Gino Kenny
Question:80. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the deployment of the LÉ William Butler Yeats to the coast of Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29557/23]
View answerNaval Service
Questions (80)
Written answers
Following Government and Dáil approval, the L.É. William Butler Yeats will commence operations with the Operation Irini mission in the Mediterranean tomorrow (21 June 2023).
The core task of the mission is to contribute to the prevention of arms trafficking within its agreed Area of Operation, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2292 (2016) and subsequent Resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya.
While capacity building and training of the Libyan Coastguard is part of Operation Irini’s mandate, the Naval Service personnel will not engage in this activity when participating in the mission. Indeed, Ireland has formally declared caveats to this effect with the Operational Headquarters in Rome.
In any event, the capacity building and training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy element of the mandate is not currently in operation and as such is suspended.
As regards the issue of Safety of Life at Sea/ Search and Rescue (SOLAS/SAR), the motion approved by the Dáil includes an amendment to the effect that the naval vessel participating in Operation Irini will be subject to the obligation under international law to provide assistance to persons in distress at sea.
This reiterates the pre-existing obligation on Ireland under the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea, an obligation to which the Naval Service would have to give effect whether in the context of Operation Irini or otherwise.
In the event that any Operation Irini ship is involved in SOLAS/SAR, the mission direction is that those migrants rescued by the ship should be taken to and disembarked to a European Coastguard ship as soon as possible so that the Operation Irini ship can return to its mandated operations with the minimum of delay.
While Operation Irini has no specific mandate for Safety of life at Sea/ Search and Rescue (SOLAS/SAR), the involvement in a SAR/SOLAS event while operating as part of Operation Irini cannot be totally ruled out.
However, should the naval vessel be required at any point during its deployment to respond to a Safety of life at Sea or Search and Rescue event, they will do so in accordance with the mission direction and such rescue operation would be conducted in line with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The recent strategic review of the mission indicated that in 2022, 91,985 migrants arrived via the Central Mediterranean Route into Europe in 2022. Of this figure, an estimated 163 (0.17 per cent) were rescued by Operation IRINI.
I am confident that the crew of L.É. William Butler Yeats will maintain the tradition of those who have gone before them and make a worthwhile contribution to EU naval operations in the Mediterranean.
Defence Forces
Questions (81)
Colm Burke
Question:81. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department plans to offer healthcare benefits to members of the Defence Forces and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29521/23]
View answerWritten answers
A wide range of primary medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force, including an annual medical examination, sick parades, GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, clinical mental health services provided by an in-house psychiatrist and two in-house psychologists, and routine dental treatment. In addition to the above, arising from a Programme for Government commitment, my Department has recently secured sanction to extend the provision of private secondary healthcare for all Defence Forces personnel, in line with the services that were previously available only to Officers.
In the case of Defence Forces personnel assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts, these personnel, and any accompanying dependents, are provided with global comprehensive medical insurance for which a formal arrangement is in place with a health insurance provider. This involves the organisation paying the difference between a basic minimum payment and the cost of the global plan.
In addition, the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service provide a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service, that is professional, responsive and confidential, to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families to sustain and enhance the individual well-being of personnel, and to promote a safe and positive work culture in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
As additional support, my Department has arranged the provision of a confidential counselling, referral and support service, on a wide range of personal and work related issues, for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence members.
A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and is staffed by fully-trained and experienced counsellors. This service was extended to the families of Defence Forces personnel on a pilot basis during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chaplaincy Service also provides confidential, comprehensive pastoral support and spiritual care to personnel at home and overseas.
I can assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of Defence Forces personnel is a key priority.
Defence Forces
Questions (82)
Cathal Berry
Question:82. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason no Air Corps apprentices have been inducted this year; when this induction is going to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29271/23]
View answerWritten answers
My officials and Military Management engage in regular and ongoing discussion on recruitment into the Defence Forces. This includes discussions regarding the recruitment of trainees, apprentices etc, and the scope and terms and conditions falling from that, where such proposals are made by Military Management.
