Written Answers Nos. 309-326
309. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 16 December 2014, when a person (details supplied) will receive payment under the beef data programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6063/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named has registered forty one beef breed animals in his herd under the 2013 Beef Data Programme. One animal is not eligible for payment as it was not registered within twenty seven days after it was born. The validation process for the remaining forty animals has been completed and payment will issue to the person named shortly .
310. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will put in place a compensation scheme to ensure the mussel farming sector will remain viable and in a fit state to return to normal trading and job creation once harvesting resumes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6070/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA robust shellfish biotoxin monitoring regime is essential in order to protect consumers and safeguard the good reputation of the Irish seafood industry. I am aware that the levels of biotoxins in shellfish in a number of bays in the Southwest currently exceed the regulatory limits. Harvesting from affected areas is temporarily suspended until such time as the biotoxin levels return to normal naturally occurring background levels. Such harvesting suspensions are not unusual and all aquaculture enterprises will be aware that this is a known business risk in the sector. I have received a request from aquaculture industry representatives for a package of compensation for rope mussel farming enterprises affected by these harvesting suspensions. My Department is presently finalising a new Seafood Development Programme under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) which will determine how we use the finite resources that will be available to us in the coming years in the overall best interests of Ireland and its seafood sector as a whole. I will be publishing a detailed consultation document and Strategic Environmental Assessment for public consultation in the next month or so, with a view to submitting the new Programme to the Commission by May this year for its consideration and adoption.
The EMFF Regulation sets out a legal framework under State Aid rules and the European Structural and Investment Funds concerning investment measures that Member States may implement in the period up to 2020. This potentially includes compensation aid to aquaculture enterprises for suspended harvests, but there are of course many other worthwhile investment possibilities allowed under the EMFF and national choices must be made between competing demands. So, as part of the preparation of the new Programme, my Department has been following a structured process of considering the investment needs of the seafood industry as a whole. Stakeholders have been consulted on this on a number of occasions to date. This has helped shape my initial thoughts on investment priorities and when I publish the consultation draft of the Programme shortly, my proposals will become clear. I will welcome all views at that point on the extent to which our resources should be directed towards compensation for suspended harvests.
311. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding his Department’s investigation into payments to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo under the non-productive capital investments element of the agri-environment options scheme; and the estimated timeframe for finalisation of the wider investigation. [6136/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named is an applicant under the Agri-Environment Options Scheme 2010. A Department review of the non-productive capital investment claims submitted by applicants was undertaken in 2014. This review identified irregularities with documentation submitted for reimbursement in some of these claims. A full Department investigation is now underway into this matter and further payments to any AEOS participants included in this review are being held for the time being. This investigation is still in its early stages and decisions on any future payment cannot be taken until the findings of the investigation are to hand. My Department has written to each of the people concerned on 28 January to explain the situation.
312. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence in view of the closure of Connolly Barracks in Longford in 2009, O'Neill Barracks in Cavan and Columb Barracks in Mullingar in 2012, the units and sub-units from those three barracks that were relocated to Custume Barracks in Athlone; and if he will provide a list, by name, of the military units in the permanent and reserve defence forces whose headquarters were in Custume Barracks after these three relocations up to the disestablishment to the 4th Western Brigade at midnight on 30 November 2012. [5567/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy in the time available. My Department is currently seeking to compile a reply and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
313. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of a case regarding a retired soldier (details supplied) who has applied for a discharge book of service, associated papers and a certificate of service, given that these have not yet been issued to that soldier; and when these documents will issue. [5743/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the military authorities that the requested documentation was forwarded by registered post to the individual concerned on Friday 6th February 2015. The delay in providing the documentation was due to an administrative error which has since been rectified.
314. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of training field days held for the Reserve Defence Force in each year from 2011 to 2014; the number of units that participated, the number of members in these units; the number of members in these units who attended each field day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5864/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested the relevant information from the Military Authorities and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is compiled.
315. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the reason when a Reserve Defence Force member is in attendance at a field day for in excess of 12 hours, the member's record will only show four hours of attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5865/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe training obligations and requirements necessary for remaining on the effective strength of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) are set out in the Defence Force Regulation R5 (the Regulation which governs matters relating to the AR and NSR ). Section 39 of these Regulations specifies that members of the AR and NSR must undertake a total of 48 hours training in order to remain effective. There are a number of types of training which can be used to fulfil this requirement, such as training parades, overnight camps, field days , annual training or courses of instruction. There are a wide variety of combinations that are feasible in order to meet the 48 hours target. Section 39 (2) (a) of the Regulation states that, for the purpose of qualifying for retention on the effective strength but not for any other purpose, attendance for the full period of an overnight camp or field day shall be deemed to be attendance at training for a period of four hours. Therefore, members of the AR and NSR are required to attend 12 field days or a combination of field days, overnight camps, annual training, courses of instruction and training parades in order to remain effective.
