Written Answers Nos. 147-161
147. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the timeframe required for the conclusion of Columb Barracks to be transferred to the LDA for the purposes of providing housing and associated social/community developments. [7548/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, following the establishment of the LDA in September 2018, the Government decided that two Defence properties would transfer to the LDA, one of which is the former Columb Barracks in Mullingar.
Officials in my Department have worked with the Chief State Solicitor's Office as a priority matter to finalise pre-contract matters, relating to Title and other formalities in advance of the formal transfer of the property to the LDA. My Department has completed all the pre-contract paperwork to facilitate the transfer of the site as soon as the LDA is ready to accept the site.
148. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide the reasons a civilian plane visited the Irish Air Corps headquarters at Casement Aerodrome in 2004 (details supplied); if he will also provide the origin departure airport and any stops of this aeroplane as well as the original intended destination airport in Ireland; and if he will also provide the passenger and crew list. [7714/24]
View answerMy Department has been advised by the military authorities that the aircraft referred to by the Deputy requested permission to land in Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel in September 2004.
I am advised that the records maintained by the Air Corps noted that the craft landed in Casement Aerodrome on 10 September 2004, departed shortly after arrival and returned later that day with a final departure to Weston Airport on the 15 September 2004. My officials have been advised that it was understood that the visit related to a charity event and that the records do not record passenger or crew details.
149. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence in relation to the NATO Partnerships for Peace agreements and the attempt to increase Ireland’s Defence Forces interoperability with NATO standards and systems, if these agreements have any requirements for arms, equipment, systems or other infrastructure to be procured from manufacturers in NATO members states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7814/24]
View answerIreland has been a member of Partnership for Peace (PfP) since 1999, at which time the Government and Dáil Éireann approved Ireland’s participation, with the foremost priority for participation being cooperation in peacekeeping. Ireland's participation is tailored so that it reflects our national priorities, and is fully consistent with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances.
Participation in PfP does not involve any commitment to NATO’s common defence arrangements. Cooperation is the cornerstone of Ireland's engagement in PfP, and we use our engagement with NATO through PfP to cooperate on the training and skills needed for peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, on the environment, and on marine matters.
Ireland's cooperation through PfP does not impose any requirements for arms, equipment, systems or other infrastructure to be procured from manufacturers in NATO members states.
The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procedures is the requirement to allow fair competition between suppliers through the submission of tenders following advertising of the tender competition on the e-tenders site and on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), where appropriate, in line with the EU procurement Directives, including the Defence and Security Directive.
150. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the refurbishment works that will be carried out at both Casement Aerodrome and Haulbowline Navy Base during 2024; and the nature of these works that will be carried out at both locations, in tabular form. [7842/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the following significant capital projects are currently underway at Casement Aerodrome and Haulbowline Naval Base, at stages ranging from design planning to construction, representing a total estimated value of over €47 million:
|
Project |
Status |
|
Casement Aerodrome |
|
|
Casement Aerodrome: Military Medical Facility (Relocation of Bricins) |
Currently undergoing planning and design |
|
Casement Aerodrome: Main Technical Stores Refurbishment |
Currently on site - expected completion in 2024 |
|
Casement Aerodrome: Hangar Upgrade and Doors |
Currently on site - expected completion in 2024 |
|
Casement Aerodrome: Replacement Hangar |
Currently undergoing planning and design |
|
Haulbowline Naval Base |
|
|
Haulbowline Naval Base: Upgrade of Block 4 Accommodation |
Currently on site - expected completion 2025 |
|
Haulbowline Naval Base: Upgrade of Block 9 Office |
Design Team appointed and currently undergoing planning and design |
|
Haulbowline Naval Base: Refurbishment of Barracks Foreman Works Building |
Contract signing imminent |
151. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans that are in place for capital investment in defence capability in 2024. [7843/24]
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.
Enhancing the physical working environment and equipment for our Defence Personnel is key feature of the recently published Strategic Framework which sets out the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
This includes the implementation of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) recommendations, particularly with regard to the enhancement of Defence Force Capabilities. The Commission's report included a wide range of further recommendations in relation to capabilities and funding.
In response, the Government approved a move to a higher level of ambition, known as ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission. The Defence annual capital budget for 2024 is €176 million, an allocation which ensured that the capital budget for Defence is maintained at its highest ever level. Implementation of the Commission's recommendations will result in significant increased investment in capability development over the coming years.
A key recommendation made by the Commission on the Defence Forces called for the establishment of a top-down capability development planning process through the creation of a new permanent civil-military structure.
Another important enabler for capital investment in Defence Forces capabilities is a top-down Capability Development Planning Process (CDPP) to identify, determine and plan for the development of current and future capability needs. In 2023 I established a Capability Development Unit within the Department, staffed with an initially small civil-military team. This team has commenced the implementation of a CDPP which will ultimately produce a twelve year Capability Development Programme, followed by a four year Capability Development Plan for the Defence Forces. These outputs will identify clear national capability priorities, providing direction for future capability development projects.
