Written Answers Nos. 170-183
170. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a person (details supplied) will receive payment and expenses in their role as chair of the consultative forum on international security policy. [25585/23]
View answerThe Consultative Forum has adopted the same approach to the appointment and remuneration of the Chairperson as for the Citizens’ Assemblies. The Chairperson, Louise Richardson, DBE, has been appointed with due consideration to the experience and expertise required to execute the main functions.
An honorarium will be paid to the Chairperson at the same per diem rate as Chairs of Citizens Assembly, as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The Chairperson will also be responsible for the production of a report of the Consultative Forum, to be delivered to me, in a timely manner following the conclusion of the Consultative Forum.
171. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the missions and-or exercises that he intended the Defence Forces to participate in which were precluded by the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25632/23]
View answerIreland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Ireland has a proud tradition of participation in UN and UN-authorised peace operations, as the only country with an unbroken record of service in UN peacekeeping missions since 1958. Our peacekeepers are recognised internationally for their expertise and experience.
Under the UN Charter, the UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In fulfilling its mandate, the Security Council may adopt a range of measures, including the establishment of a UN peace mission or the authorisation of action by a group of States or a regional organisation, such as the European Union or the African Union. However no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014.
The five permanent members of the Council can use their veto power to prevent the Security Council from taking decisions, including those related to the mandates of peacekeeping operations. In practice, the threat of a veto by a permanent member, rather than its actual use, is often enough to prevent the Council from taking action.
UN Member States are invited to contribute the personnel required for UN peacekeeping operations. The Government decides on a case-by-case basis whether, when and how to commit Defence Forces personnel to peacekeeping operations authorised by the UN Security Council. Ireland would only take such a decision after a Mission has been established or authorised by the Security Council.
Ireland has consistently opposed all use of the veto. During our most recent Security Council term from 2021-2022, the veto was used on a number of occasions to prevent the Council from taking action on critical issues. In December 2021, Russia vetoed a draft resolution on Climate and Security, an initiative of Ireland and Niger that had the support of 113 UN Member States. Since February 2022, Russia has used its veto power to prevent the Council from taking action to end its illegal war in Ukraine.
When the possibility of a veto emerged last year in relation to the renewal of UN authorisation for EUFOR Operation Althea, Ireland as a member of the UNSC at the time, was in a position to play a key role in securing the renewal of the UN mandate for this EU led Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where five members of the Defence Forces are currently deployed.
In 1999, a permanent member of the UN Security Council vetoed the renewal of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP). Because the subsequent European Union peace operation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM/CONCORDIA) did not have a UNSC mandate, Ireland was unable to participate in that mission.
I believe that the consultative forum on international security policy set to take place next month, will be an opportunity to examine such matters as the increasing use of the veto and the implications for the triple lock.
172. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he plans to appoint a chair to the consultative forum on international security policy; if so, if he will outline a timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25662/23]
View answerIn line with similar national processes, an independent Chairperson was selected to chair the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy.
The Chair was appointed having regard to the remit of the Consultative Forum and, consequently, to the competencies, skills and experience required to conduct same.
Louise Richardson DBE, the highly-respected President of the Carnegie Corporation and former vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, has agreed to take on the important role.
I am confident that Ms. Richardson, who is a native of County Waterford, and a distinguished political scientist with a strong expertise in security policy in her own right, will play a hugely positive role in chairing and overseeing the discussions.
173. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department assists with, or makes a financial contribution to, the sourcing or provision of childcare or crèche facilities for the children of staff members of any grade or position; if so, the names of the providers; the costs incurred for the period 2020 to date in 2023; the number of staff who have availed of such assistance over this timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25968/23]
View answerMy Department does not assist with, or make, financial contributions to the sourcing or provision of childcare or créche facilities for the children of staff members of any grade or position.
174. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the implementation of recommendations of the independent review group established to examine and report on matters relating to recommendations for military medals relating to events at Jadotville; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26102/23]
View answerThe siege of Jadotville was a prominent event that occurred during Ireland's peacekeeping mission in the Congo in September 1961. "A" Company, 35th Infantry Battalion took responsibility for the UN post at Jadotville on 3rd September 1961. On the 9th September, a large force of Katangese Gendarmerie surrounded them and early on the morning of the 13th September "A" Company came under attack. From the 13th to the 17th September they endured almost continuous attack. They were taken into captivity on the 17th September and remained in captivity until finally released on the 25th October 1961.
