to 40% of costs, subject to state aid approval, and inter alia provides for additional upgrade measures in buildings to facilitate the installation of heat pumps.
The EXEED programme supports high impact investments, where an energy efficient design (EED) process is followed to design out energy consumption and develop high performance projects. The EED process is of most value to larger energy users, as demonstrated by the case studies of EXEED projects that have been delivered. The current threshold of 100,000kWh final energy consumption for EXEED is relatively low in this regard. A new scheme for non-domestic retrofit is in development, aimed at SMEs, which will provide support for a range of measures. The scheme is due to be launched in the coming months.
My Department, through schemes administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, provides various supports to enterprises, which can assist these sectors in increasing their energy efficiency and lowering their carbon emissions. A summary of the existing support schemes administered by SEAI is set out below. There has been a high uptake, in particular, of the community energy grants and the support scheme for energy audits by SMEs.
|
SEAI Scheme |
Description |
|
Community Energy Grant |
Grant support for cross-sectoral projects including homes, businesses and other non-domestic applicants. Typically around 60% of funding is for non-domestic |
|
Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) |
Supports SMEs (€2,000 voucher) to carry out professional energy audits and thus encourages implementation of energy saving measures identified. |
|
Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN) |
SEAI assists the companies on energy improvements. Best practice guidance is shared among LIEN members on how to manage energy performance. |
|
Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) |
A certified program for a systematic energy efficient approach to design, construction, and commissioning new investments and upgrades at the earliest stages of the business lifecycle. |
|
Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) |
A grant (of up to 30%*) to support investment in renewable heating systems using heat pumps. An operational support tariff over 15 years for new installations or installations that currently use a fossil fuel heating system and convert to using biomass or anaerobic digestion heating systems. |
|
Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme |
Provides financial assistance to help businesses and other sectors to install solar PV panels to generate electricity on site. Grants are available for systems up to a maximum of €2,400 for installations of up to 6kWp. |
|
Energy Academy |
Online resource -access to high quality energy training |
|
Energy Contracting Support Scheme |
Energy Contracting Support Scheme provides supports and expertise across the business and public sectors to deliver energy efficiency through Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs), Local Energy Supply Contracts (LESCs) and Energy Performance Guarantees (EPGs). |
*subject to State aid approval
There are a broader range of enterprise supports available that assist businesses with energy and climate initiatives, with funding from a variety of sources (not just SEAI). Further information on the broader supports can be found on the “Climate Toolkit for Business” website: www.climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie/next-steps-and-further-information/.
177. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are restrictions in place surrounding properties that have invested in solar panels to ensure that neighbouring properties cannot plant trees that would block access to sunlight for the solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24389/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department
178. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he believes there is justification for the introduction of a charge on brown bins - and therefore food and garden waste - by waste collection companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24463/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Deparment.
180. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has any plans to address the access barrier to the low-interest loans for energy upgrades caused by inflation in the cost of building materials (details supplied). [24837/23]
View answerLast February, the Government approved a package of improved supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades thereby achieving lower energy bills and lower emissions. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has a number of schemes in place to support homeowners to upgrade their properties including the fully funded Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme and a number of part-funded schemes such as the Better Energy Homes Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme, as well as the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) which was established last year. This allows homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs.
The cost of a retrofit depends on a range of factors including the size and type of home as well as the age and starting condition of the property and the retrofitting works required or recommended. The enhanced grant levels announced last year were informed by detailed analysis and research led by the Department and the SEAI. My officials engage with their counterparts in the SEAI on an ongoing basis in relation to the operation of the schemes. The SEAI will continue to monitor costs and inflation on an ongoing basis, ensuring that grant rates are kept under review taking account of evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
Details of the various energy upgrade schemes are available on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/.
My Department is also working with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund to develop a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme, which will be backed by a counter guarantee provided by the EIB Group.
The residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme will be the first consumer-focused guaranteed loan of its kind in Ireland. All stakeholders both at national and European level are committed to finalising the project and it is expected that the loan guarantee will be in place in Q3 2023.
181. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff from his Department who are working on electricity demand reduction; and the number of staff working on demand side management, in tabular form. [24845/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
182. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department and public bodies/agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for wild species, such as, but not limited to, insect hotels, bat boxes, nesting towers and beehives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24257/23]
View answerI am advised that there are currently no policies in place in my Department to install artificial structures that provide shelter and habitat space for the various species referenced by the Deputy.
