Written Answers Nos. 126-139
126. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether there is a need to increase expenditure on defence over the next decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21736/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraArising from the 2015-2017 Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE) process, the Defence Vote was provided with an allocation of €677m in 2015. Some €496m (73%) of this allocation provides for the pay and allowances of up to 9,500 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel, 625 civilian employees and 350 civil servants. The remaining €181m (27%) provides mainly for non-pay costs relating to the replacement and maintenance of essential equipment and infrastructure together with ongoing operational costs. Expenditure decisions on resource allocations are made on a prioritised basis in accordance with any assessed operational need. Decisions on future expenditure allocations will be made by Government, in due course.
Work is concluding on the development of a new White Paper on Defence which will consider the future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet those demands over the next ten years. I intend submitting a final draft of the White Paper to Government by the end of July, 2015.
In that regard, the open policy debate facilitated at the recent White Paper Symposium in Farmleigh House was a very useful and worthwhile exercise and represents the concluding phase of the White Paper consultation process. It afforded national and international policy experts a forum to debate the differing policy approaches and courses of action, to inform recommendations around future defence requirements.
I am satisfied that the White Paper will play a key role in informing future Defence funding requirements.
127. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Defence the savings that have been made as a result of the abolition of the Western Brigade; the estimated cost of restoring it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21711/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA range of savings measures that were introduced in the years immediately following the onset of the economic downturn in 2008 led to a reduction in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force. Following a comprehensive review of expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel.
The three Brigade structure had originally been designed in the 1990s, when the strength ceiling of the PDF was 11,500 personnel. Clearly, at a strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel, this structure was no longer viable.
A major reorganisation of the Defence Forces was initiated which resulted in moving from a three brigade structure to a two brigade structure. This reorganisation was implemented in order to ensure that the Defence Forces could operate efficiently and effectively within the revised strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel and was not focused on achieving savings.
Key aspects of the reorganisation included the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength Units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational Units.
I have comprehensively and conclusively answered this question on a number of occasions. The reorganisation has ensured that the PDF can continue to operate efficiently and effectively within a strength level of 9,500 PDF personnel. I am satisfied that the current structures optimise the capacity of the Permanent Defence Force to deliver the required operational outputs, within the available resources.
128. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to deploy Naval Service and Army resources on a Mediterranean humanitarian mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21291/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt a special meeting of the European Council on 23 April 2015, the Taoiseach announced that Ireland would deploy an Irish Naval Service vessel to assist in the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean. Following 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 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 1,160 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.
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, EUNAVFOR MED, was adopted as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migrations crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. 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.
In the meantime Ireland, through its deployment of the L.É. 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.
129. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on developments within the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21734/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable body corporate with full power to manage and administer its own affairs.
In recent years the Society has introduced a number of welcome changes to its governance structures which were substantially facilitated by legislative amendments made by this Government in 2012. These changes were the most wide ranging and fundamental to have occurred since the establishment of the Society in 1939. Arising from these changes, the current legislation provides that Government may nominate up to 10% of the membership of the Society's General Assembly. On 20 May last I received Government approval for the nomination of Ms. Mary Flaherty and Mr. Darren Ryan to the Society's General Assembly for a three year term. The maximum number of Government nominees is three and I anticipate that a third appointment will be made shortly.
A further consequence of the legislative changes made in 2012 is that the Society itself now has responsibility for the appointment of its Chairperson. In this regard, I understand that at its General Assembly meeting on 23 May last, the Society elected Mr. Pat Carey to this position. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Pat well in his new role.
Furthermore, in accordance with a Programme for Government commitment, my Department is continuing to progress a legal review of the basis, structures and governance of the Irish Red Cross. In this regard, it is proposed that the existing primary legislation which dates back to 1938 is to be repealed in new primary legislation that will re-define the relationship between Government and the Irish Red Cross Society. This will further underpin the independence of the Society. Draft Heads of the Red Cross Bill are currently being finalised and will be brought to Government for approval shortly.
130. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the role he expects the Defence Forces to play in the 1916 commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21284/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile responsibility for the Decade of Centenaries Programme rests with my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, both my Department and the Defence Forces will play a significant role in many of the events planned for 2016. There are two existing 1916 commemoration events which have significant Department of Defence and Defence Forces involvement annually. These are the 1916 Commemoration ceremonies that take place at the GPO every Easter Sunday and at Arbour Hill in early May each year.
