Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the purpose of nominating the head of the Irish Defence Forces for election to the position of Chair of the European Union Military Committee; and how much their nomination and subsequent campaign will cost the State. [13289/24]
View answerThe European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the highest military body within the EU. It is composed of the Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) of the EU's Member States who, on a day to day basis, are represented in Brussels by the Military Representatives from the Permanent Representations of the Member States to the EU.
The Government has agreed to nominate Lt. Gen. Clancy as a candidate for the position of Chair of the EUMC, to follow the completion of the term of the current occupant, Austrian General Robert Breiger. This will be the second time that Ireland has nominated a Chair of the EUMC, following the previous unsuccessful nomination of Vice Admiral Mark Mellet, and demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to the EU at this important time, particularly in light of the more volatile security and defence environment resulting from Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. In addition to Austria, a number of other neutral countries have held the Chair of the EUMC over the years.
There is no cost to the State associated with the nomination and costs around the campaign will be expected to be limited to travel within the EU that the Chief of Staff may chose to undertake to meet with his counterparts in advance of the election on the 15th May. Should the Chief of Staff be successful in being elected as Chair of the EUMC, additional costs will arise in terms of providing a suitable residence, transport, and the applicable overseas allowances for the C/EUMC along with accommodation costs and allowances for deployed support personnel.
The detail of these costs will be worked out in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in the context of the Estimates process in relation to the required operational supports and arrangements.
22. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has undertaken an assessment of Ireland's defence vulnerabilities in light of the deteriorating defence situation in Europe. [13260/24]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence published in 2015 set out the Government intention to put in place a new fixed cycle of defence reviews. Such reviews are common practice internationally and give reassurance that policy remains up to date and relevant to changing future circumstances.
The White Paper set out that every three years there will be a White Paper update that would consider progress made up to that time and consider any revisions required with each alternative three-year review in the cycle being more comprehensive in nature and to be styled a Strategic Defence Review. This new review process also informs strategy statement preparation.
The first of these reviews, the White Paper Update was published 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.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published in November 2023 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 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
One of the Early Actions identified in the High-Level Action Plan was the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review as part of the regular defence review process set out in the White Paper.
The first stage of this review has been the preparation of a revised security environment assessment (SEA) conducted by an interdepartmental working group and addresses the significant security environment changes since the invasion of Ukraine. This assessment has informed the overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing as part of the Strategic Defence Review.
The Department of Defence, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, co-hosted a Consultative Forum on International Security in June 2023. The Forum built a deeper understanding of the threats faced by the State, and the links to, and between, our foreign, security and defence policy. It also provided an opportunity to examine the experiences and policy choices of other partners in responding to the new security environment in Europe.
As well as encompassing the Governments agreed recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Independent Review Group, the Strategic Defence Review will consider the reflections of the Consultative Forum on International Security and the future role of the Defence Forces both nationally and internationally.
A draft of the Strategic Defence review will be submitted to me in the coming weeks for my consideration and following this a final version will be brought to Cabinet.
23. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the progress made to date to increase the Defence Forces to 11,500 members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13077/24]
View answer40. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the personnel strength of the permanent Defence Force as of 1 March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13026/24]
View answer44. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures he has introduced to boost recruitment and retention in the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13043/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 40 and 44 together.
In 2022, the Government approved the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF). One of these recommendations was to move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability that would require an additional 2,000 personnel, including a civilian component, beyond the 9,500 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) establishment figure that was in place at the time of the Commission’s report.
Since that time, the establishment figure has been increased to 9,589 to facilitate the implementation of all the Commission’s recommendations, with these additional positions being filled by promotion and redeployment. The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission’s recommendations was published on 21 November 2023.
The strength of the PDF, as at 31 January 2024 the latest date for which such figures are available, stood at 7,504 personnel. I have acknowledged the current staffing difficulties previously and I have instructed the military authorities that additional enlisted personnel and Cadets be recruited in 2024 beyond the initial projected induction figure proposed. An allocation of €1.23 billion for the Defence Sector in Budget 2024, which includes a provision for the recruitment and training of at least a net additional 400 enlisted personnel in 2024, will assist in this regard.
