Written Answers Nos. 161 - 170
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has studied submissions from representatives of the Defences Forces with particular reference to retirement on foot of service, if he is amenable to accepting the basis of any such submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20807/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force was an issue of serious concern during the 1990’s and was the subject of severe criticism by a series of external reports, mainly Price Waterhouse Consultants and the Efficiency Audit Group (EAG). One of the key areas identified for urgent action by the EAG was the development of a manpower policy with an emphasis on lowering the age profile of Permanent Defence Force personnel.
The EAG’s report was accepted by Government in 1995. In an effort to alleviate the situation, the Government had already decided in 1993 to enlist personnel on a five year contract basis, following consultation with Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA). In 1997 agreement was reached with PDFORRA on a new manpower policy for the Defence Forces. This policy, applying to personnel enlisted after 1 January 1994, provided that service for Private Soldiers would initially be for five years with the option to be extended to a maximum of twelve years, subject to meeting standards of medical and physical fitness and conduct. Longer periods of service were envisaged for Non Commissioned Officers. In 2004 PDFORRA submitted a claim under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January, 1994. A set of criteria was agreed with PDFORRA to provide longer careers for those who enlisted post 1 January 1994 while continuing to address the Government’s objective of having an appropriate age profile to meet the challenges of a modern Defence Forces.
The criteria require that any person re-engaging after 12 years service must be able to continue to operate at their current level both at home and overseas on an ongoing basis. Re-engagement is subject to the individual soldier meeting specified criteria in regard to physical fitness, medical category, successful completion of military courses of instruction, service overseas and conduct ratings. The maximum service period for these personnel is as follows:-
- Enlisted Personnel, up to and including the rank of Corporal (and equivalent Naval Service rank), may not serve beyond 21 years service.
- Enlisted Personnel, in the rank of Sergeant (and equivalent Naval Service rank), may be permitted to continue in service up to the age of fifty years. Enlisted Personnel in all higher ranks may serve to the age of fifty-six.
With the approach of 2015 the first effects of the agreement, whereby Privates and Corporals may not serve beyond 21 years, will be felt by Permanent Defence Force members in those ranks. A claim has been received from PDFORRA for a further review in relation to this matter. In accordance with normal procedures the Association’s claim is being dealt with under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. As discussions under the Scheme are confidential to the parties involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter at this time, including the specifics of PDFORRA’s claim, other than to emphasise that in dealing with this issue the manpower and operational needs of the Defence Forces must be the primary consideration.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which payment has been made in full in respect of Defence Force deployments overseas with the UN or EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20808/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UN reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owned Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The only missions, for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs, are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights in Syria.
Since 1 January 2013, approximately €10.3m has been received from the United Nations in respect of reimbursement of troop and other costs associated with the participation of Defence Forces personnel in UNIFIL and UNDOF. The amount currently owing to the Department of Defence by the United Nations is approximately €8 million. This amount relates to the current UNIFIL (€1.3m) and UNDOF (€0.3m) missions. It also includes €6.4 million in respect of repatriation costs of equipment from the MINURCAT mission in Chad. The amount owing in relation to the MINURCAT mission is currently the subject of a review by the United Nations.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the United Nations is also being finalised in respect of Defence Forces participation in the UNDOF mission. While troop costs for the UNDOF mission have been reimbursed by the United Nations, equipment costs will be reimbursed following signature of the Memorandum of Understanding. Ireland is not entitled to any reimbursement in respect of Defence Forces participation in EU-led missions as all troop contributors to such missions are responsible for their own costs.
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which retirement from the Defence Forces in the current year is likely to impact on structures at all ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20809/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that between 1 January and 30 April 2014, 128 personnel left the Permanent Defence Force. I am further advised that the Defence Forces did have some indicative figures of numbers of personnel intending to retire by 31 August 2014, the original date under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act which allows staff who retire before this date to have their pension calculated on the pay rate in force prior to 1st July 2013. However, on foot of a Government decision to extend the grace period to 30th June 2015, a number of members of the Defence Forces have indicated their intention to re-consider their proposed retirement dates. Taking this into account and given that personnel can retire from the Defence Forces for a variety of other reasons, the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to accurately forecast retirements for the remainder of 2014. Taking the departures for the first three months of the year into account, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 March 2014, the latest date for which details are available, stood at 9,133.
