Vol. 699 No. 2
74 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish Troops currently serving on missions overseas; their location; when he plans to downsize the Defence Forces’ participation in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1914/10]
109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that all overseas deployment of the Defence Forces under the aegis of the EU and UN is of sufficient strength to ensure its ability to deal with unforeseen events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2069/10]
261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the various EU or UN overseas missions in which members of the Defence Forces are participating or intend to participate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2603/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 109 and 261 together.
Ireland has offered, through the UN stand-by arrangements system, UNSAS, to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army excluding reserves and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations.
Ireland currently contributes 758 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the following tabular statement. The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations mission in the Central African Republic and Chad, MINURCAT, with 419 personnel, the NATO-led international security presence, KFOR, in Kosovo with 236 personnel and the EU-led operation, ALTHEA, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, with 44 personnel. Other personnel serve as monitors and observers with the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE. Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the EU, OSCE and NATO.
As outlined in the budget in December 2009, it has been decided that the Defence Forces commitments to overseas peace support operations will be scaled back in 2010 as one of the budgetary expenditure reductions. The operations where Ireland will reduce its commitments will be KFOR in Kosovo and Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In April 2010 at the next rotation, it is planned to draw down Irish personnel from KFOR from the current 236 personnel to approximately 50 and to retain a small residual component post-October 2010. In July 2010, at the end of the next rotation to Operation ALTHEA, Ireland will reduce its current contribution of 44 personnel to approximately five.
Regarding MINURCAT, the Government is committed to retaining the Defence Forces presence in Chad beyond 14 March 2010, subject to renewal by the UN Security Council of MINURCAT's mandate beyond that date. I will bring proposals to the Government in due course seeking formal approval for the Defence Forces continued participation in this mission beyond 14 March 2010.
The strength of all overseas deployment is assessed in line with the prevailing security situation in the mission area. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are self-sufficient in large troop deployment missions in terms of force protection and security and are integrated into the overall force protection and security plans of all other missions. The Defence Forces conduct a threat assessment on mission areas and all deployment meets the requirements of security and force protection for all personnel integrated into the overall mission requirement.
|
Number |
||
|
1. |
UN Missions |
|
|
(i) |
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
8 |
|
(ii) |
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
12 |
|
(iii) |
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
(iv) |
MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo) |
3 |
|
(v) |
UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
(vi) |
MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) — HQ |
13 |
|
MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) — 101st Inf Battalion |
406 |
|
|
TOTAL |
447 |
|
|
UN Mandated Missions |
||
|
(vii) |
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
44 |
|
(viii) |
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) — HQ |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) 41st Inf Group |
216 |
|
|
(ix) |
ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
734 |
|
|
2. |
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) |
OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
2 |
|
(ii) |
OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia |
1 |
|
(iii) |
Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE |
4 |
|
|
3. |
EU Military Staff |
|
|
Brussels |
7 |
|
|
4. |
Nordic Battlegroup HQ Staff — Sweden |
4 |
|
5. |
Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff |
|
|
(i) |
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii) |
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii) |
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
(iv) |
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
(v) |
Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons. Belgium |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
758 |
I thank the Minister for his reply. We are all proud of the work our Defence Forces do out foreign. It gives a positive image of this country despite the internal turmoil we are experiencing here. Perhaps the Minister can indicate the factors that he or his officials can take into consideration when considering involvement in a mission such as one in Haiti, if one were in the offing. Specifically, in terms of personnel and cost savings, what are the effects of Ireland's intended reduction in the KFOR and ALTHEA missions? Do we intend to maintain any Irish troop presence in Kosovo or Bosnia-Herzegovina? Have the Minister and his officials examined the estimated cost of the withdrawal of Irish troops from the UN mission in Chad, as recommended in the McCarthy report? Do we have a figure for that? How much money has the UN given to Ireland in reimbursements since March 2009?
The factors taken into account when considering participation in a mission include whether a peacekeeping operation is the most appropriate response, how the mission relates the priorities of Irish foreign policy, the degree of risk involved, the extent to which the required skills and characteristics relate to Irish capabilities, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, with the potential to contribute to a political solution, and whether the operation is adequately resourced, in the context of the level of existing commitments to peacekeeping operations and security requirements at home. I will respond to the other questions asked by Deputy Deenihan. The scaling down of the operations in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina will save €7 million in 2010 and €13 million in a full year. We will not adopt the McCarthy report's recommendation that Irish troops should be withdrawn from Chad. I understand that if we decided now to withdraw from Chad, the UN would be liable for the cost. It would not cost us anything. Our involvement in Chad costs us €16 million, in gross terms, per annum. Our rebate from the UN is over €8 million, which means that our net cost is almost €8 million per annum. The amount received from the UN in the period in question was approximately €3 million.
