Written Answers Nos. 182-197
182. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total cost of repairs to both the CASA and Pilatus aircraft damaged in a hangar movement earlier this year; if the collision was due to the ongoing staffing crisis; if not, if the personnel involved have been disciplined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54404/23]
View answerI am advised that the Department does not retain the information sought by the Deputy and accordingly has requested same from the military authorities. As soon as the requested information is received I will arrange to have same forwarded to the Deputy.
183. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the procurement process for a muti-beam sonar system for the P60 class of vessels has been completed. [54478/23]
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 all due diligence being conducted prior to the awarding of the tender. In addition, a civil-military working group has been established to progress a project for the enhancement of subsea awareness capabilities, as recommended in the Commission on the Defence Forces and referenced in the Detailed Implementation Plan published last month.
184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the contract for the provision of a new Army Ranger Wing HQ at the Defence Forces training centre has been signed; and, if so, the number of companies that applied for this contract but were unsuccessful. [54479/23]
View answerThe development of a new Army Ranger Wing HQ, which is included in the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Plan, is currently subject to the requisite pre-contract award procurement and design processes. My Department will conduct a competitive tendering process in due course.
185. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his current plan to maintain the historical jail and church in Columb Barracks, Mullingar. [54650/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the former Columb Barracks is to be transferred to the LDA for the purposes of providing housing and associated social/community developments, as such the plans for the future of the buildings is best determined by that Agency.
186. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the changes he intends to propose to the Defence Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54726/23]
View answer187. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe in which he intends to introduce legislation and pass legislation in relation to the Defence Acts; the timeframe in which a heads of Bill will be published; if he intends to allow conduct a public consultation and allow for pre-legislative scrutiny in advance of such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54727/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
As set out in the Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, my Department is progressing two Bills to amend the Defence Acts.
I expect to bring the General Scheme of the first Bill to Government shortly. In summary, this Bill will:
• establish the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis in line with a recommendation of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces;
• address the longer-term associate membership of ICTU for the representative associations for the Permanent Defence Force;
• update other miscellaneous provisions of the Defence Acts to address issues that have been identified.
Subject to the approval of Government, it is intended that the General Scheme will be published and be referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for pre-legislative scrutiny in accordance with Dáil Standing Order 174A.
A second Bill will also be advanced in 2024. In summary, this Bill will amend the Defence Acts to give effect to certain recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Report of the Independent Review Group on the Defence Forces and to address other matters.
As I indicated in my statement to the Dáil on 22 November on the "Triple Lock" mechanism, I have also instructed my officials to prepare legislative proposals that would govern the future overseas deployments of the Defence Forces and this work has commenced.
188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the percentage of women in the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces in each year to date since 2007, by year, in tabular form; the targets for the number of women participating in the Defence Forces from 2024 until 2028, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54728/23]
View answerThe below table provides the requested details of the percentage of women in the Permanent Defence Force, for each year from 2007 to 2023, as of 31 October 2023.
The military authorities advise that it has not been possible to collate the requested information in relation to the Reserve Defence Force within the time-frame available. I shall provide that information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
While it is not possible to estimate the year on year female participation rates going forward, the Commission on the Defence Forces have recommended a female participation rate of 35% across the Defence Forces.
In light of the Commission on the Defence Forces report and the report of the Independent Review Group, I have prioritised a significant programme of reform and culture change within the Defence Forces to ensure that it is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and that is providing a safe workplace.
Additional actions that are to be advanced under the Strategic Framework for Transformation of the Defence Forces include the appointment of a senior Gender Advisor at Colonel level; options for female participation at General Staff level; and the development of gender, diversity and unconscious bias training.
In addition to current recruitment and retention measures, these are important initiatives which will underpin the commitment to moving to a strong representation by women across all ranks of the Defence Forces.
