Vol. 939 No. 1
40. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the Defence Forces in counties Cavan, Monaghan and the greater Border region in view of Brexit and the possible reintroduction of a hard Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7140/17]
62. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to reintroduce a new Army barracks in counties Cavan, Monaghan or the greater Border region in view of Brexit and the possible reintroduction of a hard Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7139/17]
Could the Minister of State please inform the House his plans for the Defence Forces in counties Cavan and Monaghan and the greater Border region in view of Brexit and the possible reintroduction of a hard Border, and if he will make a statement on the matter?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 62 together.
As part of a whole-of-Government approach, my Department is engaged in forward planning for the UK exit from the EU. While the nature of the Border will be decided during the course of the negotiations, it is this Government’s stated goal to try to ensure that the current on-island Border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible.
Primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Responsibility for the security aspect of Border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.
Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of aid to the civil power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners. The fact of a UK exit from the EU does not of itself give rise to additional border control requirements at this time.
The Defence Forces keep operational plans under constant review. There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular co-ordination and liaison meetings take place.
In recent years, a range of measures have been introduced in order to ensure that operational readiness and deployability of the Defence Forces are maintained to the greatest extent possible. These measures include barrack closures and the consolidation of three under-strength Army brigades into two revised Army brigades. This involved a redeployment of personnel from HQ and administrative posts into front-line operational units, which has improved the overarching capacity of the Defence Forces.
I am satisfied that the White Paper on Defence sets out an appropriate blueprint for the development of the Defence Forces. There are currently no plans to reintroduce Army barracks in counties Cavan, Monaghan or the greater Border region.
I am very concerned to read further reports on the reintroduction of a very hard Border, which differ from what the Government said in the Chamber. According to reports in the Irish Examiner, internal documents show the Government is preparing for a return to a hard Border in the wake of Brexit, including the return of full green and red channel checkpoints. This is very concerning for my constituency, Cavan-Monaghan, where we have no Army barracks and Garda numbers are completely stretched.
Today's report stated that the extent of the contingency plan revealed by the document is a stark contrast to the public statements by the Taoiseach to date that a move towards a hard Border would have very negative consequences for Ireland. The document appears to suggest a departure from the Government's stated strategy to date to ensure a continued free flow of trade on the island and the need to avoid a hard Border. What is the plan?
The Government wants the current arrangements to continue. As I stated in my reply, this is a part of the whole-of-Government approach. My Department is engaged in forward planning for the UK exit from the EU. I remind the Deputy that when the British Prime Minister was in Ireland a number of weeks ago, one of the top items on the agenda was a hard Border.
The Deputy referred to an article in the Irish Examiner that refers to customs checkpoints. It does not refer to the Defence Forces or An Garda Síochána being involved at a hard Border. It refers to customs and excise, which is a totally different conversation about trade between a member and a non-member of the European Union. I assure the Deputy that I met my counterpart in the UK after the Brexit vote and this is one of the issues I raised with him.
The Minister of State will have another opportunity.
Seven military barracks at Lifford, Rockhill in Letterkenny, Cavan, Cootehill, Monaghan, Castleblayney and Longford were shut down as part of the major reorganisation of the Defence Forces that begin in 2012. Most of these properties or sites have been sold on. Along the approximately 500 km of Border between Finner Camp in County Donegal and Aiken Barracks in Dundalk, there is no military barracks and only two infantry battalions, controlled from a headquarters in Rathmines in Dublin, man the entire Border area. In light of Brexit, are we adequately and properly prepared in my constituency of Cavan-Monaghan? Both of our Army barracks have been closed and members are faced with travelling long distances for little money. Some of them have told me they have been forced to sleep in their cars due to the expense associated with their mortgages, providing for their families and travelling very long journeys to and from work. On top of all this, businesses and farmers are concerned. There are concerns about how PEACE funding will be affected and about the relations and wounds of the past that have taken so long to mend being ruptured.
I assure the Deputy that the Government has a comprehensive Brexit plan in place. Once Article 50 is triggered, I assure her that we will be very much involved in the negotiations. Let me state, however, that on the Defence Forces side, the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations was a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme. On 15 November 2011, the Government approved a proposal from the then Minister for Defence to proceed with a further phase of consolidation of Defence Forces personnel to fewer locations, with the closure of four military barracks including Dún Uí Néill Army Barracks in Cavan. In addition to the barracks at Cavan, barracks located at Castlebar in County Mayo, Clonmel and Mullingar were closed in March 2012.