The criteria for remaining an effective member of the Reserve are being reviewed as part of the implementation of the findings of the Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force.
316. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the contractual relationship between a volunteer member of the Reserve Defence Force and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5866/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Terms and Conditions for members of the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) are outlined in Defence Force Regulation R5 and Administrative Instruction R5. Members of the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve are volunteers who undertake training in their spare time. Much of the training is unpaid, however there is also provision made for them to avail of paid training. Notwithstanding the fact that some training may be paid, members of the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve are not employed or engaged under a contract of employment which stipulates either weekly hours of work or working time and service with the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is not pensionable under the Army Pension Schemes.
Terms and conditions for members of the First Line Reserve are outlined in Defence Forces Regulation R1 and Defence Forces Regulation R2. Membership of the First Line Reserve is confined to personnel who have completed a term of engagement with the Permanent Defence Force and have undertaken, either voluntarily or on foot of a contractual commitment, to complete a period of service in the Front Line Reserve.
317. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if serving members of the Reserve Defence Force are excluded from all national and European Union legislation governing employment rights when undergoing full-time paid training for periods exceeding 21 consecutive days; and for periods not exceeding 21 consecutive days; and when undergoing unpaid training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5867/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMembers of the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve are volunteers who undertake training in their spare time. Much of the training is unpaid, however there is also provision made for them to avail of paid training. Notwithstanding the fact that some training may be paid, members of the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve are not employed or engaged under a contract of employment which stipulates either weekly hours of work or working time and service with the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is not pensionable under the Army Pension Schemes. As such, members of the Army and Naval Reserves, who are volunteers and not employees, are not governed by the legislation referred to by the Deputy.
318. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Reserve Defence Force will be covered under the non-statutory personal injuries compensation scheme for members of the Reserve Defence Force if they sustain an injury whilst training on their own time to achieve and maintain a level of fitness to pass the Permanent Defence Force fitness tests; if the members of the Reserve Defence Force will be granted the use of training facilities and access to Permanent Defence Force physical training instructors; if not, if the Defence forces will pay for gym subscriptions, as in the case of the Territorial Army in Britain, to help them achieve the fitness levels they are required to pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5868/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Personal Injuries Compensation Scheme for Members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is a non statutory scheme administered by my Department. The Scheme covers members of the RDF who are injured in the course of their duties. It covers injuries sustained on official duty, typically while participating in annual training, field days, exercises, parades and courses of instruction. It does not cover injuries sustained by members of the RDF while engaged in physical fitness training in their own time. Members of the RDF are responsible for achieving the prescribed physical fitness standards (as laid down) in their own time. However, Defence Forces leisure and sports facilities are made available to members of the Reserve during programmed recreational training while on periods of full time training. In addition, RDF Unit Commanders, with the permission of General Officers Commanding, may avail of Defence Forces facilities and personnel for the conduct of organised training programmes for RDF personnel.
There are no plans to pay for gym subscription for members of the RDF.
319. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons serving in the Reserve Defence Force whose units are based more than 50 km from their home address; more than 100 km from their home address; if all members have been assigned to units as per their preference in the reorganisation of March 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5869/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy concerning the numbers of personnel serving with units of varying distances from their home address is not available. It is not possible to produce this level of data without using an inordinate amount of resources. With regard to whether or not all members of the Reserve Defence Forces have been assigned to units as per their preference in the re-organisation of March 2013, my Department is currently seeking to compile an accurate reply and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.
320. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence in regard to the Reserve Defence Force and the years 2011 to 2014, the number of members who attended training in each year; the number of recruits in each year; the number paid a gratuity in each year; the cost of the Reserve Defence Force in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5920/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMembers of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) undertake both paid and unpaid training. The table below sets out the number of persons who attended paid training in each year from 2011 to 2014 in regard to the AR and NSR . The number of recruits and the number of AR and NSR members paid a gratuity in each year from 2011 to 2014 are also set out in the table below.
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
|
Numbers who attended paid training |
2,788 |
2,476 |
1,734 |
1,521 |
|
Number of Recruits |
274 |
344 |
Nil |
152 |
|
Numbers of AR and NSR members paid a Gratuity |
2,011 |
1,938 |
13 |
1 |
Gratuities for members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve were abolished at the end of 2012; any reference to numbers received in subsequent years relates to late claims for gratuities.