There are a number of recruitment initiatives currently underway including ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment, the re-entry schemes, the engagement of a Marketing and Media partner to assist with recruitment advertising and the 'Be More' recruitment campaign. Additionally, the establishment of the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston will, when fully operational, increase the training capacity for recruits.
In relation to the Naval Service, there has been a Naval Service specific advertising campaign and psychometric testing was paused for 12 months from June 2023 to gauge the impact on numbers of successful candidates. A specialist marine recruitment body has been contracted to target individuals with specific skills and expertise required by the Naval Service.
External recruitment expertise was engaged to validate the recruitment process into the Permanent Defence Force with a particular focus on the Naval Service. The recently submitted report, with detailed recommendations, is being considered.
Furthermore, Government recently agreed to increase the maximum retirement age for PDF personnel to 60 years. This retention measure also facilitates an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 years for General Service Recruits, Cadets and certain specialists with effect from 29 March 2024.
A range of other retention measures, financial and non-financial, have also been introduced by Government such as a new Naval Service Patrol Duty allowance which doubles the previous allowance, the Air Corps service commitment scheme, tax measures and the extension of the provision of private secondary healthcare to all members of the PDF, in addition to significant progress on pay.
24. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the decommissioning of the LÉ Eithne is scheduled to proceed. [13273/24]
View answerThe former Naval Service flagship vessel LÉ Eithne was decommissioned in 2022.
In July 2022, the then Minister for Defence accepted the recommendation of the joint civil-military Working Group on Decommissioning that the decommissioning and disposal of three (3) Naval Service ships, namely LÉ Eithne P31, LÉ Orla P41, and LÉ Ciara P42, should be progressed as soon as practicable, taking into account the age and condition of the vessels and the resourcing and maintenance implications of retaining the vessels.
Following the decision to decommission and dispose of the ships, the method of disposal came under consideration. A number of disposal options were considered, including (1) Possible donation of LÉ Eithne as a museum piece / tourist attraction; (2) Recycling at an EU approved Ship Recycling Facility; (3) Sale by Public Auction; and (4) a Government to Government transfer of LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara.
A number of organisations, including Dublin Port and the local authorities in Cork and Limerick, indicated their interest in taking LÉ Eithne as a museum piece / tourist attraction following her decommissioning. The Department of Defence engaged extensively with these interested parties but following in some cases lengthy discussions, all these parties withdrew their interest in taking the ship.
I am informed that Dublin Port commissioned two reports in addition to a ship survey looking at the feasibility of taking LÉ Eithne as a historic museum ship in Dublin Port. However, Dublin Port subsequently withdrew their interest in taking the vessel.
When, despite the best efforts of all involved, these discussions were not successful in identifying an alternative use for LÉ Eithne post-decommissioning, I decided that the vessel should be disposed of by recycling in an environmentally sound manner along with two other decommissioned Naval Service vessels, LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla.
Following a competitive process, officials from my Department have recently signed a contract for the removal of the ships from Cork Harbour for recycling in line with the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and relevant national regulations.
LÉ Éithne was recently moved from Haulbowline Naval Base to Doyle's Shipyard in Cork Harbour for preparatory works on the ship prior to removal for recycling.
25. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount allocated under Budget 2024 in relation to the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles; the amount expended in 2023, by quarter; and the purpose of such expenditure. [13157/24]
View answerUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/drones are deployed across several branches of the Defence Forces and are primarily used for reconnaissance and target spotting. These assets have no lethal offensive capabilities.
Drones are also used by the Civil Defence in search, rescue and recovery of missing persons and have proven very capable in the field by enabling inaccessible areas to be searched without any risk to Civil Defence personnel.
Annual expenditure on UAVs/drones for the Department and the Defence Forces comprises of expenditure on equipment purchase (when applicable), training and regulatory expenses, and equipment maintenance and support.