With regard to Air Corps, it is my understanding that Air Corps Management are currently looking at the matter of apprentices and technicians, as part of the ongoing management of provision of maintenance and servicing of Air Corps aircraft, their engines, systems, equipment and weapons. It is my understanding also that Air Corps management is engaging with the Further Education sector regarding any accreditation matters that may arise from that.
In the event that there is any change in policy suggested by Military Management in this regard, this will require a Business Case to be developed by Military Management setting out the rationale for any proposed change in practice. Indeed, it is my understanding that Military Management has just, as of last Friday, submitted proposals to my Department to run a Trainee Military Aircraft Systems Technicians induction in 2023, and my officials will work closely with Military Management on progressing that.
Ultimately, however, any decision to run an Air Corps apprenticeship induction is a matter for Air Corps Management, and is dependent on the correct accreditation arrangements being in place. I am not currently in a position to say when an induction of apprentices will take place, but I will be very happy to provide this information to the Deputy, once the necessary arrangements have been finalised by Air Corps Management.
Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 74.
Defence Forces
Questions (84)
Bernard Durkan
Question:84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the actions proposed to augment the ability of the Defence Forces here to protect vital subterranean and submarine infrastructure in light of recent global threats in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29512/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Defence, I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning (GTF) supported by the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in my Department. A subgroup of the GTF was assigned responsibility to develop guidance on critical infrastructure resilience in 2017. The subgroup produced the first guideline document on critical infrastructure resilience in February 2019. This document was subsequently revised and updated in July 2021.
While the primary responsibility for safeguarding critical infrastructure rests with its owner or operator, the guideline document provides the methodology for operators of essential services to follow to enhance their resilience. It also outlines that it is the responsibility of each government department to foster links and work closely with the semi-state and private sector operators of critical infrastructure, in their respective policy areas, to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure from a wide variety of threats.
In advance of the enactment of the new EU Critical Entities Resilience Directive, the Department of Defence is working with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to stress test critical infrastructure in the energy sector in Ireland. These stress tests will be completed before the end of 2023.
Department of Defence officials and the Defence Forces continue to engage with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to the protection of Ireland’s offshore infrastructure. While the Defence Forces have limited sub-sea capabilities, enhanced maritime patrolling of the Irish Sea in the vicinity of priority offshore infrastructure is taking place by a mixture of air and naval platforms.
In relation to the future development of subsea capabilities, the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces considered that a step up to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2) should seek to deliver enhancement of sub-surface capabilities to monitor sub-sea cables. The report states that to achieve this would mean the Naval fleet should have enhanced air, surface and sub-surface search capabilities, with the latter allowing the Naval Service to monitor activity in the vicinity of sub-sea cables. In order to achieve these desired capability effects associated with a move to LOA2, specific recommendations made by the Commission were accepted in principle by Government when it published its High Level Action Plan for the Commission's report.
A further early action identified in the High Level Action Plan is the commencement of the Strategic Defence Review. This review will examine defence policy across all domains and inform future capability requirements and enable a broader debate on the State’s overall defence policy. Department officials are currently working with their Military counterparts with a view to progressing this action. The first stage of this review will be a security environment analysis to be conducted by an interdepartmental working group which has been established for the purposes of the review.
Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 79.
European Union
Questions (86)
Richard Bruton
Question:86. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline how European defence policy has evolved since the start of the war in Ukraine. [29561/23]
View answerWritten answers
The European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) sets out 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.
The Strategic Compass, which was approved in March 2022, sets out an analysis of the strategic environment. This includes, in particular, the security and defence challenges faced by the EU, including emerging threats, the increasingly contested multi-polar world and the strategic implications for the EU.
The Strategic Compass will help guide the way towards realising an ambitious plan of action for strengthening the EU's security and defence policy by 2030. It is important to stress that decision-making powers in relation to the Strategic Compass' proposed actions remain a national competence.
Member States continue to work on the implementation of the Strategic Compass, taking into account the additional challenges faced as a consequence of Russia's continued illegal and immoral aggression towards Ukraine.
