Written Answers Nos. 112-124
112. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in issuing payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of their 2012/2013 agri-environment option scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39295/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named commenced in AEOS 2 on 1 September 2011 and has received his payment in respect of 2011. However, in processing the 2012 payment, issues arose regarding the relevant LPIS parcels which required digitising. The necessary digitisation of parcels was completed on 18 September 2014 and processing of 2012 payment has re-commenced. Once the payment in respect of 2012 issues the 2013 payment will be processed without delay.
113. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area aid payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39297/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted a 2014 Single Farm Payment-Disadvantaged Areas’ scheme application on 3 April 2014. EU Regulations governing the administration of these schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including in some cases Remote Sensing (i.e. satellite) inspections, be completed before any payments issue.
The application of the person named was selected for a Remote Sensing eligibility inspection. This inspection is currently being finalised with the intention of issuing any payment due as soon as possible. In the event that any queries arise officials in my Department will be in contact with the person named.
114. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who are on public or Civil Service pensions who have been recruited for work on any basis, either permanent or temporary, under the remit of his Department in 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39542/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne Assistant Secretary was re-engaged by my Department on a part-time contract basis in 2012 which expired at the end of the EU Presidency on the 28th June 2013. A Principal Officer was re-engaged on a part-time contract from October 2012 to June 2013 to work on specific matters related to the Irish EU Presidency of the EU.
A total of sixteen persons have also been engaged on a contract for services basis for limited periods from 2012 to date as contractors to carry out important management functions within my Department's laboratory and veterinary network.
Normal pension abatement rules have been applied in all these cases.
115. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding Government transportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39102/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft which were specifically acquired for that purpose. The Gulfstream IV has a capacity to carry 14 passengers and can be tasked with long haul missions whilst the Learjet 45 has a capacity to carry 7 passengers and is tasked with short and medium haul missions. The Service provides the Government and the President with an independent, flexible, and effective air transport service to assist in meeting national and international obligations. This flexibility was particularly valuable during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union last year. Both aircraft have also performed a range of non-MATS taskings, such as humanitarian and air ambulance missions.
On the 27th of July last, the Gulfstream IV aircraft, which has been in service for 23 years, travelled to the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation facility in Georgia, USA, for its annual maintenance inspection. During the inspection, issues were discovered with the aircraft’s undercarriage. My Department is currently in consultation with Gulfstream in relation to this situation. Meanwhile, the MATS is being provided by the Learjet 45 aircraft.
I will bring a memorandum to Cabinet on this matter in due course.
116. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider increasing the term of a full career in the Defence Forces to 30 years service or 50 years of age, for all members not just sergeants and NCOs. [39111/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Defence the amount per soldier, in pension and gratuity entitlements, for the nine years after retirement; and the way this compares to salary and associated costs if their contract was extended form the current 21 years to 30 years [39112/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Defence his views at the loss of skill and experience when soldiers are obliged to retire at such a young age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39113/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 to 118, inclusive, together.
The unsatisfactory age and fitness profile of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) 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 PDF 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 PDF 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. I can assure the Deputy that in examining this claim from PDFORRA, all pertinent facts including cost to the Exchequer and benefit to the Defence Forces have been considered.
As discussions under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme are confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specifics of any matter in respect of this claim. However, I can advise that, while there was significant progress made in these discussions, it was not possible to reach full agreement and, as a result, the issue is being referred to third party adjudication.
119. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of all State board appointments since general election 2011; the person who recommended each appointment; the credentials of those appointed; if the vacancy was publicly advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39278/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Boards under the aegis of the Department of Defence at the time of the General Election 2011 were the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard and the Army Pensions Board. The Civil Defence Board was identified in the Public Service Reform Plan as a body to be abolished. The then Minister for Defence appointed a 14 person interim Board as a temporary measure in 2011 and in this context none of the positions were advertised. Legislation to dissolve the Board was passed by the Oireachtas in December 2012. Its functions have now transferred back to the Department of Defence. The membership of the interim Board appointed in 2011 is set out in the table.
|
Name |
Nominating Bodies |
|
Civil Defence Board Chairperson |
- |
|
Mr. Brian Spain Director, Department of Defence |
Nominated by Minister for Defence |
|
Civil Defence Board Members |
- |
|
Mr. Cathal Duffy Principal Officer, Department of Defence |
Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
|
Ms. Clare Tiernan Principal Officer, Department of Defence |
Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
|
Mr. Robert Mooney Principal Officer, Department of Defence |
Nominated by the Minister for Defence |
|
Mr. Bill Smith Director General, Civil Defence Board |
Appointed as Director General, Civil Defence Board |
|
Mr. Ned Gleeson County Manager, Limerick County Council |
Nominated by City & County Managers Association |
|
Mr. Keith Leonard Assistant Fire Advisor, Department Environment, Community and Local Government |
Nominated by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government |
|
Dr. Barbara Rafferty |
Nominated by Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
|
Ms. Becci Cantrell |
Nominated by the Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Ms. Veronica Forde Assistant Civil Defence Officer |
Nominated by the Civil Defence Officers Association |
|
Lt. Col. Tony Kelly SSO, Defence Forces |
Nominated by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces |
|
Chief Superintendent Orla Mc Partlin An Garda Síochána |
Nominated by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána |
|
Mr. Fergal Conroy |
Elected volunteer member of Civil Defence |
|
Ms. Eileen Joyce |
Elected staff member of the Civil Defence Board |
There were no appointments to the Board of Coiste an Asgard from 2009. In the context of settling the Estimates for the Department of Defence for 2010, the Government decided that the national sail training scheme operated by Coiste an Asgard would be discontinued as recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure.