However as the Deputy may be aware in June 2020, my Department and Kildare County Council jointly procured the service of a multi-disciplinary team that includes an ecologist, led by Paul Hogarth consultants, to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Management and Interpretation Branding/Plan that will provide recommendations for the protection and conservation of the Curragh Plains.
The Curragh Plains are unique lands of national importance comprising semi-natural grassland of some 5,000 acres, which, has existed in its current condition for over 2,000 years. The importance of the Curragh as a distinct ecological habitat and archaeological site is well documented. My Department will strive to develop policies based on the recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan of the Curragh Plains Consultancy Study. It is anticipated that the Curragh Plains Consultancy Study will be published later this year.
183. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the benefits he considers are associated with membership of the Chiefs of European Navies (Chen); the conditions of membership; the resources that Ireland are obliged to input into Chen on an ongoing basis; the financial costs associated with membership of the organisation in 2020, 2021, 2022 and estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24601/23]
View answerThe annual meeting of the Chiefs of European Navies (CHENS) took place in Cork on 17 and 18 May, chaired by the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service Commodore Michael Malone.
CHENS is an informal, independent and non-political forum whose members include the Chiefs of each European maritime nation that is either a member of the EU or NATO and has naval armed forces. Due to its informal nature, each Chief of Navy attends the meeting as the senior flag officer of their respective navy, and not as an official representative of his country. There are no conditions attached to membership other than those outlined above.
I support the overall goals of CHENS which are to continuously promote cooperation among the member countries’ military navies, evaluate the common interest issues and increase awareness of the member countries in the maritime field.
CHENS meetings take place annually, usually in the month of May in one of the CHENS member countries, and are hosted by the current chairman. Chairmanship changes annually on a rotational basis- Ireland last hosted the annual meeting in 2001. The Slovenian Armed forces will assume the CHENS presidency after Ireland.
Ireland is not obliged to contribute any resources to CHENS other than the expertise of the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service. The only financial costs associated with membership of CHENS relate to the travel and subsistence costs arising from attendance at the annual meeting.
The estimated cost of hosting CHENS in 2023 is not yet available as the event has just concluded. However, I am advised by the Military authorities that the costs associated with hosting this event are within the limits set out in Department of Finance Circular 25/2000 on Official Entertainment.
184. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of accommodation dwellings in Defence Forces ownership, that are currently unoccupied at each location; the estimated average cost of refurbishment to a liveable condition, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24602/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Permanent Defence Force provides a significant level of Single Living Accommodation for serving personnel, where this accommodation is required by personnel for training and operational duties. There are in excess of 4,500 places currently within all the military installations.
In terms of other accommodation the most recent data supplied to my Department by the military authorities is set out in the following table.
|
Occupied Dwellings |
Unoccupied Dwellings |
Occupied and Unoccupied |
||||
|
Location |
Military |
Overholders |
Totals |
Location |
Total |
Total |
|
Cork |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Cork |
10 |
10 |
|
Dublin |
6 |
14 |
20 |
Dublin |
5 |
25 |
|
Kildare |
10 |
27 |
37 |
Kildare |
62 |
99 |
|
Total |
16 |
41 |
57 |
Total |
77 |
134 |
Information in relation to refurbishment costs for the dwellings set out in the table is not currently available. I am advised by the military authorities that they are currently developing proposals in relation to improving the quality and quantity of the single living accommodation and in relation to the renovation of existing housing stock to provide increased bed capacity.
185. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland's participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace programme; the current activities that Ireland are participating in as part of the programme; the financial cost associated with membership in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24603/23]
View answerIreland's relationship with NATO is conducted through Partnership for Peace (PfP), of which Ireland has been a member since 1999. Participation in PfP is seen as fundamental to Ireland being able to meet its obligations in providing professional peacekeepers for international crisis management and peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN and in enhancing the Defence Forces’ interoperability with other professional military forces.
PfP retains its own separate identity and was founded based on an individual bilateral relationship between NATO and each of the Partnership for Peace countries. Ireland is currently in the process of developing a renewed partnership with NATO through a new Individually Tailored Partnership Programme. This new framework presents an opportunity to enhance our cooperation in relevant areas of choice.