In light of the war in Ukraine, the European Peace Facility has been used to provide significant support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Our total expected contribution to direct Assistance Measures under the EPF to support the UAF currently stands at approximately €122 million, all of which is exclusively for non-lethal support.
With many EU Member States donating significant quantities of weapons, ammunition and other equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stocks have been left significantly diminished. Member States are now in the position of needing to replenish those depleted stocks in order to continue to support Ukraine and meet their own defence objectives.
EPF Assistance Measures have been agreed in this respect and the Commission has recently proposed a regulation aimed at ramping up the EU’s ammunition production capacity and addressing current supply shortages.
At its core, Defence remains a national competence, reflecting the differing responses and actions taken by EU Member States in the aftermath of the invasion. From decisions on defence, investment and orientation taken across the Union to the choices made by Sweden and Finland in applying for NATO membership, Member States have assessed and taken action in ways which best fit their national needs.
It is essential 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, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Participation in EU CSDP does not prejudice the security and defence policy or obligations of any Member State. It remains, therefore, a matter for Ireland to decide our own way forward.
Naval Service
Questions (87)
Thomas Gould
Question:87. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of times that sailings by the Naval Service have been cancelled due to staffing issues to date in 2023. [29553/23]
View answerWritten answers
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. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
A total of 39 scheduled Naval Service patrol days have been cancelled up to 31 May 2023 due to staffing issues. This figure is inclusive of 12 cancelled planned patrol days for LÉ Róisín before she was placed in operational reserve with effect from 31 January, as a result of previously acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, in particular for specialist positions.
Notwithstanding some challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime surveillance operations.
The Government has acknowledged the recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, which present ongoing operational challenges. A number of measures have been implemented to address these difficulties, including:
• The seagoing service commitment scheme, introduced in January 2021.
• Introduction of a sea going naval personnel tax credit in 2020, which has been extended to 2023.
• Increase in the upper recruitment age limit for those recruited as Direct Entry Technicians in 2022.
• Revision of terms and conditions for certain specialists.
• Flexibility in respect of the starting pay for certain Naval Service specialists.
• A concentrated recruitment campaign for general service naval recruits and specialist personnel.
In relation to retention, there has been significant progress on pay arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations along with increases from recent pay agreements and the early implementation of some of the recommendations of Commission on the Defence Forces.
I can assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence are engaged in significant efforts across a wide range of initiatives which when taken holistically aim to have the desired effect of addressing the challenges facing the Naval Service.
Defence Forces
Questions (88)
Matt Carthy
Question:88. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the proposed timeframe for the application of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces. [29527/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the Defence Forces are currently excluded from the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, which transposed the EU Working Time Directive into Irish Law.
I wish to assure you, however, that I am fully committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Working Time Directive are applied, where appropriate, to its members. This is in line with the Government commitment to remove the blanket exemption in the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 for both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána.
The removal of the blanket exemption in the Organisation of Working Time Act for the Defence Forces is a complex matter given the nature of some military activities. An extensive amount of work undertaken by military management has determined that a high percentage of the normal everyday work of the Defence Forces is already in compliance with the Working Time Directive.
Recent European Case Law on military service, however, has also been clear that certain activities due to their specific nature, can be considered outside the scope of the Directive. The provisions of this Ruling have duly informed the proposed management position, which has as its guiding principle, the fundamental requirement to ensure that appropriate rights and protections with regard to health and safety, are afforded to serving members, while also ensuring that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfil their essential state functions.
Consultation with the Representative Associations on the implementation of the Working Time Directive is taking place through a Sub-Committee of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. I understand that a series of facilitated theme-based discussions between my officials, military management, and the Representative Associations took place towards the end of last month. I understand that the discussions were constructive and are continuing.
I fully recognise the importance of implementing the provisions of the Directive and the positive impact it will have on serving members and I have directed that a final management position on the implementation of the Directive is to be submitted to me for my consideration and approval in the coming weeks.
Following my consideration and approval of a final management position on the implementation of the Directive, my Department will be engaging formally with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment who will take forward the appropriate legislative framework.