I am sure the Minister will agree that overseas missions are the lifeblood of any defence force. If we want to develop the Defence Forces, they will have to get overseas experience. It has been proven that the Defence Forces will suffer if they do not get such experience. I would like to ask the Minister a few simple questions. How will the embargo on recruitment affect Ireland's involvement in overseas missions? I understand there will be some recruitment in 2010. Perhaps the Minister might confirm what form it will take. While I accept that the Minister announced 40 promotions today, the general moratorium on promotions is having an effect on command structures. Personnel are not being appointed to the upper ranks where they are critically needed. We also have an issue with our medical corps.
Many recommendations have been made with regard to the appointment and restructuring of the medical corps, but they do not seem to have been implemented. There are significant problems with medical backup services and medical evacuations, especially in places like Chad. It is a substantial challenge. Perhaps the Minister will answer the questions I have asked about the moratorium on recruitment and promotions.
When these wind-downs have taken place, the number of personnel working overseas will fall from 758 to 480. There will continue to be a substantial number of people based overseas. I have been informed that if the proposal I have submitted to the Minister for Finance is accepted — even partially — we will continue to be in a position to send troops overseas. Our capacity to send troops overseas will not be affected. I accept that the Department now has to operate within a much tighter budget, due to the state of the public finances. I assure the Deputy that we will be recruiting in 2010, in order to maintain a figure of 10,000 personnel in the Army. I was also asked about the extent to which operational structures will be affected by the moratorium. It is obvious that the moratorium will have an impact on such structures, although it will be alleviated to some extent by the 50 promotions — broken down between 13 officers and 37 non-commissioned officers — for which we are providing.
That is not right. The Minister announced 30 today.
The 50 figure will be broken down in a 37:13 ratio. I take it the Deputy welcomes that.
Of course. I welcome the other ten as well.
The effects of the moratorium will be further alleviated by additional concessions which I am hoping to secure from the Minister for Finance. We will come to a separate question on the medical corps in due course. I emphasise that we take every precaution to secure the safety of Irish troops when they go abroad. We ensure that they have access to level 1 medical facilities, at least. They are tested before they go and after they come back. They are immunised against known diseases. They have their own water purification and sanitation facilities. We talk to others who will be involved in the collective mission to ensure that the health of all our troops who participate in foreign missions is properly secured. We are never slipshod about that.
In response to an earlier question I asked, reference was made to the promotion of nine officers and 27 personnel from other ranks.
Today.
I presume that is very accurate.
I am glad we have——
It is the Minister's own information.
——a happy Chamber.
Absolutely. I saw the answer to my parliamentary question in one of today's newspapers.
One should never ask a question to which one does not know the answer.
It was not a very good introduction to Question Time — I will put it like that.
I thought I would volunteer some information that is not in the newspaper to the Deputy. I refer to my announcement that the 50 promotions will be split in a 37:13 ratio.
That is not exactly in accordance with the Minister's previous remarks. The number of personnel in the Defence Forces is at its lowest level for 40 years. I think it is now below 10,000. The Minister might have the accurate figure. It might be 9,956. That is what it was——
The figure is 35 or 36 below 10,000.
That would be it. I know my facts fairly well. Is the Minister aware that people are lining up to leave this year? Is he sure that the number of people who will be allowed to be recruited will be equal to the sum of the number of people who have left already, thereby bringing the figure below 10,000, and the number of people who are getting ready to leave? Does he have any indication of the numbers who will be retiring from the Defence Forces over the next 12 months? Is that information available to the Minister? I get the impression that many people who are under pressure because of what is happening will shortly decide whether to stay or leave.
I do not have the specific information sought by the Deputy. I am operating on the basis of the normal annual fall-out, which is between 530 and 540. It may have been slightly over 540 last year.
Will the Defence Forces recruit that many people this year?
Yes.
It is good that 530 people will be recruited.
The Deputy suggested that people are leaving as a consequence of financial pressures, etc.
