Written Answers Nos. 1-26
11. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if his Department received financial compensation for the service that the LÉ Samuel Beckett and an air corps helicopter provided to assist the filming of a movie on Sceilig Mhichíl off the Kerry coast in 2014. [25109/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe background to the deployment of a Naval Service vessel to Skellig Michael last year arose from the establishment, by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, of a three day maritime exclusion zone around the site in accordance with the Marine Safety Act 2005.
I understand that this exclusion zone was placed at the request of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in order to mitigate against the potential risk to the island habitat from unauthorised coastal activity, landings and/or intrusions. In this context the Department of Defence was contacted by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht seeking support from the Naval Service and my Department agreed that a Naval Service vessel, acting in an Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role, would be deployed.
The vessel in question, the LÉ Samuel Beckett, was on scheduled sailing orders during this period. When on sailing orders, Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in that they are engaged in a range of activities, primarily involving fishery protection duties but also undertaking general maritime surveillance. Accordingly, as LÉ Samuel Beckett was on scheduled sailing orders, no additional costs were incurred by the Naval Service in respect of this tasking and accordingly no financial contribution was sought by my Department from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
Whilst the Air Corps was not deployed as part of this operation, they did carry out one reconnaissance helicopter flight to Skellig Michael at the request of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
I understand that filming on Skellig Michael was a considerable boost to local businesses, with in the region of €2 million being spent locally. The film employed 50 Irish crew and utilised a wide range of local service providers, including hotels and restaurants in the Cahirciveen region of west Kerry. I understand that Tourism Ireland are already receiving trade enquires from Tour Operators about opportunities to build itineraries around Star War locations in Ireland. I believe that the potential tourism value from this for Ireland, particularly given the proximity of the Wild Atlantic Way, is significant. I understand that Tourism Ireland is planning a campaign to convert the interest in Skellig Michael from the film's fans into increased visitors to Ireland in 2016 and beyond.
12. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will commit to donating 10 acres of the lands at Magee Barracks in County Kildare, or the value thereof, to the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25088/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1 July 2003 the Government decided that Magee Barracks would be among the State lands released to Kildare County Council for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. On foot of this Government decision, Kildare County Council prepared a local area plan for the site which encompassed a range of uses including community use. Following discussions at that time between the Department, Kildare County Council and the then Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, it was agreed that the entire site would be transferred to Kildare County Council in accordance with the terms of the Housing Initiative.
However, in 2009 the local authority contacted the Department to state that it no longer wished to take possession of the property.
In addition, the Local Development Plan for Kildare Town 2012-2018 has made provision for substantial community developments on the barracks site. Consequently, any buyer will be obliged to comply with these provisions. This will ensure that the local community will benefit directly from the sale.
It is my view that the obligation to community development was met by the offer to transfer the full site to Kildare County Council and the subsequent Local Development Plan which makes provision for community developments on the site.
Also, eight acres on the Barrack site is currently being developed for local schools. Officials from my Department recently met with the CEO from Kildare County Council. Discussions included the Department’s intention to dispose of the remaining ca. 54 acres of the site by public auction later this year. In the interim, the Department remains open to proposals from the Council, subject to achieving a satisfactory return for the property.
13. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the proceeds arising from the disposal of various military installations decommissioned over the past number of years have been used to upgrade military equipment, facilities and installations for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25114/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total realised from 1998 to date in terms of sales of surplus property is €108m approx, a portion of which has been retained and re-invested in providing equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. This approach is in line with the 2000 White Paper on Defence and the Government decision of February 2000 which approved the allocation of the revenue arising from the sale of property surplus to military requirements, for investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. The allocation of monies from property disposals to the Department ceased over the last number of years, with the downturn in the economy. However, approval has recently been received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for 50% of actual sale receipts to be provided to the Department in the estimate for Capital expenditure. This arrangement will commence with 50% of actual 2015 sale receipts provided in the 2016 estimate for Capital expenditure.
Some of the major re-equipment programmes over the years include the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles, Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers, two EC 135 helicopters, six AW 139 helicopters and two new Offshore Patrol vessels.
14. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if Defence Forces personnel were party to any activity anywhere in Libyan territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25092/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the Deputy is referring to the European Union military operation, EUNAVFOR MED, which following the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 June, a Council Decision to launch the mission was adopted. The mission is one element of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean.
The Mission will be implemented in sequential phases and the first phase of the operation, to support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law, will commence shortly. To move beyond the first phase the Council will assess whether the conditions for transition have been met, taking into account any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and the consent of the coastal States concerned. The second phase involves the targeting, seizure and possible destruction of the vessels and assets of human traffickers. The third phase is an operational/disruption phase.
Consideration of participation by the Irish Defence Forces in EUNAVFOR 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, I can assure the Deputy that no members of the Defence Forces have conducted operations in Libyan territory. This includes Libyan Territorial Waters.
15. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details on the operations, to date, that the LÉ Eithne has been engaged with in the Mediterranean Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24846/15]
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 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 14 rescue operations resulting in the rescue of circa 2,136 migrants.
Following their rescue, once on board the Irish Naval Vessel, migrants are provided with medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes to those in need. The migrants are then either transported to a port in Italy, or transferred to another international naval vessel, as directed by the Italian authorities.
I would like to take this opportunity in the House to commend the Naval Service for the outstanding work they are undertaking in the Mediterranean.
16. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the Irish Red Cross has fully implemented the recommendations of the Committee of Public Accounts contained in its report on the Irish Red Cross of May 2012; if his Department is monitoring, on an ongoing basis, the implementation of these recommendations, both for the Irish Red Cross and for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25086/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Red Cross Society is an independent charitable body corporate with full power to manage and administer its own affairs. I am satisfied that the Society has made substantial improvements to its governance framework in recent years which comply with the standards set by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and also with the recommendations contained in the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts report which was published in 2012. All of the recommendations made were carefully examined and noted by my Department and the reforms introduced by the Society were substantially facilitated by the legislative amendments made by this Government in 2012. This legislative change represented the most wide ranging and fundamental set of changes to have occurred since the establishment of the Society in 1939. In this regard, I can also confirm that the recommendations made in the Public Accounts Committee’s report were implemented by the Society in 2012.
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 redefine 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.
17. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if he is concerned over allegations that some Air Corps inspectors are not qualified to sign off on repairs to a number of the force's aircraft; if there are airworthiness issues arising from the allegations that are reported; if the whistleblower who raised the issue with the Minister has been penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25107/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to advise the Deputy that I have received a disclosure under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, and follow up correspondence, from an individual alleging that a number of Air Corps Aircraft Inspectors have authorisation to certify sheet metal repairs and modifications without the required qualifications or experience to do so.
On foot of the information received I have directed that an independent investigation by an external competent expert be carried out into these matters. The terms of reference for the review are currently being drafted and nominees to carry out the review are currently being considered.
I have been assured by the military authorities that there are no airworthiness issues arising from the allegations.
I would also like to advise the Deputy that under the provisions of Section 20 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, members of the Defence Forces who feel they are being penalised for making a disclosure, can make a complaint directly to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.
The Ombudsman will investigate the complaint and report to me with his findings and recommendations. I will then consider the Ombudsman’s report and issue a final determination on the matter.
18. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will instigate an independent study into the rate of Lariam-related suicide in the Defence Forces; if he will include in the terms of reference for any such study, that it examines the Health Products Regulatory Authority's adverse drug reaction listing for Lariam, which has found that of all reported reactions to Lariam, over one quarter are related to suicide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25089/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, malaria is a very serious disease which kills approximately 1 million people every year in sub-Saharan Africa alone.
It is a grave threat to any military force operating in the area.
In the decade of deployment to sub-Saharan Africa by the Defence Forces, not a single member of the Defence Forces has died from malaria.
The anti-malaria regime in place in the Defence Forces, including the use of Lariam, is working.
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 on the use of anti-malarial medication is in line with current HPRA approved summary of product characteristics (SmPC).