As the Deputy will be aware the Government has agreed a stabilised strength of 9,500 for the Permanent Defence Force. In the context of current strength numbers being below the agreed stabilised strength, a new General Service recruitment campaign for both the Permanent and the Reserve Defence Force was announced in March this year. The Defence Forces plan to induct up to 400 personnel to the Permanent Defence Force (both Army and Navy) and up to 500 personnel to the Reserve Defence Force (both Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve) in 2014. Additionally arrangements are currently underway to hold a Cadetship Competition for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service in 2014. It is planned to award a total of 40 cadetships from this competition comprising of twenty (20) Army, nine (9) Air Corps and eleven (11) Naval Service.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended 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.
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which further overseas deployment of the Defence Forces with the UN are envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20810/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the Naval Service and Air Corps have been involved in overseas deployment on foot of EU-UN missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20811/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
As of 04 May 2014, Ireland is contributing approximately 410 Defence Forces personnel to 13 different missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 192 personnel, and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with 135 Defence Forces personnel. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered. Due to Ireland’s own current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations, notably to the United Nations Disengagement Force in Syria and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, we are not in a position to make any significant commitment to other missions at this time. The current contribution of some 410 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security. Details of the Naval Service and Air Corps personnel who have served overseas since 01 July 2013 are listed in the following table. The Department does not deploy Naval Service or Air Corps assets overseas.
AS OF 04 MAY 2014
|
1. |
UN MISSIONS |
- |
|
- |
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
12 |
|
- |
UNIFIL 42nd Infantry Group |
176 |
|
- |
UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
4 |
|
- |
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation ) Israel & Syria |
13 |
|
- |
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
- |
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
4 |
|
- |
UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
- |
UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) Golan Heights Syria |
135 |
|
- |
UNMAS (United Nations Mine Action Service ) South Sudan |
5 |
|
- |
TOTAL |
354 |
|
- |
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
- |
|
- |
EUFOR (EU led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
7 |
|
-- |
EUTM Mali (EU led Training Mission) |
8 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
12 |
|
|
- |
ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
- |
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
388 |
|
2. |
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
- |
|
- |
OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
2 |
|
- |
OSCE Mission in Belgrade – Serbia |
1 |
|
- |
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group Vienna |
1 |
|
- |
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE |
4 |
|
3. |
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
- |
Brussels |
5 |
|
4. |
NORDIC BATTLE GROUP 2015 |
|
|
- |
FHQ Sweden |
3 |
|
5. |
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
- |
|
- |
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
- |
Military Adviser Irish delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
- |
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
- |
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
- |
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
- |
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
- |
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
410 |
NAVAL SERVICE AND AIR CORPS PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS SINCE 01 JULY 2013
|
- |
ENLISTED PERSONNEL |
OFFICERS |
TOTAL |
|
Naval Service |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Air Corps |
11 |
6 |
17 |
|
TOTAL |
15 |
7 |
22 |
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military hardware, including communications technology, continues to be updated throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20812/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including equipment and modern communications technology, enables the Defence Forces to carry out their roles effectively both at home and overseas. The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for the Department of Defence and is a matter that is kept under constant review. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, must take into account the current difficult economic environment we are now operating in.
The budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. A particular focus is maintained in ensuring that modern and effective equipment, including communications equipment, is available for overseas peace support operations. In this regard, the personal equipment, which the individual soldier has at his/her disposal in Lebanon and on other overseas missions is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other countries.
167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his views regarding the extent to which updated military aircraft remains available to the Defence Forces for training purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20813/14]
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 Performance Based maintenance contracts assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum.
The provision for the Air Corps in 2014 mainly relates to these maintenance 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. The Air Corps keep abreast of all developments in modern aviation. It will continue to conduct its training in accordance with industry best practices and to the highest standards, referencing European Aviation Safety Agency and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps has increased on an annual basis throughout the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20814/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. While progress has been made by the Military Authorities in addressing gaps between male and female participation in the Defence Forces, 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. In this context, as part of the recently announced recruitment campaign for enlisted personnel and the Reserve, specific efforts are being made to increase the number of female applicants as part of a wider campaign aimed at improving gender and ethnic representation and diversity in the Defence Forces. In the case of female participation, these efforts include school visits, media engagement including national and local radio, targeting sports clubs and use of social media.