It is estimated that expenditure for 2024 will be in the region of €1 million, which includes provision for support and maintenance of the Orbiter UAV system, and also drone related expenditure for Civil Defence and the Defence Forces.
The table below sets out the quarterly expenditure for 2023 as requested.
|
Table 1 |
|||
|
Quarter |
Purpose |
Amount |
Sub Total |
|
Q1 2023 |
Civil Defence drone related expenditure |
€11,321 |
€11,321 |
|
Q2 2023 |
Naval Service drones spares and maintenance |
€3,340 |
|
|
Civil Defence drone related expenditure |
€1,685 |
||
|
Orbiter UAV Freight Charges |
€471 |
€5,496 |
|
|
Q3 2023 |
Naval Service drone equipment |
€4,000 |
|
|
Orbiter UAV Training |
€195,000 |
||
|
Civil Defence drone related expenditure |
€22,030 |
€221,030 |
|
|
Q4 2023 |
Naval Service drone purchase & ancillary equipment |
€19,794 |
|
|
Naval Service drone training aids |
€4,134 |
||
|
Civil Defence drone related expenditure |
€47,518 |
€71,446 |
|
|
Total |
€309,293 |
26. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will review the pandemic recognition payment for Defence Forces personnel who worked in test centres to make sure all deserving individuals received the payment, give some did not. [13277/24]
View answerIn January 2022, the Government announced a COVID-19 Pandemic Recognition Payment (PRP) for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. At Government level, the Department of Health has primary policy responsibility for this initiative, with the consent of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as it was then.
The payment is not subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The Government announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment. The payment amounts to €1,000 for those eligible staff who worked at least 60% Whole Time Equivalent (WTE), for at least 4 weeks during the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, and €600 for below 60% WTE. Those who worked less than 4 weeks are not in scope of the measure.
The measure is ring-fenced to eligible staff that were ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments during the pandemic. In terms of Defence Forces personnel, this means members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE.
Work to identify all COVID-related duties undertaken by members of the Defence Forces has been completed by Military Management in order to identify personnel who may be eligible for this recognition payment.
The validation and subsequent payment of the PRP, to those members of the Defence Forces, deemed eligible and therefore in line for payment of the PRP, have been processed by the Department of Defence, based on information supplied by Military Management, a process which was ongoing from October 2022 to the end of 2023.
At this point in time I am assured that all members of the Defence Forces, deemed in scope for payment of this PRP, have received their payments and I have been advised that there are no outstanding cases.
27. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has given further consideration to the use of aptitude tests as part of the recruitment process for the Defence Forces; the number who applied to enlist in the Defence Forces in 2022 and 2023, respectively and to date in 2024; the number of applicants who failed the application process in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13044/24]
View answerThe conditions for entry to and service in the Permanent Defence Force are subject to review, having regard to the needs of the organisation, the development of best practices and the maximisation of potential avenues to increasing recruitment.
Since the introduction of psychometric testing for general service recruits, the military authorities have revised the approach to such testing a number of times. The Defence Forces also provide assistance to applicants, such as advising on how best to prepare for such testing, to optimise pass rates, and the test can be practiced on the Defence Forces website.
In respect of the Naval Service, the military authorities made a decision to pause psychometric testing for Naval Service General Service recruitment on a pilot basis, initially for 6 months and subsequently increased to 12 months, with effect from 9 June 2023, to enable the gathering of data to allow for analysis into the effect of this measure.
The military authorities have advised that in 2022, there were 8,043 applications to join the Defence Forces, 9,479 in 2023 and 1,413 as at 29 February 2024. These applications resulted in 435 inductions in 2022, and 415 in 2023. There have been five inductions to date in 2024, with an anticipated intake of General Service recruits by the end of March 2024.
The reasons for high attrition rates within the recruitment process include a high percentage of applicants who submit their applications but do not engage with the process thereafter, or do not present at the various stages of the induction process. Additionally applicants can be ineligible, be unable to achieve security clearance, or fail at the various stages of the recruitment process.
28. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for a report on the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13025/24]
View answer39. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress being made in 2024 towards realising the Level of Ambition 2 ambition for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13028/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 39 together.