Following the Government's decision, officials from my Department wrote to each Department, various agencies and local authorities seeking expressions of interest in the barracks. I assure the Deputy that my Department and I, as Minister of State with responsibility for defence, have our own Brexit plans in place, as has every other Department. It is a comprehensive plan with a whole-of-Government approach to it.
41. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the investigations into ten cases of bullying and sexual harassment by members of the Defence Forces that have been reported in the past two years; his views on claims by the soldiers' representative groups that the actual numbers of complaints could be much higher; and the efforts that have been made to put in place better procedures and protocols that will reduce the amount of time it takes to investigate a complaint. [7302/17]
This question refers to ten cases of bullying and sexual harassment reported by members of the Defence Forces. What is the status of those cases? Does the Minister of State believe the contention of the soldiers' representative organisations that it could be much higher?
It is Defence Forces policy that all personnel have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. While military life entails robust and effective military training, such training must take place in a professional service environment that fully respects individual human dignity. Bullying and harassment of any kind are wrong and are not tolerated within the Defence Forces. They are entirely unacceptable in themselves and wholly incompatible with a successful and modern organisation.
I advise the Deputy that this is an issue to which I pay close attention. The Chief of Staff provides me with updates on all ongoing cases of bullying, harassment and unacceptable behaviour on a regular basis.
Of the ten cases referred to by the Deputy, the military authorities have advised that seven were bullying and harassment cases, six of which are now closed while one remains ongoing. The other three cases related to sexual harassment, two of which are now closed while one remains ongoing. The military authorities have advised that all of the ten cases were handled under the formal approach and were dealt with through the legal-disciplinary process or by administrative action.
All known incidents of such behaviour are properly investigated, bearing in mind the need for due process which requires fairness to all parties to the complaint. Through the induction process and general notifications, the non-tolerance of unacceptable behaviour is stressed to all members of the Defence Forces. The formal and informal procedures in force are there to encourage any individual who wishes to make a complaint.
Procedures for dealing with complaints of sexual harassment, harassment and bullying are set out in Defence Forces regulations. Complaints of unacceptable behaviour can be dealt with at different levels, either in an informal approach or formal manner. The overall aim is to ensure that the complaint is dealt with, in the first instance, at the lowest level possible. Informal complaints can be resolved directly by the complainant with the assistance of a third party if required. Such third party can include any member of the Defence Forces who has the trust and confidence of the complainant. Specially trained designated contact persons are also available to assist.
The formal procedure requires that a complaint is made in writing. These are dealt with by the military chain of command either through the legal-disciplinary process or by administrative action.
Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an Aire Stáit. It is good to hear that so many of the ten cases have been addressed. I hope that they were addressed appropriately and that the complainants were content with the action taken. However, that does not take away from the fact that the general secretary of PDFORRA, Mr. Gerry Rooney, has raised major concerns about the delay in investigating properly and dealing with such cases. Given the nature of the Defence Forces and that people have to serve quite closely with those against whom they are bringing an allegation, if it is not dealt with quickly it can fester. Mr. Rooney also raised the unacceptable timeframe and manner in which the complaints can be investigated and how it can discourage others. What steps can be taken to ensure that those who are making complaints internally can be assured they will be dealt with properly and that others who are faced with such sexual harassment or bullying are not discouraged from proceeding with a claim?
I have taken a personal interest in bullying and harassment, be it sexual or otherwise. Since my appointment in May 2016, I have informed the general staff that all allegations are to be dealt with to the fullest. They are to be given every support possible and their cases must be dealt with speedily. If the Defence Forces do not deal with allegations speedily, others will be discouraged from making allegations or reports of any form of harassment. I want anyone who has a case or wants to bring any sort of issue surrounding harassment to the fore to feel comfortable and not threatened in any way by bringing any sort of complaint forward, which is something I am working on.
By that, the Minister of State seems to be suggesting that there needs to be a review to ensure that the complaints procedure is fit for purpose. Will the Minister of State initiate a review or is he just taking a cursory look at the complaints procedure to ensure that there is a proper system in place?
I assure the Deputy that I get a quarterly report from the Chief of Staff regarding bullying and harassment cases. I would not know all of the individual cases.