I am currently awaiting proposals in relation to the future development of the First Line Reserve. In the interim, existing arrangements relating to the First Line Reserve remain in place, including the payment of gratuities. The number of gratuities paid to members of the First Line Reserve in the years 2011 to 2014 is set out in the table below:
|
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
|
Number of gratuities paid to members of the First Line Reserve |
155 |
108 |
83 |
76 |
I have requested information from the military authorities on the cost of the Reserve Defence Force from 2011 to 2014. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
321. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid in allowances, over and above salary, to personnel of the Permanent Defence Force employed with the Reserve Defence Force and with the Naval Service Reserve for the years 2011 to 2014; the number of personnel in receipt of such allowances; the rate per kilometre per engine capacity as regards travel allowances; the amount paid in travel allowance in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5921/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available it has not been possible to compile all of the necessary information requested by the Deputy. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
322. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence in respect of annual training, the amount deducted from the Reserve Defence Force and the Naval Service Reserve in each of the years 2011 to 2014 for officers and men in respect of rations, accommodation, PRSI, PAYE and universal social charge, showing the amounts separately and providing the numbers in respect of each rank; the numbers of each rank on annual training; the class of PRSI applied; if the PRSI, PAYE and universal social charge deductions were notified to the Department of Social Protection and to the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5922/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available it has not been possible to compile all of the necessary information requested by the Deputy. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
323. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the extent of co-operation that the G2 Directorate of Intelligence undertakes with other intelligence agencies; if he will list the multinational surveillance programmes which the State is involved with or contributes to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5934/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Intelligence Branch provides regular assessments, reports and briefings to the Chief of Staff, the Minister for Defence and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, relating to possible threats to the security of the State. Intelligence led liaison is conducted between Intelligence Branch and appropriate national authorities in other countries to counter any threat to the security of the State. The Intelligence Branch also maintains a very close and effective working relationship with their counterparts in An Garda Síochána.
For security and operational reasons, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment in relation to this matter.
324. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence if a satisfactory resolution has been reached in relation to addressing the 21-year limit for certain members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6048/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy way of background, the 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 PricewaterHouse 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 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.
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 this year. 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, under which discussions are confidential to the parties involved. While there was significant progress made in recent discussions between PDFORRA and Civil and Military Management on this issue, it was not possible to reach full agreement. As a result, an adjudication hearing took place on 30 January 2015, following the exchange of submissions between the parties and the result of same is expected in the near future. In the meantime work is continuing on exit support measures to support those due to be discharged. A number of military courses and other skills courses are already accredited with various third level institutions and professional bodies. In addition, a comprehensive training course to aid transition to civilian life for these personnel, which involves a skills appraisal and review of a person’s service history and training already provided, is currently being piloted.
325. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Defence the specific roles and positions the 12 new recruits at Custume Barracks in Athlone, County Westmeath have been assigned to since their posting; if and when more recruits will be posted to the barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6049/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2014 a total of 12 Private Soldiers who had completed their initial recruit training in other Defence Forces locations were posted to Units located within Custume Barracks in order to maintain Unit strengths and operational capability. These 12 personnel are currently undergoing further 2 and 3 star training outside of Custume Bks. This training is due to be completed in March 2015 at which time they will report for duties with their parent Units in Custume Barracks. These personnel will fulfil the duties of Private Soldiers and Artillery Gunners.
I am advised that at present there is a Recruit Platoon of 30 personnel (increased by 1 since my response to PQ 1308/15 of 14 January 2015) in training in Custume Barracks, Athlone. They are due to complete their initial training in early March this year and will be assigned to Units across the Defence Forces on an as required basis in order to maintain Unit strengths and operational capability. They will also go on to a period of further 2 and 3 star training prior to reporting for duties with their parent Units.
326. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Force personnel based at Custume Barracks in Athlone, County Westmeath; the number of personnel whose parent unit is not located in Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6112/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall establishment figure for Custume Barracks, Athlone is 995 personnel. This figure represents the total number of appointments associated with the units stationed in Custume Barracks. The current strength of Custume Barracks is 940.
In addition to above, a number of personnel are attached to Custume Barracks while on courses of training, including recruit training. The current number of personnel in training in Custume Barracks is 66. Therefore, as at the 31st January 2015 the total strength of personnel in Custume Barracks stands at 1006.