I can assure the Deputy that the health and safety of personnel in the Defence Forces remains an absolute priority for myself and the Chief of Staff and we remain fully committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Working Time Directive are applied as appropriate, throughout the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces
Questions (89, 92)
James Lawless
Question:89. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the strength of the permanent Defence Force as of 1 June 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28295/23]
View answer
Holly Cairns
Question:92. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to improve recruitment and retention rates in the Defence Forces. [29552/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 92 together.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 May 2023, the latest date for which such figures are available, was 7,764 personnel.
I have previously acknowledged the staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these.
Sanction has recently been received for 100 extra positions to facilitate the implementation of the report on the Commission on the Defence Forces. This is in addition to the pending appointment of a civilian Head of Strategic HR, and the recently appointed civilian Head of Transformation, within the Defence Forces.
In response to the specific challenges in the Naval Service, a comprehensive Naval Service Regeneration Plan is being progressed. The aim of this plan is to address issues, including Human Resource matters, facing the Naval Service. As part of a Naval Service specific recruitment campaign, a Naval Service recruitment advertisement launched last week and will be rolled out across all media platforms in the coming weeks. A contract has recently been awarded to a marine specialist recruitment body to target individuals with the skills and expertise required by the Naval Service.
The military authorities advise that current Defence Forces recruitment initiatives include ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment, the re-entry schemes and the 'Be More' recruitment campaign. The maximum age of entry was recently increased to 29 years old for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentices and certain specialists. In addition, the Defence Forces have established a Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston, with a view to increasing the throughput of recruits.
A range of financial and non-financial retention measures have been introduced by Government such as service commitment schemes, tax measures, and recent agreement to further extend the service of post-94 Privates and Corporals allowing for their continuance in service to the end of 2024. There has also been significant progress on pay. Current pay rates including Military Service Allowances for recruits on completion of their training, start at €37,147 in Year 1, rising to €38,544 in Year 2, and €39,832 in Year 3 of service.
My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces
Questions (90, 99, 112)
Thomas Gould
Question:90. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has engaged with calls by the Women of Honour group for a public inquiry into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29554/23]
View answerMatt Carthy
Question:99. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is willing to apply the terms of reference provided by the Women of Honour group to the planned statutory inquiry into abuse and bullying in the Defence Forces. [29531/23]
View answer
Catherine Connolly
Question:112. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 52 of 16 May 2023, the status of the promised statutory inquiry to identify systemic failures in the Defence Forces complaints system, including in relation to sexual misconduct; the timeline for the statutory inquiry; the terms of reference of the statutory inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29519/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 99 and 112 together.
The Government has agreed to progress, as a priority, the recommendations in the Report of the Independent Review Group. The establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in dealing with individual complaints in relation to interpersonal issues, including but not limited to sexual misconduct is just one of the recommendations that is being implemented.
Following the Government approval to establish a Statutory Inquiry, there has been ongoing consultation with the Attorney General in respect of its establishment and his office has assisted in the preparation of the draft terms of reference.
I had meetings with a number of key stakeholders, in early May, where draft terms of reference for the Statutory Inquiry were shared. I requested that the groups provide feedback in writing to me, so that their observations could be considered in preparing the terms of reference. The draft terms of reference were also shared with a number of interested parties who contacted my office.
The Taoiseach and I met with the Women of Honour Group on Monday last, 12th June, to discuss the Government’s commitment to move ahead with progressing the recommendations of the IRG Report.
I met the Women of Honour Group and their legal representatives again, last Wednesday, in a further round of engagements with a number of other stakeholders, including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, the Defence Forces Veterans Associations and the Men and Women of Honour Group.
The views of all stakeholders are very important and we have listened very carefully to their concerns. I have heard differing views from differing groups. I will be reflecting on the feedback received from the various stakeholders, which will be considered in the preparation of the terms of reference for the Inquiry.
While consideration is being given to the format of a Statutory Inquiry, this has not delayed the immediate implementation of some of the recommendations in the IRG report. For instance, all allegations of sexual assault by serving members occurring in the State, are now being referred directly to an Garda Síochána for investigation and prosecution. Legislative proposals will shortly be brought forward to formalise this.