I did not use the word "financial".
People are leaving for various reasons.
There are also a number of reasons that might compel people to stay. They might be tempted to stay because it is not easy to find a job at the moment. I have received the approval of the Government to maintain a complement of 10,000. We are in discussions with the Department of Finance about that decision at the moment. I intend to avail of it fully.
It is obvious that fewer members of the Defence Forces will be on overseas duties in the medium term. I suggest that the additional troops who are to be kept on the home front should have a role in promoting physical activity and fitness and supporting the delivery of physical education in our schools, issues about which we spoke earlier. What is the political situation in Chad at the moment? Has there been any change in the milieu in which the troops are operating? I have previously raised with the Minister the reports of rape in camps in Chad. Does the Minister have any further information on that?
I congratulate Deputy O'Shea on his ingenuity in seeking a further response to a question he raised earlier.
There was obviously help from the Chair.
A helpful Chair is essential. I have already given the Deputy a concession in arranging for my officials to meet the people concerned and we will see if anything arises from that meeting.
Could Deputy O'Shea and I also be invited to the meeting?
They are more than welcome.
That is very kind of the Minister.
Two concessions in one Question Time is not bad.
The Minister is thawing out.
In regard to Chad, I have no information that the situation has changed in any material way. There is ongoing low level criminal activity in camps but it is at nothing like the level that obtained prior to the arrival of the United Nations. We must consider a number of factors in deciding overseas missions. We obviously must have regard to the financial situation and the need to work within tight constraints. If the mission is led by the UN, we are entitled to a rebate, and this will certainly be one of our considerations when deciding to sign up to future missions. The UN also sanctions certain missions organised by other powers, in which case the costs are paid where they fall.
75 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Defence the estimated savings expected to be made through reduced outsourcing of primary care appointments within and through the medical corps of the Defence Forces; the savings made to date; the timeframe within which he expects to make the full savings; the changes that are expected to produce these savings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2079/10]
86 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence his views on the conclusion of the expert panel involved the preparation of the medical services review that the Permanent Defence Force’s emphasis on medical assessments is excessive and inconsistent with international defence health practice; the proposals he will make to rectify this; the timetable that will be applied to its rectification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2099/10]
87 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Defence the amount of funding provided for the implementation of the medical services review; the timetable for delivery of the recommendations in the report; the elements of the medical services review that have been implemented; if he will accept all of the recommendations in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2110/10]
I propose to takes Questions Nos. 75, 86 and 87 together.
The PA report is an important milestone in addressing the challenges to the provision of medical services in the Defence Forces. Implementation will take time and commitment. On receipt of the report in June 2009, I accepted the recommendations and asked that implementation of the recommendations proceed immediately.
The report reviewed the medical services required for the Defence Forces in light of their roles and operations, assessed the current arrangements for the provision of medical services and proposed a model for future delivery of medical services. Some of the major recommendations are focused on making better use of existing clinical resources and thereby providing a better medical service and reducing the spend on outsourcing. The savings in outsourcing are to be achieved mainly through the re-focussing of medical staff on appropriate clinical tasks with administration functions being undertaken by non-clinical personnel; a reduction in the number of doctor interventions and medical assessments; and better management of health services outsourcing.
In order to achieve the saving in outsourcing, a major restructuring of the medical corps has to be completed. A number of working groups have been established to deal with the various aspects of this restructuring and several have already made recommendations which are being considered by the steering committee overseeing the project. As regards the frequency of medical assessments, one of the working groups is currently looking at clinical issues and has made recommendations which are currently under consideration. I expect substantial progress to be made over the coming 12 months in implementing recommendations. Some issues will be resolved quickly while others will require significant consideration and will, for example, require negotiation with the representative associations.
It is difficult at this stage of implementation to estimate the savings that can be achieved through reduced outsourcing as much of our requirement depends on a number of factors. However, I expect that savings on outsourcing could be made through the implementation of the PA recommendations. Implementation of the recommendations will result in major change at both strategic and operational levels in the Defence Forces. Thankfully in these difficult times, the report shows that major additional investment is not needed to meet the medical needs of the Defence Forces. Change will be achieved mainly through better use of the available resources.
Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need. The services of civilian medical practitioners are used to provide backup to the medical corps in ensuring that the primary health care requirements arising in barracks are met. As the Defence Forces will never be able to meet all medical requirements from internal medical personnel, outsourcing will continue to be required. However, implementation of the PA recommendations will ensure that outsourcing will be reduced for primary care and that outsourced services will be procured and managed in a more cost-effective way.
Can the Minister indicate whether any of the recommendations were implemented? Many of the major recommendations were intended for immediate implementation.
A newspaper article from last weekend reported that Defence Forces personnel had to travel to another pharmacy because a qualified chemist had not been appointed to the medical corps to dispense medication. It is not acceptable that the position of chemist is not filled. Was that report accurate?
There is a malaise in the medical corps. Its establishment figure is 46 but the most recent figures given by the Minister reveal that its staffing level is only 23. The first question I put to the Minister after he was appointed to his position was on the medical corps because the Defence Forces need to be supported by an adequate medical service. He commissioned a report and gave his commitment that urgent action would be taken. Unfortunately, I believe he is sitting on the report and I ask for a timetable for its implementation.
I will investigate the matter involving the chemist and revert to the Deputy on it. It has been widely accepted for years that the medical corps is in an unsatisfactory state for a number of reasons but we have lacked a roadmap for the solution. I decided to jump-start the process by appointing consultants and I have now received a report. I previously advised Deputy Deenihan that some of the recommendations are complex and will take time to implement because they involve radical change to the structure of the Army.
I was referring to the immediate steps.
Every six weeks, the Deputy asks me what progress is being made but all I can tell him is that the changes that are being introduced cannot be measured over six week intervals. I could speed up matters by refusing to consult representative organisations because I have the power to impose change by dictat.
According to the organisations, they are being over-consulted.
Some of the Deputy's colleagues previously claimed they were under-consulted.
Not in this instance.
It is difficult to strike the correct balance. The same departmental officials who are overseeing the moratorium, a reduction of staff and decentralisation to Newbridge while preparing a value-for-money report into the Reserve Defence Force and a new White Paper are also responsible for implementing the PA report. Given the radical nature of the recommendations, we cannot expect instant action, but I expect substantial progress over the coming 12 months.
In regard to Deputy Deenihan's immediate question, one of the central recommendations of the PA report was on establishing a structure to oversee change. A programme group and a steering committee has been formed to address this recommendation. Since the last time we discussed this matter in the House, the programme group and the steering committee have held a number of meetings and five working groups have commenced work. The clinical review working group, which is designing new processes and protocols relating to the delivery of clinical services, has completed an interim report which is now being considered by the programme group. The organisation and establishment working group, which is tasked with designing a new structure for the medical corps to incorporate a non-clinical administration unit, has issued a progress report to the programme group. A future medical information system review working group has been established to analyse the information technology requirements for future medical service delivery. The group has completed an analysis of current information systems.
In regard to financial arrangements, an outsourcing review working group has been established to examine the current arrangements in the medical corps for the outsourcing of services. Based on public procurement guidelines, the review group will make recommendations by which the new central medical unit will procure its future outsourcing and services requirements. We are essentially seeking in all of this to obtain better use from existing medical staff so that we will not need as large an establishment in future. We will ensure better value for the people we are employing, which will mean less outsourcing. In tandem with that, we are reviewing the arrangements for outsourcing to ensure better value for money in that aspect.
76 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence if the closure of a major barracks in Dublin, as indicated in the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes, is under review by him; the name of the barracks; the expected timescale for closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2126/10]
111 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been taken regarding the future of Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1983/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 111 together.
The Defence Forces' property portfolio is kept under review by my Department to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the forces. The closure of Army barracks and the consolidation of Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training. It also imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barrack management, administration, maintenance and security.
In the context of the 2009 budget, the Government approved the closure of four barracks at Monaghan, Longford, Rockhill and Lifford in County Donegal, as well as at St. Bricin's Hospital in Dublin. The four barracks closed at the end of January 2009. The closure of St. Bricin's is linked to the planned decentralisation of Defence Forces headquarters to the Curragh. The report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes noted that my Department has identified 33 properties for disposal. The disposal of these will take account of market conditions in order to maximise the return to the Defence Forces and generate funding for reinvestment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure.
