Written Answers Nos. 182-193
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which modern training facilities and technology continue to be provided throughout the Air Corps with particular reference to the need to ensure that all such facilities are up to the highest international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39961/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the equipment, aircraft and technology available to the Air Corps are of a high standard and are maintained by the Air Corps in accordance with best aviation practice. As the Deputy is aware, a very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps has taken place. The comprehensive investment programme included the delivery of the Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, the acquisition of two light utility EC 135 helicopters from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, the acquisition of six utility AW 139 helicopters from Agusta Westland, Italy at a cost of €75m and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a cost of €16.5m.
The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2012 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hour contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational. On the issue of Air Corps training and technology, I am satisfied that Air Corps training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects. The Air Corps training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Air Corps by Government.
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the Naval Service continues to be fully equipped in terms of marine surveillance, rescue and emergency requirements in line with any recommendations from the naval authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39962/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraA strategy for the replacement of Naval Service Offshore Patrol Vessels is currently in train. A contract was signed in October, 2010 with Babcock Marine in the United Kingdom for the provision of two new offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV’s). The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair on the other vessels in the fleet, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level and that the most up to date equipment, including modern technology and IT equipment, is available to Naval Service personnel. Preparations for the construction of the ships have commenced in Appledore, UK and the first cutting of steel took place in November 2011. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second ship will follow one year later.
On the issue of Naval Service training and associated technologies, I am satisfied that Naval Services training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects. The Naval Service training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Naval Service by Government.
The equipment issued to the Naval Service is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. The ongoing investment in the Naval Service will ensure that this remains to be the case.
184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the savings achieved throughout the Defence Forces on an annual basis over the past five years by whatever means including closures of barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39963/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been over 21% savings in Defence Vote 36 over the last five years as can be seen from the table below.
Vote 36 Defence Gross Outturn 2008 - 2012 (E)
|
2008 €m |
2009 €m |
2010 €m |
2011 €m |
2012 €m (estimated) |
|
879.836 |
804.301 |
743.88 |
703.44 |
688.445 |
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if arising from the closure of barracks throughout the country over the past twenty years, he will indicate the extent to which the disposal or sale or lease of such installations has been of particular benefit by way of revenue accruing to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39964/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1998 fourteen barracks surplus to military requirements have been closed. To-date eight of these barracks have been disposed of. In relation to the remaining barracks agreement has been reached for the sale of two, Lifford and Rockhill, to Donegal County Council and discussions are ongoing in relation to the possible sale of a portion of Clonmel Barracks. Discussions in relation to the sale of Cavan Barracks to another State Agency are well advanced. Magee Barracks in Kildare and Columb Barracks in Mullingar remain the property of my Department.
The total realised to-date in terms of sales of surplus property is €84m approx. This, together with income of €18m approx from the sale of other smaller military properties and married quarters has been re-invested in providing equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Air Corps at all ranks has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; the way he sees the future strength of the force developing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39965/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Air Corps as at 31 August 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was 753. In the five year period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011 the overall strength of the Air Corps reduced from 845 to 791. This represents a 6.4% decrease over the period. The latest monthly strength figures (31 August 2012) show a further decrease in strength of 38 personnel since the beginning of 2012.
As a result of recent recruitment campaigns, it is expected that 5 Cadets will have been inducted into the Air Corps by the end of 2012. In addition, a competition to recruit 20 apprentice aircraft mechanics to the Air Corps will be advertised in the near future.
A table outlining the end of year strengths of the Air Corps from 2007 to 2011 together with the latest end of month strength (31 August 2012) is attached.
End of year strength of Air Corps 2007-2011
|
Officers |
NCOs |
Airmen |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
31 Dec 2011 |
140 |
348 |
297 |
6 |
791 |
|
31 Dec 2010 |
149 |
349 |
263 |
5 |
766 |
|
31 Dec 2009 |
148 |
371 |
282 |
6 |
807 |
|
31 Dec 2008 |
147 |
380 |
291 |
14 |
832 |
|
31 Dec 2007 |
137 |
383 |
301 |
24 |
845 |
Strength of Air Corps 31 August 2012
|
Officers |
NCOs |
Airmen |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
31 Aug 2012 |
135 |
337 |
275 |
6 |
753 |
187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Naval Service has fluctuated in strength over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39966/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Naval Service as at 31 August 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, was 933. In the five year period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011 the overall strength of the Naval Service reduced from 1077 to 997. This represents a 7.6% decrease over the period. The latest monthly strength figures (31 August 2012) show a further decrease in strength of 64 personnel since the beginning of 2012.
As a result of recent recruitment campaigns, it is expected that 120 General Service recruits and 11 Cadets will have been inducted into the Naval Service by the end of 2012.
A table outlining the end of year strengths of the Naval Service from 2007 to 2011, together with the latest end of month strength (31 August 2012), is attached.