As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government, and its report was published on the 9th of February 2022. There were 69 main recommendations and with sub recommendations there were 130 recommendations in total. 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 covered high-level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
Given the significant recommendations contained in the Report, detailed consideration of these recommendations was undertaken over a period of 5 months by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. Following this engagement, a High Level Action Plan (HLAP) and a Memo for Government were brought to Government and approved on July 12th 2022. This involved the approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The move to LOA2 is due to be complete by 2028. 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 will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, was published on the 21st of November last. 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 16 recommendations completed and work ongoing across many others. Government noted that, in light of the Commission’s report, there is an urgent need for HR and cultural transformation in the Defence Forces and this will be prioritised.
While we are still in the early stages of the transformation process, a number of recommendations that have been implemented to-date have had a significant impact on members of the Defence Forces.
I recently announced new changes to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance. This is in line with the Commission on Defence Forces recommendation to replace existing sea-going allowances with less complex measures. The sea-going commitment scheme was abolished from the end of 2023.
Specifically, the current Patrol Duty Allowance, paid to Naval Service personnel, will be doubled after ten days at sea. This measure has taken effect from 1 January 2024.
In addition to this, healthcare afforded to officer ranks has been extended to enlisted ranks.
Also, all personnel of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman rank are now paid the full rate of Military Service Allowance (MSA) applicable to the rank, and, the requirement for that cohort to ‘mark time’ for the first three years at that rank has been removed.
However a great deal of work still needs to be done and it will need concerted effort by all involved.
The Detailed Implementation Plan sets out the significant progress that is expected in 2024. By the end of this year it is anticipated that 54 of the Commission's recommendations will be fully implemented, with many more being progressed over the course of the year.
Transformation efforts of this magnitude take time, and can only be successful if they are built on solid foundations. I have confidence that the structures that have been put in place and progress to date will ensure the successful delivery of the transformation effort.
Following the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces 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.
The Strategic Framework, which I published in September 2023, brings together into one overarching document, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the 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.
Against the reality of the current global and European threat landscape, it is more important than ever that Ireland has a well-functioning, professional and well-equipped Defence Forces.
I am confident and determined that through the Strategic Framework, and the Detailed Implementation Plan, we will realise our shared ambition for the transformation of the Defence Forces accompanied with clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground for serving members.
29. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the optimum number and type of naval vessels for the Naval Service; when he expects the Naval Service to acquire a multi-role vessel to replace the L.E. Éithne; the progress made in ensuring that double crews are available for all vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9156/24]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.
Further additions to the EDP are currently under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), and in light of specific recommendations associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The move to LOA2 includes the recommendation for an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacements, to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships is reached by early in the next decade. This recommendation by the Commission of the Defence Forces as the optimum number of vessels for the Naval Service to deliver LOA2 has been accepted by Government.
The Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme includes radar and other equipment upgrades along with the replacement of Naval Service Reserve motor launches. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of LÉ Róisín has been completed, while works are ongoing on LÉ Niamh.
Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel to replace the now decommissioned flagship, LÉ Eithne, with work underway that will inform a public tender competition in line with the Public Spending code in due course. Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace the decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara and were delivered to Cork in 2023. They are expected to become operational later in 2024, following a programme of work, crew familiarisation and training.
In addition to achieving a balanced fleet of 9 vessels by 2028, the move to LOA2 also provides that all modern vessels be double crewed to ensure each vessel spends a minimum of 220 days at sea per year, to be phased in over the course of the vessel replacement programme. There are a number of initiatives currently underway to counter ongoing staffing challenges in the Naval Service, including:
• A new Patrol Duty allowance, introduced 1 January 2024, replaces the previous Patrol Duty Allowance and Sea Going Allowance. It will be payable to all personnel serving aboard a ship on duty and will see the doubling of the Patrol Duty Allowance after ten days at sea in a calendar year. For enlisted personnel this will result in an increase in the allowance paid from €64.27 per day to €128.54 per day; for officers there will be an increase from €64.67 per day to 129.24 per day.