More specifically, capability priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered as part of the capability development planning processes which include both a five-year Equipment Development Plan and a Built Infrastructure Programme.
The Equipment Development Plan recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. 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.
There has been significant investment in recent years in the armoured fleet of vehicles with the enhancement of force protection and mobility with the mid-life refit of the MOWAG Piranha III vehicles project nearing completion and the delivery of Armoured Utility Vehicles. These projects have seen the integration of cutting edge technology and equipment into the vehicles.
Technology is an enabler of modern military forces and a Software Defined Radio Project which is the next generation communications system for the Defence Forces is currently in the marketplace. This complex project is being designed and customised to meet the Defence Forces' requirements and to incorporate systems and equipment platforms, it will support the joint common operational picture.
Work on capital investment in aircraft continues with the recent placing of a contract with Airbus for a military transport aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W transport aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability.
This transport aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025. This transport aircraft will complement the two Airbus C295W Maritime Patrol Aircraft delivered earlier this year. These aircraft are primarily for maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection.
With regard to Naval Service projects, two Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs), purchased from the New Zealand government last year to replace the now decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, were transported to Ireland following a yearlong project to regenerate and modify the vessels. Following their arrival in Cork, the IPVs are undergoing a comprehensive programme of works including crew familiarisation and training. They will become fully operational when all of these targets are met and as soon as possible. A project for the enhancement of subsea awareness capabilities, is also progressing well, with it's Needs Phase well underway.
These projects, across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, are a clear demonstration of 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 challenges.
152. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the recent monitoring by the Naval Service of a Russian oil tanker of the west coast of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7901/24]
View answerThe Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline. It should be noted that foreign vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps without their innocent passage being infringed.
The conduct of surveillance activities by the Defence Forces is an operational matter, details of which are not disclosed for security reasons. The Military authorities provide regular assessments, reports and briefings to me as Minister for Defence and to officials of my Department as appropriate. These assessments, by their nature, are confidential.
153. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his proposals to support the work of veterans associations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7902/24]
View answerMy Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations. These Veterans Associations, which represent all former personnel, are Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). My officials and I meet regularly with these recognised Veterans Associations to discuss matters of concern to their members.
My Department has entered into Service Level Agreements with ONE and IUNVA, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. ONE is paid €130,000 and IUNVA is paid €30,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022. As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has also secured total funding of €900,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.
Additionally, in line with the commitment in the current Programme for Government to "support the establishment of centres for members of the Defence Forces", my Department continues to facilitate, where possible, the establishment of further ONE Veterans Support Centres and IUNVA Posts around the country.
154. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of people who retired from the Defence Forces in each of the years 2019 to date, by rank and by years of service, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7903/24]
View answerThe table below details the number of personnel who were discharged, by rank and by year, between 2019 and 2023, as requested. The military authorities have advised that it is not possible to provide the requested detail on the length of service for each individual as this information is not readily available.
Discharges from Permanent Defence Forces - 2019 to 2023
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
Lt General |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Maj General |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Brig General |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Col |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
8 |
|
Lt Col |
11 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
12 |
|
Comdt |
27 |
10 |
11 |
31 |
31 |
|
Capt |
21 |
8 |
10 |
24 |
19 |
|
Lt |
3 |
4 |
3 |
6 |
6 |
|
Sgt Major |
9 |
10 |
2 |
7 |
6 |
|
BQMS |
9 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
|
CS |
28 |
25 |
27 |
31 |
28 |
|
CQMS |
15 |
13 |
14 |
30 |
12 |
|
Sgt |
98 |
75 |
90 |
109 |
95 |
|
Cpl |
117 |
74 |
102 |
148 |
135 |
|
PTE 3* |
349 |
210 |
225 |
338 |
287 |
|
PTE 2* |
20 |
13 |
9 |
9 |
4 |
|
Rec |
150 |
153 |
163 |
132 |
96 |
|
Appr |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Cadet |
14 |
24 |
11 |
10 |
6 |
|
Total |
882 |
641 |
686 |
891 |
755 |
The term ‘discharges’ includes personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges. Also included are a number of trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training (Private 2*, Recruits, Apprentices and Cadets).
I have previously acknowledged the staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these. My immediate focus remains on stabilising the numbers of personnel, and to facilitate capacity for further increases.
155. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the legislative basis on which he approves Irish participation in EU battle groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7950/24]
View answerUnder Section 3(1) of the Defence (Amendment) Act 2006, a contingent or member of the Permanent Defence Force may, with the prior approval of and on the authority of the Government, be despatched for service outside the State for the purpose of filling appointments or postings (S.3(1)(a)) and conducting or participating in training (S.3(1)(b)). Dáil Éireann approval is not required for the despatch of such personnel.
In January 2023, the Government approved participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU Battle group 2024-25 on this basis. This is the eighth occasion where the Defence Forces will take part in an EU Battle group, and the first since 2020.
