Written Answers Nos. 171-185
171. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a new cadetship recruitment campaign for the Naval Service will be launched in the third quarter this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29148/23]
View answerThere are no plans to launch a new cadetship recruitment campaign for the Naval Service. The 2023 Naval Service cadetship competition was launched in March and closed on 26 April 2023. This competition resulted in 172 applications and these applications are currently being processed.
172. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant dentists, physiotherapists, nurses and doctors currently in the Defence Forces Medical Corps as of 12 June 2023; when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29149/23]
View answerI am informed by the military that the current number of vacancies for each of the requested positions are as follows:
|
Position |
Vacancies |
Remarks |
|
Dentist |
Three |
The recommendations of the Dental Service Review are currently in the process of being implemented. |
|
Doctor |
Five* |
Medical Officer positions are advertised and processed on an ongoing basis. A Direct Entry Competition for Medical Officers is due to be conducted in June/July 2023. |
|
Nurse |
N/A |
The Employment Control Framework for the Defence Forces provided in the past for 14 Army Nursing Service (ANS) staff. However, these positions are not included in the 9,500 Permanent Defence Force establishment. A Review of Medical Services is due to commence during 2023 arising from the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, and will make recommendations on future of nursing services. |
|
Physiotherapist |
N/A |
Following a previous review of the DF Physiotherapy service, sanction was received to appoint 5.5 civilian physiotherapists on a full-time basis. There are currently 4.5 vacancies in this regard. However, these positions are not included in the 9,500 Permanent Defence Force establishment. |
(*The overall figure comprehends three individuals who are currently undertaking the Military Medicine Training Scheme).
173. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of the bravery of a person (details supplied) who displayed selfless and exceptional bravery on 31 May 1999 at Post 6-42 in South Lebanon, where under fire he risked his own personal safety in order to ensure the security and safety of his comrades; if he is aware that the person was never posthumously awarded a medal for gallantry in recognition of the bravery he showed on that fateful day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29464/23]
View answerWhile Defence Force Regulation (DFR) A9 sets out the qualifying criteria required to be awarded such Defence Forces Medals, the awarding of medals is a matter for the military authorities.
I am advised that in general, medals are awarded to members of the Defence Forces on the basis of various criteria such as their length of service, for service overseas and for acts of bravery associated with such service both at home and overseas.
This Regulation also delineates the procedures for the awarding of those medals to members of the Defence Forces. DFR A9 sets out the various types of medal awards. ‘Medal award’ serves as an overarching category and then various subcategories are further set out under each ‘medal award’. These subcategories are: classes of award, bar to medal, investigation by military board, time limit for award, and administrative instructions. The details provided underneath each of these headings essentially lays out the protocols for the awarding of these medals.
In accordance with Defence Forces regulations, the award of medals for bravery is time bound. They may not be awarded, in any case, unless a recommendation is made through the usual channels to the Chief of Staff, not later than two years in the case of the Military Medal for Gallantry, and not later than four years in the case of the Distinguished Service Medal, after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made. Such awards are made on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff for the purpose of examining and reporting on every recommendation for an award.
With a view therefore to maintaining the credibility and integrity of the medals awarding system, I raised the matter with the Chief of Staff, in the context of the recommendations of the Independent Review Group Jadotville. I was advised that the matter remains under the consideration of the Chief of Staff.
174. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the implementation of circular 25/2016 by each State body under the aegis of his Department; and if he will provide, in tabular form, by State agency, the compliance with each of the standards and timelines set out in responding to Oireachtas Members’ queries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29470/23]
View answerThe circular to which the Deputy refers, sets out the Protocol for the Provision of Information to Members of the Oireachtas by State Bodies under the aegis of Government Departments.
The only State body currently under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board which is an independent statutory body, established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 and consisting of a chairman and two ordinary members. The Secretary to the Board is provided from the staff of my Department. Therefore, any queries from members of the Oireachtas in relation to that body, as with any other matter, can be sent to minister@defence.ie.
175. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there has been an increase to the budgetary figure for meals for personnel within the Defence Forces; if he could provide the figure for these meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29594/23]
View answerThe cost of food for the Defence Forces is met from Subhead A.14 of the Defence Vote, which provides for Defence Forces Uniforms, Clothing, Equipment and Catering Costs. The budget allocation for this subhead for 2023 is €16.5 million, of which €9.5 million provides for Defence Forces catering needs. This includes an increase of €1.76m on the 2022 allocation. In addition, the Daily Ration Rate has been increased from €4.20 to the current rate of €8 per person, with this rate being kept under constant review in line with military management recommendations. These increases will enable the continued delivery of nutritionally balanced meals to all Defence Forces personnel, serving at home and overseas.
176. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to his statement on 13 June 2023 to Parliamentary Question Nos. 134 and 137 of 13 June 2023, namely, that "Costs related to the Forum [Consultative Forum on International Security Policy) be split on an equal basis between the Department of Foreign Affairs and his Department”, to detail the precise programme and heading within vote 36 in which expenditure for the Forum is accounted for and/or reflected in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29743/23]
View answerCosts related to the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy will be split on an equal basis between the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The contribution by the Department of Defence will be fully met from within existing resources, mainly from the Subhead A.22 (Miscellaneous Expenditure) allocation provided to the Defence Vote.
177. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason a role (details supplied) in the Army is less remunerated that the same role in the Naval Service, where the qualifications and training are the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29746/23]
View answer178. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will seek that grade 6 pay be introduced for a role (details supplied) in the Army given the shortage of artillery experts, and to ensure fair pay within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29747/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
Armament Artificers in the Naval Service are currently paid Technical Pay Rate 6, while their counterparts in the Army continue to be paid Technical Pay Rate 5. This differing rate arose in 2018, due to a request from Naval Service HQ, who, at the time, and as is also the case today, were facing a significant retention issue for this particular cohort, who were in high demand in the private sector. That issue did not exist in the Army at that time. As such, a case was made to the then Department of Expenditure & Reform and sanctioned by that Department, to place Armament Artificers in the Naval Service on Technical Pay Rate 6.
A subsequent Review of Technical Pay grades in their totality took place following the 2019 recommendation of the Public Service Pay Commission in this regard, that urged the Review to take place at the earliest possible opportunity, without compromising the then Public Service Stability Agreement. The approach to implementing the findings of the review of Technical Grades 2-6 was the subject of extensive engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. It should be noted that this review did not recommend that Armament Artificers serving in the Army be moved to Technical Pay Rate 6.
All of the recommendations of this Tech 2-6 Review were fully implemented in 2022, representing an additional €1m approx. per annum, in pay for over 700 Enlisted personnel who were positively affected by this measure.
The current national pay agreement, Building Momentum, to which the Defence Forces Representative Associations have signed up to, provided for a Sectoral Bargaining fund which could have been utilised by the relevant Defence Forces Representative Association to address the specific measure of introducing Technical Pay Rate 6 for Armament Officers in the Army. This route was not chosen in order to address this matter.
179. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will consider the awarding of a commemorative medal to Defence Forces personnel involved in the Decade of Centenaries commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29773/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, a commemorative medal was awarded to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016.
This was a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann who served during the centenary year of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal was awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016.
There are no plans to award a further commemorative medal for service during the Decade of Centenaries commemorations.
180. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if we will outline the actions taken to date to procure a primary radar capability for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29774/23]
View answerThe development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in last year's report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to implementing this recommendation, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities.
In response to that, a project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, was established and commenced work on planning for military radar capabilities. This includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.
Work that has been carried out to date includes identification of requirements and research into various delivery options, as well as consideration of approaches internationally. This has included a visit to another Member State. Delivery of primary radar has also been prioritised by Government in this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence which includes funding to explore the development of this capability
Delivery of primary radar is a key capability priority for me as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and I am determined to ensure its delivery within the earliest practicable timeframe.
181. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will set out the progress made to date in establishing a Joint Cyber Defence Command; the number of additional cyber specialists recruited to date to manage cyber defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29775/23]
View answerIn terms of cybersecurity, the primary role of the Defence Forces relates to the defence and security of their own networks and systems. From an operational perspective it would be inappropriate to comment on the numbers currently in place in the Defence Forces working on cyber capability, however, this important role is being developed in the context of the High Level Action Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and will grow in importance as threats in the cyber space increase.
The recommendation by the Commission on the Defence Forces to create a Joint Cyber Defence Command was accepted in principle by the Government, which meant that it required further consideration on the optimal approach to meeting the intent of the Commission. Sanction has been given for the Defence Forces to create a new Cyber Development Planning Office which will start the planning needed to enhance Defence Forces structures across the cyber domain required by a new Joint Cyber Defence Command, including the management of Defence Forces IT Services, CIS Services and Cyber Defence.
This Cyber Development Planning Office will also progress other cyber-related recommendations identified in the High Level Action Plan, including updating and publishing a cyber defence strategy in line with best international practice and standards as well as incorporating practical lessons identified from comparator countries and EU Member States’ maturing cyber commands.
Also of note is that a member of the Defence Forces is seconded to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. A ceremony to mark Ireland’s joining of the Cyber Defence Centre was held last month. This Estonia-based Centre is a multinational cyber defence hub with a total membership of 38 nations from all across the world, both NATO and non-NATO members, with member states ranging geographically from Iceland to Australia. It allows members to work together and to pool knowledge to enhance cyber defence. Along with Ireland, other nations officially joining the Centre at last month’s ceremony were Iceland, Japan and Ukraine.
182. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline the progress made since the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces on the development of anti-drone or counter UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29776/23]
View answerA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
Following the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, which included a wide range of recommendations in relation to capabilities and funding, the Government approved a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission.
Allied to this, one of the recommendations made by the Commission provided for the development of anti-drone or counter UAS capabilities. This recommendation was accepted in principle in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published last July following the Government's consideration of the Commission’s report.
As a result, a civil-military Working Group on UAS detection and counter UAS technology has recently been established. The Working Group has commenced a study of national and international best practice, and regulatory requirements, in order to see how UAS detection and counter UAS technology can best be deployed in the context of enhancing the capacity of the Defence Forces to carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government. Building on current and previous staff studies in this area, the Working Group will make recommendations on the development of the Defence Forces capability and capacity in this area.
183. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current progress on providing alternative accommodation for the UN Veterans facility at Portlaoise Garda Station, which is a consequence of the construction works and extension to the Garda Divisional HQ. [29783/23]
View answer184. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will confirm whether the Department of Justice and the prison authorities in the Midlands, along with the OPW, have finalised agreement on the construction of the Defence Forces Unit, including the UN Veterans facility at the Midlands Prison. [29784/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
As the Deputy will be aware the project referred to forms part of a wider initiative in Portlaoise in relation to the provision of new buildings for An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. My Department has confirmed to both the Irish Prison Services and the OPW that the Defence Forces have a current operational requirement in Portlaoise. Accordingly, the OPW are now overseeing the delivery of a new building for these purposes. While the Department does provide assist in accommodating Veterans services, the primary responsibility for sourcing such accommodation rests with the relevant Veterans organisation in the first instance. That being said, my Department will consider the scope for other users of the new building when same is completed and handed over to the Department.
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which issues relating to pay and conditions with the Defence Forces have been resolved or are under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29797/23]
View answerI understand that the Deputy wishes to seek clarity on Pay and Allowance matters for the Defence Forces. I am very happy to outline to the Deputy the range of recent key improvements in terms of pay and allowances for personnel.
At the outset, it is important to state that starting rates of pay in the Defence Forces compare very well to comparable rates of pay across the public service. In addition there is scope for further income from duty allowances and allowances for overseas service, with tax free duty allowance starting at €15,000 for a 6 month deployment.
In 2022, my Department implemented two of the pay-related recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; namely, that all personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank, while at the same time, the requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank will be removed. The implementation of these measures in 2022 resulted in starting pay rates being increased. These rates include Military Service Allowance, which is pensionable. It is important also to note that these increases, once delivered late last year, were also backdated to the date of the Government decision on the CoDF in July 2022, resulting in a back pay lump sum for those eligible personnel.
Following this, and following the most recent pay increases under the Building Momentum public service pay agreement (2% on 1st March 2023) recruits on completion of training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), start at:
- €37,147 in Year 1 – equating to €712 per week in Year 1
- €38,544 in Year 2
- €39,832 in Year 3
A school leaver Cadet on commissioning is paid €41,123. This is a second lieutenant position. After 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €46,406. Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €46,406. These rates all include pensionable military service allowance.
Military Service Allowance is an allowance that is paid for the unpredictable nature of the work encountered by the Defence Forces. As with the enlisted, there is scope for further income from duty allowances. There are also opportunities for frequent career advancement to higher ranks and to qualify for additional allowances.
This information is published and routinely updated on military.ie, and is available at the following link:
Current Competitions - Defence Forces (military.ie) www.military.ie/en/careers/current-competitions/.
Further CoDF measures delivered have included:
- Agreement on regularising provision of healthcare to all members of the PDF with all personnel now being able to avail of private secondary medical care.
- Access to the Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme for personnel with one year’s service in the Naval Service (reduced from three years)
- Extensions of the Naval Service Sea Going Commitment Scheme and the Naval Service Tax Credit, and
- Extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants.
In 2022, 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.
The most recent agreement, the extension to ‘Building Momentum’ (referred to earlier and agreed in Autumn 2022), 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.
In addition, the implementation of the Sectoral Bargaining Fund element of the original Building Momentum Agreement has resulted in additional payments totalling €373,000 extra per annum - payments which primarily benefit over 471 of the Defence Force’s lower paid members. The implementation of the Technical Pay Groups 2-6 review also resulted in almost €1 million in additional technical pay to those covered by the Review in 2022.
In addition to general round pay increases arising out of ongoing national pay agreements, members of the Permanent Defence Forces have also benefitted from the implementation of increases in Defence Forces duty allowances, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission in 2019. It is important to note also 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 currently receive an allowance of €225 per week, on top of their salary.
Finally, it has to be noted that the Defence Forces offers opportunities for education and personal development, to include fully funded opportunities to gain professional and academic qualifications, while receiving full pay and allowances, as well as providing training for career advancements and promotion opportunities.
