Vol. 638 No. 5
1 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of doctors provided for in the new organisation of the Defence Forces introduced on foot of the White Paper on Defence; the number of doctors serving in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22102/07]
I congratulate Deputies Brian O'Shea and Jimmy Deenihan on their new positions. I wish them the very best for the future.
There is an acknowledged shortage of medical officers in the medical corps. Indeed, developing the capacity of the medical corps forms part of the programme for Government. Whereas the establishment for doctors provided for in the new organisation of the Defence Forces, introduced on foot of the White Paper on Defence, is 47, the current strength of medical officers serving in the Defence Forces is 23, one of whom is on leave of absence without pay. There has been recruitment of medical officers each year, but the number attracted to work in the Defence Forces has just served to address natural wastage.
The military medical services and their facilities exist primarily to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and to support them in operational and overseas activities. The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training.
The problems with recruitment of medical officers into the Defence Forces have endured for some time despite the concerted efforts of my Department and the Defence Forces themselves to address the root causes. The pay and allowances of doctors and dentists were increased substantially recently, in consultation with the Minister for Finance. This increase linked their pay to public health doctors and dentists. In addition, the Defence Forces have recently undertaken an intensive recruitment campaign. The results of both of these initiatives have been disappointing, unfortunately.
My Department has also been engaged in an ongoing process with the representative associations on the issue of the health requirements of members of the Defence Forces. A medical services charter was agreed under Sustaining Progress. This collaborative work has been carried forward into the modernisation agenda under Towards 2016, which foresees work on developing a revised structure for the delivery of medical services for the Defence Forces.
The services of civilian medical practitioners are regularly engaged to ensure that the immediate primary health care requirements arising in barracks are met. However, it is accepted that the shortage of dedicated doctors needs to be addressed in the longer term.
All the stakeholders are committed to meeting the medical needs of the Defence Forces efficiently and effectively. We are working in partnership with those stakeholders to develop strategies to attract additional medical officers.
I thank the Minister for welcoming Deputy O'Shea and myself here today. Yesterday, Deputy Charles Flanagan gave a commitment to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and I will certainly be as constructive and positive as I can concerning defence issues over the lifetime of this Dáil.
I welcome the Minister's reply, but how many Irish nationals joined the Army medical corps in the past five years? How many non-nationals are serving as doctors in the Army at the moment? Whereas non-nationals are serving in medical services across the country, does the Minister agree that there are communication difficulties in the Army, especially when it comes to foreign missions? Difficulties can arise concerning physical, psychological and emotional health when native doctors are not present. Will the Minister refer to that point, as well as providing a breakdown between male and female doctors?
I do not have all the information the Deputy requires. I can tell him, however, that in 2003 one doctor was appointed, another was appointed in 2004, and four were appointed in 2005.
Were they Irish?
I do not have the breakdown between Irish nationals and non-nationals, but I will get it for the Deputy. We have very few female doctors. Of the 23 doctors, I think only three or four are female. However, I will obtain the precise figures for the Deputy.
As regards the Deputy's second point, no particular medical problems concerning troops serving overseas have been brought to my attention. As I said, we employ civilian doctors and sometimes there is a link between Ireland and whatever other groups make up a mission. For example, on the recent mission to Lebanon, medical services were delivered by a combination of Irish and Finnish personnel, because we linked up with the Finns. In view of the failure of the recent recruitment campaign, including an attempt to attract personnel by substantially increasing salaries, we need to re-examine the situation to see if we can find another way to proceed. However, major problems concerning overseas service have not been brought to my attention.
We are relying on the goodwill of other countries to provide us with a medical service, as happened in Liberia. Is the Minister aware that three doctors have resigned from the Army medical corps over the past year, one of whom was the director of the medical corps? It is time for positive action to attract people into the Army medical corps. I acknowledge that the Minister accepts there is a problem. Apart from increasing salaries, is it possible to provide other incentives for people to join the Army medical corps?
As regards relying on the goodwill of foreign armies, it works both ways. If one examines the delivery of medical services in Liberia, the Irish have medics there, too, who are delivering services to non-Irish personnel.