• As part of the Naval Service specific recruitment campaign, phase 3 of a Naval Service recruitment advertisement was launched recently.
• There is ongoing recruitment of general service recruits, cadets and specialists.
• Psychometric testing for Naval Service General Service recruitment was paused in 2023, on a pilot basis, for six months. The Defence Forces have advised that a pause of a further 6 months is warranted to allow for a fair determination on whether the pause was positive or negative.
• In an effort to remove all potential obstacles to recruiting and retaining personnel, the Government has agreed to increase the maximum retirement age for Permanent Defence Force personnel to 60. This has facilitated an increase in the maximum recruitment age to 39 for those roles with a current recruitment age below 39 years. The measure will take effect from 29 March 2024 and will apply to General Service Recruits, Cadets, and certain specialists.
• A further increase in the retirement age to 62 years will be made when relevant enabling primary legislation is introduced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
• In 2023, the Department engaged external specialist recruitment expertise to re-evaluate the Defence Forces current recruitment methods. Given the particular and critical issues presenting in the Naval Service, it concentrated its initial efforts there. The resulting recommendations will be progressed.
• A sea going naval personnel tax credit has been further extended into the 2024 tax year.
• There has also been significant progress on pay. Current pay rates, including Military Service Allowance, for the ranks of Private 3 Star/Able Seaman, in their first three years of service start at €38,016 in Year 1, rising to €39,413 in Year 2, and €40,700 in Year 3 of service.
• A graduate cadet on commissioning starts on a payscale, which includes Military Service Allowance from €47,245 depending on the type of appointment. A school leaver cadet starts at €41,962 whilst in full-time third level education.
I am satisfied that these measures together with those outlined in the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces will ensure the Naval Service is equipped and staffed appropriately in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
30. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to protect the use of the term "Óglaigh na hÉireann"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13027/24]
View answerIn December 2023, the Government approved the drafting of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023.
It is intended that this Bill will provide for various amendments to be made to the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015, one of which will be to provide for the protection of the term “Óglaigh na hÉireann”.
This proposed amendment reflects the central aim of the Private Member’s Bill (“The Defence (Restriction on Use of Certain Titles) Bill 2021”) which was introduced into the Seanad by Senator Malcolm Byrne.
The purpose of the amendment will be to provide that it shall be an offence for a person without the authority of the Minister for Defence to use the term ‘Óglaigh na hÉireann’ or any words closely resembling this term, as the name, title or description, or styling of any organisation, group, association or body, or as part of the name, title, description or styling of any organisation, group, association or body. A person who commits an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a class D fine. Any such offence may be prosecuted by the Minister for Defence in accordance with section 7 of the Defence Act 1954.
The drafting of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 is being progressed in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if, in view of the lack of an Army barracks in the central Border area, if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill, Cavan, as an Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13121/24]
View answer50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if further consideration will be given to the re-opening of Dún Uí Néill Barracks, Cavan, as a forward operating base as that region has a long land border with a neighbouring jurisdiction, and taking into account that in the past the presence locally of Army personnel played a very important role in the security of this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13122/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 50 together.
The Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership. The report 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 2022, the 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 through the annual Estimates process.
Implementation structures have been put in place encompassing an Implementation Oversight Group, a High-Level Steering Board and an Implementation Management Office (IMO) to support the implementation of the overall transformation programme required to implement recommendations from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
There are a number of recommendations contained in the report which may impact on the structure of the Defence Forces including that the structure of the Army be reviewed, and in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered.
The recommendation, that the structure of the Army be reviewed, was identified as an Early Action in the High Level Action Plan. However, no decisions on the future disposition or locations of Defence Forces formations, installations and personnel have been made at this time. In keeping with the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, military authorities are progressing the establishment of an office of Army Force Design which will undertake the work required to give effect to this recommendation.
An Army Force Design Team has been established with a Colonel Rank in the lead with initial supporting staff appointed and tasked to progress post-phase one planning.