As the Deputy will understand, a large number of cases will be ongoing at any one time because the Defence Forces are a large organisation. While I do not intend to carry out a review of the procedures in place, I take a personal interest in this matter as I wish to ensure all those who make a complaint are dealt with fairly and speedily and in a manner that does not discourage others from making any form of complaint. I want people to feel comfortable and not in any way threatened when making a complaint. Complaints must be taken seriously and dealt with as swiftly as possible. If the Deputy wishes me to follow up on any particular case, he should bring it to my attention and I will have no problem doing so.
42. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the level of consultation he had with the Department of Education and Skills or Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board regarding the future use of Columb Barracks, Mullingar. [7099/17]
74. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the future use of Columb Barracks, Mullingar. [7100/17]
It is almost five years since Columb Barracks, Mullingar, closed its doors following the decision by the previous Fine Gael-Labour Party Government to close the barracks. What action has the Department taken in the intervening five years to try to secure a new tenant for the barracks? Specifically, has the Minister of State or his officials engaged with the Department of Education and Skills or Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board on their interest in utilising the barracks for an educational institution?
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 74 together.
Following the closure of Columb Barracks in 2012, my Department has explored a number of avenues to try to secure the long-term future of the former barracks for the benefit of the local community. Departments and other public bodies, including Westmeath County Council, have been invited on numerous occasions to declare an interest in acquiring the property. Westmeath County Council recently confirmed that it does not have any interest in acquiring the property.
In 2016, officials from my Department met the chief executive officer and officials of Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board regarding possible use of Columb Barracks, Mullingar. The meeting included a visit to the barracks. To date, I have not received any proposal from the board regarding its future use of the barracks. There has also been no approach from the Department of Education and Skills regarding this matter.
Several months ago, officials from my Department attended a public meeting in Mullingar on the future use of the barracks. A local group was subsequently established to prepare a feasibility study on community use of the barracks. To date, however, the group has not furnished a report to my Department.
As the barracks is no longer required for military purposes, the current financial and administrative burden resulting from its retention cannot be sustained. The disposal of the property by public auction must now be progressed in keeping with the Government's policy and recent practice to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes. However, in the context of its potential future use contributing to the positive development of Mullingar, my Department remains open to viable proposals to this end from public bodies.
The Minister of State appeared to be expressing criticism of the community group for not producing a feasibility plan. To be fair to the organisation in question, it has exhausted many avenues and contacted various Departments to secure funding to carry out a feasibility study. However, funding has not been forthcoming.
The chief executive and board of the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board are very interested in the barracks site. The problem is the board requires funding to do so. The barracks is located on a substantial land-holding, which contains a significant number of properties and buildings. The education and training board requires confirmation that the Department of Education and Skills would provide funding if it were to acquire the barracks. The board is paying a substantial rent to lease a premises for its headquarters in Mullingar. It must provide post-leaving certificate courses and apprenticeships. I ask the Minister of State to engage with the Minister for Education and Skills to try to reach an agreement that would allow the facility to remain in State ownership for the benefit of the community.
I instructed an official in the property section of my Department to attend the public meeting of the community group in question. It is highly unusual for a civil servant to attend a public meeting organised by political representatives but I asked an official to attend to listen to the views of local people. I understand it was agreed at the meeting that the community group would submit a proposal to me. As I stated, I have not received any correspondence from any community group in Mullingar.
The barracks in Mullingar is not safe. If a young person were to enter the premises and sustain a serious injury, the matter would come back to my desk. I want to dispose of the barracks for this reason, unless a community group expresses an interest in acquiring it.
Deputy Troy may ask another supplementary question.
On a point of clarification, I understand additional time is provided when questions are grouped.
That is correct. The Deputy will have a further opportunity to contribute.
While I accept the Minister of State's bona fides and his statement that he is trying to help, unfortunately it does not ring true on the ground. I organised the meeting to which he referred and the departmental official was made welcome. The Department is paying for security at the former barracks. Perhaps the Minister of State will consider diverting some of the funding for security to the local group to carry out a feasibility study.
What bothers me most is the attitude taken by many Ministers when they claim various matters are not their responsibility but the responsibility of another Department. There is no joined up thinking on this issue. We have a housing crisis and more than ten acres of the site could be used for new housing. Buildings on the barracks site could be used for the headquarters Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board needs. A central location is required to provide apprenticeships and the barracks could be used for this purpose. My colleague, Deputy Lisa Chambers, spoke earlier about the need to restore the Reserve Defence Force. The Fianna Fáil Party made a submission to the Department during the term of the previous Government setting out how the facility could be used as a national headquarters for the Reserve Defence Force. The site offers many opportunities and great potential but no two Departments will talk to each other because everyone is operating in a silo. The only people for whom this will have negative consequences are those living in Mullingar.