As regards the Deputy's other point, I suppose it is a question of providing further incentives. I have discussed this matter with the Chief of Staff and those directly responsible in the Defence Forces who have agreed to take a fresh look at the situation to see if we can recruit more doctors. I acknowledge that there is a problem because the medical corps is only at half its established strength.
2 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the flights made by aircraft in the Ministerial Air Transport Service on 21 September 2007; the destination in each case; the passenger list for each flight; the purpose of each trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22106/07]
The ministerial air transport service is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. The Beech Super Kingair 200 turboprop aircraft, which is now used primarily in a training role, is made available for ministerial air transport use from time to time, mainly for internal flights and a limited number of European destinations.
On 21 September 2007, the Gulfstream IV aircraft flew from Dublin to Paris carrying the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and ten officials from the Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs. Neither the Learjet 45 nor the Beech Super Kingair 200 was used by Ministers on that day.
Requests for the use of the service are made by Ministers' private secretaries to the Taoiseach's office where they are examined with regard to the need and purpose of travel. Once approved, all operational matters are settled directly between the Minister in question and my Department. My Department does not hold details concerning the purpose of ministerial air transport trips, which is a matter for individual Ministers.
I thank the Minister for his kind words at the outset and I look forward to working with him.
I take it the Minister is saying that the Gulfstream jet was used to carry the Taoiseach and one Minister, and that was all the official transport used to Paris on that particular day. Other Ministers were present in Paris, but I understand they did not use Government transport.
Yes.
That certainly clarifies the position for me. In that case, reports that the Minister of State, Deputy Dick Roche, used the jet or, indeed, that there was a late flight for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan are incorrect.
As I understand it, the Minister of State, Deputy Dick Roche, was elsewhere. He did not travel to Paris on that day on the Gulfstream jet. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, went the previous day on the Lear Jet 45. The only people on the Government jet, as it is known, on that day, were the Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and ten officials from their Departments.
Does the Minister think it was a coincidence that so many Ministers converged on Paris that day, bearing in mind that there was a World Cup rugby match that night? They may not all have used the transport on that day but it seems that people were anxious to get there.
It may have been a coincidence but I am sure that if the Deputy tabled questions to the Taoiseach and each of those Ministers they would be well able to handle them. I am sure they all had important business in Paris. We do not inquire about that. Once the criteria are met we make the jet available. That is the function of the Department of Defence.
It is true that there was a rugby match that weekend and Ireland was fighting for her life. It was no hardship to the players, who were trying to win under difficult circumstances in a foreign country against a home team, to have support in the stands from the Government.
Their presence in Paris might have had the opposite effect.
I hope not but to judge by what happened in the match against Argentina I assume not.
3 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the expected deployment of Defence Forces personnel to Chad and the distance of this area from seaports, he has considered the procurement of large transport aircraft for the Air Corps to be used to re-supply and support personnel there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22103/07]
On 25 September 2007, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1778 establishing a multidimensional UN mission in Chad and the Central African Republic that will help strengthen security in the region. Resolution 1778 (2007) establishes the mission, to be known as MINURCAT, for a period of one year, with a mandate focusing on the security and protection of civilians, particularly refugees, internally displaced persons, IDPs, and civilians in danger, and on human rights and the rule of law in eastern Chad and north-eastern Central African Republic.
Since 2004, eastern Chad has hosted some 240,000 Sudanese refugees in 12 camps who have fled the fighting in Darfur. In addition, Chad is facing a surge in the number of IDPs, now totalling more than 170,000. MINURCAT will have three components: a UN multidimensional presence, composed of UN police, rule of law, human rights and other civilian officers; a special Chadian police or gendarmes unit, some 850 strong, dedicated exclusively to maintaining law and order in refugee camps, sites with concentrations of IDPs and key towns, and assisting in securing humanitarian activities in eastern Chad; and an EU military deployment, under Chapter VII.
The Government at its meeting on Tuesday approved the nomination of an Irish officer to the position of operation commander for the proposed EU military operation in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic. The European Council will shortly decide on this appointment as part of the joint action to launch the ESDP mission.