Percentage of Women in Permanent Defence Force (PDF) from 2007 to 31 October 2023
|
Year |
Female % (PDF) |
|
2007 |
5.27% |
|
2008 |
5.47% |
|
2009 |
5.75% |
|
2010 |
5.98% |
|
2011 |
6.02% |
|
2012 |
6.26% |
|
2013 |
5.91% |
|
2014 |
6.07% |
|
2015 |
6.04% |
|
2016 |
6.22% |
|
2017 |
6.54% |
|
2018 |
6.71% |
|
2019 |
6.91% |
|
2020 |
7.03% |
|
2021 |
7.06% |
|
2022 |
7.06% |
|
*2023 |
7.37% |
*As at 31 October 2023
|
Year |
Female % |
|
2010 |
NA |
|
2011 |
NA |
|
2012 |
NA |
|
2013 |
NA |
|
2014 |
15.77% |
|
2015 |
14.47% |
|
2016 |
13.67% |
|
2017 |
14.01% |
|
2018 |
13.40% |
|
2019 |
13.33% |
|
2020 |
13.41% |
|
2021 |
13.36% |
|
2022 |
13.11% |
|
2023 |
12.61% |
189. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what additional allowances, gratuities or other payments are made to commissioned officers in the Air Corps Formation Safety Office that relate specifically to their job in health and safety; when exactly these payments commenced; and to explain the rationale for their introduction. [54772/23]
View answerIt was not possible to obtain the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy when the information sought has been collated.
190. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the key policy achievements realised and new initiatives taken by his Department during 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54782/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
One of the key commitments was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On the 15th December 2020, the Government approved terms of reference and the membership of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces, and their report was published on the 9th February 2022.
Government approval has been given for a move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
The High Level Action Plan for the report of the Commission set out a total of 38 early actions to be completed within 6 months of the Government decision. A comprehensive written update on all 38 early actions was published on March 23rd of this year, and included the status of each of the 38 early actions in tabular form. To date 37 out of the 38 Early Actions from the High Level Action Plan have been completed, with work ongoing on the Working Time Directive.
Some specific initiatives included the immediate commencement of planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar, the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs with the priority objective of developing a regeneration plan for the Reserve Defence Force and the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review (SDR). On foot of a recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces, a new Capability Development Unit has been established to take a new top down strategic approach to Capability Development Planning and will expand over the next number of years towards full optimisation in 2026.
The High Level Action Plan set out the initial implementation and oversight structures. A High-Level Steering Board has been established, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, to oversee the implementation. An independently chaired Implementation Oversight Group has been established to monitor the implementation of the recommendations approved by Government. Ms. Julie Sinnamon has been appointed as the independent chair of this group. There have been seven meetings of the Group to date; most recently on the 20th of October.
A key early action, and key output from the opening phase of the Transformation Programme, the development of a detailed implementation plan, is now complete and was noted by Cabinet and published on the 21st of November. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA 2) by 2028 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across the Commission’s recommendations
The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28th March 2023. As part of the response to the IRG Report, the Government approved the establishment of an External Oversight Body for the Defence Forces to drive the necessary culture changes throughout the Defence Forces and enhance transparency and accountability. This is an essential part of the transformation of the current workplace to support current serving members.
The External Oversight Body is chaired by Prof. Brian MacCraith; its Terms of Reference were published on the 12th July. To support the body in its work, a dedicated Secretariat has been established and to date the Body has met on 15 occasions. Legislation is also being developed to put this Body on a statutory footing as soon as possible.
In September 2023, the Strategic Framework - Transformation of the Defence Forces was published. This document clearly sets out the vital work that is underway relating to the transformation of the Defence Forces and outlines the necessary actions to be delivered by the end of 2024. It covers the recommendations made in the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) and the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF), together with measures to address recruitment and retention challenges, and the legislative changes needed to modernise our Defence Forces.
The finalisation of ongoing White Paper Projects, and the scheduled initiation of the majority of the future projects, has been evaluated and considered in light of the CoDF. It has been agreed that the majority of the projects could be merged within the CoDF project mechanisms, with small numbers either to be progressed on a standalone basis or closed.
The Department of Defence and Defence Forces Annual Report for 2022 was published in August followed by the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2023-2026 in October. A new Technology Strategy and Roadmap for the Department of Defence 2023-2027 was launched in 2023 which will guide the Department in the adoption of new technologies and digital ways for working to support the effective delivery of our policy objectives.
The Strategic Defence Review has commenced with the preparation of a revised security environment assessment (SEA) which is currently being conducted by an interdepartmental working group and will address the significant security environment changes since the invasion of Ukraine. A fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing will then be completed.
In terms of military equipment two new Airbus C-295W Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered during 2023. These aircraft will enhance the Air Corps’ maritime surveillance capability and will provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. In addition, a contract for a military transport aircraft has been placed. While a tender process has been initiated to purchase a new Government Jet.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels bought from the New Zealand Navy were delivered to Cork in 2023. They are expected to become operational in 2024. The mid-life refit of LÉ Niamh is ongoing and expected to complete in 2024. Marine advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) to replace the now decommissioned former flagship LÉ Eithne. This work is underway and will inform a public tender competition, in line with the Public Spending Code, in due course.
