Niall Collins
Ceist:14. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence his response to the ongoing concerns with regard to Lariam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35750/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (14)
Freagraí scríofa
Malaria is a serious disease that kills approximately 1 million people per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area.The anti-malaria regime in place in the Defence Forces – including the use of Lariam – has worked. In the decade of deployment to sub-Saharan Africa by the Defence Forces, not a single member of the Defence Forces has died from malaria and there are only three documented cases of personnel getting malaria. The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is the statutory body that regulates medicines available in Ireland. I am advised that the three anti-malarial medications licensed by the IMB – Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline – can all have significant side effects. To assert that any one is automatically a more effective or safer alternative to the others is a grossly misleading oversimplification. Each of the three drugs has been used by the Defence Forces, depending on individual circumstances including the type of malaria in the destination, the duration of travel, etc.
I am further advised that the Defence Forces are fully aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malarial medications. Protocols are in place to control the risk of side effects in individuals.
Lariam is one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.
Up to September 2012, Malarone was only licensed for up to 28 days continuous use and was not an option as the usual duration of deployment for the Defence Forces is 6 months. The 28-day limit was removed in September 2012. However, there is limited evidence as to the safety and effectiveness of Malarone usage for longer periods. The position is currently being reviewed by the Defence Forces’ Medical Corps.
I had the various allegations surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and have obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concur with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces.
On 1st July 2013, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) and Roche Products (Ireland) issued a letter to all GP’s concerning Lariam. This letter has been circulated by the Director of the Defence Forces Medical Corps (DMC) to all Medical Officers. The DMC is considering its content and whether or not it has policy implications. Lariam remains licensed by the IMB and must remain in the formulary of medication prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
Defence Forces Reserve Review
Ceisteanna (15)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:15. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the measures he is implementing to ensure rural Reserve Defence Forces outposts are maintained. [35933/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force is a key element of the response to the findings and recommendations of a Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force. The central recommendation from the VFM Steering Committee is for the retention of the Reserve with 4,000 personnel spread countrywide to be based in barracks and in a small number of other locations. This required the consolidation of existing Reserve Units throughout the country into a smaller number of full-strength Units. The retention of all locations was not a viable or sustainable option.
As a result of the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) earlier this year a number of RDF properties were vacated as they are surplus to military requirements.
The properties in question are now the responsibility of the Department of Defence. Over twenty properties have been taken in charge by the Department. The Department is monitoring the condition of these properties on an ongoing basis and will continue to do so until they are disposed of. In the meantime any necessary maintenance works will be carried out as required.
Military Honours
Ceisteanna (16)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:16. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Defence if there has been any change with regard to the provision of honour guards by Óglaigh na hÉireann at religious ceremonies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35729/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Requests for participation by the Defence Forces in non-military events must be submitted to the Department for Defence for approval. Such requests are examined by the Department on a case by case basis and whilst there is no overarching prohibition or restriction on military involvement in religious events, this would not generally be seen as an appropriate role for the Defence Forces. There are of course exceptions to this such as, for example, Military involvement in State funerals and last year’s participation by the Defence Forces Chaplaincy Service in the International Eucharistic Congress.
However, as regards the provision of honour guards in a religious ceremony, the position is that it is no longer considered appropriate that the Defence Forces would provide such participation.
Defence Forces Investigations
Ceisteanna (17)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:17. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide reports in relation to the deaths of persons (details supplied) who died in Lebanon in 1989 to each of their families. [35928/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere sympathies to the families of Corporal Heneghan and Privates Armstrong and Walsh. They died in an incident which occurred on 21st March 1989, whilst serving with ‘C’ Company, 64th Infantry Battalion, United Nations Interim Force in the Lebanon (UNIFIL). On 19th April 2011, I commissioned Mr Frank Callanan, SC, to carry out an independent review into matters relevant to the deaths of Corporal Fintan Heneghan, Private Mannix Armstrong and Private Thomas Walsh. Mr. Callanan was appointed to carry out the inquiry following the emergence of new evidence in the course of preparation of a legal case. The Minister has met with the families and they have been provided with a copy of the Report. On 19th September 2011, the Minister published the review.