Following the launch by the Taoiseach and Minister Humphreys of the programme of events for Easter 2016, my Department is engaged in ongoing discussions in relation to the involvement of the Defence Forces in the various events planned. It has already been decided that the Commemoration at the GPO on Easter Sunday 2016 will be followed by a parade that will include significant military input. There will also be military participation in wreath laying ceremonies at Kilmainham Gaol and at Glasnevin Cemetery on Easter Sunday.
In 2016, the Arbour Hill 1916 Commemoration will be held on Sunday 24 April, the centenary day of the 1916 Rising. The Commemoration will take the form of Requiem Mass for all those who died in the 1916 Rising. It will be followed by a graveside ceremony, including inter-faith prayers, in the adjoining cemetery where 14 of the leaders of the Rising are buried.
A wide range of other State events are being organised to mark the centenary and many will involve participation by the Defence Forces. Planning for these events has commenced and the first of these will take place this year on 1 August next when the centenary of the funeral of O'Donovan Rossa will be marked with a State ceremony at Glasnevin Cemetery.
In addition, the Defence Forces will play a part in a comprehensive programme of events relating to the National Flag, including flag raising ceremonies in Dublin and elsewhere. In this regard, it is planned that all primary schools in the State will be presented with a National Flag and a copy of the proclamation by a member of the Defence Forces.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces will play a very central and important role in the Commemoration events that will take place over the coming 12 months.
131. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Defence if he will commit to the restoration of the Western Brigade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21710/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraArising from the comprehensive review of expenditure in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel.
The three Brigade structure then in place had originally been designed in the 1990s, when the strength ceiling of the PDF was 11,500 personnel. Clearly, at a strength ceiling of 9,500 personnel, this structure was no longer viable.
In this context, the then Minister for Defence initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces encompassing the consolidation of three under-strength Army Brigades into two full strength Brigades. This was to ensure that within the revised strength ceiling, the operational effectiveness of the Permanent Defence Force was optimised in order to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
Key aspects of the re-organisation included the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength Units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational Units. I have comprehensively and conclusively answered this question on a number of occasions. The re-organisation has ensured that the PDF can continue to operate efficiently and effectively within a strength level of 9,500 PDF personnel. I am satisfied that the current structures optimise the capacity of the Permanent Defence Force to deliver the required operational outputs, within the available resources.
132. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence his views regarding the progress made, and the contacts he has had with the person concerned, in relation to the process that he indicated, during Question Time on 14 January 2015, he would initiate in relation to the case of the only person in the history of the State to be retired in the interests of the service, as per Defence Forces Regulation A15, paragraph 18(1)(f); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21355/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe individual that the Deputy is referring to was retired by the President, on the advice of the Government, with effect from a date in June, 1969. His retirement was effected pursuant to Section 47(2) of the Defence Act, 1954 and Paragraph 18(1)(f) of Defence Force Regulations A.15, which provide that an officer may be retired “in the interests of the service”.
This case was the subject of a resolution adopted by Seanad Éireann on 10 March 2010. The Seanad resolution included a provision that the Government would ask the Judge Advocate General to select a nominee to carry out a review of the documentation on file to determine “whether on the basis of the documentation and information available to the Defence Forces at the time, the decision to compulsorily retire” the officer “was a reasonable one”. The Government remains willing to carry out this review and I am currently considering further advice that I have received from the Office of the Attorney General in relation to this case.
I have not met with the individual concerned but I have had two conversations with his solicitor, in order to explore their viewpoint in the context of a future review of the case and to attempt to reach agreement on a mutually satisfactory way forward for a review.
133. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 22 April 2015, if he is aware of the moral conflict facing Defence Forces personnel who do not wish to handle or work with Israeli-made equipment and weaponry; if he will have dialogue with these Defence Forces members; if he will address these serious issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21297/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I outlined to the Deputy in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 22 April 2015, the primary purpose for the procurement of defensive equipment by the Department of Defence is to maintain the capability of the Irish Defence Forces on overseas Peace Support Operations and to afford the greatest possible force protection to Irish troops whilst on such missions.
