Written Answers Nos. 172-185
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans, if any, afoot to ensure the availability of all naval vessels needed to patrol our shorelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42800/23]
View answerThe Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks including contraband interdiction duties, search and rescue, and maritime defence and security operations (MDSO). As such, any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity.
The Naval Service has recently adopted a three ship operational posture with two ships operational and another ship on standby.
The decision to reduce the number of operational ships was made as a result of the previously acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, in particular for specialist positions. This strategic decision has been taken in order to streamline operations, bolster existing capabilities, and ensure optimal resource allocation in the Naval Service.
The Naval Service is continuing to conduct maritime surveillance and fisheries patrols in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), augmented by the Air Corps CASA CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft which are equipped with state of the art surveillance and communication equipment, and the Irish Naval Service Fisheries Monitoring Centre in Haulbowline continues to remotely monitor vessels in the EEZ on a 24/7 basis.
While progress has been made and work is ongoing in a number of areas to support our Naval Service such as the revision of terms and conditions for certain specialists, and flexibility on the starting point of the pay scale for certain direct entry, further work needs to be done. This is in addition to significant investment in Haulbowline in terms of accommodation and other infrastructural works.
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.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to indicate, following the recent successful activity of the Air Corps in deterring those who would present a threat to the State, the extent to which he accepts the necessity to augment the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42801/23]
View answer174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to indicate, following the recent successful activity of the Naval Service in deterring those who would present a threat to the State, the extent to which he accepts the necessity to augment the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42802/23]
View answer175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he might see fit to augment and update the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, in line with any lessons learnt from recent success on the high seas; if he sees a potential threat to installations, notwithstanding the success to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42803/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 173, 174 and 175 together.
The White Paper on Defence, approved by Government in July 2015, resulted from a comprehensive examination of Defence requirements. It provides the defence policy framework for the period up to 2025. This policy framework is designed to be flexible and responsive given the dynamic nature of the security environment and enables the Department, and the Defence Forces, to be adaptive to changing circumstances and to use resources as efficiently as possible. Within this context, the White Paper contains the Government's decision to put in place a fixed cycle of defence reviews. These cycle of reviews are to give assurance that defence policy remains up to date and relevant to the changing circumstances and bring certainty and regularity to defence planning. As set out in the White Paper these reviews are based on an updated security assessment and a fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing. The first such review, the White Paper Update, was completed in 2019.
The second of these reviews, the Strategic Defence Review stage, was due to commence in 2021. With the establishment of the independent Commission on the Defence Forces by Government in December 2020, a decision was taken to pause commencing the Strategic Defence Review until the Commission on the Defence Forces had completed their report and Government had been given time to consider the report which was published on the 9th February 2022.
The Commission undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
In July last year Government approved a High-Level Action Plan in response to the Commission report. As part of this, approval was given for a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission, which will entail funding increases to reach a defence budget of c. €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028, the largest increase in Defence Funding in the history of the state. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission. The Budget for 2023 included an increase of €67m over the 2022 budget for Defence. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force. A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is at an advanced stage and is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
Some specific examples of equipment procured in the last 18 months includes, 30 armoured utility vehicles, 280 non-armoured vehicles, upgrades to 80 Amoured Personnel Carriers, Mid-life refit of LÉ Róisín completed and LÉ Niamh, commenced (to be completed in 2023), two Inshore Patrol Vessels and an Airbus C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft delivered in June with a second due this October.
The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the current events in Ukraine are prompting an open debate and consideration of our defence requirements. There is an ongoing requirement to consider whether the capabilities we maintain are appropriate, having regard to the security environment, the roles that we wish the Defence Forces to undertake, and likely risks. For this reason one of the Early Actions arising out of High Level Action Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was the commencement of the Strategic Defence Review. As well as encompassing the Government’s agreed recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces, the future role of the Defence Forces both nationally and internationally will also be considered within the Strategic Defence Review. An updated security assessment, which is the first stage of the review, is currently being conducted by an interdepartmental group.
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he can envisage taking emergency measures to ensure that the strength of the Army, at all ranks, is updated and supplementary, both in terms of recruitment and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42804/23]
View answer177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he can envisage taking emergency measures to ensure that the strength of the Naval Service, at all ranks, is updated and supplementary, both in terms of recruitment and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42805/23]
View answer178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he can envisage taking emergency measures to ensure that the strength of the Air Corps, at all ranks, is updated and supplementary, both in terms of recruitment and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42806/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 177 and 178 together.
As at 31 August 2023, the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces was 7,671 personnel, of which there were 6,221 Army personnel, 695 Air Corps personnel and 775 Naval Service personnel.
I have previously acknowledged the staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces and I can assure the Deputy that there are are a number of recruitment and retention measures currently underway to counter these. Current recruitment initiatives include ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment, the re-entry schemes, the 'Be More' recruitment campaign, an increase in maximum age of recruitment for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Apprentices and certain other specialists and the establishment of a Joint Induction Training Centre.
Additionally, external human resources expertise has recently been engaged with an initial focus on the Naval Service. This will assess Defence Forces recruitment and the candidate’s recruitment journey, with a view to validation of current processes and appropriate recommendations, where required.