Defence Forces Properties
Ceisteanna (18)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:18. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that he is likely to be in a position to ensure the retention of all existing military installations throughout the country, notwithstanding commitments entered into with the troika; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35716/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. The Department has been engaged on an ongoing programme of barrack consolidation since 1998. This programme has brought the number of barracks closed during that time to fourteen. In addition to the main barracks a number of other smaller properties have also been identified as surplus to military requirements. Some of these have already been disposed of whilst others are in the process of being prepared for disposal. These mainly consist of married quarters and Reserve Defence Force premises. Earlier this year, as part of the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force, a number of additional properties became surplus to requirements and these will also be disposed of.
The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. Notwithstanding this, the overall priority is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.
As the Deputy is aware I have indicated to the House previously there are no plans for further barrack closures.
Defence Forces Ombudsman Resources
Ceisteanna (19)
Clare Daly
Ceist:19. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence his plans to improve the operation of the Defence Forces Ombudsman. [35790/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no plans at present for changes to the operation of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. The primary role of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, which is provided for in the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, is to provide an independent appeals process for members of the Defence Forces. Such appeals arise where a complaint has been processed through the internal Defence Forces “Redress of Wrongs” process but the member remains dissatisfied with the outcome or the manner in which the complaint was handled. The 2004 Act also provides that, subject to certain conditions, the Ombudsman may accept complaints directly from former members of the Defence Forces.
The office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is well established. A number of administrative and systemic issues identified by the Ombudsman have been addressed by Defence management. This has contributed to improvements in procedures and policies within the Defence Forces. Recent trends show a significant increase in the number of redress of wrongs complaints being resolved within the military system, thus reducing the number of cases being referred to the Ombudsman for investigation.
Defence Forces Training
Ceisteanna (20)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:20. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the steps he has taken to ensure members of the Defence Forces are reskilled. [35934/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The re-skilling, training and education of personnel at all levels are vital activities in any defence force as they enable such personnel to achieve their required standard of operational effectiveness. The Defence Forces conducts re-skilling, training and education under three broad categories namely skills training, career training and education and collective training. Skills training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensures that its personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills to permit the development of organisational capabilities. Career training provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels from Section Commander to Brigade Commander. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together. This moulds Sub-Units, Units and Formations into integrated and coherent combat forces. This provides the Defence Forces with the capabilities required to fulfil its roles and missions, both at home and overseas.
External Education at University and Institute level, both home and abroad, fulfils Defence Forces requirements by providing education and expertise, which cannot be delivered within the organisation and which ensures that Defence Forces personnel attain the required level of academic and professional qualifications.
Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice. Participation in ongoing overseas operations also necessitates multi lateral-training and assessment. This facilitates ongoing review of Defence Forces re-skilling and training methods and standards within an international military context.
I am advised that Defence Forces personnel continue to have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available for their training and day-to-day roles.
Question No. 21 answered with Question No. 8.
Overseas Missions
Ceisteanna (22)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:22. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the Irish troops currently participating in the EU Training Mission in Mali; if members of the Irish Defence Forces will participate in the UN peacekeeping force in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35793/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 17 January 2013, the Council of the European Union established the EU Training Mission (EUTM Mali). The mission was formally launched by EU Foreign Affairs Council on 18 February 2013 and its initial mandate is to last for fifteen (15) months. The purpose of the mission is to provide military training and advice to the Malian Armed Forces in order to improve their capacity to maintain security in Mali and restore the authority of the Malian Government and the territorial integrity of the Malian State. Twenty-two Member States are contributing over 500 troops, including 250 instructors and additional military personnel to EUTM Mali. Personnel deployed to the mission will not be involved in combat operations. 26 February 2013, the Government approved the deployment of approximately eight (8) members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the EUTM Mali. Three (3) Officers and five (5) Non commissioned Officers were deployed to EUTM Mali on 23 March 2013, for a tour of duty of approximately five months. The officer, of Lieutenant Colonel rank, has been appointed Camp Commandant of the Koulikoro Training Camp, while one Commandant is employed in the Mission Headquarters in Bamako.
The remaining six (6) personnel also deployed to Koulikoro form part of a joint infantry training team with the United Kingdom armed forces. Training for the first group of 650 Malian Armed Forces personnel commenced on 2 April 2013 and is progressing well. The Defence Forces training team will train two platoons of Malian Armed Forces personnel during their tour of duty. The training teams are due to rotate in early September 2013.
No formal request has been received from the UN for Defence Forces participation in the recently established United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA. However, the UN has advised the EU and other potential troop contributors of current shortfalls in key enablers, in this mission, which include Transport, Logistics, Engineering and Medical. The potential for the Defence Forces to contribute to MINUSMA is currently under consideration by the Defence organisation. No decision has been made at this stage as to whether Ireland will participate.