I am advised by the military authorities that they are not aware of any member raising concerns regarding the procurement of such equipment from Israel for military use, nor have I been made aware directly of any such concerns.
The principle of competitive tendering for Government contracts is used by the Department of Defence for the acquisition of defensive equipment for the Defence Forces. Central to those procedures is the requirement to allow fair competition between suppliers through the submission of tenders following advertising of the tender competition usually on the e-tenders site in line with the EU Directive on the procurement of Defence and Security equipment.
134. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence his views on the health and safety of Irish troops in the Golan Heights in Syria, considering that two United Nations peacekeepers were recently injured by motor fire in the region; and if there have been any changes in procedure, considering that fighting has got considerably closer to Irish positions in recent weeks and the area remains very volatile. [21293/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the request of the United Nations, following Government and Dáil Éireann approval, a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force has been deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights since 2013.
The safety of all Irish Defence Forces personnel serving on all overseas missions is always a concern to me, my Government colleagues and to the military authorities. Our ability to protect the health and safety of Irish troops deployed on the Golan Heights is of paramount concern.
The current Irish contingent, the 48th Infantry Group, who deployed in March 2015, undertake regular drills and exercises to ensure that all personnel are aware of the force protection actions to be carried out in the event of a deterioration of the security situation. Defence Forces personnel serving overseas are appropriately trained and equipped with the most modern and effective equipment to carry out their mission.
The security situation in the UNDOF Area of Responsibility remains volatile and unpredictable. Ongoing threat assessments are carried out in the mission area and personal equipment and force assets are continually reviewed, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their role.
Following the significant events in August 2014 in the area of separation, there was a fundamental realignment of the UNDOF mission with a view to minimizing unacceptable risks to peacekeepers, while continuing to implement the mission's mandate. Most UNDOF personnel are now deployed on the Israeli side of the area of separation. A number of enhancement measures were undertaken at Camp Ziouani since the relocation of the Irish Contingent in September 2014.
The reality is that no peacekeeping mission is without danger. I am satisfied, however that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving in the UNDOF mission. The presence of the UNDOF mission remains an important element in ensuring stability on the Golan Heights and in the Middle East region.
135. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the freedom of information request, released by the British Ministry of Defence in April 2015, which revealed almost 1,000 former servicemen and servicewomen required psychiatric treatment and are suffering serious mental health problems after being prescribed Lariam; and his plans to review the Irish Defence Forces' use of this controversial drug. [21352/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Malaria is a very serious disease. It kills approximately 1 million people per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. It is a grave threat to any military force operating in that area.
My Department is aware of recent media articles in relation to the Freedom of Information request, released by the British Ministry of Defence to which the Deputy refers. While I appreciate the Deputy raising this matter, the issues relating to the use of Lariam are well documented. With regard to the issue in the U.K. Defence Forces to which you refer, the Irish Military Authorities advise me that it is a matter for individual Defence Forces to determine whichever malaria chemoprophylaxis it deems most suitable for use. Individual Defence Forces may have regard to the operational commitments and the medical and ancillary support available to its personnel on the ground whilst also taking account of the particular licensing regulations in respect of the drug, pertaining to their jurisdiction. It would be inappropriate for the Irish Defence Forces to comment on other nations' policy in this regard.
As you will be aware, the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA) formerly the Irish Medicines Board is the statutory authority with responsibility for quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces policy in regard to the prescribing of Lariam is in line with current HPRA guidelines.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis.
The Defence Forces are fully aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malarial medications. Significant precautions are taken by the Medical Corps in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications. The choice of chemoprophylaxis is dependent on a number of factors. These include the type of malaria in the destination, resistance to particular drugs, the profile of the traveller (contra-indications, underlying health conditions, purpose of travel), the duration of travel and adherence issues. The choice of medication is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various concerns surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concur with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces.
