Written Answers Nos. 1-125
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces, male and female, at all ranks; the degree to which the strength of the Defence Forces is likely to fluctuate over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21330/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following tabular statement sets out the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 30 April, 2015, the latest date for which figures are available, broken down by rank and gender. The figures provided are for whole time equivalent posts.
The total serving strength across all three services as of 30 April, 2015 was 9,112 (comprising of 553 or 6.1% female and 8559 or 93.9% male). The establishment figure for the Defence Forces is 9,500.
The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at or near 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service.
As the Permanent Defence Force is currently below the agreed stabilised strength of 9,500, it is intended that targeted recruitment will continue in 2015 and subsequent years to allow the Government meet this commitment in relation to the stabilised strength.
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
|
Lieutenant General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Major General |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Brigadier General |
8 |
0 |
8 |
|
Colonel |
37 |
0 |
37 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
125 |
3 |
128 |
|
Commandant |
293 |
30 |
323 |
|
Captain |
318 |
64 |
382 |
|
Lieutenant |
243 |
41 |
284 |
|
Sergeant Major |
42 |
1 |
43 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
43 |
0 |
43 |
|
Company Sergeant |
231 |
1 |
232 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
182 |
2 |
184 |
|
Sergeant |
1,159 |
68 |
1,227 |
|
Corporal |
1,517 |
133 |
1,650 |
|
Private |
4,315 |
205 |
4,520 |
|
Cadets |
43 |
5 |
48 |
|
Total |
8,559 |
553 |
9,112 |
117. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21285/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is a key priority and drafting of the document is well underway.
Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have identified likely future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet these demands. This work will inform recommendations regarding future defence provision. In the course of their deliberations, the Working Groups have taken into consideration the inputs received from a wide variety of stakeholders.
Discussions have also been held with a range of other Government Departments on cross-cutting policy issues and likely future demands from Government bodies and State agencies. This includes the views of international organisations which have been sought, with a particular focus on likely future trends in international peace support operations.
I hosted a symposium on the White Paper at Farmleigh House on 15 May. The Symposium provided a wide stakeholder group with an opportunity to discuss differing policy emphases as part of the concluding phase of the preparation of a new White Paper on Defence.
I anticipate that the final draft of the White Paper will be submitted to Government for approval by the end of July. Subject to Government approval, the White Paper on Defence will then be published.
118. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has found a solution to ensure that six ambulances which were purchased for the Defence Forces have been made safe to use, given that, despite costing nearly €900,000, a health and safety audit after the purchase found them unsafe to use; and if changes in the procurement of such vehicles are now in place to ensure this issue does not recur in the future. [21295/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the Defence Forces ambulance fleet consists of both on-road and 4x4 off-road capable vehicles. Following a tender competition, a contract was awarded in April 2012 to Wilker Auto Conversions in Clara, County Offaly for an initial two 4x4 off-road Iveco ambulances. This was followed by a further order for four Iveco ambulances in 2013. The tender competition was carried out in accordance with standard procurement procedures and no procurement issues arose during the course of the competition.
I would like to emphasise that the tasking, purpose and utilisation of the 4x4 Iveco off-road ambulances differs from the normal road ambulance. Due to the nature of its requirement to be off-road capable, the chassis differs significantly from that of on-road ambulance vehicles. The Iveco vehicles have a high body necessary for off-road manoeuvrability and as a result, a minimum of four persons are needed to load and unload the stretcher when operating off-road in difficult terrain. I am advised that this would be standard practice for all military off-road ambulances which are not fitted with mechanical lifting assistance.
An issue arose with the Iveco ambulance when it was used, from time to time, in normal on-road scenarios and with the normal medical crew of two people. The crew of two people had difficulty lifting the stretcher into the ambulance. As a result of a follow-on assessment by the Defence Forces Safety Advisor in April 2015 it was affirmed by the military authorities that the minimum lift requirements in an on-road scenario should also be four people as it would be in an off-road scenario. Standard operating procedures and training is being provided on the safe use of the ambulance in an on-road scenario.