Defence Forces Veterans
Ceisteanna (23)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:23. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence the supports the State has provided for the needs for ex-Defence Forces members in difficulties and to organisations such as the Organisation of National Ex–Servicemen and Women. [35935/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Defence provides annual subventions to support and encourage the two officially recognised veteran groups, the Organisation of National ex-Servicemen (O.N.E.) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). O.N.E. receives a subvention of €40,000 per annum and IUNVA receives a subvention of €10,000 per annum from my Department. The Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women (O.N.E.), which has enjoyed the long standing official recognition of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, is an organisation dedicated to looking after the welfare of ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces by way of providing accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter and other assistance that may be required. O.N.E. is a limited company with charitable status.
The funding provided to O.N.E. by the Department of Defence is to support the general overheads of the organisation and expressly not for the provision of services that are provided to citizens, including members of O.N.E., from other arms of the State. This covers housing, health, social assistance, etc.
The Department of Defence also provides annual funding to a second officially recognised veterans association, the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). Membership of IUNVA, which was formed in 1990, is open to any person, serving or retired, who has successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation.
Defence Forces Strength
Ceisteanna (24)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:24. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Defence the number of military judges there are currently. [35929/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the provisions of section 184J of the Defence Acts 1954 to 2011, the President may appoint, on the advice of the Government, one, or more than one, qualified officer of the Permanent Defence Force or a qualified person other than an officer of the Permanent Defence Force, to be a military judge. The minimum qualification required to qualify for appointment as a military judge is to be a practising barrister or solicitor for a period of not less than ten years. There is currently one Military Judge, Colonel Michael Campion, appointed under the provisions of section 184J. Col Campion was appointed to the position by the President on 6 September 2012. The Government is satisfied that there is no need to appoint additional military judges at this point in time.
Green Paper on Defence
Ceisteanna (25, 589)
Niall Collins
Ceist:25. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence when the Green Paper on Defence will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35718/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:589. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with officials in his Department and the Irish Defence Forces regarding a policy review and a detailed discussion document of Irish defence policy; when he expects the new Green Paper on Defence to be published, followed by a White Paper on Defence; the number of meetings held to date and the date on which the meetings took place of the interdepartmental group comprising representatives from the Departments of Defence, Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Equality as well as the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána regarding the paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35984/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter): I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 589 together.
Ireland's first White Paper on Defence was published in 2000. In the period since its publication, there have been significant changes in the defence and security environment with the emergence of new and complex security challenges. In this context, the Government decided that there is a requirement to prepare a new White Paper on Defence. This will provide the policy framework for Defence, in all its aspects, for the next decade.
In order to ensure appropriate engagement in the formulation of a new White Paper on Defence, my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence initiated the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. Following Government approval, the Green Paper on Defence was published on 16th July 2013.
A future defence and security assessment is set out in Section 6 of the Green Paper. The interdepartmental group which undertook that assessment formally met on three occasions: 28th May 2012, 2nd July 2012 and 12th December 2012 and work continued in the periods between meetings.
As the preparation of a new White Paper is a key objective for the Minister, it features in regular ongoing discussions between the Minister and senior personnel. The Green Paper was the topic of discussion for a high level conference of senior civil and military personnel from the Defence Organisation, which was attended by the Minister last November.
The purpose of the Green Paper is to inform and encourage members of the public and other interested parties to consider and submit their views. The Green Paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current Defence policy framework and anticipated future challenges. It sets out a number of focused policy questions for consideration and to guide submissions.
The Green Paper set out how members of the public and other interested parties can submit their views. It is anticipated that the new White Paper on Defence will be submitted to Government for approval by mid 2014.
Undocumented Irish in the USA
Ceisteanna (26, 61)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:26. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he had in the United States on the Immigration Reform Bill; if he had meetings with groups representing the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35956/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:61. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to Washington DC; if he will outline the current obstacles to comprehensive immigration reform being passed by the US Congress; the actions he will take to ensure these obstacles are overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36583/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 61 together.