Currently there are no plans to consider the Dún Uí Néill site in Cavan as a forward operating base, it is currently being used by Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board.
32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the European Union might see fit to contribute towards this country's defence and security with particular reference to coastal air and sea surveillance, given the significant shoreline and the multiplicity of undersea cables in the seas around our coast and the contribution this could make to European security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13229/24]
View answerThe EU and its Member States, including Ireland, have significant strategic interests in identifying and addressing security challenges linked to the coastal defence, and Ireland takes part in a range of EU initiatives in this regard.
In October 2023, the EU approved its revised EU maritime security strategy (EUMSS) and action plan, aimed at addressing security challenges at sea. Together, the two documents provide a comprehensive framework for tackling various threats and challenges at sea. The revised strategy provides a framework for the EU to take further action to protect its interests at sea, and to protect its citizens, values and economy, also in the light of Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine.
The revised strategy and its action plan have also been aligned with recent EU policy frameworks and instruments, such as the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence. On the basis of the updated EU Maritime Security Strategy, the Strategic Compass aims to, by 2025, further develop and strengthen the EU’s maritime security awareness mechanisms such as the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) and Maritime Surveillance (MARSUR) to advance interoperability, facilitate decision-making and support increased operational effectiveness. It also aims to further increase the visibility of EU Member States naval presence within and beyond the EU, including through port calls, training and exercises as well as capacity building.
While defence remains a national competence, Ireland sees the value in Member States’ national maritime activities voluntarily feeding into greater EU cooperation and adding value where possible, and has availed of opportunities provided by our membership of the EU’s Common Security & Defence policy in this regard, such as taking part in the following:
• the existing European naval maritime surveillance information-sharing network EDA MARSUR Project
• the Greek led PESCO project “Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance’ which aims to enhance maritime situational awareness
• the Belgian led PESCO project Maritime (Semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Counter-Measures (MAS-MCM) which aims to deliver a high level collaboration and delivery of semi-autonomous underwater, surface and aerial technologies which can be used in a Mine Counter-Measures role.
Ireland is also observing on the PESCO project on Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection, which aims to increase the EU’s operational efficiency in the protection of critical maritime infrastructure protection by making best use of current, and the development of future, underwater assets.
Another PESCO project Ireland is observing on is Harbour & Maritime Surveillance and Protection (HARMSPRO) which aims to implement a deployable integrated capability system for the continuous protection of vessels, harbours and any other littoral and offshore critical infrastructure able to properly prevent and counter asymmetric (drones included) threats in a three-dimensional environment.
My Department is also working to transpose the new European Directive on the Resilience of Critical Entities. This work will enhance the resilience of critical entities that provide services essential for vital societal functions. In advance of the enactment of this Directive and because of the increased threat to critical infrastructure, the Department of Defence has worked with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and energy operators to stress test critical infrastructure in the energy sector in Ireland against man-made threats.
Ireland will of course continue to review existing and future opportunities that may arise via our membership of the European Union in terms of addressing challenges identified.
33. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 29 of 23 March 2023, to outline if discussions have concluded in order to privilege paramedics and advanced paramedics to practice in the Civil Defence; if his Department has been able to assist in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13045/24]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for affording me the opportunity to provide an update in relation to this new initiative in the Civil Defence Sector.
It would be remiss of me at the outset, not to acknowledge the importance of Civil Defence and the role of Volunteers serving their communities. The organisation has a proud history of voluntary service and indeed I was very honoured to have recently presented medals to volunteers who, in some cases, have volunteered for over 60 years. I am sure the Deputy will join me in thanking all of the volunteers for the enormous contribution they have made over the years. We are, I believe, indebted to them
Turning to the issue of paramedics operating in Civil Defence, I am pleased to confirm to the Deputy that a pilot programme is progressing with three Civil Defence Units in 2024. This programme will involve Kilkenny, Laois and Wexford Civil Defence Units, and is particularly important to the Wexford unit in the context of supporting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024, which is set to take place in Wexford in August.