The issue of the award of medals to the men of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion was addressed in 1962 and 1965. A properly constituted Medals Board considered the various cases presented. The board did not award any medals whose citations mention Jadotville. The Chief of Staff of the day considered the decision of the Board and was satisfied with the findings. Subsequently at that time, the question was raised again in a letter to a newly appointed Chief of Staff. He forwarded the letter to the original Medals Board and asked that they reconvene and review their decision. The Board indicated that the issues raised had received due consideration and that they were not prepared to alter their findings.
A review was conducted in 2004 by military officers for the purpose of a broader examination of the Jadotville case. This Board recommended that the events of Jadotville and the contribution of the 35th Battalion be given recognition. In this context, a number of measures have taken place to honour and to commemorate the events at Jadotville and the very significant contribution of “A” Company and of the 35th Battalion, as a whole, to the UN Peace Support Mission in the Congo.
Recognition of their contribution between the years 2004 and 2015 include:
A. A presentation of scrolls to "A" Company in 2006.
B. Portraits of Lt Col McNamee (35th Battalion Commander) and Comdt Quinlan (Company Commander “A” Company) were commissioned in 2006.
C. In July of 2010 the 50th anniversary of the first deployment to the Congo was commemorated in a highly publicised and well attended event in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
D. A nominal roll of “A” Company, printed in copper, was affixed to the monument in Custume Barracks and was unveiled as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Jadotville affair in September 2011.
E. On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville, a Unit Citation to honour the collective actions and bravery of the men of “A” Company was issued. This was the first time a Unit Citation was awarded within the Defence Forces.
In June 2017, at the request of the Minister with responsibility for Defence, a further review of archival records relating to the Siege of Jadotville was undertaken by the Military Authorities but this did not uncover any additional information not already known. However, the findings of this review clarified that there is no certainty available in archive records on the totality of “A” Company personnel recommended for awards. Furthermore, it revealed no evidence of the outcome of the award consideration process. In considering the proposed way forward, the Military Authorities outlined that political direction would be required to take forward action in this area.
Given the increased knowledge and understanding of the unique and exceptional circumstances surrounding the Siege of Jadotville and taking account of the request from Military Authorities for political direction, the then Taoiseach and the then Minister with responsibility for Defence decided that the most appropriate decision would be to collectively honour the actions of “A” Company at Jadotville.
A specially commissioned medal “An Bonn Jadotville” was awarded to all the men of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and the next of kin of deceased members, to give full and due recognition in honour of their courageous actions at the Siege of Jadotville in September, 1961. This medal presentation ceremony took place in Custume Barracks, Athlone on 2nd December 2017.
Notwithstanding the actions that have been taken to date to recognise and honour the valiant actions and bravery of all of the men stationed at Jadotville sixty years ago, an Independent Review Group (IRG) was established in 2021 to examine and report on matters relating to recommendations for military medals relating to events at Jadotville.
The Independent Review Group was established by the Chief of Staff and consisted of the following members:
• Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham (Retired) (Group Chairperson).
• Dr Michael Kennedy, Royal Irish Academy.
• Commandant Billy Campbell (Retired).
• RSM Michael Dillon (Retired).
• Ms Linda Hickey, Military Archives.
The Terms of Reference for the review were as follows:-
• The Review Group will consider ONUC’s operational environment in Katanga, and in particular in Elizabethville and Jadotville
• The Review Group will consider the historical evidence and processes in relation to all recommendations for military medals received with respect to the events at Jadotville or encompassing Jadotville.
• The Review Group will engage with national and international stakeholders (including Jadotville veterans) as appropriate, with a view to uncovering any additional or new evidence in this case.
• The Review Group may consider the actions of individuals not already the subject of a recommendation for a medal in respect of Jadotville.
• The Review Group will report its findings to the Chief of Staff. The Review Group may make recommendations in relation to possible awards in respect of Jadotville.
The report, which was published in full in July 2021, is substantial and makes a number of recommendations in respect of the issue of award of medals, honouring the role of families and the support they provided to veterans and in respect of veterans affairs.
The deeply unsettling aftermath of Jadotville is detailed in the report as is the lack of personal welfare supports afforded to the men following events at Jadotville, their period in captivity and upon their return home. The former Minister for Defence, Mr Simon Coveney, has apologised to veterans and to their families on behalf of the State and the Government to the men of ‘A’ Company, 35th Infantry Battalion and to their families for the lack of necessary supports or deserved recognition of their valiant service on their return from the Congo and for the many issues that arose as a result, some of which had tragic consequences. He has also acknowledged that the lack of supports in place at that time is extremely regrettable. There have been great steps in the intervening years to support Defence Forces personnel, their families and veterans through the work of the Defence Forces personnel support services.