Furthermore, the focus in recent months has been to develop a cost effective solution to permit the ambulance to be used with a normal medical crew of two people. Work is ongoing on this solution at present.
I am assured by the military authorities that ambulances will be capable of safe operation both on-road and off-road.
119. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently deployed on United Nations, European Union and other humanitarian missions; his plans in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21292/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 31 May 2015, Ireland is contributing approximately 500 Defence Forces personnel to 13 missions throughout the world. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas including the lead organisation for each mission are listed in the following tabular statement.
The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 198 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) with 138 personnel.
The most recent deployment overseas was the despatch of the Irish naval vessel, L.É. Eithne, to assist the Italian authorities in humanitarian search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean. A crew of sixty-eight (68) personnel of the Permanent Defence Force, augmented by two (2) medical officers of the Permanent Defence Force, are deployed to the Operation.
Given Ireland's current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, we are not in a position to make significant long-term commitments to other missions at this time.
The current contribution of some 500 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government's continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS AS OF 31 MAY 2015
|
1. |
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
9 |
||
|
UNIFIL 49 th Infantry Group |
185 |
||
|
UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
4 |
||
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel and 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) HQ, Golan Heights Syria |
8 |
||
|
UNDOF 48 th Infantry Group |
130 |
||
|
TOTAL |
358 |
||
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
||
|
EUFOR (EU led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
7 |
||
|
EUTM Mali (EU led Training Mission) |
9 |
||
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
12 |
||
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
386 |
||
|
2. |
OTHER DEPLOYMENTS |
|
|
|
|
RSM (Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
|
UK EBOLA TREATMENT CENTRE (Sierra Leone) |
4 |
||
|
|
|
Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in Mediterranean (L.E. Eithne) |
70 |
|
TOTAL NUMBERS OF PERSONNEL OTHER DEPLOYMENTS |
|
|
81 |
|
3. |
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
|
|
OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
2 |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group Vienna |
1 |
||
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE |
|
|
3 |
|
4. |
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
|
|
Brussels |
5 |
|
|
5. |
NORDIC BATTLE GROUP 2015 |
|
|
|
|
FHQ Sweden |
14 |
|
|
6. |
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 |
|
|
499 |
120. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence the progress on consideration of the report for the Emergency Aeromedical Support Service Establishment Group; when it is envisaged that a decision will be made arising from the contents of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2012 a Memorandum of Understanding was agreed between my Department and the Department of Health in relation to the Air Corps' participation in a pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service operating out of Custume Barracks, Athlone.
The purpose of the pilot service was to assess the level and type, if any, of dedicated aeromedical support needed to assist the National Ambulance Service, primarily in the west of Ireland for certain types of patients. The pilot focused on the requirements of the HSE Clinical Care Programmes, such as Acute Coronary Care and Stroke.
In 2014, a Working Group, chaired by the Department of Health and also comprising representatives from my Department, the HSE and the Department of Health and Social Services, Northern Ireland, was established to examine options for the establishment of a permanent EAS service into the future.
The report of the Working Group has been submitted to the Minister for Health. Ultimately a Government decision will be required to provide for the permanent establishment of a service, including funding arrangements, but in the meantime my Department has agreed to extend the Air Corps' role in the pilot service while the report is being considered.
121. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence the role of the LE Eithne in the European Union response to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean; if he will guarantee that it, or any other Irish vessel, will not become involved in any European Union military operations in the Mediterranean, regardless of whether a United Nations Security Council mandate is secured in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21376/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraL.É. Eithne arrived in the South Central Mediterranean on 23 May 2015, to assist the Italian authorities in humanitarian search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea is being provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations. Co-ordination of search and rescue efforts and the provision of humanitarian assistance is being achieved by close co-operation with the Italian Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre and other relevant Italian authorities.