My Department wrote to the Department of Education and Skills and chief executive of Westmeath County Council. It has made numerous approaches to the county council on handing over the former Columb Barracks. The chief executive indicated the county council does not have any use for the barracks, although I am not sure if members of Westmeath County Council voted on the issue. It is wrong to claim my Department has not communicated with other organisations. If I receive a proposal from the education and training board regarding the sale of the barracks, I will consider it, as I will any proposal from any group or organisation in County Westmeath, whether a voluntary body or local authority.
The Deputy mentioned security. Security is provided at the barracks in Mullingar for the reasons I outlined earlier. If there was no security there and a serious incident or accident occurred, the matter would come across my desk.
The proposed use of this facility as an ETB centre is an interesting proposal. My colleague, Councillor Sorca Clarke, put in a request to the council for €20,000 for a feasibility study to be carried out but it was voted down by councillors from the Minister of State's party and by the Fianna Fáil Party of which Deputy Troy is a member, which is a pity. Will the Minister of State consider making available funding for a feasibility study on the use of this facility which, except for occasional use by a number of community groups, is vacant? It would be a shame if this facility did not remain in the public realm. Will the Minister of State consider my proposal?
Earlier this week a motion tabled by Councillor Sorca Clarke was passed by the Mullingar municipal district. The municipal district has written to the Department of Education and Skills to try to progress this matter. Will the Minister of State at the very least give a commitment that there will be no disposal of this facility while this current avenue is being pursued by the Department? I will ask the Department to keep the Minister of State updated of progress on that request.
It is often somewhat dangerous to speak about a topic one is not 100% au fait with. I can assure Deputy Ó Snodaigh that Fianna Fáil did not vote down any proposal at the council meeting on funding of €20,000.
I must ask the Deputy to confine his remarks to a question to the Minister of State.
We can deal with the matter locally.
I accept that there is need for a timeline on this issue such that it can be brought to a conclusion. I want to see a conclusion which ensures the facility remains in State ownership for the benefit of the community. However, as I said, I accept there is need for a timeline to ensure everyone's mind is focused. What timeline does the Minister of State envisage being provided to allow for a full consultation process with the community groups and the Department of Education and Skills on a takeover of the facility by the ETB? If that proposal fails, and I hope it does not, within what timeframe will the Minister of State take alternative action? We need to know what we are working towards.
I will respond to the last question first. As stated as of 31 January 2017, I am actively progressing the sale of Mullingar barracks. As stated in my earlier reply, I will consider any proposal from any group, organisation or body in Mullingar or Westmeath for taking in charge of Mullingar barracks. As mentioned, the barracks has been vacant for almost five years. Every group and organisation, specifically Westmeath County Council, has had every opportunity to develop a proposal for the facility. There are numerous acres of ground surrounding the barracks that are suitable for housing but it is not the responsibility of the Department of Defence to build houses on behalf of Westmeath County Council or to carry out feasibility studies for the ETB or any other organisation. The provision of funding for a feasibility study is a matter for Westmeath County Council. I am not aware of any of my colleagues having voted down the provision of €20,000 in funding to the ETB or other organisation to carry out a feasibility study but I will check it out. I am progressing the sale of Mullingar barracks but I am open to all proposals from Westmeath County Council, the ETB and so on, in respect of which they should contact my Department.
43. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps that have been or are being taken to implement the recommendation that medals be awarded to the officers and NCOs of the siege of Jadotville in view of the overwhelming support that this recommendation be acted upon (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7104/17]
The 56th anniversary of the battle of Jadotville occurs in September of this year. The Minister of State met a few weeks ago a group of concerned students from Galway community college on their campaign in this matter. The final step is to give medals to the officers and the NCOs or their surviving families. What progress, if any, has been made in this regard and when will those medals be awarded?
The issue of the award of medals to the men of A Company was comprehensively addressed in 1965. A properly constituted medals board considered the various cases presented and made a decision that no medals would be awarded. The Chief of Staff of the day considered the decision of the board and was satisfied with the findings.
Subsequently, the question was raised again in a letter to a newly appointed Chief of Staff. He forwarded the letter to the original medals board and asked that it reconvene and review its decision. The board indicated that the issues raised had received due consideration and that it was not prepared to alter its findings.