The External Oversight Body as recommended in the IRG Report has been established, initially on a non-statutory basis. Legislation will be brought forward to put this Body on a statutory footing.
With the assistance of an external legal firm, extensive work is already underway to ensure that the Defence Forces are compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.
The implementation of the recommendations in the IRG Report together with the implementation of the recommendations in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, particularly around the area of culture, will see a fundamental transformation in attitudes and policies in the Defence Forces, which should be the acceptable norm in any modern day employment.
Defence Forces
Questions (91)
Barry Cowen
Question:91. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the work of the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28297/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government agreed to establish the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces, on a non-statutory basis initially, in line with one of the thirteen recommendations of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces published on March 28th.
The Government moved quickly to establish the Body, making the following appointments on April 5th
• Professor Brian MacCraith as the Independent Chair
• Ms. Josephine Feehily
• Ms. Patricia King
• Ms. Julie Sinnamon
• Mr. Aongus Hegarty
• Ms. Jacqui McCrum in her capacity as Secretary General of the Department of Defence
In addition, on May 16th, and with the agreement of Government, Ms. Sam des Forges was also appointed to the External Oversight Body.
These appointments are fully in line with the IRG Report.
The immediate establishment of the External Oversight Body is a critical element to driving the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and increasing transparency and accountability.
The calibre and combined skills and experience of each member gives me every confidence that this will happen.
The first task I set the Body was to develop detailed Terms of Reference in line with the recommendations of the Report for my approval.
The Body met for the first time on April 17th and has met on a number of occasions subsequently.
The first task of Body is to submit detailed Terms of Reference for my approval. Once approved the Terms of Reference will be published, and this is expected shortly.
While the Body has been established on non-statutory basis, it is my firm intention to introduce legislation to put it on a statutory footing as soon as possible.
Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 89.
Defence Forces
Questions (93, 111)
Cathal Berry
Question:93. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the date by which he expects primary radar coverage of Irish airspace to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29272/23]
View answerMatt Carthy
Question:111. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his proposed timeframe to deliver primary radar to facilitate domestic oversight of Irish airspace. [29530/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 111 together.
The 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.
It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of primary radar in particular is extremely complex and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, delivery has been prioritised by Government and this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding to explore the development of this capability. 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 Cyprus.
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.
Defence Forces
Questions (94, 117)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:94. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons recruited to the Defence Forces in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023. [29441/23]
View answerPeadar Tóibín
Question:117. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of persons who resigned or retired from the Defence Forces in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023. [29442/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 117 together.
The military authorities have provided the information in the following table, detailing the total number of personnel inducted into, and discharged from, the Defence Forces in each of the years 2013 to 2023 (as at 31st May).
|
Year |
Total Inducted |
Total Discharges |
|
2023* |
149 |
293 |
|
2022 |
435 |
891 |
|
2021 |
576 |
686 |
|
2020 |
538 |
641 |
|
2019 |
605 |
882 |
|
2018 |
611 |
740 |
|
2017 |
751 |
742 |
|
2016 |
690 |
679 |
|
2015 |
406 |
571 |
|
2014 |
506 |
481 |
|
2013 |
404 |
473 |
*As at 31 May 2023
The term 'discharges' encompasses personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and also includes a number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training.
Ongoing staffing challenges in the Defence Forces have been acknowledged. In that regard, my immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Naval Service
Questions (95)
Matt Carthy
Question:95. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when it is expected that two vessels acquired from the Royal New Zealand Navy will be brought into the service; the total crew complement required to put each vessel to sea; and the extent of territorial waters and the State's Exclusive Economic Zone these vessels are suitable to patrol. [29528/23]
View answerWritten answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. 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 whilst a number of others are undergoing routine resupply, maintenance and down time for ships companies.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels purchased on a government-to-government basis from New Zealand in 2022, arrived in Ireland last month. The vessels will undergo a comprehensive programme of works, including crew familiarisation and training, which will take place in the vicinity of Cork Harbour and the Naval Base at Haulbowline.