This is a pilot programme and it is intended that lessons learnt will be shared with the wider Civil Defence and the Local Government Sector in the context of finalising a national strategy.
34. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reasons for increasing the maximum recruitment age for Permanent Defence Force personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13030/24]
View answer52. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the next recruitment drive will be run for Defence Forces under the increased age criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13249/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 52 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I recently announced that Government had approved an increase in the mandatory retirement age in the Defence Forces to 60 years, and the maximum recruitment age for all personnel to 39 years. These changes will come into effect from 29 March 2024.
The recruitment and retention challenges experienced by the Defence Forces are well documented and Government approved these increases in an effort to remove any potential obstacles to recruiting and retaining personnel. These measures are considered key enablers in stabilising numbers in the Permanent Defence Force, which remains a challenge in the current buoyant economy, notwithstanding the range of other recruitment and retention initiatives currently being implemented, and progress in relation to pay.
In a further effort to increase the potential to attract specialist expertise in key technical positions, an increase to 50 years in the maximum age of recruitment for relevant Direct Entry Officer competitions is being progressed.
Competitions for General Service Recruitment, and certain direct entry specialists at enlisted rank, are ongoing and the age criteria for these competitions will be amended to 39 years from 29 March 2024. Other competitions affected by the age increase, such as the 2024 cadetship competition, that are due to launch after the 29 March will reflect the change to the age criteria at the time of launch.
Government has also approved a further increase the mandatory retirement age in An Garda Síochána, the Permanent Defence Force and the Irish Prison Service to 62, which will be facilitated by amendments to the relevant pension legislation to be brought forward by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. This will facilitate further flexibility in the engagement of personnel.
35. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he plans any initiatives to boost participation in the Defence Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13022/24]
View answerThe strategic objective for the RDF is the development of a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas. This is an underlying message in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The structure and strength of the RDF is a key focus of the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established in line with a recommendation from the Commission’s Report and its immediate priorities are the development of a Regeneration Plan, in addition to focusing on general recruitment into the RDF.
A more robust and streamlined recruitment process lends itself also to the CoDF recommendations relating to the structure and strength of the RDF.
A recruitment drive for the RDF was launched last year in October 2023, which was advertised across a number of media channels.
This competition is ongoing and I am advised that the ORA are supporting the induction process at all stages. To date, work continues on the 708 live applications currently proceeding through the system, with over 340 interviews concluded, 110 medicals completed, and 26 applicants already attested.
The induction of personnel has been facilitated through the implementation of the 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.
Work has also been completed on streamlining the two-stage medical process and fitness testing is now completed before medicals.
In terms of the strength and structure of the RDF, one of the key recommendations from the Report is to increase the future RDF establishment strength to include at a minimum, an Air Force Reserve of 200, and a Navy Reserve of 400.
I am advised that a broad spectrum of initiatives are currently under development, to enable the RDF to deliver enhanced military capabilities where and when required in support of the PDF. These initiatives, and the enabling actions, will be outlined in the Reserve Defence Force Regeneration and Development Plan which is being drafted by the ORA. The plan,, which is to be submitted to me in the near future is due for publication early in Quarter 3 this year as per the Detailed Implementation Plan.
The Government remains committed to bolstering the numbers in the RDF and I am glad to report also that ongoing deliberations on the upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages for the RDF are in the process of being concluded, in the context of recently announced changes for the Permanent Defence Force.
36. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a restriction or embargo will be introduced on Israel and Israeli companies on any future acquisition of defence equipment for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13250/24]
View answerThe 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 procurement procedures are EU law requirements that have to be complied with. This is to ensure fair competition, transparency and equal treatment between suppliers through the advertising of the tender competition on the e-Tenders or the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) tender platforms.
Such tender competitions are open to any company or country subject to the terms of all UN, OSCE and EU arms embargos or restrictions. There are no such restrictions or embargos in place on Israel or Israeli companies.
37. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the proposed procurement of a primary radar system for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13280/24]
View answer46. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made to date on the acquisition of a primary radar system for Ireland; when he expects such a system to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9155/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 46 together.