A fact-finding mission is to visit the region and report back on mission requirements. The Government will take a final decision on the extent of the Defence Forces' participation in this mission once this report is to hand. Any decision to participate will be subject to the approval of Dáil Éireann in accordance with the Defence Acts.
As part of the background planning for potential participation in the EU mission in Chad the Defence Forces are examining a range of strategic lift options for deployment of Defence Forces personnel and their sustainment in this region. The Defence Forces have stand-by arrangements in place in this regard, mainly involving commercial suppliers. Discussions are ongoing with our EU partners. There are no plans to acquire large long-range transport aircraft for the Defence Forces.
The camp in Chad will be approximately 1,500 km inland and we have no air carrying capacity to support our own mission there. Will the Minister consider procuring a special airforce transport plane with a carrying capacity of approximately 50 to give the capability to the Air Corps to support that mission? We rely on others to provide back-up, such as the medical back-up service and to transport our troops in and out of their locations usually for four month stretches. In between if emergencies arise we must rely on others and their availability to service the Irish mission. There is a case for the Air Corps to procure such a transport plane with capacity for at least 50 which could also carry goods and supplies.
Deputy Deenihan is right about the isolation of this mission. I understand the terrain is barren and that the deployment and sustainment of the troops must be done mainly by air. That will involve putting in airstrips and so on, which we are discussing with the French, pending the final decision on the mission.
Without wishing to be flippant, I would procure anything if the Department of Finance gave me the money to do it. We work within our budget. The military advise me that our need for this sort of facility is so rare that it does not justify the cost. We have arrangements in place with commercial suppliers. Sometimes we link up with other people on the mission, in this case, the French, who provide the appropriate air transport. In the context of expenditure on defence and our weapon modernisation programme I am advised that a purchase of this sort, which would be expensive and difficult to maintain, would not be used enough to be cost-efficient.
It could also be used for humanitarian purposes, and rapid reaction. It would overcome the problem to which Deputy O'Shea referred of transporting the whole Cabinet to Paris when necessary.
In advance of the next White Paper will the Minister consider the possibility of acquiring such an aircraft to enable the Air Corps to provide this service, whether for a mission abroad, for humanitarian reasons or rapid reaction missions?
The Army has participated in humanitarian missions and has arrived at the destinations quite effectively. I will consider the Deputy's comments. A new White Paper is to be prepared which will cover the period after 2010. The first White Paper runs up to 2009-10. This will cover better equipment, more modernisation and this aircraft may well be included.
4 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made on conducting the comprehensive review recommended by the independent monitoring group in its report Response to the Challenge of a Workplace 2004 that a comprehensive review should take place before the end of 2007; if the group to carry out this review has been appointed; the composition of same; the number of times it has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22104/07]
The independent monitoring group in its report Response to the Challenge of a Workplace stated that a professional review of progress within the Defence Forces should take place in 2007 and that it should be published. The report also suggested that a group representative of military management, PDFORRA, RACO, the Department of Defence and external expertise should conduct such a review.
I agree there should be a review of progress. I can confirm that my Department is concentrating on the terms of reference for such a review. The next phase, involving the key players, will be launched shortly.
The ongoing implementation of the recommendations of the Doyle report has been one of the highest priorities for the Defence Forces and the Department since its publication. Policies on equality, dignity and bullying are constantly communicated to all ranks. I am satisfied the military authorities are alert to and vigilant on this issue and are committed to addressing the matter in a continuing and proactive manner through educational modules on interpersonal relationships which are now embedded in career courses for all ranks.
A commitment was given in the action plan under the pay agreement and modernisation agenda for the Defence Forces last June that this review group would be established by the end of September. Why has it not been established? It was expected to report by the end of 2007. As far as I am aware, the only outstanding requirement is for the Minister to appoint an external expert to chair the review group, as its other elements are ready and waiting. Why has it not yet been appointed? Realistically, does the Minister believe such a review can be carried out by the end of the year and will the group report before then? I have read some of his replies to questions tabled in the House, in which he gave commitments to that effect, as were made in the 2004 review of the White Paper.
