Vol. 472 No. 6
13 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of requests his Department has had from aid agencies for personnel to be seconded in 1996; the number of such requests which has been granted; the proposals, if any, he has to further develop participation by the Defence Forces in non-military, aid-related activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23798/96]
229 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently on secondment to humanitarian and overseas development organisations for relief projects; the projects in which they are involved; the proposals, if any, he has to expand the role of the Defence Forces in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19904/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 229 together.
In 1996 four applications were received from three non-governmental aid agencies for the secondment of military personnel to assist in their relief efforts. The applications were made by Trócaire, GOAL and HMD International and were in respect of varying periods of secondment. At present one member of the Permanent Defence Force is on secondment to Trócaire for service overseas with that organisation. Last month Trócaire submitted a further request for the release of four military personnel to assist with its emergency programme in Rwanda and Zaire. However, in view of the rapidly changing position in that area, the number that will be actually required is unclear and discussions with Trócaire are ongoing.
GOAL has requested the services of an officer to work in its Dublin office and the necessary arrangements towards facilitating that request are being made.
Earlier this year I approved a proposal to release up to 15 military personnel to HMD International to take part in a hospital rehabilitation programme in Angola. The selection of suitable volunteers for the programme is ongoing and some details regarding the terms of their secondment are also under negotiation with the aid agency concerned.
Other requests from aid agencies for the services of members of the Defence Forces will be fully considered.
I thank the Minister for his reply. The secondment of a member of the Defence Forces to GOAL's Dublin office would be unusual. Will the Minister comment on that matter? Have the personnel seconded this year special expertise in areas that will benefit non-governmental organisations? Some years ago people were seconded because of their knowledge of languages and their legal expertise. Have the personnel concerned other expertise?
NGOs want people with particular skills. The skills of two doctors, including a surgeon, two nurses, a laboratory technician, an engineer, four tradesmen, two line officers, a cook and a fitter were required for the project initiated by HMD International in Angola. Certain skills are necessary for such projects. While we pay the normal salary and allowances to personnel while on secondment, we do not force them to go on secondment.
In 1995 13 officers were seconded to GOAL, two non-commissioned personnel were seconded to Trócaire and one to Concern. The number of personnel seconded depends on the projects being initiated and the type of skills required. The training received by members of the Defence Forces benefits those who serve in a humanitarian way, by organising food supplies and so on, in such countries. Their experience on UN missions and in peacekeeping operations is also attractive to non-governmental organisations.
I do not have information on the type of skills requested by Trócaire, but officers who volunteer to go on secondment are interested in assisting the work of NGOs and their training and experience in the Defence Forces will be of great benefit.
I will contact GOAL about its request for an officer in its Dublin office. It may involve clerical or managerial skills. I will communicate with the Deputy in that regard.
When personnel are seconded to international aid agencies or the United Nations, is it the Department or the agency that is responsible for their remuneration?
All personnel continue to receive their normal pay and allowances during their period of secondment. Other costs, such as transport, insurance, additional allowances and so on, are a matter for the agency concerned.