An application was made to the High Court in September 2021 by two individuals seeking application for judicial review in relation to the convening of a Military Board to consider the award of medals. This matter was settled between the parties and was struck out by the Courts with the consent of both parties in January 2023 and plans to re- examine the award of medals have been initiated.
In recognition of the role of parents, wives and families residing in Athlone, Galway, Mullingar and elsewhere during the Battle of Jadotville and the subsequent period in captivity, the Independent Review Group strongly recommended that a plaque in their honour be affixed to the memorial honouring personnel of ‘A’ Company, 35 Infantry Battalion in Custume Barracks Athlone.
After further consideration by the Department and the Defence Forces, and in response to the views received from the veterans’ associations, a more substantial monument honouring the families was commissioned, to be placed at the site of the existing memorial honouring the personnel of ‘A’ Company, 35 Infantry Battalion in Custume Barracks Athlone. This monument was unveiled by the then Minister for Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney at a brief ceremony on 9 December 2022 at Custume Barracks, Athlone.
The implementation of any outstanding Independent Review Group recommendations is ongoing.
175. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount paid by his Department to external legal teams, HR specialists, accountancy firms and consultants in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26227/23]
View answerThe following table provides details of consultants and outsourced legal, HR and accountancy services engaged by the Department in 2022.
|
Consultant/External Legal Teams/ HR Specialists/ Accountancy Firms |
Details |
Amount Paid |
|
Marman and Associates |
Provision of passenger boat licence fees for Civil Defence Units in Local Authorities across the country |
€12,240 |
|
John O’Hehir Consulting Ltd |
Provision of HR management consultancy services to SHRG on project stream A2 Strategic Workforce Planning. |
€40,590.00 |
|
Anthony Kerr SC |
Professional legal opinion under direct access |
€3,198 |
|
Byrne Wallace |
Legal Services |
€28,518.30 |
|
PwC |
Preparation of a Preliminary Business Case to assist the MATS Review Group in its deliberations. |
€79,950 |
|
Quadra |
Provision of online ergonomic assessments for home workstations in 2022 |
€ 4,797 |
|
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
ICT Consultancy Services for development of the Digital strategy. |
€94,825.62 |
|
EY |
Producing a detailed implementation plan |
€60,762 |
|
Magnum Opus |
Specialist IT Consultant) |
€28,007.10 |
|
Carr Communications |
(Communications Training) |
€5,000.00 |
|
Reidy Brophy |
Conference Facilitators |
€3,200.00 |
|
Malone O’Regan |
For environmental reporting (Donnelly’s Hollow) |
€57,681 (excluding VAT) |
|
Greenville Procurement Providers |
Guidance on modern procurement method for capital building projects |
€1,650 (excluding VAT) |
|
ARUP |
Aviation Expert Advice |
€19,082 (excluding VAT) |
176. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence on whose authority have community groups in Columb Barracks, Mullingar had the locks on the units they have utilised for many years changed with no prior notice of same; the engagement he has had with his Department on this removal of access to the affected groups; and the immediate action he and his Department intend to take to rectify this situation. [26328/23]
View answerFollowing confirmation from the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board that an employee previously using rooms in Columb Barracks had been relocated to an alternative location in Mullingar under their aegis, the Department secured the rooms in question; whilst making provision for other groups to continue to have access to same, as required.
177. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the Defence Forces personnel who went to the UK for speciality military training by the Royal Air Force or the UK navy in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [26350/23]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that a total of 30 Defence Forces personnel have attended courses with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force from the start of 2021 to date. A detailed breakdown is included below:
|
Year |
Royal Navy |
Royal Air Force |
|
2021 |
3 |
0 |
|
2022 |
1 |
0 |
|
2023 (to date) |
20 |
6 |
|
Total |
24 |
6 |
178. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the parliamentary oversight processes for the collection and allocation of revenue from dividends from commercial State bodies such as NewERA designated bodies. [25569/23]
View answerMy department has 11 Commercial State Bodies designated under the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2014.
Where a dividend is paid, the State Body pays this directly into the central exchequer fund. My department has no role in the allocation of revenue from this fund; this is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform who has responsibility for its allocation.