On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the siege of Jadotville, I decided to issue a unit citation to honour the collective actions and bravery of the men of A Company, 35th Infantry Battalion. I organised and hosted a ceremony in Custume Barracks, Athlone, on Saturday, 17 September 2016 at which a unit citation was presented to the company in recognition of its collective heroism and professional performance during the siege of Jadotville while cut off from support and reinforcements. During the ceremony, I presented a copy of the citation to each member of the unit or next of kin in the case of deceased members. This was the first time a unit citation was awarded within the Defence Forces and I was delighted to be able to recognise formally the brave actions of these men. In addition, a specially commissioned insignia will be provided to the members and the next of kin of deceased members of A Company in the coming weeks. These are awards that are used internationally by other militaries to recognise those units that have served with particular distinction.
I am satisfied the events and happenings to date, in particular the award of a unit citation and specially commissioned insignia, properly honour the collective bravery of the men of A Company.
The fact the Minister of State is satisfied that the unit citation and insignia are sufficient is disappointing. I welcome these positive steps but what is being asked for specifically, 56 years after the Battle of Jadotville, is that medals be awarded. For the Minister of State to refer to an Irish Medals Board decision in 1965, which is more than 50 years ago, is not helpful. Society has moved on considerably since then. We are speaking in this regard about 155 extremely courageous men, the average of whom was 18 years. As a result of the extraordinary leadership shown by Commandant Pat Quinlan and his sergeant and other officers, 155 young men were brought home safely to this country following a courageous battle in which they faced 3,500 opponents. Surely in the half century since then we have learned something such that it is now time to undo the damage that was done in not giving recognition to those courageous young men.
I did meet the students on the day of the presentation of the 2016 medal in Galway barracks. I, too, acknowledge the leadership shown by the men of A Company under the leadership of Commandant Pat Quinlan. As I stated, on two occasions a specially constituted medals board considered the various cases to present medals to these brave men. I also further considered the matter in 2016. None of the people concerned is getting any younger. One or two of them passed away in 2016. I have done my utmost to ensure these people are recognised in a fitting manner.
On having seen the advice I got on the medals, I decided we have to do something to commemorate the bravery of these men. That is why the unit citation and insignia were decided upon. The ceremony for the presentation of the citations in Athlone was very moving.
Two of the survivors died recently. Sergeant Bill Ready died in 2016 and Sergeant Walter Hegarty died in Galway only a few weeks ago. I appeal to the Minister of State to review his decision. We have heard many debates in this Dáil recently on courageous whistleblowers standing up and on what was done to them. This is the most appalling story. It is about the absolute demonisation of young, courageous men to suit the narrative of power and establishment. I appeal to the Minister of State to take action given that a group of young people from Galway Community College are appealing to the Government to undo the damage done. One hundred and fifty-five most courageous young men came back and they were called the "Jadotville Jacks" and told they were cowards just to make sure the establishment did not come under pressure. Notwithstanding that demonisation, those men went on to live lives as full as they could and contribute to society. If we have learned anything about bullying and whistleblowers, let us put it into practice. I appeal to the Minister of State to review the decision.
I assure the Deputy that I have considered every possible angle with a view to awarding medals to the personnel of A Company. There is no use in giving the Deputy a commitment that I will review this again and that the opinion will be changed because I do not believe that will happen. Again, I applaud the bravery of the men, in addition to the bravery of all the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann who have travelled abroad for many years on peacekeeping duties. I commend the group of young students who have taken an interest in this issue and the siege of Jadotville. I have received the correspondence and corresponded back. It is a marvel to see young people showing an interest in such an issue.
I ask the Government to show courage.
44. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the military authorities did not act on foot of the first Health and Safety Authority report into the handling of dangerous and carcinogenic materials by Air Corps personnel without the appropriate protective clothing, adequate training or basic equipment, instead of waiting for the final report, thus prolonging the exposure of personnel at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. [7298/17]
We dealt earlier today with the questions on what has occurred for many decades in Baldonnel Aerodrome. I ask once again that the Minister of State take the required action to ensure protective clothing is provided and every single step is taken to ensure the current serving members of the Air Corps are protected.
