Written Answers Nos. 151-165
151. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on plans to purchase a new Government jet; if same will be tendered; and if so, when that tender will be advertised. [35602/23]
View answerIn January 2023, following a review of extensive Public Spending Code work carried out on behalf of the Interdepartmental Ministerial Air Transport Service Review Group, I instructed my officials to move the MATS project to procurement stage, considering both new and second-hand replacement capability, which can also provide a broader utility role, including strategic reach in crisis situations and medical evacuation.
Given the unknown delivery timeframes associated with aircraft procurements, and concerns around Learjet availability, I also instructed officials to go to the market for a contingency arrangement by way of charter aircraft, to limit the risk of a gap in the availability of a Ministerial Air Transport Service when required.
To that end a civil/military team has been established to progress both procurement projects. The team are currently working on developing the aircraft specification and are progressing work to identify the most appropriate procurement strategy for the replacement aircraft. The procurement strategy will set out the appropriate mechanism for the procurement, in line with the relevant legal framework.
In parallel, a Request for Tender for the establishment of a Framework Agreement as a Contingency Arrangement for MATS was published in April this year. That procurement process is ongoing and will be concluded shortly.
152. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will consider changing the nature of the inquiry into the Defence Forces to establish a tribunal of inquiry as opposed to a private commission of inquiry and amend the terms of reference so that the inquiry will have the necessary buy-in from important stakeholders and victims' representative bodies and not be an exercise in self-investigation by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35628/23]
View answerThe Government approved on 11th July 2023, the establishment of a Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces to address workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
I am considering feedback received from a number of stakeholders in relation to the terms of reference for the Inquiry. I will revert to Government in the Autumn, seeking approval for the terms of reference and the appointment of a Judge to Chair the Tribunal.
153. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the action his Department has taken to honour the programme for Government pledge to ensure that Government Departments and public bodies take positive steps, including the use of correct pronouns and, where possible, making improvements on official forms, to assist non-binary people. [35824/23]
View answerThe 'Civil Service Renewal Strategy 2030' commits to nurturing a workforce for the future by bringing equality and inclusivity to the fore of its organisational design. By placing a focus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), this Department is committed to recognising and supporting all employees’ gender identity and gender expression to further develop a positive, accepting and supportive work environment where every employee is treated with dignity and respect.
My Department has taken positive steps in this regard and is represented on the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy Committee. Furthermore, my Department has provided access for staff to attend an interactive Pronouns Workshop in June 2023 offered through OneLearning which focused on how to respect a colleague’s gender identity. Other initiatives in the area of gender inclusiveness include attendance by Department staff at a series of webinars hosted in June 2023 by OneLearning regarding PRIDE month. One such seminar, delivered by Pride at Work, provided a judgement free space to ask questions and get to grips with evolving LGBTQ+ terminology including understanding pronouns.
My Department operates in line with several different laws in Ireland that protect people from inequitable treatment including the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 which prohibits discrimination in employment on a number of grounds including gender. In respect of any official forms, which require gender identity, these are currently being reviewed to ensure inclusivity.
154. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the construction works on a new Army ranger wing headquarters at Defence Forces training centre have commenced; and the estimated timeframe for the completion of works. [35949/23]
View answerA key project under the Infrastructure Development Plan is for the provision of a new Army Ranger Wing HQ to be based in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp. I can confirm that a Design Team has been appointed by my Department and the detailed design work is now underway with a projected target date for construction commencement in early 2024.
155. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the various capital works taking place at Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel. [35950/23]
View answerThe Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The Programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide for accommodation and training of personnel, maintenance and storage of equipment for land, sea and airborne operational requirements.
In regards to Casement Aerodrome, the following capital works are either ongoing or scheduled to commence over the coming year:
- Upgrade of Hangar 3 Doors- Contractor on site;
- Replacement of Hangar 3 Rooflight- Contractor on site;
- Refurbishment of Main Technical Stores- Contractor expected on site in August;
- Relocation of St Bricins Military Medical Facility- Contractor expected on site during 2024.
- Installation of EV Charging Points- completed this year.
In addition to the above my Department allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
156. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence in view of the fact that only seven women were accepted into the Defence Forces despite over 617 applications received, if he is concerned by the low number of successful applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36105/23]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that, as of 31 May 2023, 7 women were inducted into the Defence Forces, with 6 of those resulting from applications made in 2022.
In 2023, as at 31 May, 617 women applied to join the Defence Forces, with 552 of those applications being viable. 63 of those viable applications are still ‘live’ and are currently being progressed, 1 application was successfully progressed and resulted in the candidate being inducted and 8 candidates withdrew their applications
The following table details the remaining 480 applications which were unsuccessful at various stages throughout the process:
|
Did not attend Psychometric Testing |
246 |
|
Failed Psychometric Test / Verification |
151 |
|
Did not attend Fitness Test and Interview |
45 |
|
Failed Medical / Fitness Test |
15 |
|
Duplicate Application |
1 |
|
Does not meet Criteria / Educational Requirements |
9 |
|
Unsuccessful as Outside of the Order of Merit for Cadet Competition |
12 |
|
No Contact After Multiple Attempts |
1 |
As can be seen above, reasons for the high attrition includes a high percentage of applicants that did not attend at the various induction stages or failed the psychometric, fitness or medical tests. In the case of non-shows, the Defence Forces have been proactive in attempting to rearrange times that are more suitable to the applicant.