The Doyle report was presented in 2002 and a review carried out in 2004. The Deputy is correct to state the next review was scheduled for 2007. However, the Department has encountered a couple of internal staff difficulties that have delayed matters. It is untrue to state it is simply waiting for the appointment of an external person. It is engaged in drawing up the terms of reference. I understand it has drawn up certain terms of reference and is examining them in the light of certain developments in society, some experiences that came to its intention on foot of the appointment of the newly established ombudsman, as well as the Health and Safety Authority's recently produced bullying charter. It is fine-tuning the terms of reference. I understand this will be completed within the next couple of weeks and we can move forward thereafter. It probably would be unrealistic to expect the review to be completed by the end of the year; it will probably be done by early next year. However, this does not represent any diminution in the commitment of either the Department or the Army to tackling bullying and harassment in the ranks of the latter. If the Deputy wishes, I can provide him with a lengthy list outlining what has been done and is being done and what is proposed to do in this regard. Some dramatic changes have been made recently.
I appeal to the Minister to put in place the review group because, as he stated, considerable progress has been made. Other countries are examining the Irish model in an effort to deal with their own problems of bullying and harassment. However, the momentum must continue and there can be no let-up in implementing all the recommendations fully at all levels.
There will not be any let-up in implementing the specific recommendations, many of which are in place. As the Deputy correctly identified, the review's purpose is to ascertain how well they are working. My information is they are working very well. However, I look forward to the review which I am sure will bear that out.
5 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when he will commence the recruitment of the 350 troops to be in training at any given time as promised in the programme for Government from 2008 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22105/07]
The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. The White Paper also provided that the Chief of Staff could maintain an additional 250 in training at any one time. The latter provision was withdrawn in 2003.
The agreed programme for Government now proposes an additional provision for up to 350 troops to be in training at any given time. The military authorities and my Department are undertaking the planning necessary to address this proposal.
It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper as required to meet military needs.
Is the Minister confident there are the training personnel and resources to train the promised 350 troops? When will recruitment begin? Although the commitment is for 2008, surely the recruitment process should have begun to ensure 350 personnel will be in training by the end of that year. Is it the Minister's objective to have 350 troops in training at the end of 2008? I seek clarity on the issue, as well as on whether the Minister is satisfied the training arrangements are in place to accommodate this increase in numbers. Some within the Army are suspicious because of the withdrawal of the commitment made in the White Paper. At that time a compromise was reached with the military authorities in respect of the force reduction from 11,500 to 10,500, to the effect there would be 250 personnel in training at any one time. As this commitment was reneged on by the Government, it is feared the new commitment will also be reneged on, or not fully fulfilled. I seek clarification in this regard.
I am certain and satisfied the system is in place to train personnel to maintain the Army at its present level. However, to avoid misunderstandings arising regarding the figure of 350, recruitment to the Army is ongoing. For example, the number who applied to be enlisted in 2004 was just short of 2,000. The corresponding figures for 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 1,125, nearly 2,500 and approximately 2,200, respectively. Obviously, only approximately 20% of such applications are successful.
I will clarify the figure of 350. We have permission to have an army of 8,426 personnel. The figure of 350 constitutes a kind of overdraft facility that allows for up to 350 in training, which enables us to exceed the overall number, if deemed necessary. For example, one could anticipate a number of retirements. This constitutes an additional facility to maintain the Army at the strength as set out in the White Paper and I will ensure it takes effect from 1 January 2008.
As for the applications for 2008, if the Minister has the figures available, he should provide the House with a breakdown of the number of male and female applicants. How fares his initiative to recruit more women to the Army? Is there now more interest from women to join?
I do not have the figures for 2008 as yet. However, I will find out what I can and forward the information to the Deputy. Last year, female membership numbered approximately 570.
Does that figure pertain to the Permanent Defence Force?
Yes. This represents an extremely small percentage of the total. I understand the number of female cadets in the military is approximately double the number of female enlisted personnel. The Deputy is aware I have reduced the height requirements in a measure that has just taken effect. The Department has conducted some research etc. that it is analysing to put in place its recommendations. While it might be too early to test the initiative, I will see what emerges.