The decision to participate in an EU Battle group does not presume any further decision in relation to participation in an actual Battle group operation. Any such decision is subject to national decision-making procedures which in Ireland’s case, currently means the triple lock of a UN Mandate and Dáil and Government approval. As such, notwithstanding any agreement on participation in a Battle group, Ireland continues to retain the absolute right to determine for itself, on a case-by-case basis, whether or not to participate in any particular Battle group operation.
156. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the legislative basis on which he approves Irish participation in NATO Partnership for Peace and the Individual Tailored Partnership Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7951/24]
View answer157. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland's new agreement with NATO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7952/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.
Ireland has been a member of Partnership for Peace (PfP) since 1999, at which time the Government and Dáil Éireann approved Ireland’s participation, with the foremost priority for participation being cooperation in peacekeeping. Ireland's participation is tailored so that it reflects our national priorities, and is fully consistent with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. Participation in PfP does not involve any commitment to NATO’s common defence arrangements
Co-operation is the cornerstone of Ireland's engagement in PfP, and to-date, we used our engagement with NATO through PfP to primarily cooperate on the training and skills needed for peacekeeping and crisis management operations.
Heretofore, the framework for cooperation under PfP between Partners and NATO was conducted through the Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme (IPCP) and the Planning and Review Process (PARP). A streamlined framework for cooperation, namely the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), was developed to incorporate both the IPCP and PARP. Streamlining these processes into one is an effort to minimise the administrative burden for both NATO and Partners.
At the Madrid Summit in 2022, NATO Allies agreed and recognised the importance of partner relations with countries and organisations around the world. It was also recognised that co-operation with partners, based on mutual respect and benefit, contributes to global security, enhances resilience and upholds the rules based international order.
The ITPP allows for cooperation in respect of enabling Defence Forces capability development and interoperability, attaining best practice in relation to military standards and contributing to force protection measures. The ITPP also allows for greater cooperation in efforts to tackle cyber and hybrid threats, enhancing resilience, maritime security as well as in work to address the impact of conflict on women and girls through the women, peace, and security agenda.
The ITPP is for a duration of four years, 2024-2028, after which a revised framework will be developed taking into account possible further Partner-led goals based on their identified capability development requirements and the security environment at that time.
158. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the recent recruitment campaign undertaken for the Naval Service covered the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8063/24]
View answerIt has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
159. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has discussed the number of members of the Reserve Defence Forces; the actions that have been taken to increase them; if could outline the plan for 2024 to increase the number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8064/24]
View answerThe current strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of end of December 2023 is as follows:
|
Service |
Total Effective Personnel |
|
Army Reserve |
1,323 |
|
Naval Service Reserve |
84 |
|
First Line Reserve |
282 |
In terms of recruitment and retention measures for the RDF, a long-term regeneration plan is being prepared following the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF). This plan is being developed by the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established last year on foot of recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces.
A recruitment competition was launched on the 3 October 2023. As of 19 Jan 2024, 853 valid applications were submitted. There are currently over 800 live applications proceeding through the system with 34 medicals completed.
Concerning the medical assessments, work has been completed on streamlining the two-stage process, and fitness testing is now completed before the medical assessments.
The Military Authorities have informed me that the induction of personnel has been facilitated through the implementation of a 'Managed Induction Process' whereby each applicant is assigned a Recruitment Liaison Officer (RLO) who maintains contact with them throughout the induction process. The aim of this close liaison is to facilitate an expeditious and efficient recruitment process from application to attestation.
I would like to assure the Deputy that it is my aim, and that of the Chief of Staff, to ensure that the regeneration of the RDF remains a key goal in 2024 and beyond.
160. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the process to change the triple lock mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8065/24]
View answerIn my statement to the Dáil on 22 November, I asked my officials in the Department of Defence to prepare legislative proposals without delay that would govern the future overseas deployments of our Defence Forces.
Work on the preparation of those legislative proposals has commenced, with a view to proposals being brought to Government in due course.
As the Deputy will be aware, the General Scheme of any Bill will be brought for pre-legislative scrutiny consideration by the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to determine if pre-legislative scrutiny is required.
Any proposals agreed by Government will then have to be presented to, debated and approved by the Dáil and Seanad, thus providing the Oireachtas with ample opportunity to scrutinise any such proposals.
It is important that I emphasise that any legislative proposals will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Any modification to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the dispatch of Defence Forces’ personnel to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.
161. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progression of proposed Bus Connects routes for Wicklow (details supplied), including an operational timeline for each and an estimated deadline for expected completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7440/24]
View answerBusConnects Dublin is a transformative programme of investment in the existing bus system, providing better bus services to more people. It is the biggest ever investment in our bus system in the history of the State.
It is currently planned to commence routes E1, E2, L1, L2, L3, L12, L14, L15, X1 and X2 by Quarter 3 this year. This is subject to funding and resource availability and detailed checks on operational readiness being completed in the coming months. In addition, the NTA are examining improved proposals for the operation of routes L1, L2 and L3 in advance of the roll-out of these services.