All dividends paid by agencies are a matter of public record and are published in the agencies Annual Reports and Financial Statements.
179. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if a fuel (details supplied) will be made available for small engine power tools and classic and vintage vehicles, similar to that provided in other regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25576/23]
View answerThe regulations which establishes a minimum 5.5% ethanol in petrol placed upon the market by renewable transport fuel obligation account holders were made on 1 April 2023 and these will be fully operational by 1 July. In making the regulations consideration was given to the responses received through a statutory consultation on the draft regulations, the impact on fuel prices, and other economic and environmental impacts.
Moving to E10 will bring an immediate climate-change mitigation measure using the existing vehicle fleet as Ethanol (E5) in petrol currently accounts for almost 10% of annual tailpipe carbon emission savings (8.5% in 2022). The policy and regulation supporting the move to E10 takes into account the over-riding consideration of the public good in decarbonising transport through increasing biofuels.
In making these regulations while I have noted the concerns of the vintage/classic car community on the move to E10, the experience from those jurisdictions where E10 and higher ethanol blends have been used widely for a prolonged period of time has not indicated issues of damage to vehicles as a result. Recent analysis published on the website of the US Department of Energy indicates no reliability or operability issues concerning E10, which has been in use in the US since the late 70s. The AA have also recently issued guidance through their website assuring the use of E10, with advice for the maintenance and use of some older vehicles and equipment which you may find informative.
With regards continued availability of E5 in Ireland, the regulations will not prevent any independent or specialist fuel supplier from placing an E5 blend of petrol on the market, if sufficient demand exists. The new regulations just mean that from 1 July, E5 supply will not be eligible for renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) certificates. From consultation with industry it is evident that the vast majority of major suppliers do not have the storage or distribution systems to supply both an E5 and an E10 petrol grade at forecourts in Ireland.
My Department is continuing to run an E10 public information and awareness campaign through advertising and the gov.ie/E10 website continues to be the main point of reference for further information.
The regulations will be kept under review within the context of the development and implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy.
180. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport where a category has been removed from a person’s licence, how they can have the category reinstated; the reason the NDLS only holds records back to 1990; where the records are held for licences issued pre-1990; if a person held a licence category in 1972, where a record of this licence is held; the way they can access same; the reason a person would be expected to re-sit a test for a category they held previously as the NDLS removed the category from their licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25615/23]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) is provided by the RSA, by delegation under national legislation. My department does not have access to individual applications.
Because of data protection rules regarding the sharing of personal data, the person concerned will need to contact the RSA directly on this matter. A complaint may be made through the RSA website at www.rsa.ie/help-support/online-support-centre. In the section “Do you have a different query”, select “contact us” as the category, “make a complaint” as the topic, and “I wish to make a complaint” as the sub-topic. The RSA may also be contacted on 096 25000 or by email to lqueries@rsa.ie.
181. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive their driver's licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25618/23]
View answerAll enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My department does not have access to individual applications.
Individuals should contact the NDLS in the first instance for queries in relation to applications.
182. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of bookings on each Iarnród Éireann intercity service allocated for reservation online without a fee for free travel pass holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25669/23]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised by the Deputy regarding the proportion of bookings on each Iarnród Éireann Intercity service allocated for reservation online without a fee for free travel pass holders is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
183. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if there are any rules, regulations, guidelines or studies around the safe transporting of children on bicycles and on cargo bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25787/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has a team of educators going into schools and the community delivering road safety education programmes, which tackle all elements of road safety, including addressing safe cycling with school children. Areas covered include correct helmet wearing, wearing high vis, appropriate use of lights and bell, the roadworthiness of bicycles, as well as signalling and positioning.
In addition, the RSA also distributes the “Going to School Parents’ Guide to Getting Children to School Safety”, which includes cycling Going to School English FA July 2017 Web (rsa.ie). While not specifically covering cargo bikes, information on bicycle trailers and bicycle carriers for children is included on the Authority’s website and in the “Cycle Safety” booklet www.rsa.ie/road-safety/road-users/cyclists#
Complementing these initiatives, the RSA also provides funding to the “Cycle Right” programme for primary schools www.cycleright.ie/courses, and is also in the process of examining what other jurisdictions are doing in this area.
The Government is investing €365 million per year in Active Travel – cycling and walking. This investment is targeting the development of a comprehensive network of safe cycling routes across the country, which will allow more pupils to confidently and safely avail of cycling as part of their school journeys.