NATO is the international standards organisation for military forces. Access to NATO training and standards, through participation in PfP, 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.
The Defence Forces participate in the Operational Capability Concept (OCC), which is an evaluation and feedback process that provides for external evaluation by trained evaluators of military capabilities in accordance with NATO standards. Defence Forces involvement with OCC is a reflection of how they strive to reach that standard and benchmark. There are no membership fees associated with this participation.
PfP is a voluntary and cooperative framework between NATO and individual non-members of NATO and as such there is no funding obligations arising from Ireland’s involvement. In order to manage our partnership with NATO, Ireland maintains an office in a NATO building in Brussels, the rental and maintenance costs of which are directly payable to NATO.
Separately, the Department of Foreign Affairs has made a number of voluntary contributions to NATO Trust Funds which provide capacity-building support to partners including Jordan, Georgia, Tunisia, Serbia and Moldova, as well as other UN Troop Contributing Countries. Ireland has provided this support where the activities supported by the Trust Fund align with Ireland’s foreign and security policy.
Other associated costs made by the Department of Defence relate to the Defence Forces attendance at NATO Training centres, secure communication costs, and our engagement in the NATO Cyber Defence of Excellence Centre in Tallinn.
186. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland's participation in the European Union's Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO); the obligations this puts on Ireland; the financial cost associated with membership in the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and estimate for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24604/23]
View answer187. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland's participation in each individual Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) operation of which Ireland is a part of; if such projects are time limited or indefinite in nature; the expected benefits accrued arising from participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24605/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
Ireland joined the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in 2017, the establishment of which represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. Under PESCO, Member States come together in different project groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations.
Since joining PESCO in 2017, the only costs of our engagement have been those associated with travel to and attendance at PESCO project planning meetings by Defence Forces' Subject Matter Experts.
As of 18th May 2023, Ireland is participating in four PESCO projects and has Observer status on 19. The four projects in which we are participating are - (1) Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance; (2) Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform; (3) Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures and (4) Deployable Military Disaster Relief Capability Package.
(1) The main objective of Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance project is to enhance the maritime surveillance, situational awareness and potential response effectiveness of the EU, by using the existing infrastructure, deploying assets and developing related capabilities in the future. The project will integrate land based surveillance systems, maritime and air platforms in order to distribute real-time information to member states, so as to provide timely and effective response in the international waters. It aims to address new and old threats and challenges (such as energy security, environmental challenges, security and defence aspects); thus ensuring accurate Awareness and Rapid Response, so as to contribute to the protection of the EU and its citizens. As the State’s principal sea-going agency, the Naval Service provides a unique sea-going capability. The Naval Service is multi-tasked with providing a fishery protection service, general maritime patrolling and surveillance, and are ready to respond to, for example, an aid to the civil power request, a pollution incident, or a search and rescue or recovery missions. Participation in this project enables the Naval Service capability development in maritime surveillance and situation awareness, interaction with other Navies is also extremely valuable from a lessons learned and lessons identified perspective. The project is led by Greece; participating member states are Bulgaria, Hungary, Cyprus, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain. Portugal has Observer Status on the Project. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
(2) The main aim of the Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform project is to strengthen EU Member States’ cyber defence capabilities and response to cyber incidents by promoting cooperation in the field of cyber threat information sharing. Participation in this project will give the Defence Forces a further means to deal with both known and unknown Cyber threats. It will provide additional analysis capabilities regarding Defence Forces adversaries Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) and the Indicators of Compromise (IoCs). The adoption of this platform will also increase our interoperability with EU Member States both at home and overseas, which may save valuable time and resources when responding to an incident. The information sharing aspect will also aid in cementing our already established links with strategic partners and allow us to both contribute to and avail of a rich Cyber intelligence network. The project is led by Greece, participating member states are Cyprus, Hungary, Ireland Italy and Portugal. Observing member states are Finland, France, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland and Spain. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.