The MOWAG Midlife Upgrade Programme to upgrade and maintain the Army’s fleet of 80 MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers continued in 2023. Four armoured utility vehicles were also delivered which completes a multi-year programme to introduce a brand new vehicle type to the Defence Forces fleet, offering essential force protection to personnel on overseas missions.
Significant contracts were finalised in 2023 to acquire force protection and soldier systems including Night vision equipment, CBRN Suit Replacement and EOD Systems upgrades.
The acquisition of ammunition for training and overseas deployments continued throughout 2023. These included small, medium and large calibre, pyrotechnics, EOD munitions, Short Range Manually Portable Air Defence missiles and Javelin missiles.
The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The updated Plan estimates infrastructure requirements to be in the region of some €300m for the coming years and there are currently over €130m worth of projects underway at different stages of development.
Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. My Department has progressed a number of activities relating to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, and related HR issues including commissioning from the ranks, the re-entry of former PDF personnel with specific skills, a sea-going commitment scheme for Naval Service Personnel, an Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme, the Naval Service Tax Credit and extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants. On 15th November I announced that with effect from 01 January 2024 the Patrol Duty Allowance (PDA) paid to Naval Service personnel will be doubled after ten days at sea.
A review of mandatory retirement ages in all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing. The extended Building Momentum Agreement 2021-2023 provides for increases in pay for all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces of 6.5% over the lifetime of the agreement. A sub-committee of the Defence Conciliation and Arbitration Council (comprising of the Representative Associations, military and civil management) has been established to discuss, where appropriate, matters relating to implementation of the Working Time Directive. Significant progress has been achieved on the formulation of a final civilian-military management position on the Working Time Directive which will be submitted to the Tánaiste before the end of the year.
Arising from a Programme for Government commitment, sanction was secured from the Department of Public Expenditure, Reform and NDP Delivery during 2023 for the extension of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces ranks. The maximum age of recruitment was increased to 29, for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Air Corps Apprentices and certain Specialists.
In relation to legislation, some of the main policy achievements for 2023 included the enactment and commencement of the Civil Defence Act 2023, amendments to sections 169 and 192 of the Defence Act 1954 prepared and included in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023; these amendments give effect to a recommendation of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces concerning the investigation and trial of sexual offences involving persons subject to military law; and the preparation of the General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 progressed.
A three year implementation plan for the Civil Defence policy “Civil Defence-Towards 2030” was approved and as part of this a new Civil Defence Volunteer and Equipment Management System went live in July. This new system allows for more efficient management of around 2,500 Civil Defence volunteers, their training and activities. It is also assisting with equipment and vehicle management. The Civil Defence Act 2023 was enacted in July. The Act provides a modern legislative basis for the Civil Defence organisation. Following the introduction of the new legislation, the Civil Defence Act 2023, Code of Practice Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 371/2023) were introduced by the Minister. The Code of Practice prescribed in these regulations sets out grievance and disciplinary procedures as well as standards of conduct and integrity for Civil Defence volunteers.
In November, Ireland’s Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) with NATO for 2024-2028 under the Partnership for Peace was agreed; the new ITPP framework presents an opportunity to enhance any Partner's cooperation in relevant areas of choice, including cyber, enhancing resilience, improved maritime situational awareness and climate change, and will aid Ireland being able to meet its obligations in providing professional peacekeepers for multinational crisis management and peacekeeping operations mandated by the UN.
Government and Dáil approval was received in July 2023 for Ireland’s participation in four European Defence Agency Projects (1) Joint Procurement of Soldier Equipment; (2) Joint Procurement of CBRN equipment; (3) Joint Procurement of Ammunition; and (4) MICNET (Military Computer Emergency Response Team Operational Network).
In June, the Department, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs, held the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy to build public understanding and generate discussions on Ireland’s foreign, security and defence policies. The Chair of the Forum delivered her Report in October of this year.
In April, Government and Dáil approval was secured for the deployment of the Irish naval vessel W.B. YEATS, as part of the EU naval mission EUNAVFORMED Operation Irini. The core task of Operation Irini is to contribute to preventing arms trafficking within its agreed Area of Operation in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya. The Irish vessel with a crew of 58 personnel were in operation with the EU naval mission during June and July 2023.
In February the government approved the participation of up to 30 Defence Forces’ personnel in the newly established European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The primary role of the Defence Forces is to provide training to members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) in one or more EU Member States in which the training will take place. These trainers are supplemented by a small number of staff positions based in the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) staff based in Brussels, Belgium and in the multi-national Special Training Command (STC) in Strausberg, Germany. To date, Ireland has delivered training to approximately 237 UAF personnel across 6 training module iterations.