The military authorities have advised me there was no delay in regard to the Air Corps response to the Health and Safety Authority report. On 21 October 2016, the HSA issued its report of inspection to the Air Corps. I am advised this was the only written report issued by the HSA on foot of three visits to Baldonnel during 2016. The report outlined a number of general improvements and recommendations and included the areas of risk assessment, health surveillance, monitoring of employees' actual exposure to particular hazardous substances and the provision and use of personal protective equipment.
The Air Corps responded to the HSA on 20 December 2016 outlining its improvement plan and indicating its full commitment to implementing the improved safety measures that protect workers and ensure that risks are as low as reasonably practicable. As I outlined earlier, this plan will be implemented over eight phases.
As recognised in the HSA report of October 2016, the Air Corps had already commenced activities of improvement and was proactive in implementing change before, during and after the engagement with the HSA. The Air Corps was pursuing a review of the risk assessment of chemicals process commenced in quarter 2 of 2015, in respect of which process the HSA provided advice during its visits, and a new approach to chemical awareness training within the Air Corps commenced in quarter 1 of 2016.
With regard to personal protective equipment, the military authorities have confirmed that the Air Corps provides personal protective equipment to all workers in the Air Corps, and they are required to wear such equipment in the workplace when necessary. These requirements are set out in a range of military policy and practice documents. The Air Corps improvement plan provides for further actions relating to risk assessments and training focused on personal protective equipment.
I assure the Deputy that the health and safety of the men and women of the Defence Forces is of the highest priority for me and for the military management and authorities.
I welcome the clarification the Minister of State has given on the military authorities' response to the HSA report. I was concerned that they waited until the report was finalised before taking any action. The Minister of State has now said the authorities had already started to take action but they had not taken action before the inspection process.
The HSA report made eight recommendations, seven of which I am told have been virtually implemented. Those were the easy ones and many involved dotting i's and crossing the t's. What exactly is involved in the eighth recommendation and how long will it take to implement it? Is the Minister of State confident that, as we speak, none of the Air Corps personnel is exposed to chemicals of the type that lead to diarrhoea 20 times per day, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, headaches, DNA alterations, discolouration and cancers? Are these chemicals now secure, with no personnel exposed to them? Do the personnel now have the equipment to deal with them? They did not have such equipment in the past.
I assure the Deputy that I wrote to the Chief of Staff earlier this year looking for a report indicating all the recommendations of the HSA for the Air Corps are being implemented. I will forward the Deputy a copy of the exact timelines for implementation. I apologise for not having a copy with me. I should have had a copy with me. Most of the recommendations are to be implemented by May 2017, but I am open to correction in that regard. The Chief of Staff has written back to me and there are a number of issues in the correspondence I want to address. I will be in correspondence with the Chief of Staff on an other occasion.
I was told the level of exposure to the dangerous, corrosive and cancerous chemicals was akin to the level following a chemical warfare attack on a daily basis. I mentioned reports I had seen earlier. The reports I saw were from 22 years ago, 20 years ago and three years ago. They highlighted the lack of identification for chemicals, the fact that there was cross-contamination of chemicals and no personal protective equipment, and a number of other issues. I cannot fathom why the military authorities here did not take action around the same time that the Australian authorities were taking action on the very same matter in 2000.
I am aware that a number of litigation cases are pending, dating from the period since 1991. Two protected disclosures were received in my Department in December 2015 and one was received in January 2016. Since my appointment in May 2016, I appointed independent individuals to carry out a review. The first felt he had not the qualifications to carry out the review so another was appointed in late August or early September.
That person submitted an interim review in late November. I have corresponded with the Defence Forces on all of these issues, which I take seriously because they affect the health and welfare of members of the Defence Forces, specifically the Air Corps.
45. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the preparations the Government is making to pursue industrial and employment opportunities arising from the European Defence Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7345/17]
The College of Commissioners adopted the European Defence Action Plan on 30 November and it must go through the wide-ranging and extensive EU procedures before any part of it becomes a reality.
The aim of the plan is to explore how EU policies and instruments can ensure that the EU's industrial and skills base will be able to deliver required defence capabilities in view of current and future security challenges. As part of this plan, the Commission has proposed the creation of a European defence fund. The purpose of the fund is to promote research and innovation and contribute to the strengthening of the European defence technological and industrial base. It is also designed to stimulate further the development of key defence capabilities.
For many member states, the defence sector is a significant contributor to jobs, growth and innovation. In the EU, the defence industry makes an economic contribution of €100 billion, with 1.5 million direct and indirect employees. While Ireland does not have a defence industry, we have particular strengths in the area of dual use and civil commercial technologies that can support defence capabilities and contribute to the Irish economy.