The military authorities continue to keep psychometric testing, and all other aspects of recruitment, under on-going review to ensure it continues to effectively determine suitability for entry to the Defence Forces. On that basis, psychometric testing in the Naval Service General Service recruitment was paused, on a pilot basis, for 6 months. An analysis of the revised approach will then take place and will inform future decisions on this process.
Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework and the High Level Action Plan agreed by Government on the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a range of recommendations designed to assist in increasing female participation in the Defence Forces.
My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of both men and women 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.
157. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the capital allocations in 2023 for the Defence Forces; the breakdown, by project, of expenditure that has been or will be incurred in 2023; the projected capital budget in 2024; when the Equipment Development Plan was last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36260/23]
View answerFor 2023, the total overall gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote, as set out in Budget 2023, is €915 million. This significant allocation represents an overall increase of €79 million on 2022 and includes an increase of €35 million in the capital allocation to €176 million, a 25% increase on 2022.
As outlined in the 2023 Revised Estimates Volume (REV), over €101 million of the Defence capital allocation is allocated for Defence Forces Capability Development purposes, with expenditure allocated across the following multi-annual programme areas -
- the Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programme, with €2.6 million expenditure to date in 2023 on the continued procurement of Armoured Utility Vehicles, €0.8 million on the mid life upgrade of the APC fleet and approx €0.5 million on other force protection measures;
- the Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, with €14 million expenditure to date in 2023 on two Inshore Patrol Vessels from New Zealand and €1 million on the continuing Mid Life Extension Programme for LÉ Niamh and
- the Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programme, with €29.4 million expenditure to date in 2023 on the continuing procurement of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and €7.6 million on a military transport aircraft.
The capital allocation also includes €45 million towards the enhancement of Defence Forces Built Infrastructure. This facilitates the progression of key infrastuctural projects throughout 2023, including €2 million expenditure to date in 2023 on the ongoing upgrade of the USAC building in Galway and €1.2 million on the provision of new accommodation blocks in Collins Barracks, Cork, with further spending on other infrastructural projects across the Defence Forces estate.
The remaining €30 million of the overall capital allocation provides for ongoing Defence Forces ICT, Transport and other essential capital investment needs.
The level of further payments on these projects in 2023 is dependent on the extent of their advancement. However, the Department is confident that the entire capital allocation of €176 million will be expended in 2023.
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.
Ongoing and future Defence capital programmes/projects, primarily encompassing Defence Forces equipment and infrastructural requirements, are planned and prioritised through the Defence Equipment Development Plan (EDP) and the Defence Infrastructural Development Plan. Defence capital investment is atypical and multi-annual, with long lead-in times. Therefore, the EDP remains a living document, which is subjected to regular reviews and updates and, at all times, remains cognisant of funding availability, organisational priorities and timing issues. The last EDP update was undertaken in Quarter 1, 2023.
The Defence budget allocation is determined within an overarching budgetary framework which encompasses existing NDP multi-annual capital allocations and remains cognisant of the level of resources available, commensurate with defence policy requirements. It is within this context that forthcoming Estimates 2024 discussions will take place with the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery & Reform over the coming months, to include full consideration of Defence capital investment priorities for 2024 and beyond.
158. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline what progress has been made on the procurement of ground-based air defence radar; when he expects a tender to be made; the projected cost of the project; if this project will be separated to the requirement for primary radar capability; to outline specifically what progress has been made in 2023 in exploring how to develop same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36261/23]
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.
One of the Early Actions identified in the High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities, which includes ground based air defence, maritime and primary radar systems. In response to that, a project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, was established and commenced work on planning for military radar capabilities. 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.
This is a complex programme of work and will take some time to deliver. We are not at the acquisition stage, which would be the final phase in the capability development process and, as such, while planning is still ongoing it would be premature to speculate on timeframes, cost projections and the procurement strategy to be followed. However, delivery of military 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.
159. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline what progress has been made on the procurement of multi-beam sonar-echo sounder for the P60 class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36262/23]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure the operational capacity of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment development planning process.
There is a significant body of work currently underway to ensure that the Defence Forces have the required capabilities with equipment projects in various stages of the project lifecycle.
I am advised that the procurement process for a multi-beam sonar system for the P60 class of vessels is well advanced and is currently at the tender evaluation stage of a public procurement competition, with the intention to award a contract in the near future.
160. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the lance corporal rank will be introduced in the Army and Air Corps; the projected cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36263/23]
View answerThe Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces recommended the creation of a new enlisted rank of Lance Corporal in the Army and the Air Corps. In its adoption of the Report, Government agreed that this recommendation is subject to further evaluation. The next steps in this regard will be set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which will shortly be finalised by my Department and Military Management.
161. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what progress has been made on the introduction of new long service increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel; the projected cost of introducing a new long service increment to each rank in the Defence Forces including enlisted ranks and private 3 star or able seamen; the current number of LSIs available, by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36264/23]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces in its report noted that the salary scales for a number of officer ranks includes two Long Service Increments (LSI). LSIs are included in the payscales for Captain/Lieutenant (Naval Service), Commandant/Lieutenant Commander (Naval Service) and Lieutenant-Colonel/Commander (Naval Service).
The Commission recommended the introduction of LSIs to non-commissioned ranks, including Private 3 Star, as a means of acknowledging the contribution, in ways than other than promotion, of high performing personnel who are happy to remain in the organisation at their existing level.
An evaluation of the introduction of Long Service Increments to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel, within existing pay structures, is underway. The projected cost of introducing such LSIs is not available as this stage of the evaluation process. On completion of the evaluation, my Department will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
162. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount allocated in budget 2023 for the provision of private medical care for Defence Forces personnel; what progress has been made in delivering on the commitment made in May 2023; when personnel will be able to avail of the scheme; what additional allocation will be required in 2024; the full-year projected cost of the scheme; if additional medical personnel are required in the Defence Forces to deliver on this commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36265/23]
View answerA Working Group on Medical Care was established in 2021 to bring forward proposals and identify an approach to implementing the Programme for Government commitment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to healthcare as officers currently do". Its work included analysing the range and cost of treatments currently provided to Officers and how best to provide this access to enlisted personnel.
The Working Group reported during 2022 and estimated that the overall cost of extending the service previously provided to Commissioned Officers only would be approximately €10.6m per annum, inclusive of all Defence Forces ranks. This estimate included ancillary staff costs associated with the implementation of necessary structural and administrative changes in the Central Medical Unit. The matter was subsequently progressed as one of the early actions in the High Level Action Plan of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
I am advised by the military authorities that significant progress has been made in delivering this commitment following the receipt of formal sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in May 2023. A Working Group to oversee implementation was convened by Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) on 22nd May 2023, and has worked since that date in accordance with the Terms of Reference in expanding the referral and sanction system for medical care, with progress reports submitted to Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) on a regular basis. Based on current progress and without any unforeseen difficulties, I am advised that it is anticipated that access will be initially available to personnel from 1st September 2023.
It is not currently anticipated that additional medical personnel, over and above the current establishment of Medical Officers identified in DFR CS4 and the provision of existing contracts for civilian GPs, will be required. A requirement for additional civilian medical account clerks in order to administer the service has been identified and they are in the process of being provided.
The Defence budget allocation is determined within an overarching budgetary framework, 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 2024 process set to commence shortly. Additional funding was provided in the 2023 Estimates to facilitate the implementation of a number of key recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, including the extension of private medical care to all ranks.
163. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the progress made on implementing the working time directive in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36266/23]
View answerAs 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 Síochana.
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 May and I am informed that these discussions were constructive and have taken matters forward, building on the momentum achieved in recent months through the Sub-Committee engagements.
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.
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.
164. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what progress has been to address mandatory retirement ages for post-1994 personnel in the interdepartmental working group; the projected cost of increasing the retirement age to 55 years for privates, corporals and sergeants and 60 years for NCO ranks above that, if they meet all other required criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36267/23]
View answerMilitary life places unique demands on individuals and it is necessary that Defence Forces personnel are prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations. For this reason compulsory retirement ages for ranks in the Permanent Defence Force are considerably lower than in other employments.
A joint civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages and service limits in the Permanent Defence Force was completed in 2021. The Report of the Review Group made a number of recommendations for extended service limits across a number of ranks in the Defence Forces.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force have superannuation arrangements which allows them to accrue pension benefits over an accelerated shorter timeframe to compensate for the fact that they have to retire at a relatively early age. Any proposals to amend the service limits or retirement ages of members of the Defence Forces must therefore be in accordance with public sector pay and pension policy and requires the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The Department for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform established an Inter-Departmental Working Group to consider mandatory retirement ages and service limits for public service groups who have 'fast accrual' occupational pension arrangements. The recommendations from the joint civil/military review of mandatory retirement ages in the Permanent Defence Force are being considered as part of the work of this group.
Pending the outcome of the work of the Interdepartmental Group, an interim arrangement has been secured which allows for the continuance in service, to the end of 2024, of Privates, Corporals and Sergeants who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force on or after 1 January 1994, who were due to be retired on age grounds at age 50 prior to that date.
The costs of extending the mandatory retirement ages across a number of ranks in the Permanent Defence Force are being developed and evaluated in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
165. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the additional projected cost of providing a Naval Service patrol duty allowance of €100 per day that merges the current allowances and tax credit into one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36268/23]
View answerThe Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, recommended the replacement of existing sea-going allowances with less complex sea-going duty measures. A joint civil military working group was established to examine options and a submission was made to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
Officials in the Department of Defence are continuing to engage with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on this matter.
It is not possible to give a calculation of additional costs based on a revised Patrol Duty Allowance of €100 per day, as the cost would vary dependent on the number of individuals serving at sea and the number of days served on patrol duty.