The Deputy might note that the allegation of a link between Lariam and suicide/ suicide ideation has been examined. Of 156 non-service related deaths among members of the Defence Forces in the period January 2000 to December 2010, 25 were apparently from self-inflicted injuries, although only one is recorded by a coroner as “suicide”. Of these 25 deaths, 16 had never been prescribed Lariam.
Of the remaining 9, given the limited period of time during which Lariam remains in the bloodstream, according to our expert advice, it is extremely unlikely that Lariam could have been a contributory factor in practically all of these cases. There is no evidence in any of the coroners’ inquests linking any deaths to Lariam.
The death rate in the Defence Forces from self-inflicted injuries in the period 2000 to 2010, when Lariam was being prescribed, was 0.24%. The death rate from self-inflicted injuries in the period 1989 – to 1999, when Lariam was not being prescribed, was 0.32% which is higher than the death rate in the period when Lariam was being prescribed.
Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam is licensed by the HPRA and must remain in the formulary of medication 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 effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
19. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence in view of the LÉ Eithne's most recent rescue of migrants in distress in the Mediterranean Sea, if he will provide an update on the work carried out by the LÉ Eithne. [25108/15]
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 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 14 rescue operations resulting in the rescue of circa 2,136 migrants.
Following their rescue, once on board the Irish Naval Vessel, migrants are provided with medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes to those in need. The migrants are then either transported to a port in Italy, or transferred to another international naval vessel, as directed by the Italian authorities.
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.
20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 9 June 2015, and in view of the fact that the case has been ongoing for over 40 years and that the relevant clause under which the person was retired from the Army has been removed since 1985, the reason he has to further delay matters by consulting the Attorney General before initiating a review of the matter. [25093/15]
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.”.
As I have recently advised the Deputy, the Government remains willing to carry out this review. I am still considering the most recent advice on the matter that I received from the Office of the Attorney General. I must stress that it is in no way my intention to delay the matter any longer than is necessary. I must however reiterate that this is a serious matter that requires my full consideration. I would like again to advise the Deputy that I would hope to be in a position to conclude my consideration on the matter shortly.
21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has been notified of the requirements for further deployment of Irish troops overseas, at various locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25113/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 01 June 2015, Ireland is contributing approximately 497 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 tabular statement. 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-seven (67) personnel of the Permanent Defence Force, augmented by two (2) medics of the Permanent Defence Force, are deployed to the Operation.
Requests received by Ireland from time to time in relation to participation in various missions are considered on a case-by-case basis. However, given Ireland's current level of commitment in overseas peacekeeping operations we are not in a position to make significant long-term commitments to other missions at this time.
The current contribution of some 497 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 01 JUNE 2015
|
1. |
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
9 |
|
|
UNIFIL 49th Infantry Group |
184 |
|
|
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 48th Infantry Group |
130 |
|
|
TOTAL |
357 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
RSM (Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
392 |
|
|
2. |
OTHER DEPLOYMENTS |
|
|
UK EBOLA TREATMENT CENTRE (Sierra Leone) |
4 |
|
|
Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in Mediterranean (L.E. Eithne) |
69 |
|
|
TOTAL NUMBERS OF PERSONNEL OTHER DEPLOYMENTS |
73 |
|
|
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 |
497 |
22. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Defence if, in consideration of the hugely positive contribution that the Irish Naval Service is making in the Mediterranean area, he has had engagement with his European counterparts on a longer term solution to address the influx of persons; if he envisages an expended role for the Defence Forces in this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25116/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean is of great concern to Ireland, and to its EU and Southern partners.
On Monday 20 April, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade attended a joint meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs and Justice and Home Affairs Councils to discuss migration issues, and in particular the situation in the Mediterranean. At that meeting, Ministers Frances Fitzgerald and Charlie Flanagan, together with our EU partners, confirmed our strong commitment to act to prevent recurrence of recent tragedies. It was agreed that work would be taken forward along three strands: reinforcing FRONTEX activities to save lives at sea, a fairer sharing of responsibilities regarding resettlement and relocation projects within the EU and a range of options to combat organised crime networks and human traffickers.