(3) The Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures project aims to deliver a high-level collaboration and delivery of semi-autonomous underwater, surface and aerial technologies and capabilities for maritime minecountermeaures. If successful, this will allow and enable EU Member States to protect shipping, harbours, critical offshore infrastructure and sea lines of communication, and to safeguard freedom of navigation on maritime trade routes in Europe and globally. The development of autonomous vehicles, using modern technology and an open architecture, adopting a modular set up, will contribute significantly to the EU's maritime security by helping counter the threat from sea-mines and other bad actors in the maritime domain. As participants, Ireland will benefit from access to R&D and industry in driving a solution to this capability gap through potential fit out (installation) on current platforms and planned C/IED and MCM platforms (ships) as part of the fleet replacement program. This capability, when developed and delivered, will provide Ireland with a flexible, modular, innovative technology which will enable the Defence Forces to develop an increased level of protection, resilience and deterrence to mitigate against potential threats to key national infrastructure (ports, approaches and Sea Lines of Communication) and critical national infrastructure (subsea cables, renewable offshore energy). The project is led by Belgium; participating member states are France, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania. Observing Member States are Estonia, Finland, Spain, Sweden. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2030.
(4) The purpose of the Deployable Disaster Relief Capability Package project is to develop, within the PESCO framework, a tool to support the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) response efforts to natural and manmade disasters such as public calamities, natural disasters and pandemics, both within and outside EU territory. It aims to provide additional capabilities to those already available which are particular to the military component of member states. This will in turn enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of the overall response to emergencies. Ireland’s participation in this project will provide opportunities for interoperability training with other nations to learn and share experience and knowledge across the humanitarian response area. As a participant the Defence Forces may be required to provide trainers as required to instruct on Disaster Relief Courses at the Training Centre, there is also provision for Member States to host specialised courses in their own countries. Standardised training across all participating Member States and an exchange of knowledge and expertise in the specialised areas of disaster relief will be very beneficial. As well as establishing important contacts in the area of disaster relief, the knowledge, skills and expertise developed on these courses could then be disseminated throughout the Defence Forces, resulting in increased organisational capability. The project is led by Italy, participating member states are Austria, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy and Spain. Observers to the project are Bulgaria and Portugal. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.
It is important to recognise that while these projects are scheduled to be completed in the coming years the impact of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine has resulted in some delays to the projects and therefore the timelines may need to be extended.
The nineteen projects which Ireland is currently observing are: (1) Counter Unmanned Aerial System; (2) Energy Operational Function; (3) EU Military Partnership; (4) EU Radionavigation Solution; (5) European Secure Software Defined Radio; (6) European Union Network of Diving Centres; (7) Future Medium-size Tactical Cargo; (8) Harbour and Maritime Surveillance and Protection; (9) Military Mobility and (10) SOF Medical Training Centre; (11) EUFOR Crisis Response Operation Core; (12) European MALE RPAS; (13) Cyber and Information Domain Coordination Center; (14) Common Hub for Governmental Imagery; (15) Strategic C2 System for CSDP Missions and Operations; (16) Next Generation Small RPAS; (17) Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle Amphibious Assault Vehicle Light Armoured Vehicle; (18) European Patrol Corvette and (19) EU Cyber Academia and Innovation Hub.
Member States with Observer status on PESCO Projects have no voting rights and cannot influence the direction of the projects. Observer status allows Member States to gain knowledge on what the project expects to achieve and what is required from the Member States.
188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland's participation in the Common Security and Defence Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24606/23]
View answerThe European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is a policy setting the EU’s framework in the field of defence and crisis management, including defence cooperation and coordination between Member States. Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security and of the UN. It is essential, therefore, that Ireland remains fully engaged in all CSDP processes and contributes fully to the development of the policy in order that we can influence its evolution.
The Strategic Compass, approved by the Foreign Affairs Council and endorsed by the European Council in March of last year, outlines the way forward for the European Union in the field of security and defence. The Strategic Compass is a means of setting out the EU's shared strategic vision for CSDP and of enhancing the role of the EU in international peace and security. Progressing the 80 actions under the Compass is well advanced. It should be noted that decision-making power in relation to the Strategic Compass' proposed actions remain a national competence.
