Written Answers Nos. 21-31
21. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence if any unit of the Defence Forces, aside from the contingent of the Permanent Defence Force deployed with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, is assisting with UN and international humanitarian relief efforts to assist the hundreds of thousands of persons displaced by the violence in Syria. [5565/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of one hundred and twenty-five (125) members of the Permanent Defence Force are currently deployed to the Golan Heights in Syria. These personnel include 119 personal deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and six (6) personnel deployed as UN Military Observers with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) to assist UNDOF. No members of the Permanent Defence Force are assisting with UN and international humanitarian relief efforts in Syria.
The conflict in Syria continues to be one of the greatest challenges confronting the international community at present, and is a humanitarian disaster of epic proportions. The crisis in Syria is a growing threat to regional stability and a major human tragedy. In my capacity as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have approved 90 resettlement places for the resettlement of Syrian refugees from the hosting countries in the region in 2014. This number will include provision for four (4) medical cases, whose needs can only be met through resettlement. I understand that the UNHCR is expected to shortly submit cases to Ireland for consideration in this regard.
Ireland provided in excess of €11 million in humanitarian assistance in 2013 and €2.65 million in 2012. Ireland’s additional pledge of €12 million at Kuwait on 15 January 2014 brings our overall commitment from 2011 to 2014 to approximately €26 million. Funds have been provided to a range of established UN partners as well as to Irish Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
22. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence the number of positions that will be available for application when the new recruitment campaign begins in March 2014; and if he will provide details of the positions. [5621/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 December 2013, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,236, comprising, 7,434 Army, 779 Air Corps and, 1,023 Naval Service personnel. Recruitment of personnel to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps is determined in line with the operational requirements of each of the three services. As the Permanent Defence Force is currently below the agreed stabilised strength of 9,500, it is my intention that targeted recruitment will continue this year within the resource envelope allocated to Defence. To that end, it is planned to run a new General Service recruitment competition commencing in March 2014. Recruitment of Air Corps Apprentices and Naval Service Engine Room Artificers is also planned for 2014.
Recruitment competitions are a significant undertaking involving online assessments, fitness tests, interviews and medicals. Detailed planning for the running of the competitions is currently ongoing. Once this process is completed, the numbers inducted will depend on available training capacity, resources and the then number of vacancies. As such, it is not possible to state the exact numbers that may be recruited this year. However, within the resources and capacity available, it is my intention to maintain the Defence Forces at the agreed stabilised strength. Details of these new competitions will be made available on the Defence Forces website www.military.ie when the competitions commence.
As regards the Reserve Defence Force, work is continuing on the implementation of the re-organisation and the development of the single force concept and a review of the number of active members of the RDF is currently being compiled. In addition, the criteria for participation in the RDF are being reviewed and updated and a recruitment plan is being developed. With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
23. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence the maximum number of years in service for a Defence Forces Air Corps aircraft before it should be replaced. [5624/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that there are a total of 27 aircraft operating from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. Of this total, 3 aircraft are operated by the Air Corps for An Garda Síochána related activities; namely two EC 135 Helicopters and 1 Fixed Wing Defender 4000 aircraft. The remaining 24 aircraft, 16 Fixed Wing and 8 Rotary, are available to the Air Corps. The sixteen Fixed Wing aircraft are made up of the Gulfstream IV, Learjet 45, 2 CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft, 5 Cessna aircraft and 7 Pilatus PC9 aircraft, used in the main for pilot training. The rotary fleet is made up of 6 AW 139 and 2 EC 135 helicopters, one of which is currently out of operational use and is undergoing repairs.
The Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavours to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from aircraft when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of Power by the Hour/Performance Based maintenance contracts assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum.
The issue of withdrawing an aircraft from operational service is a matter primarily for the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps. In recent years, aircraft such as the Gazelle, Dauphin and Alouette helicopters and the Marchetti and Beechcraft Fixed Wing aircraft have been taken out of operational service following the recommendations of the GOC Air Corps. These aircraft were subsequently disposed of by the Department by tender competition.
The question of proceeding with any replacement programme will be considered in tandem with the new White Paper on Defence, the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding envelope available in the coming years. The provision for the Air Corps in 2014 mainly relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hour contracts set up to keep the Air Corps fleet fully operational with specific maintenance work being carried out on the CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft related to the overhaul of engines on the aircraft.
26. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of meetings he has had with the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces since the appointment of the current incumbent in that post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5569/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF), Mr. Patrick Anthony McCourt, was appointed with effect from 7 November 2012. In the period since his appointment, a number of meetings have taken place involving Mr. McCourt and senior officials from the Department of Defence. In addition, there is ongoing contact between staff from the Office of the ODF, the Defence Forces and the Department to address issues as they arise. Meetings are arranged at official level on a regular basis to progress issues arising from cases investigated by the ODF.
I have met the Ombudsman at a number of events over the recent past and discussed issues relating to his office. Following his most recent meeting with senior officials in my Department, I expect to meet him formally in the near future. I have, of course, received a number of reports from the Ombudsman and appropriately addressed matters arising out of the reports received.
28. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the action that is being taken to ensure greater gender balance in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5568/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra29. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence his plans for enlisting more women into the Defence Forces in the years ahead [5622/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. Significant progress has been made by the Military Authorities in addressing gaps between male and female participation in the Defence Forces, with an increase of 23% of female participation in the PDF since 2002. However, it is recognised that more work needs to be done to meet the gender target for recruitment of females of 20% which was set by the Military Authorities in 2007.
As of 31 December 2013, there are 546 women out of a total strength of 9,236 serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). This represents 6% of the overall strength of the Defence Forces and a 23% increase of female representation in the PDF since 2002. A key impediment in achieving the target gender balance is the lack of female applicants relative to males. A number of specific initiatives have been implemented to increase female participation in the Defence Forces including:
- the introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants,
- special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment,
- there is balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards,
- all promotions and career courses are open to both genders on merit,
- a Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
Unlike many other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions as regards the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. Women, therefore, play a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence Forces operations at home and overseas. The Defence Forces also prides itself on providing a gender neutral working environment. Policies on equality are being constantly communicated to all ranks. The Military Authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing this matter in a continuing and proactive manner when it arises. However, a key issue in recruiting and retaining female personnel lies in societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers and much of the solution to this lies outside the control and influence of the Defence Forces.
That said, I believe that there is a need to continue to develop and promote strategies that not alone support increased female participation in the Defence Forces but also support increased diversity such that the personnel profile of the Defence Forces better reflects the changing demographic and multicultural nature of Irish Society. To this end, I have requested the Chief of Staff to bring forward proposals on improving gender balance and diversity for my consideration which will then be implemented in the upcoming recruitment competition for the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force and I expect to receive these shortly.
30. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel that were involved in aid to the civil power security duties at Shannon Airport from 2010 to 2013 and the dates on which they were involved. [5578/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. Since 5 February, 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The number of occasions in the past four years when the Defence Forces have been requested to assist the Gardaí at Shannon is as follows:
|
Year |
No. of ATCP Dutiesat Shannon Airport |
|
2010 |
293 |
|
2011 |
327 |
|
2012 |
381 |
|
2013 |
324 |
Further details in relation to these duties cannot be disclosed for operational and security reasons.
31. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence his policy on common defence; his policy of co-operation in the area of military capability development at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3528/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation and implementation of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is separate and distinct from a European common defence. Ireland participates fully in CSDP and in the related institutional arrangements within the European Union. Ireland contributes to CSDP civil and military missions, and participates in cooperative arrangements within the EU for the development and delivery of military capabilities, including through active engagement in the European Defence Agency. We have been a strong supporter of the role taken by the European Defence Agency in relation to the development and delivery of capabilities for CSDP operations and its role in supporting the development of a more competitive and efficient defence industry, which could reduce the cost of equipment procurement to the Defence Forces. To this end, Ireland has participated in a range of EDA programmes, including on Force Protection, Maritime Surveillance and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear protection.
In 2010, the EDA embarked on a new initiative in the area of cooperative military capability development called “Pooling and Sharing”. The concept involves groups of Member States coming together and pooling resources so as to retain, maintain and/or enhance their military capabilities which they can make available for Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations. Ireland is currently participating in a pooling and sharing initiative, taking the lead role in a study on Naval Training which is examining the potential for pooling and sharing training across the 11 participating member States.
Ireland’s participation in cooperative military capability development initiatives is designed to develop and enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces on crisis management operations and to deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness in this regard. None of these initiatives impose any obligations on Ireland and we retain the right to determine when and where we will cooperate on such initiatives.
In relation to the issue of a European Union Common Defence, the position of the Government is clear. Article 29.4.9 of the Constitution specifically prohibits participation by the State in a European common defence. There is also a significant legal underpinning for Ireland’s view on the defence aspects of the EU, which is reflected in Title III of the Protocol on the concerns of the Irish people on the Treaty of Lisbon. Any decision by Ireland to participate in an EU Common Defence would be a matter for the people to decide.