Immigration reform was the key feature of my visit to Washington DC on 11/12 July during which I met with many of the most significant Congressional leaders on immigration issues from both sides of the US political divide and at senior official level in the White House. These meetings included Congressman Paul Ryan, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (Chair of the House Judiciary Committee), Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Pete King (Chair of the Friends of Ireland Group), Congressman Richie Neal, Congressman Joe Crowley, Congressman Joe Kennedy, Congressman Mike Grimm, and Congressman Tom Rooney, and I spoke with Congresswomen Zoe Lofgren, Ranking Member on the House Sub-Committee on Immigration by phone. I also met with the policy director and counsel to the Majority Whip Congressman Kevin McCarthy and with Speaker Boehner’s chief of Staff, Mike Sommers. In the Senate, I met with Senator John McCain, Senator Pat Leahy and Senator Dick Durbin.
I also met with representatives of Irish-American community groups with whom the Embassy has worked closely in the context of shared US immigration reform objectives: the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform and the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR). That meeting was an opportunity to update them on my engagements, to reiterate the strong support of the Government for immigration reform and to hear their views and suggestions.
The plight of the undocumented remains a top priority for the Government and I was keen to emphasise the Irish interest in the issue during my meetings in particular with Republican members of the House of Representatives. The issue of future legal flows for Irish migrants is also important and I welcome the inclusion of provisions for an Irish E-3 visa in the Senate Bill.
While progress to date has been encouraging, particularly the adoption of the US Senate Bill, the focus now is in the House of Representatives and there is a challenging road ahead. It is not possible at this stage to specify an exact timeframe for the work of the House. The Government, through the Embassy in Washington DC, will remain fully engaged with the issue.
In my contacts on Capitol Hill, I also took the opportunity to discuss corporate taxation, in particular with Senator McCain and Congressman Ryan.
I also had a series of economic engagements, including a business breakfast with leading investor companies and an address on Ireland’s EU Presidency and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership at the European Institute, as well as a meeting with the IMF.
North-South Implementation Bodies
Ceisteanna (27, 28, 29)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:27. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that there is potential for formalised arrangements, within the North-South Ministerial Council, for closer collaboration in the area of further and higher education; if this area is being considered for closer North-South co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35961/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:28. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up to date position on the review of the existing North-South Implementation Bodies, as provided for in the St. Andrews Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35973/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraBrendan Smith
Ceist:29. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up to date progress on the establishment of additional North-South Implementation Bodies within the North-South Ministerial Council; if these issues have been discussed recently with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and members of the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35974/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 28 and 29 together.
The three terms of reference of the review of the existing North South bodies and of North South co-operation generally which is being undertaken in accordance with the St. Andrews Agreement, are to examine the existing bodies in terms of efficiency and value for money, to look at the case for additional North South bodies and areas of co-operation and at a replacement for the Irish Lights Agency.
The review was a subject of discussion at the recent meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in plenary format which was held in Dublin Castle on 5 July 2013 and which was attended by members of the Government and of the Northern Ireland Executive including the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
It was noted that Term of Reference One of the review is now largely complete; that senior officials from both administrations have met and initiated a work programme to take forward Terms of Reference Two and Three; including expanding on the areas of North South cooperation, and that they will conclude their work and present a report with proposals to the next NSMC Institutional meeting in the autumn. The potential for closer North South co-operation in the area of Further and Higher Education will of course be considered closely by the appropriate officials as part of this stage of the review.
Good Friday Agreement
Ceisteanna (30)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:30. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the need to establish the civic forum as provided for in section 56 of the Good Friday Agreement; the likely timescale for the establishment of this forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35975/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Paragraph 34 of Strand One of the Good Friday Agreement provided for the establishment of a consultative Civic Forum. Section 56 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 required the First Minister and the deputy First Minister, with the approval of the Assembly, to make arrangements for obtaining the views of the Civic Forum. The Forum was set up in October 2000 and was suspended along with the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2002. Following the restoration of devolved powers in May 2007, the then First Minister and deputy First Minister considered the position of the Civic Forum in the re-established devolved arrangements and commissioned a review of the effectiveness and appropriateness of its structure, operation and membership. In April, 2013 the Assembly voted in favour of an SDLP motion to re-establish the Civic Forum.
On 14 May, 2013 in a Dáil address I noted that the Civic Forum would provide for a broad range of voices on community relations and stimulate informed public debate in relation to key societal challenges. Building effective democratic institutions and policies requires civil society organisations, the business sector and the wider citizenship to play a role in providing legitimacy, ensuring democratic ownership, participation and accountability.
In my ongoing contacts with the Secretary of State and the Northern Ireland Executive I have pressed for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum as a valuable and as yet unimplemented provision of the Good Friday Agreement.