The Equipment Development Plan, published in June 2020 and providing a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years, ensures that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel, and to facilitate capacity for further increases. This will enable us to align ultimately with the level of ambition recommended in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, and agreed by Government.
180. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has a policy on the use of artificial intelligence; and if any departmental functions are assisted by language model-based chatbots (details supplied).. [42811/23]
View answerIn line with the National AI strategy and the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies, my Department continues to keep the use of artificial intelligence for business purposes under review. The use of artificial intelligence, as with all enabling technologies, will be considered on a solution by solution basis. Any such considerations will be discussed and a risk assessment conducted as appropriate.
I can confirm that no Departmental functions are assisted by language model-based chatbots.
181. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Transport if he and Irish Rail will consider the full reopening and upgrading of the train station in Clonmel, County Tipperary; if he and Irish Rail will explore the possibility of operating additional direct rail services between Waterford and Galway by utilising the current Waterford-Limerick line, thereby benefitting commuters of Ireland's largest inland town, Clonmel, with enhanced rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42107/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, including rail. However the operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including Clonmel Station, and the operation of additional rail services between Waterford and Galway, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
182. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the anomaly whereby cars purchased for use as a taxi prior to 2010 can continue to be used, whereas cars purchased from 2012 onwards cannot continue to be used due to the ten-year rule; if he plans to introduce a 15-year limit for all vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42113/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.Since August last year, a series of global circumstances has, in the NTA’s view, considerably worsened the capability of taxi and hackney licence holders to secure new vehicles. Therefore, the NTA proposed to temporarily extend the maximum permissible age for taxis and hackneys so that no current vehicle licence holder would be forced out of the industry because a replacement vehicle could not be purchased.The NTA introduced new Regulations on 18 November 2022, permitting an extension to the final operation date of vehicles due to reach their final date of operation/maximum permissible age between 13 March 2020 and 31 December 2024. The purpose of these Regulations is to amend Regulation 31 (Maximum Permissible Age Requirements) of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015. The NTA contacted SPSV licence holders to confirm the new final operation date of their current licensed vehicle. This amendment was made as an exceptional provision and contingency measure, as a result of vehicle supply issues. The NTA does not anticipate introducing any further maximum permissible age extensions.
183. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a service can be restored to south County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42116/23]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the operation of the National Driver Testing Service, including the driver theory test, is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. This includes the provision of relevant services. I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
184. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure the successful delivery of the Athlone to Galway greenway; the projected timescale for such delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42118/23]
View answerAs Minister I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
As stated in the Strategy of the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, a Dublin to Galway Greenway "has the potential to be a National Greenway of scale and international appeal". This summer saw the opening of a new cycling and pedestrian bridge over the Shannon at Athlone which completes the Maynooth to Athlone section of this important project.
I am aware of recent media reportage of the Athlone to Galway section of the Greenway which is currently at design and environmental evaluation stage. In light of TII’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
185. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that citizens who have been trained as helicopter pilots in the North of Ireland have their qualification recognised to be able to work across Ireland as a helicopter pilot, as per section 8 of the memorandum of understanding between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning the Common Travel Area and associated reciprocal rights and privileges’ (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42127/23]
View answerThe UK’s exit from the European Union and its departure from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulatory framework resulted in challenges for pilots wishing to continue to work across the island of Ireland. My Department engaged extensively with affected operators and pilots to resolve issues that arose as a result of the UK’s departure from the EASA regulatory framework. Under the framework of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and EU, I have allowed UK operators to provide non-scheduled services within Ireland, creating a borderless environment on the island of Ireland.
For obvious reasons aviation is a highly regulated industry and under EU civil aviation safety laws there are minimum safety requirements placed on air transport operators from countries outside the EASA regulatory system who wish to have automatic access to the intra-European air transport market. Any third-country operator that intends to perform commercial air transport (CAT) operations into, within or out of any of any EASA member state requires a "Third Country Operator" (TCO) authorisation issued by EASA.
In terms of the recognition of pilot licences, the UK, now that it is no longer part of the EASA regulatory framework, has developed its own aviation regulatory regime, which has diverged from the EU framework. As part of that regime the UK decided that EASA licences would no longer be recognised for use in UK registered aircraft after 31 December 2022 (this is regardless of where the aircraft is to be operated).
Unrelated to Brexit, the EU introduced a new regulatory requirement that from 20 June 2022, any pilot who resides in the EU must hold an EASA licence when flying any aircraft other than those defined in Annex I of the EU Basic Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2018/1139) e.g. gyroplanes, ex-military, homebuilt and certain historic aircraft, and microlight aeroplanes. This applies regardless of state of registration of the aircraft. For any helicopter pilots resident in Ireland to continue to operate UK-registered aircraft in Ireland (or any EU State) they need to hold both an EASA licence (to be allowed operate in the single European sky airspace) and a UK CAA licence (to meet the UK CAA requirements that they have a UK licence to operate a UK registered aircraft).
Following Brexit there are provisions to have a UK licence recognised in accord with Regulation (EU) 2020/723, the requirements of which are further simplified for holders of instrument ratings at the time of Brexit. The Irish Aviation Authority recognise several hundred licences in this way annually.
A non-EU resident helicopter pilot who holds a UK issued licence and is flying a certified UK registered aircraft for a UK based operator that has a TCO approval from EASA may operate on the island of Ireland.