Lariam must remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have the most effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
136. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report from former High Court Judge, Mr. Justice Roderick Murphy, which reviewed the deaths of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21294/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2014, I appointed former High Court Judge, Mr. Roderick Murphy to conduct an independent review of the investigations into the death of Private Hugh Doherty and the disappearance of Private Kevin Joyce (Caomhán Seoighe) on 27 April 1981 while serving as members of the Irish Battalion with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Privates Doherty and Joyce were serving with UNIFIL in 1981 when, on 27 April 1981, an observation post at Dayr Ntar manned by them came under attack. Private Doherty was later found dead from gunshot wounds and Private Joyce was missing. The attackers are unknown. Over the years, extensive diplomatic and military efforts to locate Private Joyce have proved fruitless. To date, no information has been elicited to lead to the recovery of Private Joyce's remains.
The United Nations completed a Board of Inquiry into the incident in November 1981. The Irish military authorities considered that the UN report was inadequate in certain respects and conducted a further investigation in 1982.
The Terms of Reference for the review by Mr. Murphy provide that investigations will encompass a review of all relevant documents as well as interviews with such persons as considered appropriate by the reviewer.
Mr. Roderick Murphy was scheduled to report back to me with his findings before 30 April 2015. However, at his request this date has been extended and it is now anticipated that Mr. Murphy's report will be completed later this month.
137. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of any under-reporting to the Health Products Regulatory Authority of the suspected adverse effects of the use of Lariam by members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21354/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) formerly the Irish Medicines Board is the statutory authority with responsibility for the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces policy in regard to the prescribing of Lariam is in line with current HPRA guidelines.
While there is no mandatory legal requirement on an individual or medical practitioner to report adverse reactions to any medication, it is open to anyone to report issues relating to safety and quality of healthcare products to the HPRA. This includes patients, carers, other members of the public and healthcare professionals. I can confirm that individual Defence Forces Medical Officers have reported adverse reactions to the HPRA in accordance with standard practice. I understand, based on the latest information that there were three members of the Defence Forces with serious symptomatology which may have been caused or contributed to by Lariam although there is nothing conclusive in this regard. I am advised by the military authorities that all three of them have made a full recovery and that their cases were reported to the HPRA. Again there is no conclusive evidence that the use of Lariam was a factor in any of these cases.
The HPRA has informed me that to date it has received a total of one hundred and thirteen adverse drug reaction reports relating to the use of Lariam. Of those, I am advised that thirty six reports appear to be associated with current or ex-members of the Defence Forces. However the HPRA advises that these figures are open to an element of duplication due to incomplete material and the manner in which reports are made.
Given that reports can be made directly to the HPRA by individual members of the Defence Forces or health care professionals, I am not aware as to whether any under reporting of suspected adverse effects of Lariam by the Defence Forces members occurs. It should also be noted that the occurrence of an adverse reaction may not always be attributable to a particular medication and may be attributable to other causes.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis.
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various concerns surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concur with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces.
Lariam must remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have the most effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
138. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will acknowledge the concerns raised by members of the Defence Forces that Irish military hardware and equipment being purchased from Israel and from the Israeli industrial sector is causing a moral dilemma for soldiers, as they do not want to handle said equipment due to the suffering of the Palestinian people; and his views on whether quoting European Union arms procurement rules is a comprehensive enough explanation in respect of the concerns of the Irish Defence Forces members, who are members of a sovereign national army. [19335/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply earlier today on this matter, where I stated that I have been advised by the military authorities that they are not aware of any member of the Defence Forces raising concerns regarding the procurement of such equipment from Israel, nor have I been made aware directly of any such concerns.
The matter of barring Israeli companies from entering tender competitions for the provision of military goods would be akin to Ireland unilaterally placing an embargo on such goods from Israel and this raises, inter alia, serious implications for Irish foreign policy which are outside my remit as Minister for Defence.
Trade policy and market access are largely EU competencies and any restriction or ban on imports from any particular country would have to be concerted at EU level. The manner in which the Department of Defence procures both goods and services remains constant with international best practice and is in line with EU and UN decisions on trade embargoes.
139. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence his views in relation to the number of occasions that members of the Defence Forces were deployed on aid to the civil power duties at Shannon Airport in 2015; the nature of the duties undertaken and the cost to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21353/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
Since 2003 Gardaí have requested security support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport. Up to 4 June 2015 there have been a total of 139 such deployments this year. The total cost of these operations to date in 2015, which comprises payment of Security Duty Allowance, provision of rations, and fuel costs is €72,692.