In this regard, the Government approved arrangements in July 2011 whereby Enterprise Ireland would support the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces' capability development through engagement with Irish-based enterprise and research institutes on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere. The Government's decision allows for greater engagement with Enterprise Ireland and Enterprise Ireland-supported companies, which contributes to the Defence Forces' capabilities across the full range of their activities.
A co-ordinated approach will be required from Departments to ensure that Ireland is optimally positioned to avail of the industrial and employment opportunities that may arise from the Commission's proposals. In this regard, officials from my Department are co-ordinating with their counterparts in other Departments, including the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
Last year, the EU made proposals on establishing a European defence fund. This fund consists of two financial structures: a research window to fund collaborative defence research projects at EU level and a capability window to support the joint development of defence capabilities commonly agreed by member states. This will be financed through the pooling of national contributions and, where possible, supported by an EU budget.
There are also proposals to foster investment in SMEs, startups, mid-caps and other suppliers to the defence industry as a key part of this. Clearly, it represents a large opportunity for Irish SMEs. What is the Government doing to make Irish companies aware of this potential and will the Minister of State provide further detail of the liaisons he has had with other Departments on this matter?
The action plan will be sent to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee for formal response. We need to consider how best Ireland can benefit from the action plan. Industries need to be positioned to avail of the research funding opportunities that will arise under the preparatory action and the Commission's proposed European defence fund. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has advised that, in conjunction with its agency, Enterprise Ireland, it is assessing the potential for Irish companies to secure contracts under the proposed research window.
Regarding the forthcoming first call under the preparatory action, the national support network of Horizon 2020, led through Enterprise Ireland, will seek to identify specific companies to respond to the call once it has been published.
I thank the Minister of State.
In conclusion, the network will support participating companies-----
A final supplementary question. I have been more than lenient.
-----in making applications.
This presents a major opportunity for Ireland. We have never seen the development of a fund like this before. The research window presents significant opportunities to liaise with European colleagues in research areas like communications, cybersecurity, etc. We would be foolish not to consider the capability window funding. We have severe deficiencies in our capabilities as regards equipment and so on. We must put a plan in place so that, when this funding comes on stream, we are ready to apply. I am asking the Minister of State not to miss this opportunity and to work hard with his Department. I am sure that other Deputies will be available to assist. We cannot miss this opportunity. Clearly, we do not have the funds to get our capabilities up to where they need to be ourselves.
I agree with the Deputy opposite that this is a significant opportunity for Ireland. My Department will be assisting in every way possible. Beyond the Department of Defence, a range of other Departments and agencies, specifically Enterprise Ireland, are involved. While Ireland may not have an arms industry, a number of companies are involved in the development of new technologies and capabilities that have dual military and civil application.
This is an opportunity for Ireland to put its best foot forward and draw down some of the available funding. There are major job opportunities for Ireland in that regard.
46. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans regarding the future of Gormanston Camp in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7349/17]
There will only be one supplementary question.
I will not delay the House. My question will give the Minister of State the opportunity to set on the record the Government's commitment to Gormanston Camp, allow the public to know of that commitment and recognise the camp's importance to the Defence Forces and the local area.
Gormanston Camp is, and will continue to be, an important operational military installation. There are no plans to change this. The camp is a vital training asset for the Defence Forces in respect of activities such as recruit and three star training, overseas pre-deployment training, small arms live fire training and live fire air defence training. Gormanston is currently the only site in the defence property portfolio that is used for air defence training and Air Corps firing.
My Department has invested considerably in facilities and infrastructure at Gormanston Camp. Since 2010, just over €688,000 has been spent on a range of capital and non-capital developments and improvements. This is in addition to routine ongoing investment in the repair and maintenance of the facility.
I thank the Minister of State. It is worth reminding the House of the functions and importance of Gormanston Camp and getting that commitment from the Government. From time to time, one hears questions on the matter, so it is important to have that commitment on the record of the House. I am grateful to the Minister of State for that.
The Deputy has taken a keen interesting in Gormanston Camp for many years. He has often raised questions on the issue. Gormanston is a critical part of the Defences Forces' infrastructure and is used for important training. As the Deputy is aware, the Government's employment scheme was run out of Gormanston Camp in 2016. The camp offers capabilities and specific training facilities for members of the Defence Forces, specifically the Air Corps and the Army.