The core crew complement of each vessel is between 20 and 24 of suitably qualified and experienced personnel. While the vessels have a range of 3,000 nautical miles, with an ability to patrol in sea state 5 and survive in up to sea state 8, the intention is to operate on the Irish East Coast territorial seas and Exclusive Economic Zone. They will become fully operational when all of these targets are met and as soon as possible.
Defence Forces
Questions (96, 119)
David Stanton
Question:96. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of applications currently being processed by the Defence Forces as a result of the most recent recruitment campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29074/23]
View answer
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:119. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what measures are being taken to address recruitment issues for the Defence Forces and Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29532/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 119 together.
Military management remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted into the Defence Forces.
Current recruitment initiatives include ongoing general service recruitment, targeted service specific recruitment, direct entry recruitment, and the re-entry schemes.
The maximum age of entry was recently increased to 29 years old for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentices and certain specialists.
Sanction has recently been received for 100 extra positions to facilitate the implementation of the Report on the Commission on the Defence Forces. This is in addition to the newly appointed civilian Head of Transformation and the pending appointment of a civilian Head of Strategic HR within the Defence Forces.
The military authorities have advised that, as at 31 May, 150 personnel had been inducted into the Defence Forces and a further 333 general service recruit applications are actively being processed. 3,017 General Service Recruit applications had been received in 2023 up to the end of May. Applications for General Service Recruits, 10 direct entry specialists’ competitions and for the re-entry schemes are received and processed on an ongoing basis. A direct entry competition for Defence Forces School of Music instrumentalists closed has recently closed. Additionally, the 1,105 applications received for the recently closed 2023 cadetship competition are being processed and those placed highest in order of merit are due to be called for interview shortly.
The 'Be More' recruitment campaign highlights the career opportunities available in the Defence Forces and also the wider benefits of membership. As part of a Naval Service specific recruitment campaign, a Naval Service recruitment advertisement launched last week and will be rolled out across all media platforms in the coming weeks. Additionally, a contract has recently been awarded to a marine specialist recruitment body to target individuals with the skills and expertise required by the Naval Service.
My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Military Neutrality
Questions (97, 101)
Seán Haughey
Question:97. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28291/23]
View answerGino Kenny
Question:101. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the progress of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29559/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 101 together.
The Consultative Forum on International Security Policy will take place in three different locations over four days starting in University College Cork on 22 June. It will then move to the University of Galway on the 23 June and conclude in Dublin Castle on 26-27 June at Dublin Castle.
Louise Richardson, DBE, has been appointed as Chair. The Forum will draw on the principles underlying the Citizens’ Assembly model, but will be an open discussion in which any member of the public can participate, either by attending in-person, following on line and/or making a written submission to the Forum.
Since Russia's brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022, which blatantly violated the UN Charter and internal law and fundamentally altered the European security environment, every country in Europe has examined and re-examined its foreign, security and defence polices and Ireland is no different.
It is a fundamental duty of government to address the challenging global situation as it is today.
The Consultative Forum on International Security Policy is the first time that any Irish Government has established such a debate.
The Forum will be a broad discussion with almost 80 panellists examining issues such as Ireland’s work to protect the rules-based international order, through our engagement in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and arms control and disarmament.
It will look at new and emerging threats, including cyber, hybrid, disinformation and threats to critical infrastructure. The Forum will also examine our current and future engagement in EU Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as our existing relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace.
Almost 900 people have already registered to attend and over 300 submissions have been received which is very encouraging. All of the discussions will be livestreamed at www.gov.ie.
I have to again stress that the Forum is not a binary discussion on neutrality and was never intended to be. The Government have made clear that we do not intend to change Ireland's policy of military neutrality.
This policy does not inure us from dealing thoughtfully and responsibly with the global and European security environment that we find ourselves in, and the new and emerging threats that we face. Nor does it mean that we should isolate ourselves, or assume we have nothing to learn from, or contribute to, the wider debate about European security.
I am confident that the programme that is in place, the experience of the Chair, the moderators and panellists, will all contribute to a healthy, informed and respectful discussion on International Security Policy. I want to hear from as many people as possible, with a diverse range of experiences and views.