The development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to implementing this recommendation, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. The military radar programme is an ambitious and complex programme which includes Long Range Air Defence, Short Range Air Defence and maritime radar.
The Detailed Implementation Plan released in November 2023 builds on the progress made to date and sets out the planned timeline for delivery of military radar by 2028. It is important to note that specific timelines for projects for the enhancement of capabilities can be impacted by many factors from procurement strategy to external factors such as the internal defence market and the global, regional and local trends affecting it and accordingly require a flexible and adaptable approach.
A civil / military project team are continuing their work of research into various delivery options as well as consideration of approaches internationally with the objective of learning from our EU colleagues. Governance structures to manage this programme of work are also in place. Significant progress has been made to date but we are still at the early stages of this project. The Needs Phase of the project is currently ongoing to develop the rational for the project and investigate high level options. This phase is due to be completed in Quarter 2 2024. In line with the new Infrastructure Guidelines the following phases will build on the work carried out during the Needs phase to further develop the business case and complete the project design and planning. This phase will continue until Quarter 4 2024.
38. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on the optimum number and type of aircraft for the Air Corps; his plans to acquire new aircraft; the timelines for their delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9411/24]
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. 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. This is an ongoing iterative process. In this context, the principal aim of Government policy is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
There has been significant investment in recent years in the air domain.
Currently the Air Corps have twenty six (26) aircraft in service comprised of sixteen (16) fixed wing and ten (10) rotary wing aircraft.
The fixed wing aircraft are as follows:
• Two (2) Airbus C-295 aircraft which entered service in 2024. These new aircraft, which replace the two existing CN235-100 Maritime Patrol Aircrafts purchased for the Air Corps in 1994, are equipped for Maritime Surveillance, Search and Rescue, Logistics (Cargo/Personnel/VIP), Special Operations Forces Operations, MEDEVAC/CASEVAC/Air Ambulance roles and Utility roles.
• Two (2) CASA CN-235 aircraft, which entered service in 1994. Their primary function has been as Maritime Patrol Aircraft, while also functioning in the secondary roles of air ambulance, logistics support and transport. These aircraft are due for disposal this year, having been replaced by the two (2) Airbus C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
• One (1) Learjet 45, which entered service in 2004. It's primary function is a Ministerial Air Transport (MATS) aircraft. The Learjet, also functions in the roles of air ambulance and transport as required.
• Four (4) Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which entered service in 2020. Their primary function is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), they also function in air ambulance and transport roles as required.
• Eight (8) Pilatus PC-9M aircraft which entered service in 2004. Their primary function is pilot training.
• One (1) Britten Norman Defender 4000 which entered service in 1997. This aircraft is operated in conjunction with An Garda Síochána as a Garda Air Support Unit aircraft.
The ten (10) rotary wing aircraft are as follows:
• Six (6) Augusta Westland AW139 aircraft. The AW 139s entered service in 2006 and their primary functions are as army/naval support and air ambulance including the Emergency Aeromedical Service. These aircraft can also function in the roles of aerial fire-fighting, cargo-slinging and transport.
• Two (2) Eurocopter EC135P2 aircraft which entered service in 2005. Their primary functions are helicopter pilot training and army support, they may also function in the roles of air ambulance and transport as required.
• Two (2) Eurocopter EC135T2. These aircraft entered service in 2003 and are operated in conjunction with An Garda Síochána as a Garda Air Support Unit aircraft.
In relation to new air-based capability, a contract has been awarded at a cost of €59million, excluding VAT, for the provision of a new Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W 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. The 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 mid 2025.
In addition, a competitive process is underway to acquire a new mid-sized jet aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport. It will replace the present Learjet which has been in service for 19 years and is near its end-of-life. A competitive bidding process has commenced and the intention is that this process will be completed this year.
New rotary wing capabilities are currently being advanced in the context of the Equipment Development Planning process, and to this end, the various work packages under the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces have commenced which will inform future investment decisions.
The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation under the National Development Plan of €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe. This increase in Capital funding 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.
This is following Government approval 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 on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