Ireland is engaged with a number of EU defence-related initiatives and frameworks, including the European Defence Agency (EDA), the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the EU Satellite Centre (EU SatCen), the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Peace Facility (EPF).The European Defence Agency (EDA) was set up in 2004 during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and Ireland joined the Agency in July of that year. The EDA is an Agency of the European Union, which supports Member States to develop a range of capabilities and capability standards to support CSDP, in particular the deployment of military capabilities in support of Crisis Management Tasks, as outlined in the Treaty on European Union. Ireland’s participation in the Agency provides access to research and information on developing and maintaining professional capabilities and research that we cannot self-generate. This is important in terms of Ireland's ability to participate in UN-mandated Peacekeeping Operations. Ireland contributes, on an annual basis, to the operational budget of the EDA. In May 2017, the Council endorsed the modalities to establish the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD). This is a process which aims to create greater transparency by sharing Member States information on future defence policy, capability development, budgets and investment. All 27 EU Member States, including Ireland, participate and contribute to the CARD process.Ireland joined the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in 2017. The establishment of PESCO represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. Under PESCO, Member States come together in different groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations. Ireland is currently participating in four PESCO projects and is an observer on a further nineteen projects. Ireland has participated in the EU Satellite Centre (EU SatCen) since 2007. The EU SatCen is an Agency that handles sensitive and classified data to support CSDP military operations and civilian missions. The Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs contribute to the budget of the EU SatCen. The European Defence Fund (EDF) is an industrial sectoral programme, providing funding for research and capability development, which supports the European Defence and Industrial Technology Base in delivering capabilities for Common Security Defence Policy operations. The EDF is funded within the Multiannual Financial Framework. Ireland contributes to the funding of common costs for EU military crisis management operations through the European Peace Facility (EPF). The EPF, established in March 2021, replaced the Athena Mechanism and the African Peace Facility. Under the EPF, the Department of Defence has responsibility for the financing of common costs relating to EU military operations under the EU's CSDP. The Department of Foreign Affairs has responsibility for the funding of African peace support operations, previously handled by the African Peace Facility, as well as EU Assistance Measures in order to provide assistance to individual countries and regional or sub-regional organisations.Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, the EPF has been utilised to provided assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Consistent with the terms of the Programme for Government, Ireland's share of Ukraine related assistance measures is being directed exclusively toward non-lethal support. The EU Military Assistance Mission (UAF) in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), which provides training to Ukraine's Armed Forces is also funded via Member States contributions to the EPF.
Sixteen Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed with EU CSDP missions, eight with EUTM Mali, five with Operation Althea in Boznia and Herzegovina and three are deployed to the operational headquarters of Operation Irini in Rome. In February of this year, the Government approved the participation of the Defence Forces in EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine. The primary role of the Defence Forces will be to provide training to members of the UAF in response to their identified needs including but not limited to C-IED training (Counter Improvised Explosive Devices), EOD training (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Combat Medical and Engineering. All training will take place on the territory of EU Member States. Some elements of training have already been undertaken by the Defence Forces. The Government and Dáil also approved the participation of a naval service ship in a CSDP mission, Operation Irini in June and July of this year.
189. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of two ships by the Irish Naval service; the cost of purchase, transport and refitting; the works that are to be carried out and timeframe for refitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24607/23]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary 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. Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while conducting their primary day-to-day tasking of providing a fishery protection service. At any one time the Naval Service can have a number of ships that are on active operations around the Irish EEZ whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.
Following the decommissioning of three ships last year and with the recent arrival from New Zealand of two Inshore Patrol Vessels, the Naval Service fleet now stands at eight vessels. One ship, LÉ Niamh, is in the process of a mid life refit which is expected to be complete in Quarter 3 2023, and a second ship LÉ Róisín, has been placed in operational reserve. There are four operational ships currently available.
The Inshore Patrol Vessels were purchased for €26 million on a government-to-government basis from New Zealand in 2022. Following a year long regeneration and modification programme, the ships were transported to Ireland with shipping costs of some €2.9 million. Additional costs associated with further work and other equipment required prior to the ships commencing operational service in 2024 are expected to be in the region of €3 million. As this project is still ongoing, figures are provisional and exclusive of VAT.
190. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the cost to date, including off-budget costs, of Ireland’s participation in PESCO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24963/23]
View answerIreland joined the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) in 2017, the establishment of which represents a further development in EU Cooperation in support of international peace and security under CSDP. Under PESCO, Member States come together in different project groups to develop and make available additional capabilities and enablers for peacekeeping and crisis management operations. As of 18th May 2023, Ireland is participating in four PESCO projects and has Observer status on 19. The four projects in which we are participating are - (1) Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance; (2) Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform; (3) Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures and (4) Deployable Military Disaster Relief Capability Package.The 19 projects on which we are Observing are – (1) Counter Unmanned Aerial System; (2) Energy Operational Function; (3) EU Military Partnership; (4) EU Radionavigation Solution; (5) European Secure Software Defined Radio; (6) European Union Network of Diving Centres; (7) Future Medium-size Tactical Cargo; (8) Harbour and Maritime Surveillance and Protection; (9) Military Mobility and (10) SOF Medical Training Centre; (11) EUFOR Crisis Response Operation Core; (12) European MALE RPAS; (13) Cyber and Information Domain Coordination Center; (14) Common Hub for Governmental Imagery; (15) Strategic C2 System for CSDP Missions and Operations; (16) Next Generation Small RPAS; (17) Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle Amphibious Assault Vehicle Light Armoured Vehicle; (18) European Patrol Corvette and (19) EU Cyber Academia and Innovation Hub.
Since joining PESCO in 2017, the only costs of our engagement have been those associated with travel to and attendance at PESCO project planning meetings by Defence Forces' Subject Matter Experts. These costs would not be extractable from the overall Defence Forces expenditure on overseas travel that covers travel for training, attendance at conferences etc.
191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the nautical miles that each Air Corps aircraft can go; and the nautical miles that each Naval Service ship can go, in tabular form. [24973/23]
View answerOutside of information made available on open source platforms such as www.military.ie, the Defence Forces does not comment on operationally sensitive matters including capabilities of equipment.
192. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence If funding has been provided to resurface the runway at Baldonnel Aerodrome; and the last time this runway was resurfaced. [24974/23]
View answerA contract for Runway and Taxiway Overlay works was completed in December 2002 and a subsequent contract for Apron Repairs work was completed in November 2005. Ongoing surface maintenance is provided as required and the most recent repairs were undertaken in 2021 and 2022. I am advised by the military authorities that there are no plans to have the runways at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel resurfaced this year.
193. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den an Tánaiste agus Aire Cosanta an bhfuil i gceist filleadh ar an nós a bhí ann bád cabhlaigh de chuid na hÉireann a ainmniú i ndiaidh pearsa eagsúla as miotaseolaíocht dúchasach na hÉireann agus iad ag aunmniú an dá bhád cabhlaigh atá ceannaithe do na fórsai cosanta le gairid; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [24992/23]
View answerDéantar soithí nua a ainmniú agus cuirtear na searmanais coimisiúnaithe ar siúl sula dtéann na soithí isteach i gcabhlach na Seirbhíse Cabhlaigh. Is é an nós a bhí ann, tar éis an tSeirbhís Cabhlaigh a bhunú, ná soithí a ainmniú i ndiaidh mná ó mhiotaseolaíocht na hÉireann. In 2013, d’ordaigh an tAire a bhí ann ag an am go ndéanfaí athbhreithniú ar an mbeartas ainmnithe agus tar éis an athbhreithnithe sin is é an tuairim a bhí ag an Aire ná gur cheart na longa a ainmniú i ndiaidh mórphearsana litríochta na hÉireann a bhfuil cáil dhomhanda orthu chun Éire a léiriú mar thír nua-aimseartha níos cuimsithí.
Tá Clár Athnuachana agus Athsholáthair na Seirbhís Chabhlaigh fós ar siúl. Tá an dá Soitheach Patróil Uisce Cladaigh a ceannaíodh iad ó Rialtas na Nua-Shéalainne in ionad an LÉ Orla agus an LÉ Ciara tar éis teacht go Corcaigh le déanaí. Tabharfar faoi chlár cuimsitheach oibreacha ar na soithí, lena n-áirítear an criú a chur i dtaithí leis na soithí agus oiliúint a chur orthu, agus beidh an clár sin curtha ar siúl i dtimpeallacht Chuan Chorcaí agus na bunáite chabhlaigh ag Inis Sionnach.
Glacfar cinntí maidir le hainmniú na soithí seo sula gcuirfear tús lena seirbhís oibríochta, atá beartaithe le tarlú in 2024. Déanfar na roghanna go léir, lena n-áirítear iad siúd dá dtagraítear ag an Teachta, a mheas.