Defence Forces
Questions (98)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:98. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if additional funding will be allocated in Budget 2024 in order to implement the recommendations of the Commission on Defence in relation to capital spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29458/23]
View answerWritten answers
In July 2022, the Government approved a move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces. As part of that decision the Government committed to increasing the Defence budget from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion by 2028, as part of the annual budgetary process. This endorsement envisages, inter alia, increasing capital investment on equipment and infrastructure as identified by the Commission.
The annual Defence budget allocation is determined within the overarching budgetary framework, and approved by Dáil Eireann having regard to the level of resources available, and defence policy requirements. It is within this context that the annual Defence budget for 2024 will be determined, with the estimates process for 2024 set to commence shortly.
For 2023, the total overall gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group budget, as set out in Budget 2023, is €1.21 billion, comprising of over €915 million on the Defence Vote and over €294 million on the Army Pensions Vote. This significant allocation represents an overall increase of €93 million on 2022 and includes an increase of €35 million in the capital allocation to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022.
Ongoing and future Defence capital programmes/projects are planned, prioritised and managed through the Defence Equipment Development Plan and the Defence Infrastructural Development Plan. These internal frameworks are supported and enabled by the recent establishment of a top-down civil-military Capability Development Branch - a key Commission recommendation.
The primary return on Defence capital investment is the maintenance and development of necessary military capabilities, which provide the means by which the Defence Forces contribute to national and international peace and security and fulfil all other roles assigned by Government.
In that regard, the increased level of capital investment provided to date will allow a significant number of building projects to advance under the Defence Infrastructure Development Plan. It will also allow for significant capital investment in defensive equipment programmes, to include the ongoing development of a primary radar capability along with the progression of a range of key force protection priorities identified in the Commission on the Defence Forces, thereby significantly enhancing the equipment and facilities available to the Defence Forces.
The significant additional funding allocated in Budget 2023 across capital expenditure categories highlights the positive commitment of Government to providing a strong financial platform capable of supporting a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats. My Department remains absolutely committed to building on this successful outcome as we now move towards the commencement of Budget 2024 discussions over the coming months.
Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 90.
Defence Forces
Questions (100)
Gino Kenny
Question:100. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on how the role of the Irish Defence Forces would change if the Triple Lock were to be altered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29555/23]
View answerWritten answers
The so-called “Triple Lock” mechanism, which sets out the requirements for the deployment of more than 12 members of the Defence Forces for peacekeeping operations overseas, is set down in legislation, in particular the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1960 and the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, as amended.
The legislation provides that:
• the operation must be mandated by the United Nations;
• it must be approved by the Government; and
• it must be approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann (with certain limited exceptions as outlined below).
The Defence Acts require that the peacekeeping operation be one that is mandated by the United Nations, which in almost all cases means approval of a given resolution by the UN Security Council. These resolutions also provide endorsement at UN level for peacekeeping and conflict-prevention operations led by regional organisations, such as military missions under EU CSDP.
Any modification to the triple lock requirements for peacekeeping operations overseas, where the Irish Government can deploy DF personnel, would require a change in primary legislation to remove the requirement for the operation to be mandated by the United Nations.
The five permanent members of the Council may exercise their veto 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. Indeed, no new peacekeeping missions have been approved by the UN Security Council since 2014.
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, our Defence Forces were unable to participate in a peacekeeping mission when 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.
My own view is that, in the context of an international security environment which has been fundamentally altered by the illegal and brutal full scale invasion of Ukraine by a permanent member of the UN Security Council is that we need an open discussion on both the merits and the limitations of the Triple Lock.
I am concerned that any decision about where Irish Defence Forces personnel should be deployed overseas should be a sovereign decision of the Irish Government and, where appropriate, the Dáil. It should not in my view be a decision over which a third country has an effective veto, as is effectively the situation with any permanent members of the UN Security Council.
However, I respect that there are varying views on this issue and my hope is that the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy set to commence this week, will be an opportunity to examine such matters as the increasing use of the veto and the implications for the triple lock.