As at 31 March 2014, the latest date for which figures are available there were 555 women out of a total strength of 9,133 serving in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). This represents 6% of the overall strength of the Defence Forces. The following table gives the number of women serving in each branch of the Permanent Defence Force for the last 8 years i.e. from 2006 to 2013. The numbers for a full 10 year period are not readily available.
Number of women serving in each Branch of the Permanent Defence Force
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
2013 |
450 |
31 |
65 |
546 |
|
2012 |
482 |
30 |
70 |
582 |
|
2011 |
467 |
30 |
68 |
565 |
|
2010 |
467 |
32 |
70 |
569 |
|
2009 |
462 |
33 |
72 |
567 |
|
2008 |
468 |
32 |
70 |
570 |
|
2007 |
456 |
33 |
71 |
560 |
|
2006 |
455 |
32 |
69 |
556 |
I wish to advise the Deputy that the strength figures above for the period 2006 - 2012 include personnel who were on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks. The 31 December 2013 figures have been calculated on the basis of actual numbers serving on that date, excluding those members who are on secondment to, and being paid by other organisations, or on career breaks.
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which promotional opportunities in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps remain available in the course of the current year; the number, if any, of such positions to be filled or remaining unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20815/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 March 2014, the latest date for which figures are available was 9,133, comprising 7,354 Army, 767 Air Corps and 1,012 Naval Service personnel. The following table outlines the establishment, strength and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 March 2014, based on the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.
Promotions are on-going within the Officer and the Non-Commissioned Officer ranks and will continue in 2014. It is my intention that promotions will be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
PDF Strength by Rank as at 31 March 2014 versus PDF Rank Establishment of 9,500
|
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte/Cadet |
|
|
Army Rank Establishment |
1 |
2* |
6 |
37 |
110 |
255 |
306 |
167 |
29 |
33 |
114 |
170 |
973 |
1,437 |
3,880 |
|
Army Strength |
1 |
0* |
6 |
35 |
105 |
250 |
254 |
278 |
29 |
33 |
109 |
168 |
891 |
1,330 |
3,863** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
2* |
0 |
2 |
5 |
5 |
52 |
-111 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
82 |
107 |
17 |
|
Air Corps Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
36 |
65 |
48 |
8 |
4 |
56 |
14 |
131 |
183 |
324 |
|
Air Corps Strength |
0 |
1* |
1 |
2 |
13 |
32 |
50 |
35 |
8 |
4 |
49 |
14 |
126 |
157 |
276** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
-1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
15 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
5 |
26 |
48 |
|
Naval Service Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
45 |
81 |
41 |
6 |
7 |
75 |
15 |
226 |
180 |
402 |
|
Naval Service Strength |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
12 |
45 |
52 |
45 |
6 |
7 |
68 |
15 |
174 |
166 |
419** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
-1* |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
29 |
-4 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
52 |
14 |
-17 |
|
Total Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2*** |
7 |
9 |
96 |
-102 |
0 |
0 |
19 |
2 |
139 |
147 |
48 |
* For administrative record purposes, the two Major General Appointments in the Defence Forces are held against the establishment for the Army. One of these posts is currently filled by an Air Corps Officer and the other by a Naval Service Officer
** Includes 20 Army Cadets, 14 Air Corps Cadets and 15 Naval Service Cadets
***Within the Establishment figures there is provision for 10 Colonel Appointments overseas. However 9 of these are currently filled with no requirement to fill the remaining appointment at present
There are an additional 82 personnel on career breaks/secondment, who are not included in the strengths in the above table.
Note:
Equivalent Naval Service Ranks Brigadier General/Commodore
Colonel/Captain
Lieutenant Colonel/Commander
Commandant/Lieutenant Commander
Captain/Lieutenant(NS)
Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant Sergeant Mayor/Warrant Officer
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer
Company Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Petty Officer
Company Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer
Sergeant/Petty Officer
Corporal/Leading Seaman
Private/Able Seaman
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the budget available to his Department remains sufficient to meet requirements in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20816/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gross Provision for the Defence Votes (Vote 36 Defence and Vote 35 Army Pensions) for 2014 is €898m. I am satisfied that the 2014 provision is sufficient to meet requirements, and will allow the Defence Forces to deliver on all of the roles assigned by Government. Expenditure is monitored, on an ongoing basis, in my Department.