L.É. Eithne is deployed on the high seas in international waters between Sicily and Libya, which is where most migrant activity and search and rescue incidents have occurred. The Irish naval vessel is working in co-ordination with European navies, including British, Italian and German naval forces. To date, L.É. Eithne has been involved in a number of rescue operations resulting in the rescue of approximately 1160 migrants.
The despatch of an Irish naval vessel to assist the Italian authorities in the humanitarian search and rescue operation highlights the Government's commitment to assist with efforts to prevent further tragedy and loss of life at sea.
Regarding EU military operations in the Mediterranean, at the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council with Ministers of Defence in Brussels on 18 May, a Council Decision to establish a European Union military operation, EU NAVFOR MED, was adopted as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. Operational planning for this naval operation is currently underway and it is anticipated that the launch of the operation may be on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council later this month.
Consideration of participation by the Irish Defence Forces in EU NAVFOR MED will only occur if there is a UN Security Council Resolution and the applicable National statutory requirements are met. I understand that discussions on a draft Security Council Resolution are ongoing. The Deputy will appreciate that any further comment would be premature at this point, pending the outcome of this process.
In the meantime Ireland, through its deployment of the LÉ EITHNE, will continue to assist the Italian authorities in the humanitarian search and rescue operation efforts, to prevent further tragedy and loss of life at sea.
122. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the involvement of the Irish Naval Service in the Mediterranean migrant crisis; the level of engagement he has had with his European counterparts in alleviating this serious issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21846/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing Government approval and agreement with the Italian authorities, L.É. Eithne arrived in the South Central Mediterranean on 23 May 2015, to assist the Italian authorities in humanitarian search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
The role of the Irish Naval vessel is to provide a search and rescue capability and to undertake humanitarian rescue operations at sea in the Mediterranean. Assistance to persons in distress at sea is being provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of international conventions governing search and rescue situations. Co-ordination of search and rescue efforts and the provision of humanitarian assistance is being achieved by close co-operation with the Italian Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre and other relevant Italian authorities.
L.É. Eithne is deployed on the high seas in international waters between Sicily and Libya, which is where most migrant activity and search and rescue incidents have occurred. To date, L.É. Eithne has been involved in a number of rescue operations resulting in the rescue of approximately 1160 migrants.
The humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean remains of great concern to Ireland, and to its EU and Southern partners. On 20 April, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister for Justice & Equality attended a joint meeting of EU Foreign Affairs and Justice and Home Affairs Councils in Luxembourg. At that meeting the Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Commissioner presented a 10 point plan of immediate action to be taken in response to the crisis situation in the Mediterranean. The key focus of the plan is on preventing loss of life.
On 23 April the Taoiseach attended a special meeting of the European Council at which the 10-point action plan was considered. A comprehensive range of commitments were agreed, including at least tripling financial resources for Operations Triton and Poseidon, thereby enabling an increase in the search and rescue possibilities within the mandate of FRONTEX. EU leaders also committed to actions to prevent illegal migration flows, to reinforce internal EU solidarity and responsibility in relation to the processing of asylum applications and relocation of migrants, and to combat traffickers in accordance with international law.
Most recently, I attended the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council with Ministers of Defence in Brussels on 18 May, at which a Council Decision to establish a European Union military operation, EU NAVFOR MED, was adopted as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. Operational planning for this naval operation is currently underway and it is anticipated that the launch of the operation may be on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council later this month.
Consideration of participation by the Irish Defence Forces in EU NAVFOR Med will only occur if there is a UN Security Council Resolution and the applicable National statutory requirements are met. I understand that discussions on a draft Security Council Resolution are ongoing.
Ireland will continue to participate actively in discussions on the various strands of the EU's comprehensive strategy. In the meantime, through the deployment of the L.É. EITHNE, our focus will remain on continuing to assist the Italian authorities in the humanitarian search and rescue operation efforts to prevent further tragedy and loss of life at sea.
123. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the recent symposium on the proposed White Paper on Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21732/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe symposium on the White Paper on Defence at Farmleigh House on 15 May provided a wide stakeholder group with the opportunity to hear alternative views, to learn from the experience of others and to debate the merits of differing courses of action. The approach of utilising open policy debates as a means to inform policy formulation is a key strategy within the Government's Civil Service Renewal Plan.
The audience comprised top level civil and military staff of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, representatives from across Irish State Departments, representatives from Irish and international think tanks and academic institutions, international organisations including EU, UN, NATO, Civil Defence, the Representative and official veterans Associations of the Defence Forces and other interested parties.
The format consisted of panels of experts who gave their opinions on a number of topics throughout the day. The Symposium was structured to generate an interactive debate with the audience. Each panellist was given the opportunity to discuss the merits or otherwise of a particular approach. The discussion was then opened to the wider audience for debate.
The sessions were grouped around “policy emphases”. These represented key differences in “direction of travel” advocated by various interested parties in the course of the consultation process. The sessions were not designed to be exhaustive or mutually exclusive. Rather, they were intended to provide a framework within which particular courses of action could be championed and challenged.
I was very pleased with the open and positive discussion of the topics and the matters raised will be considered in the development of the White Paper.
I intend to bring a final draft of the White Paper to Government by the end of July. Subject to Government approval, the White Paper on Defence will then be published.
124. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if he has met the five members of the Defence Force's medical team who have returned home after four months in Sierra Leone, where they assisted efforts to stem the Ebola outbreak; if a replacement team has been sent out; and his plans to harness the skills and experience these members have gained. [21296/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo assist in Ireland's response to the Ebola Crisis in West Africa, five (5) Defence Forces medical personnel deployed to Sierra Leone in January 2015 to participate in the wider international response to the crisis. Prior to their deployment, I met with the team in Collins Barracks, Cork.
Irish personnel are part of a UK-led Joint Inter-Agency Task Force tackling Ebola in West Africa. The Irish contingent rotated last month and five (5) medical personnel returned to Ireland on Friday 22 May 2015 after completing their four (4) month tour of duty.
The replacement contingent has been reduced to four (4) Irish personnel, due to the success of the operation in tackling the Ebola virus. Irish personnel are not engaged in direct treatment of Ebola victims but continue to provide a supporting role to front line workers who are so engaged.
It is Defence Forces' policy to conduct after action reviews with all contingents returning from overseas missions. With regard to the deployment of the Central Medical Unit Detachment to Sierra Leone, active contact was maintained throughout their service in Sierra Leone. The information gleaned in operating in such a hazardous environment has been captured by the Defence Forces for future use. The lessons learned were utilised to develop the medical protocols necessary to train Naval Service personnel for the current humanitarian deployment in the Mediterranean. The returning medical personnel will be deployed to roles within the Defence Forces Central Medical Unit and are available to support the HSE with the skills they have acquired should a requirement ever be necessary.
125. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his plans to improve the radar capabilities of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21733/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe acquisition of new equipment and technology for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence and is a matter that is kept under constant review. The budgetary situation, in the context of the current economic situation, continues to dictate the level of funding available for defensive equipment including radar equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence organisation.
The previous White Paper on Defence (2000) sets out the current defence policy framework. The role of the Air Corps as set out in that White Paper is to provide a range of military and non-military air services. The Air Corps is not currently tasked or equipped with radar equipment to monitor military aircraft overflying Irish controlled airspace.
The Deputy will be aware that work is continuing apace on the development of a new White Paper on Defence. A key part of the development of the new White Paper is consideration of the current security environment and challenges that may emerge into the future. This work will inform recommendations regarding defence provision.
Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are considering likely future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet these demands. These deliberations will also cover any requirement to improve the radar capabilities of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps.