The future of Cathal Brugha Barracks and the question of any further consolidation across the Defence Forces as a whole are among the issues being considered having regard to the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes. Cathal Brugha Barracks is a significant military installation with a broad range of facilities, accommodation and storage depots. The special group noted that: "Given the scale of any relocation, the provision of alternative accommodation would entail a significant up-front cost and a lead time of some years." This will be factored into our consideration, particularly in the current financial situation. Consideration will also be given to the operational requirements of the Defence Forces. It is unlikely that Cathal Brugha Barracks will be disposed of in the next four to five years.
The funding realised from the disposal of surplus property, together with pay savings, has provided resources for the modernisation of the Defence Forces and has been invested in new infrastructure, equipment and training area development. Properties that are considered surplus to military requirements will continue to be disposed of and the funding invested to meet the current and future equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces.
77 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the extent of the deployment in various locations of the Defence Forces to assist in dealing with the extreme weather conditions since 1 December 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2033/10]
98 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence the role played by the Defence Forces in providing assistance to the civil authorities during the recent bad weather at Christmas and the new year period; if he is satisfied with the role played by the Defence Forces; the level of liaison between the Defence Forces and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1969/10]
119 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Defence the support or aid provided by the Defence Forces to local or national authorities during the recent adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2067/10]
264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions on which the Defence Forces were called upon to assist in the recent flooding and snow crisis; the number of personnel deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2606/10]
270 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are relied upon in the context of an emergency such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack; the mechanism used to alert the Defence Forces to a need in a particular area; the degree to which this has been operational in the past 12 months; the number of requests made to his Department for such assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2070/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77, 98, 119, 264 and 270 together.
The Defence Forces, which include the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, in their role as aid to the civil power, that is, the Garda Síochána, and to the civil authorities, that is, local authorities, the Health Service Executive and so on, recently provided emergency assistance in an effort to alleviate the problems caused by the adverse weather conditions throughout the State. All assets, resources and capabilities of the Defence Forces were made available to provide assistance as required. Defence liaison officers were appointed to all local emergency relief centres to co-ordinate Defence Forces assistance.
The Defence Forces provided assistance to a range of local authorities and to the Health Service Executive, utilising their 4x4 vehicles and trucks, while the Air Corps was also active in providing an air ambulance service and support for other emergency services. The major Defence Forces commitments included: transportation of health care personnel to and from hospital and clinics and to patients in outlying areas such as Galway, Drogheda, Cork, Tullamore, Naas, Donard, Enniscorthy, Tiglin, Wicklow, Tullow, Gorey, Harolds Cross Hospice, Blackrock Hospice and the Drogheda House Hospice in Kildare; transportation of patients to hospitals and clinics in Naas, Wicklow and Tullamore; distribution of meals on wheels in several areas such as Cobh, Gormanstown and Balbriggan; gritting of roads and junctions, at the request of the local authorities, in counties Kildare, Meath and Leitrim; gritting of the Health Service Executive ambulance centre in Cork; delivery of water supplies in several local authority areas such as Mullingar, Drogheda and Kilkenny; movement of machinery from Dublin Airport to Wicklow for use in dispersing animal feed; provision of eight 4x4 vehicles to transport members of the Garda Síochána in Cork; and utilisation of aircraft to render assistance to the Health Service Executive, RTE and members of the farming community .
Defence Forces personnel and materials were also made available to local authorities as the thaw set in. The most notable deployment in this regard was in Skibbereen where 36 personnel and several vehicles were engaged in flood relief operations including the filling and placing of sandbags in strategic locations throughout the town. The Defence Forces responded to all official requests for assistance received from the civil authorities during the period of severe weather.
This followed on from the substantial commitment provided by the Defence Forces to the civil authorities during the floods last November. During that period, the Defence Forces provided assistance in Cork city, Shannon Banks in Limerick, Ennis, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Athy, Sallins, Bantry, Carlow, Clonakilty, Clonmel, Kilkenny and Longford. The Defence Forces, at the request of Roscommon County Council and Galway County Council, transported civilian personnel in flood-affected areas. The main effort was in Cork city where more than 200 Defence Forces personnel provided assistance to the local authority with engineer support at the Lee Fields pumping station, the distribution of drinking and sanitation water to approximately 22 locations on the north side of the city and sandbagging duty. The Defence Forces also provided assistance to the Health Service Executive at the Mercy Hospital. The Naval Service provided engineer support in the form of engineer teams with water pumps. The LE Orla provided back-up assistance including communications and catering. Rigid inflatable boats, RIBs, were provided to support river searches. The Air Corps provided aerial reconnaissance support to local authorities and air transport.