In January, the Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025. This will be the eighth occasion on which the Defence Forces have been part of an EU Battlegroup and the first since 2020. The Battlegroup will be stood-up during 2024 and will be on standby throughout 2025.
As Minister for Defence, I chair the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning supported by the Office of Emergency Planning in my Department. Particular policy achievements in this area include work to prepare the National Risk Assessment for Ireland 2023 and the publishing of the Strategic Emergency Management Framework Guideline Document 9 on Information Management. I also launched both the 2023 ‘Be Summer Ready’ Campaign, whose message was, “Think Water Safety - Plan and Prepare”, and the 2023/2024 ‘Be Winter Ready’ Campaign, which focused on, “Road Safety – Plan, Prepare, Be Aware.” Following the EU Council Recommendation of 8 December 2022 on a Union-wide coordinated approach to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure, my Department has coordinated the stress testing of the energy sector in 2023. In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, hosted the 2nd annual All Island Disaster Risk Reduction Conference, which focused this year on the key topic of emergency communications.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government’s ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to ongoing delivery of key commitments for my Department and the Defence Forces throughout 2023.
191. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when it is proposed to fill the chargehand position in No. 2 Area, Connolly Barracks, Curragh Camp, which has been vacant for several years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54868/23]
View answerCivilian employees are employed to support the operational capability of the Defence Forces. The recruitment of Civilian Employees is an ongoing process, based on a combination of the filling of consequential vacancies which have arisen due to promotions and retirements, and the filling of priority vacancies on the basis of identified requirements following engagement with the military authorities.
A competitive process to fill the chargehand vacancy in No 2 Area, Connolly Barracks, Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp, is expected to commence in January 2024.
192. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of vacant and derelict properties and sites that are owned by his Department; his plans to bring each of these properties and sites into use; where no plans are in place, the reasons why; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55041/23]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of the 10 October 2023, and the details provided therein. The position remains unchanged.
As I noted in that answer, I have instructed the Defence Forces to carry out an assessment of the vacant housing stock to ascertain their suitability to a return to modern single living in accommodation usage for serving personnel. The procurement competition for appointment of a consultant to undertake this assessment ended on 20 November 2023. A report in this regard is expected in 2024.
193. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his main policy and legislative priorities for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55203/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
One of the key commitments was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On the 15th December 2020, the Government approved terms of reference and the membership of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces, and their report was published on the 9th February 2022.
Government approval has been given for a move to 'Level of Ambition 2' (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. This will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28th March 2023. As part of the response to the IRG Report, the Government approved the establishment of an External Oversight Body for the Defence Forces to drive the necessary culture changes throughout the Defence Forces and enhance transparency and accountability. This is an essential part of the transformation of the current workplace to support current serving members and remains a priority for 2024.
The External Oversight Body is chaired by Prof. Brian MacCraith; its Terms of Reference were published on the 12th July. To support the body in its work, a dedicated Secretariat has been established and to date the Body has met on 15 occasions. Legislation is also being developed to put this Body on a statutory footing as soon as possible.
Following the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) in March 2023, I set out my priority to develop one Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, so it would be fully understandable to everyone.
In September 2023, the Strategic Framework - Transformation of the Defence Forces was published. This document clearly sets out the vital work that is underway relating to the transformation of the Defence Forces and outlines the necessary actions to be delivered by the end of 2024. It covers the recommendations made in the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) and the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF), together with measures to address recruitment and retention challenges, and the legislative changes needed to modernise our Defence Forces.
My priority within this transformation is cultural change above all else. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and that is providing a safe workplace where
• self-worth is actively promoted,
• mutual respect becomes a dominant feature,
• all members are treated with dignity,
• in an organisation that continuously evolves to deliver positive change.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was noted by Cabinet and published on the 21st November and forms a core element of the overarching Strategic Framework and achieving this end goal. The finalisation of the Detailed Implementation Plan is a further important step on this journey and builds on the publication of the Commission Report itself in February 2022, the High-Level Action Plan (HLAP) in July 2022 and the Early Actions Update published in March 2023.
This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA 2) by 2028 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across the Commission’s recommendations which span:
• Strategic HR and Cultural Change
• New Command and Control and Joint Structures to be established;
• Services to be reformed and restructured;
• Reserve Defence Force to be revitalised; and
• Joint Capability Development to be implemented
Much progress has been achieved since the Commission’s report was published, with 12 recommendations already implemented and a further 6 to be completed by the end of the year. It is important that this Detailed Implementation Plan is seen within its wider context. However a great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved to achieve this.
Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. My Department has progressed a number of activities relating to recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, and related HR issues including commissioning from the ranks, the re-entry of former PDF personnel with specific skills, a sea-going commitment scheme for Naval Service Personnel, an Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme, the Naval Service Tax Credit and extending service limits for Privates, Corporals and Sergeants. On 15th November I announced that with effect from 01 January 2024 the Patrol Duty Allowance (PDA) paid to Naval Service personnel will be doubled after ten days at sea.
A review of mandatory retirement ages in all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing. A sub-committee of the Defence Conciliation and Arbitration Council (comprising of the Representative Associations, military and civil management) has been established to discuss, where appropriate, matters relating to implementation of the Working Time Directive. Discussions with the Defence Forces Representative Associations will continue to be undertaken through this forum as the current work evolves.
The Strategic Defence Review has commenced with the preparation of a revised security environment assessment (SEA) which is currently being conducted by an interdepartmental working group and will address the significant security environment changes since the invasion of Ukraine. A fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing will then be completed and is a key policy priority in 2024.
As set out in the Strategic Framework, my Department is progressing two Bills to amend the Defence Acts.
I expect to bring the General Scheme of the first Bill to Government shortly. In summary, this Bill will:
establish the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis in line with a recommendation of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces;
address the longer-term associate membership of ICTU for the representative associations for the Permanent Defence Force;
update other miscellaneous provisions of the Defence Acts to address issues that have been identified.
Subject to the approval of Government, it is intended that the General Scheme will be published and be referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence for pre-legislative scrutiny in accordance with Dáil Standing Order 174A.
A second Bill will also be advanced in 2024. In summary, this Bill will amend the Defence Acts to give effect to certain recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Report of the Independent Review Group on the Defence Forces and to address other matters.
As I indicated in my statement to the Dáil on 22 November on the "Triple Lock" mechanism, I have also instructed my officials to prepare legislative proposals that would govern the future overseas deployments of the Defence Forces and this work has commenced.
I am satisfied that significant progress is being made in implementing the Government's ambitious programme for Defence and I look forward to ongoing delivery of key national and international policies as well as legislative priorities for 2024.
194. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the funding allocation in both 2024 and 2025 for the Defence Forces infrastructure development plan, in tabular form. [55377/23]
View answerI am advised that my officials are currently engaged their colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform with a view to settling on the final REV allocations for 2024 before year end.
195. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the refurbishment works in block C of Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny, has been completed. [55378/23]
View answerI am advised that the refurbishment of Block C at Stephen's Barracks in Kilkenny is scheduled for completion in early 2024.
196. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of marine engineer officers inducted into the Naval Service to date in 2023. [55379/23]
View answerIt has not been possible to collate the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available
197. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport if he has examined the prospect of instructing the Dublin Port Company to not submit a planning application for the proposed €450 million expansion of its operations on the Poolbeg Peninsula until the current review of the Government's national ports policy is complete; his views on the adequacy of the site adjacent to the site for proposed development at Poolbeg West for such containers; his views on the potential impact upon Sandymount Beach and the Irish Nature Reserve; his views on the National Ports Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54587/23]
View answerAs Ireland’s largest commercial State port, Dublin Port Company handles approximately 50% of the total freight at Irish ports. In line with the Programme for Government, National Ports Policy and the National Development Plan, Dublin Port Company is progressing implementation of its Masterplan 2040 to facilitate the Port to provide for future sustainable growth and changes in facilitating seaborne trade in goods and passenger movements to and from Ireland and the greater Dublin region in particular. Dublin Port Company has also signed up to the Climate Action Framework for commercial semi-state bodies, reflecting the role it is to play in decarbonisation.
My officials and I have maintained regular contact with Dublin Port Company to ensure that the need to cater for rail freight, housing, the circular economy, climate action and biodiversity is factored into its expansion plans.
The potential environmental impacts of any future strategic infrastructure development proposals within the port will be assessed by An Bord Pleanála and will be subject to public consultation as part of the statutory planning application process.
The National Ports Policy has been successful in ensuring that our ports, particularly the Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) such as Dublin Port Company have led the response of the State commercial ports sector to future national port capacity requirements. The review of the National Ports Policy provides a welcome opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to deciding the approach to the environmental, technological, demographic and geopolitical challenges of the next decade.