The formal wind up of the Company including voluntary strike off with the Companies Registration Office was completed in early 2013.
The only body currently under the aegis of the Department of Defence is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act, 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
There have been two appointments to the Army Pensions Board since the General Election of 2011. A serving military officer was appointed to the position of Army Medical Corps member of the Board in December 2011, and a civilian doctor was appointed as non military ordinary member in November 2013.
The position of Army Medical Corps ordinary member became vacant due to retirement in 2011. The then Minister for Defence appointed Commandant Adam Lagun to the Board on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff. As the Army Pensions Act, 1927 specifies that one of the ordinary members must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps, this position was not publicly advertised. Details of Commandant Lagun’s appointment to the Army Pensions Board were published in the Iris Oifigiúil on 13 January 2012.
The civilian doctor vacancy was advertised on the Department of Defence website and the Public Appointments Service website. A number of expressions of interest in the position were received and Dr. Loretta Nolan was appointed to the Board on foot of this public advertisement process. Details of Dr. Nolan’s appointment to the Army Pensions Board were published in the Iris Oifigiúil on 10 December 2013.
120. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who are on public or Civil Service pensions who have been recruited for work on any basis, either permanent or temporary, under the remit of his Department in 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39546/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Organisation includes civil servants, military personnel and civilian employees attached to military installations.
In 2012, my Department engaged 1 retired public servant as civilian driver to the Minister of State, Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D. This appointment is to a temporary unestablished position in the Civil Service on a fixed term contract basis. No further retired public servants have been recruited to Civil Service posts in my Department since 2012.
My Department has also employed 7 retired public servants as civilian employees attached to military installations: 3 were recruited in 2012, 1 in 2013 and 3 in 2014. These positions were filled following a competitive open recruitment process through FÁS.
In 2012 a retired public servant was appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Government to the office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces on a part time three day week basis. This appointment was made following a competitive open recruitment process through the Public Appointments Service.
The Defence Organisation engages the services of retired public servants from time to time for interview boards, and such engagements are normally remunerated on a fee basis. In the period 2012 to date in 2014, a total of 69 retired public servants were engaged to serve on interview boards, primarily by the Defence Forces. These services were engaged on a board by board basis.
121. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures being taken to counter the recruitment of people here to the Islamic State and to inhibit the return of those already indoctrinated; if she will consider the points raised in correspondence (details supplied) [39206/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is considerable concern across Europe and elsewhere at the phenomenon of individuals travelling to conflict areas in the Middle East and the consequential threat posed to national security. While the number of Irish citizens who are believed to have travelled to the conflict zones is estimated at between 25 and 30, within that number are individuals who would have travelled to Libya and other Arab States to take part in the popular uprisings known as the Arab Spring which began in December 2010. Some of these individuals are known to have returned and three have died in the conflicts.
This phenomenon is one to which Ireland gave priority during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013. In that connection Ireland was successful in gaining the agreement of the Member States to carry out a review of the EU Strategy for Countering Radicalisation and Recruitment to Terrorism. A primary point of focus in this review is the foreign fighter issue. A number of initiatives at EU level have been developed to combat this phenomenon including community relations initiatives, media campaigns, enhanced tracking of movements, engagement with third countries (notably Turkey) and engagement with internet service providers to curb radical online content.
In Ireland, An Garda Síochána monitors the movements of those suspected of involvement in extremist behaviour and in line with best practice internationally has engaged with returnees from the conflict areas. In tandem with that, the Gardaí operate a progressive community relations programme through its Racial Inter-Cultural and Diversity Office. That office is in regular contact with our minority communities and recently received favourable comment on its operation from the UN Counter Terrorism Committee. It is of course essential that at times like this entire communities do not get stigmatised because of the actions of a few. It has to be recognised that the vast majority of people in our communities wish only to go about their daily lives in peace.
Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that I recently published new legislation in the form of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014. The Bill will transpose into Irish law an EU Council Framework Decision on combating terrorism (2008/919/JHA). In particular, the Bill, when enacted will amend the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 to create the three new offences of, public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism. These offences will carry sentences of up to 10 years imprisonment on conviction on indictment.
122. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an assessment of the performance of the Garda Reserve; the number of active members of the Garda Reserve that are contributing to police in the State; the duties carried out by members of the Garda Reserve; her plans to enhance the role of the Garda Reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38858/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
The Commissioner has advised that the Garda Reserve continue to be a significant additional resource available to the Force in terms of supplementing its policing and other functions. I am also a supporter of the Garda Reserve and would like to place on record my appreciation of their work in supporting the Force in its duties to the Community.