The Taoiseach also attended a special meeting of the European Council on 23 April convened to discuss the evolving situation in the Mediterranean. At that meeting, EU Heads of State and Government agreed that the immediate priority is to prevent more people from dying at sea. They agreed to use all tools at the EU’s disposal and to work in cooperation with countries of origin and transit of migrants to tackle the root causes of the current human emergency.
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.
Minister Flanagan and I attended the formal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Council with Ministers of Defence in Brussels on 18 May, at which 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.
A Council Decision to launch EUNAVFOR MED was adopted at the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 June. The mission is just one element of the comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. Irish Defence Forces Personnel are not taking any part in this mission.
The Mission will be implemented in sequential phases and the first phase of the operation, to support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law, will commence shortly. To move beyond the first phase the Council will assess whether the conditions for transition have been met, taking into account any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and the consent of the coastal States concerned. The second phase involves the targeting, seizure and possible destruction of the vessels and assets of human traffickers. The third phase is an operational/disruption phase.
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 LÉ EITHNE, will continue to assist the Italian authorities on a bilateral basis in the humanitarian search and rescue operation efforts to prevent further tragedy and loss of life at sea.
23. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the LÉ Eithne's mission in the Mediterranean Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25087/15]
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 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 14 rescue operations resulting in the rescue of circa 2,136 migrants.
Following their rescue, once on board the Irish Naval Vessel, migrants are provided with medical assistance, food, water and dry clothes to those in need. The migrants are then either transported to a port in Italy, or transferred to another international naval vessel, as directed by the Italian authorities.
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.
24. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Defence the role that the Irish Defence Forces are taking, and plan to take, in the new European Union military mission which intends to disrupt the groups involved in migrant smuggling in Libya; his position as regards the seeking of a United Nations Security Council resolution for the next phase in this mission; if he will provide details of discussions he has had with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25099/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Council Decision to launch the European Union military operation, EUNAVFOR MED, was adopted at the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 June. The mission is one element of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. Irish Defence Forces Personnel are not taking any part in this mission.
The Mission will be implemented in sequential phases and the first phase of the operation, to support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law, will commence shortly. To move beyond the first phase the Council will assess whether the conditions for transition have been met, taking into account any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and the consent of the coastal States concerned. The second phase involves the targeting, seizure and possible destruction of the vessels and assets of human traffickers. The third phase is an operational/disruption phase.
Consideration of participation by the Irish Defence Forces in EUNAVFOR 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.
Minister Flanagan and I attended the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 May at which this mission was extensively discussed. We are ad idem on Ireland's approach to this mission and recognise the requirement for a Security Council Resolution before any consideration of participation of the Irish Defence Forces can take place.
25. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of Custume Barracks in Athlone in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24868/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. Under this programme there has been considerable capital investment at Custume Barracks, Athlone in recent years, amounting to some €6.4m from 2009 to date.
While there are no major capital projects planned for this year, there are ongoing works required to ensure the upkeep and repair of buildings and provide facilities generally for personnel.
Custume Barracks is and will continue to be an important operational military barracks. There are no plans to change this.
26. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence in view of recent revelations regarding new side effects to those who take the anti-malarial drug Lariam, if he will allow an independent investigation into the use of the drug by the Defence Forces. [25110/15]
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 quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces policy, in relation to the use of anti-malaria medication, is in line with current HPRA approved summary of product characteristics (SmPC).
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.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces, that personnel are individually screened for fitness and medical suitability for service overseas including a medical risk assessment for Lariam.
Former Ministers for Defence have had the various allegations 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. In addition and in consultation with my Department, the Defence Forces Directorate Medical Branch reviews policy in relation to medical issues of relevance to Military Medicine on an ongoing basis. One such issue is the use of specific agents in the chemoprophylaxis of malaria in all theatres. I am satisfied with the oversight of this sensitive issue provided by this arrangement.
As 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. In the decade of deployment to sub-Saharan Africa by the Defence Forces, not a single member of the Defence Forces has died from malaria. The anti-malaria regime in place in the Defence Forces, including the use of Lariam, is working.