The framework for major emergency management sets out a structure enabling the principal response agencies, namely, the Garda Síochána, Health Service Executive and local authorities, to prepare for and make a co-ordinated response to major emergencies resulting from events such as fires, transport accidents, hazardous substance incidents and severe weather. The major emergency plans that have been developed by local and regional authorities identify the procedures for requesting assistance from the Defence Forces. The involvement of the Defence Forces in responding to emergencies arises from requests for assistance from the Garda Síochána, that is, aid to the civil power, or from other agencies of the State, that is, aid to the civil authority. The role of the Defence Forces in these situations is dependent on the nature of the incident and the assistance requested.
The Government task force on emergency planning supports co-ordination of emergency planning across Departments and key agencies. The task force meets on a regular basis and provides a forum for sharing information and keeping emergency planning high on the agenda of all Departments. At each meeting representatives of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces provide an update on the security threat analysis.
The Defence Forces did an excellent job during the recent crises.
They should have been called in sooner.
My main objective in tabling this question was to have an opportunity to congratulate them on their efforts. I would like to see them being utilised to a greater degree in the future in the unfortunate likelihood of further extreme weather events and, as Deputy Deenihan suggested, they might be called into action sooner on future occasions. There is also a role for the reserve in providing supplementary support.
I attended a public meeting in Newcastle West on Monday night where the issue of the response of public services and agencies during the recent severe weather was discussed. Several public representatives from the party that controls Limerick County Council were adamant that a request for assistance was submitted to Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick but that no assistance was forthcoming. By implication, the claim was that no assistance was forthcoming from the Minister. Will the Minister clarify whether a formal request was submitted by Limerick County Council to the officer commanding at Sarsfield Barracks for assistance during the recent cold spell? While some members of the council, with the backing of council management, insist there was a formal request for help, the information I have is different.
Did the Minister indicate in a reply to a previous question that local authorities may not have been aware of the range of emergency services that the Defence Forces can supply, or alternatively that the local authorities were tardy in terms of requesting those emergency services where they were badly needed?
I thank Deputy O'Keeffe for his remarks. I assure him I will pass on what he said to the Army. The answer to Deputy Collins's question is most emphatically that there was no formal request from Limerick County Council for assistance from the Army to the CO at Slattery Barracks and if such a request had been made, help would have been forthcoming.
In reply to Deputy O'Shea, I do not know why they were so tardy. Local authorities should know the structures that exist. In any case, I have now taken the initiative of writing to all city and county managers to inform them of the procedures.
That is exactly what I asked.
A Cheann Comhairle——
Deputy Durkan should be brief as Question Time is over.
Question Time is over, a Cheann Comhairle.
I have tabled four or five questions.
Deputy Durkan should not hold us up.
I do not propose to delay the House.
I am delighted to hear that.
My question relates to what constitutes a national emergency, who is the activist who co-ordinates it, what is the impeller that drives it and what has to happen before the emergency is faced up to by those with particular responsibility. I think I know the answer to the question myself because I have tabled it several times in the House in the past ten years. Unfortunately, I am afraid of what the answer is, because if an answer was required, the Minister knows himself——
If the Deputy would resume his seat we will try to get an answer for him.
I will, but I have not finished the question.
This is only the preamble. The question has not been asked yet.
The final part of the question is whether the Minister can give some indication to the House as to what will happen in the event of a recurrence of the kind of circumstances we have seen since November, through December and after Christmas in order to assure the public——
The Deputy should please not elaborate.
——that its concerns and worries and the possible damage to property and loss of life are addressed in a meaningful way by those with statutory responsibility.
In 2008 I submitted a document to Government, which is available to all Departments, which indicated a wide range of potential emergencies such as severe flooding, oil spillages and terrorist attacks. I outlined the lead Department in each case. As things stand, it is up to the lead Department to initiate a meeting of the emergency response committee. Perhaps that has to change. Lessons are always learned from every situation. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which is the lead Department in this case, is preparing a document on the lessons it has learned and what can be done better in future. I will also be asking the emergency response committee to examine the matter. We all learn from experience.
Will the Minister send me a copy of the document?
As the Minister is aware, I got the answer to that question at least five years ago. My conclusion then is that nothing would happen and that this is where we would arrive.
Written Answers follow Adjournment debate.
