Written Answers Nos. 290-310
290. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the status of the provision of capital funding to secure permanent Civil Defence accommodation and training facilities in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41544/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCivil Defence is a volunteer based organisation which supports the frontline emergency services. It operates in partnership between the Department of Defence and local authorities' throughout Ireland. The Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence is charged with the management and development of Civil Defence at national level. The Civil Defence Branch provides policy direction, centralised training, administrative support and guidance and centralised procurement of major items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.
At local level, Civil Defence is based in each local authority area under the operational control of the relevant local authority. On a day to day basis these Units operate under the control of a Civil Defence Officer, who is an employee of the local authority. Civil Defence is funded by a combination of a central grant from the Department of Defence and a contribution from the relevant local authority on a 70/30 basis.
The recent White Paper on Defence reaffirmed the longstanding position that responsibility for the accommodation of local Civil Defence Units remains with the relevant local authority. It also committed my Department to continue working pro-actively with local authorities to ensure that appropriate accommodation is provided for all Civil Defence Units.
I understand that Longford Civil Defence has recently moved from one rented premises to another rented premises. My Department will be happy to consider any proposals made by Longford County Council regarding the securing of permanent accommodation for Longford Civil Defence.
291. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he will facilitate the taking in charge of St. Barbara's Park on the Melitta Road in Kildare town by Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41675/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has, in recent years, had ongoing correspondence and meetings with officials from Kildare County Council on a range of issues including the taking in charge of Saint Barbara's Park in Kildare. In this regard the Department has received correspondence from the Council setting out their requirements in advance of having the estate taken in charge and my officials are examining these at the present time. The Department is eager to progress this issue and will endeavour, in conjunction with the County Council, to have the matter resolved as soon as possible.
292. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will be in a position to augment any deficiencies in the Defence Forces in the context of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41771/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he is confident facilities such as advanced training, state-of-the-art technology and any specific military equipment are available throughout the Defence Forces, with a view to ensuring a competence to deal with national or international security incidents; if he is satisfied the Defence Forces have adequate liaison with other militaries throughout Europe in the context of any potential threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41773/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which specialist skills in dealing with security threats remain available to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41775/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he will increase the strength of specific areas within the Defence Forces, with particular reference to specialist skills such as the decommissioning of explosives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41777/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 292, 294, 296 and 298 together.
The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State and, in the event of a terrorist incident, it is An Garda Síochána who would be the first responders. Additionally, An Garda Síochána may request specific assistance from the Defence Forces in the context of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP). The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances.
I can advise the Deputy that I am assured by the Chief of Staff that he has the necessary resources to undertake all roles assigned by Government. The Defence Forces are adequately resourced to meet all operational demands placed on their services including those associated with Aid to the Civil Power.
Chapter 3 of the White Paper on Defence covers National Security and Defence Policy Response and it is important to reiterate what is stated there:
“It is now acknowledged that no state acting alone can address the entirety of these new and emerging security challenges. They require a co-ordinated, collaborative and integrated collective response, drawing on a wide range of policy instruments at national level and through multilateral collective security arrangements."
In that regard, the Defence Forces participate in specific counter-terrorism training initiatives with international forces on an ongoing basis. Defence Forces personnel have attended courses run by armed forces in the United Kingdom, the USA, the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey, amongst others. These courses include topics such as anti-terrorism, Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (CIED) and Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN).
With regard to Explosive Ordnance Disposal, new staff are currently being recruited to the Ordnance Corps and a number of officers are currently undergoing the requisite training programme to fill current vacancies. A planned programme of ongoing recruitment and training of Ordnance Officers to address current and future vacancies is also being put in place.
293. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which adequate technology remains available throughout the Defence Forces to meet any requirements arising from international security issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41772/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he is satisfied that the availability of equipment, such as military hardware, throughout the Defence Forces meets the needs arising from modern challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41778/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra301. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which is satisfied that all equipment available to the Air Corps, including aircraft and communications technology, is adequately upgraded and updated in accordance with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41780/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he is satisfied that all equipment available to the Navy, including seagoing vessels and communications technology, is adequately upgraded and updated in accordance with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41781/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra303. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he is satisfied that all equipment available to the Army, including communications technology, is adequately upgraded and updated in accordance with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41782/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 293, 299 and 301 to 303, inclusive, together.
The acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence, and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment, including aircraft, ships, military hardware and technology which is in line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
Going forward, the equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service will be considered in the context of the lifetime of the recently published White Paper. The White Paper recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured.
In the context of the Air Corps fleet, this includes the replacement of the Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. In addition it is intended that the two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also be replaced. The current EC 135 and AW 139 helicopter fleet in the Air Corps will continue to deliver the required Defence Forces support and other support capabilities over the lifetime of the White Paper. The existing Pilatus PC9 training aircraft are not due for replacement until 2025.
The current Naval Service ship replacement programme will have replaced three Naval Service vessels when completed by July 2016. The White Paper recognises that a minimum eight ship flotilla will be required.
The Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities, and the principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. There will be a focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles and the most cost effective option of upgrading or replacing the current fleet will be identified. A small number of armoured logistical vehicles will be procured for force protection overseas.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will ensure that the Defence Forces are fully equipped to meet their assigned roles and taskings.
295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps is adequately equipped to detect and intercept any activity posing a threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41774/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Corps is not tasked or equipped to monitor and communicate with aircraft overflying Irish airspace. However, on a routine basis the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.
The Government's recently published White Paper on Defence (2015) provides for periodic updates to consider progress with implementation and any revisions required. As stated in the White Paper, should additional funding beyond that required to maintain existing Air Corps' capabilities become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability will be a priority. Funding for this is not provided in the current resource envelope and any future decisions in this regard will be in the context of the ongoing security environment and any associated developments. The Air Corps' existing Pilatus PC9 aircraft provide a very limited air to air and air to ground capacity. Whilst the development of a more capable air combat intercept capability will be considered over the lifetime of the White Paper, at this stage there are no plans in this regard. However, these matters are kept under constant review.
297. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military intelligence can be enhanced to deal with potential terrorist attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41776/15]
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. Whilst I am satisfied that the Intelligence Branch has the resources required to carry out its role, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment in relation to this matter.
300. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which adequate detection facilities are available to the Defence Forces to combat the possible use of ground-to-air weapons by terrorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41779/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Amongst the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power, meaning in practice to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces is adequately resourced and equipped to deal with any requests for support received from An Garda Síochána and to fulfil any security roles that may be assigned by Government.
304. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that the operational imperative regarding freedom of movement for members of the Defence Forces serving in south Lebanon in pursuit of the Security Council resolution for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon is being constantly challenged by non-government elements; that this has seriously impeded the Defence Forces from carrying out essential elements of the resolution; and if he will outline the credible steps, other than routine rote protests, he is taking to ensure this essential freedom of movement is guaranteed in all the areas of operations. [41835/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that Defence Forces personnel in UNIFIL continue to conduct their operations in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution and have not been subject to any restrictions on their Freedom of Movement. There is no evidence to suggest that Irish troops are being "constantly challenged by non-Government elements". While there may be very occasional minor confrontations, these do not impede our troops in the pursuance of the mandate.
Commanders at all levels in the Mission liaise with the Host Nation, with the Lebanese Armed Forces and with local stakeholders to ensure that all aspects of the overall UNIFIL Mission, including Freedom of Movement, are achievable. Tactical decisions are also taken by Defence Forces personnel on a daily basis in dealing with Operational incidents.
305. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence given that special representatives of the United Nations Secretary General are vested with overall authority in deployed multifaceted missions, including those with military forces components, if he is aware that UN military force commanders cannot exercise the optimum span of operational control essential for complex military operations in austere environments; and the steps he is taking with the UN to ensure this structural challenge in its missions is not impeding the outputs of military forces, especially where protection of civilians and robust peacekeeping requirements are essential. [41836/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 31 October 2014, Secretary General of the United Nations commissioned a High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations to conduct a comprehensive assessment of United Nations peace operations today and how they can be made more effective, efficient and responsive in a changing world. The High Level Panel made a number of recommendations in the Report including one to the effect that: “Clear Headquarters-field authority, command and control must be provided for all military deployments, with tighter integration of operational and logistics concepts of operations and delivery.”
On 16 June 2015, the Panel delivered its report to the Secretary General. Drawing on the Panel's recommendations, the Secretary General has set out priorities and key actions required to bring the recommendations about. The Secretary General of the United Nations action plan centres on three pillars: renewed focus on prevention and mediation; stronger regional-global partnerships; and new ways of planning and conducting United Nations peace operations to make them faster, more responsive and more accountable to the needs of countries and people in conflict.
The Department of Defence was pleased to provide input into Ireland's submission to the High Level Panel on Peace Operations appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations on 31 October 2014. Ireland looks forward over the coming year to taking an active part in discussion on how best to take forward the recommendations of the High-level Independent Report on Peace Operations. In relation to progressing the recommendations, Ireland's objective will be to ensure that there are clear formalised mandates, concepts standards and procedures in place but also that there is scope and flexibility to respond effectively in evolving situations.
306. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the petition organised by Pavee Point (details supplied). [41170/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that there is a consultation process underway led by my Department to develop a new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. Phase 1 (identification of key themes for the new Strategy) has been completed, and Phase 2 (identification and agreement of high-level objectives under each agreed theme) will commence shortly. The final Phase, Phase 3 (identification of detailed actions to achieve each agreed objective, with associated timescales, Key Performance Indicators, institutional responsibilities and monitoring arrangements), will commence in early 2016 and conclude also in early 2016 with the presentation of a new Strategy for Government approval.
This process will give us a new Traveller Inclusion Strategy and a set of very real actions that need to be taken to bring about a real improvement in quality of life for Travellers. The question of whether revised institutional arrangements for delivery of services to Travellers are necessary to bring about greater coherence in and improve the effectiveness of statutory services for the Traveller community has been raised during the ongoing consultation process and, as indicated on behalf of the Government during the recent debate in the House on the question of recognition of Travellers as an ethnic group, will be considered in the drafting of the new Inclusion Strategy.
307. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the security of the country following the attacks in Paris in France (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41378/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the follow-on events in France and Belgium have focused Europe's attention very firmly on the threat from extremists linked to the conflict in Iraq and Syria. The subsequent attack in Mali clearly demonstrates the truly international dimensions of this issue.
While these events have been truly shocking they cannot be allowed to undermine the democratic values that characterise our societies.
The fact is that, just like other open and democratic states, Ireland cannot consider itself immune from the threat posed by international terrorism and extremism. However, while an attack is possible here, it is currently considered unlikely.
Unfortunately, the activities of a small number of people based here give rise to concern. However they will continue to be monitored closely and all appropriate measures will be taken in this regard but, for obvious security reasons, I cannot go into the details of the operational responses.
As I have already indicated, this is an international problem and a key element in dealing with these threats is good intelligence-sharing internationally. An Garda Síochána co-operates very closely with their EU and other international security and intelligence counterparts in responding to these threats.
I also met with my EU colleagues as recently as last Friday where a number of measures have been identified for progress, notably tighter controls on firearms and measures to further enhance intelligence sharing and exchange of information.
It is, of course, essential that at times like this entire communities are not stigmatised because of the actions of a few. It has to be recognised that the vast majority of people in our minority communities only wish to go about their daily lives in peace. It is very clear that the appalling actions of a small number of extremists, such as we have seen in Paris and elsewhere, do not reflect the views of the vast majority of the Muslim community in this country, or in other states.
308. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding registration with the Property Registration Authority in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41510/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions. The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round.
I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
309. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda Síochána vehicles in operation in County Tipperary in each of the years 2011 to 2015 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41182/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
In that context I am informed by the Commissioner that the information requested in relation to the number of vehicles in operation in Co. Tipperary, and during the period 2011-2014, is shown in the following tables.
2015 (up to 18th November)
|
- |
- |
CARS |
VANS |
MOTOR CYCLES |
4X4 |
OTHER |
TOTAL |
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
||||||
|
Total |
31 |
16 |
8 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
62 |
|
CAHIR |
7 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
|
CLONMEL |
4 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
NENAGH |
9 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
|
THURLES |
8 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
21 |
|
TIPPERARY |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
2011 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
VANS |
MOTOR CYCLES |
4X4 |
OTHER |
TOTAL |
||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
||||||
|
Total |
26 |
13 |
3 |
7 |
1 |
3 |
53 |
|
CAHIR |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
10 |
|
CLONMEL |
5 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
NENAGH |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
|
TEMPLEMORE |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
|
THURLES |
6 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
14 |
|
TIPPERARY |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
2012 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
VANS |
MOTOR CYCLES |
4X4 |
OTHER |
TOTAL |
||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
||||||
|
Total |
20 |
13 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
45 |
|
CAHIR |
7 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
11 |
|
CLONMEL |
3 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
NENAGH |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
TEMPLEMORE |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
|
THURLES |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
TIPPERARY |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
2013 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
VANS |
MOTOR CYCLES |
4X4 |
OTHER |
TOTAL |
||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
||||||
|
Total |
25 |
13 |
8 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
52 |
|
CAHIR |
8 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
13 |
|
CLONMEL |
3 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
NENAGH |
5 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
|
THURLES |
8 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
|
TIPPERARY |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
|
2014 |
|||||||
|
CARS |
VANS |
MOTOR CYCLES |
4X4 |
OTHER |
TOTAL |
||
|
MARKED |
UNMARKED |
||||||
|
Total |
27 |
14 |
8 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
57 |
|
CAHIR |
7 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
|
CLONMEL |
3 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
NENAGH |
6 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
THURLES |
8 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
19 |
|
TIPPERARY |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
310. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has considered a firearms amnesty in relation to various persons who have unlicensed guns, to give them the opportunity to hand the guns over and thereby reduce the number of weapons in circulation, given crime levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41190/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána tackles the issue of illegal firearms on a daily basis at both local and national levels through a range of targeted and intelligence based operations, often disrupting and preventing incidents, as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved.
Heavy penalties are provided for weapons offences in our criminal law and mandatory minimum penalties have been introduced for certain firearms offences. The considerable powers already available to Gardaí are now supplemented further by the DNA Database system which went live last week and which has the capacity to link suspects to unsolved crimes using forensic evidence, and will greatly assist Gardaí in investigating a whole range of serious offences.
I am not convinced at this stage that some form of firearms amnesty would make a useful contribution to the reduction of gun crime. There was such an arrangement for a two month period in late 2006 but that was in the context of new licensing arrangements being introduced and represented an opportunity for people to regularise their situation before the heavier penalties provided for in the legislation came into force. It is doubtful that such an amnesty would result in hardened criminals handing up weapons. Equally, I am not convinced it is desirable to allow people who hold firearms illegally to evade the legal consequences for that. Nevertheless, I will keep this matter under review.