End of year strength of Naval Service 2007-2011
|
Date |
Officers |
NCOs |
Seamen |
Cadets |
Total |
|
31 Dec 2011 |
158 |
438 |
386 |
15 |
997 |
|
31 Dec 2010 |
161 |
450 |
403 |
18 |
1,032 |
|
31 Dec 2009 |
158 |
475 |
379 |
19 |
1,031 |
|
31 Dec 2008 |
160 |
495 |
402 |
13 |
1,070 |
|
31 Dec 2007 |
159 |
487 |
415 |
16 |
1,077 |
Strength of Naval Service 31 August 2012
|
Officers |
NCOs |
Seamen |
Cadets |
Total |
|
|
31 Aug 2012 |
156 |
412 |
352 |
13 |
933 |
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the EU contributes to coastal surveillance and intelligence gathering by air and sea with particular reference to the need to prevent smuggling, monitor fishing activity and contribute to European defence in general by way of on-going air and sea patrols in view of the pivotal nature of such work in terms of European defence and security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service conducts routine maritime surveillance patrols throughout Ireland’s maritime jurisdiction. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State’s fishery protection legislation and its obligations as a member of the European Union. In its fishery protection role the Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. It should be noted that responsibility for the prevention of drug-trafficking and people trafficking rests primarily with the Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána respectively. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this work. In this regard all Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on patrol. These activities assist in countering all form of smuggling and illegal fishery activity.
Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft which were acquired in 1994 under the terms of the 1991 to 1995 Fishery Protection Programme. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone. The EU has provided funding towards the cost of purchase and upgrade of these aircraft.
Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission.
Funding is available from the EU under the Fisheries Control Programmes to strengthen fishery surveillance systems in Member State countries. The Naval Service and the Air Corps through my Department and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, apply on an annual basis for EU funding for projects that enhance their fisheries surveillance role. In recent years, my Department has received €0.325m (2010) and €1.073m (2011). The ship replacement programme accounted for €0.9m of the 2011 funding.
In relation to maritime surveillance generally, an Inter-Departmental Maritime Surveillance Working Group, chaired by the Department of Transport, was established under the auspices of the Marine Co-ordination Group. The Group is working towards the creation of a common information-sharing environment to enhance safety and security within the Irish maritime domain.
Ireland along with other EU Member States participate in the EU Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N). This Centre has led to a greater focus on intelligence exchange amongst countries to tackle large drug shipments by sea. MAOC-N was set up by seven European countries and is designed as an international co-ordination force.
189. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the quantities of vegetables and carrots that were imported into this State in 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39825/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraImports of fresh vegetables into Ireland for the year 2011 and the period January-July 2012 are presented in Table 1. All values relate to fresh and chilled vegetables only.
It should be borne in mind that Ireland’s climate is marginal in terms of commercial production for some vegetables such as onions whilst others can not be grown here at economical prices during certain times of the year e.g. protected crops such as tomatoes in the winter months.
Table 1: Imports of fresh vegetables into Ireland
|
Year |
2011 |
2012 Jan.-July |
|
Product |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
Carrots |
23,887 |
15,122 |
|
Potatoes |
61,920 |
34,946 |
|
Onions |
39,127 |
20,389 |
|
Mushrooms |
30,340 |
20,399 |
|
Tomatoes |
26,338 |
15,742 |
|
Cabbage |
23,876 |
14,586 |
|
Total Other Fresh Vegetables |
54,921 |
32,921 |
|
Total Fresh Vegetable Imports |
260,409 |
154,105 |
Source: CSO.
190. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if the application is in order. [39689/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2012 Single Farm Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 11th May 2012.
Having secured EU Commission approval, an advance payment of 50% of the Single Farm Payment, which, in the normal course, would be due for payment no earlier than 1 December 2012, is scheduled to be made on 16 October 2012 to applicants cleared on that date for payment. My Department is making every effort to maximise the extent of advance payment, subject to ensuring that the requirements of the Scheme are complied with by individual applicants.
191. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the position regarding an agri environment options scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39709/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. The person named was selected for a ground inspection which took place on 13th May 2011. During this inspection, areas of non-compliance with the terms and condition of the scheme were noted in relation to Tree Planting Standard Option which resulted in a penalty being imposed. A letter issued to the person named informing him of this penalty and giving him the option to appeal the decision. The decision was appealed and following a review of the file the decision to apply a financial penalty was upheld. A letter to this effect issued to the person named on 19th September 2012 and the option of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office was given.
During the processing of the non productive capital investment receipts a further issue arose. Under the terms and conditions of the Scheme, applicants had to complete all non-productive capital investments by 30 June 2011. From the documentation provided by the person named it appears that related works did not commence until July 2011 which is after the deadline.
As the Establish and Maintenance of Habitats action is a mandatory measure and necessary for eligibility to the Scheme, the person named is ineligible and a letter to this effect will shortly issue.
192. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their payment for agri environment options scheme two; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39723/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks an issue was identified in relation to claimed areas on the Species Rich Grassland action. Officials in my Department are currently investigating this issue and once satisfactorily resolved the application will be further processed. Payment will issue at the earliest opportunity once all validations have been successfully completed.
193. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when a REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39849/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced REPS 4 in August 2009 and received payments for the first three years of their contract.
REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Following an Inspection on 15th November 2010 over-claims of 1.61 ha on the designated crop group and a further 0.28 ha on the basic crop group were discovered. In addition, a further penalty was imposed for a cross compliance issue in relation to the removal of a hedgerow which resulted in an overpayment of €1,145.36. An appeal was lodged with the Local Office inspectorate in July 2011 and is currently being investigated.