The personnel strength of the Garda Reserve on 31 August 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 1,143 with a further 84 in training.
The range of powers and duties of Reserve Gardaí is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine under section 15 (5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The duties of a Garda reserve member include the following:
- Station duty, other than the care and custody of prisoners.
- Assistant to the station orderly.
- Communications room duty, to include monitoring CCTV.
- Foot patrol, accompanied by a member of the full-time Garda service.
- Static security duty.
- Road Traffic checkpoint duties, accompanied by a full time member.
- Duty at the outer cordon of major events such as festivals and major sporting events.
- Assisting in the event of accidents, fires and major emergencies.
- Giving evidence in court.
- Community / Neighbourhood Policing.
The Garda Commissioner has also determined that the powers of reserve members will be confined to the enforcement of certain legislation including aspects of the Road Traffic Acts and the Public Order Acts.
Reserve members also have the power of arrest under the Criminal Law Act 1997, which provides powers of arrest for both members of the Garda Síochána and civilians.
The Commissioner, following an internal review of the Reserve, decided to extend their powers to include powers under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts 1994 to 2011, and Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended, in relation to the seizure of vehicles and the power to issue Fixed Charge Penalty Notices (FCPN) and serve summons.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the training of all the Garda Reserve in the new powers will be completed shortly.
123. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form, the number of members of the Garda Reserve that are active in County Dublin; the stations they are attached to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38859/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel, including the Garda Reserve, among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
I have been informed that the number of Garda Reserves and the stations to which they are assigned to are set out in the table.
I would like to assure the House that the Government are fully committed to the continued development of the Garda Reserve. I would also like to put on record my appreciation to the members of the Garda Reserve for their spirit of volunteerism and the services they provide to communities everywhere.
Reserve Gardaí @ 31/08/2014
|
Reserve Gardaí @ 31/08/2014 |
|||
|
Station |
Total |
Station |
Total |
|
DMR South Central |
DMR East |
||
|
Kevin Street |
14 |
Dun Laoghaire |
7 |
|
Kilmainham |
9 |
Cabinteely |
0 |
|
Pearse St |
37 |
Shankill |
2 |
|
Donnybrook |
9 |
Blackrock |
5 |
|
Irishtown |
9 |
Dundrum |
5 |
|
Total |
78 |
Total |
19 |
|
DMR North Central |
DMR South |
||
|
Store Street |
31 |
Crumlin |
7 |
|
Bridewell |
23 |
Sundrive Road |
8 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
0 |
Tallaght |
13 |
|
Mountjoy |
21 |
Rathfarnham |
6 |
|
Total |
75 |
Rathmines |
9 |
|
DMR North |
Terenure |
7 |
|
|
Santry |
10 |
Total |
50 |
|
Ballymun |
10 |
DMR West |
|
|
Raheny |
8 |
Cabra |
2 |
|
Clontarf |
4 |
Finglas |
8 |
|
Howth |
3 |
Blanchardstown |
19 |
|
Coolock |
8 |
Lucan |
13 |
|
Swords |
10 |
Ronanstown |
7 |
|
Malahide |
2 |
Ballyfermot |
3 |
|
Balbriggan |
5 |
Clondalkin |
8 |
|
Total |
60 |
Rathcoole |
0 |
|
Total |
60 |
||
|
DMR TOTAL |
342 |
124. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide in tabular form the number of community liaison officers there were in each Garda station in south Dublin in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38860/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including personnel, among the Garda Regions, Divisions and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with community policing issues as and when they arise. Community policing is the underpinning philosophy and ethos through which An Garda Síochána delivers a service across the country. In that context, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of personnel specifically assigned to community policing duties in the DMR South and DMR South Central Division on 31 December 2007 to 2013 and on 31 August 2014, the latest date for which figures are readily available are set out in the tables. Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLO) are assigned on a Divisional basis. The personnel strength of Juvenile Liaison Officers attached to the DMR South and South Central Garda Divisions on the same dates are also set out in the tables.
DMR South Division - Community Gardaí
|
Station |
'07 |
'08 |
'09 |
'10 |
'11 |
'12 |
'13 |
'14 |
|
Crumlin |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
|
Sundrive Rd. |
6 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
|
Rathfarnham |
4 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
10 |
9 |
|
Tallaght |
24 |
27 |
28 |
20 |
24 |
31 |
25 |
26 |
|
Rathmines |
3 |
3 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Terenure |
6 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
DMR South Central Division - Community Gardaí
|
Donnybrook |
5 |
4 |
7 |
10 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Irishtown |
2 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Kevin St. |
18 |
31 |
26 |
33 |
39 |
37 |
25 |
11 |
|
Kilmainham |
9 |
13 |
17 |
18 |
20 |
23 |
20 |
12 |
|
Pearse St. |
33 |
19 |
16 |
19 |
18 |
24 |
13 |
18 |
|
Harcourt Tce. |
3 |
4 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A - Harcourt Tce closed in 2012.
DMR South and South Central - JLO's
|
Division |
'07 |
'08 |
'09 |
'10 |
'11 |
'12 |
'13 |
'14 |
|
South |
7 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
10 |
10 |
|
South Central |
5 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
