Written Answers Nos. 986-997
986. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions waiting to be filled throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27440/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 July 2016, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,025, comprising 7,233 Army, 718 Air Corps and 1,074 Naval Service, whole time equivalent personnel.
The following table outlines the establishment, strength and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 July 2016, based on the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.
Promotions are ongoing within the Officer ranks in order to fill rank vacancies. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill vacancies to the ranks of Sergeants and above, will be held in Q4 2016/Q1 2017.
In addition, targeted recruitment will continue in 2016 so as to maintain the serving strength at or close to 9,500 personnel. It is my intention that promotions, along with targeted recruitment, will continue to be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
|
Table |
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte/ Cadet |
|
Army Rank Establishment |
1 |
2 |
6 |
34 |
110 |
257 |
306 |
167 |
29 |
32 |
115 |
169 |
973 |
1,438 |
3,880 |
|
Army Strength |
1 |
2 |
5 |
31 |
108 |
259 |
272 |
153 |
29 |
32 |
104 |
161 |
892 |
1,293 |
3,891*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
1* |
3** |
2 |
-2 |
34 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
8 |
81 |
145 |
-11 |
|
Air Corps Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
14 |
36 |
65 |
48 |
8 |
4 |
56 |
14 |
131 |
183 |
324 |
|
Air Corps Strength |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
12 |
33 |
52 |
22 |
8 |
3 |
55 |
14 |
119 |
150 |
246*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
13 |
26 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
12 |
33 |
78 |
|
Naval Service Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
45 |
81 |
41 |
6 |
7 |
75 |
15 |
226 |
180 |
402 |
|
Naval Service Strength |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
51 |
49 |
28 |
6 |
7 |
74 |
15 |
179 |
132 |
517*** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-6 |
32 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
47 |
48 |
-115 |
|
Total Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
1* |
3** |
4 |
-5 |
79 |
53 |
0 |
1 |
13 |
8 |
140 |
22 6 |
-48 |
*Within the Establishment figures there is provision for 2 Brigadier General Appointments overseas. However, with no requirement to fill 1 of the Brigadier General overseas appointments, no vacancy exists in the rank of Brigadier General in the Army.
**Within the Establishment figures there is provision for 10 Colonel Appointments overseas. However, with no requirement to fill 1 of the Colonel overseas appointments, only 2 vacancies existed in the rank of Colonel in the Army on 31 July 2016.
***Includes 29 Army Cadets, 15 Air Corps Cadets and 14 Naval Service Cadets.
There are an additional 65 personnel on career breaks/secondment, who are not included in the strengths in the table.
Note:Equivalent Naval Service RanksBrigadier General/CommodoreColonel/CaptainLieutenant Colonel/CommanderCommandant/Lieutenant CommanderCaptain/Lieutenant(NS)Lieutenant/Sub LieutenantSergeant Mayor/Warrant OfficerBattalion Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer Company Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Petty OfficerCompany Sergeant/Chief Petty OfficerSergeant/Petty OfficerCorporal/Leading SeamanPrivate/Able Seaman
987. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total strength of the Defence Forces currently serving overseas at all ranks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27441/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 1 September 2016, Ireland is contributing 498 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world, along with deployments to two standby Battlegroup Headquarters and a range of international organisations and National Representations. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 219 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel and the Naval Service humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean with 59 personnel.
Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are as follows:
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas
As of 01 September 2016
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ - 30
UNIFIL 53rd Infantry Group - 185
UNIFIL Sector West HQ - 4
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria - 11
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) - 3
(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) - 4
(v) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) - 1
(vi) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ, Golan Heights, Syria - 7
UNDOF 52nd Infantry Group - 129
TOTAL - 368
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) - 7
(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) - 15
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ - 12
2. OTHER DEPLOYMENTS
Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in Mediterranean L.É. James Joyce - 59
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS - 467
3. ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina - 1
(ii) Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna - 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE - 2
4. EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels - 4
5. EU BATTLE GROUP
German-led Battle Group 2016 - HQ, STRASBOURG - 10
UK-led Battle Group 2016, UK - 5
6. MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York - 1
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna - 1
(iii) Military Representative to EU (Brussels) - 4
(iv) Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels) - 2
(v) EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium - 1
(vi) Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium - 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS - 498
988. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which discussions continue to take place at EU level with a view to assuring a high degree of preparedness in the event of a terrorist attack; if the Defence Forces here continue to be adequately briefed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27442/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for security matters and the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. There is significant engagement on an ongoing basis with respect to international terrorism with other countries in the EU.
Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
989. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which he remains satisfied regarding the ability of the Defence Forces to respond to any emergency that might arise; if the quality and extent of the military equipment available remains in line with best international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27443/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Special Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces, including the availability of specialised equipment, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies caused by severe weather events, such as the storms and flooding, rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) role.
At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency and that the command structure within the Defence Forces is compatible with the requirements in this area.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployments in response to emergency situations. The most important asset that the Defence Forces can provide is personnel, equipped with personal protective equipment, to operate during extreme weather events and with the capacity to support and sustain those personnel if deployed.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance in response to any emergency situations that may arise.
990. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the need for replacement of seagoing vessels and military equipment throughout the Naval Service; the degree to which any such required replacements will take place on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27444/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister with Special Responsibility for Defence, and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government.
The future equipment priorities for the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the recently published White Paper.
The current Naval Service ship replacement programme has seen the delivery of three new Naval Service vessels in the past three years. In June 2016, agreement was reached with Babcock International for the provision of an additional ship for the Naval Service to be built in their facility in Appledore, Devon. This ship will be the same class as the three newest vessels, LE Samuel Beckett which was commissioned in 2014, LE James Joyce which was commissioned in 2015, and LE William Butler Yeats which will be formally named and commissioned into operational service at a ceremony in Galway next month. Delivery of the fourth ship is expected within two years, which ties in with the project planning process in place under the White Paper on Defence which will determine the Defence Organisation’s maritime capability requirements.
The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the current flagship, LE Eithne, by a multi-role vessel (MRV). LE Eithne was built in 1984. In addition, the two existing Coastal Patrol Vessels, LE Ciara and LE Orla are due for replacement in the coming years (also built in 1984). It is outlined in the White Paper that these ships will be replaced with vessels with countermine and counter IED capabilities.
In addition, the White Paper recognises the requirement to maintain and upgrade vessels having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will ensure that the Naval Service are fully equipped to meet the roles placed on them.
991. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which further overseas deployment of the Defence Forces with the UN are envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27445/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 01 September 2016, Ireland is contributing 498 Defence Forces personnel to 11 different missions throughout the world, along with deployments to two standby Battlegroup Headquarters and a range of international organisations and National Representations.
The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 219 personnel, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel and the Naval Service humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean with 59 personnel.
Irish soldiers deployed to UNIFIL serve alongside Finnish Armed Forces as part of a joint Battalion which is currently under Finnish command. Ireland takes over command of the Battalion from Finland in November 2016 at which time an additional Company of some 150 personnel will be deployed to UNIFIL bringing Ireland’s contribution to this mission to 370 personnel.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.
The Government’s White Paper on Defence includes a commitment to review Ireland's declared contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System ( PCRS ) (formerly UNSAS) and the EU Headline Goal; to include consideration of the potential deployability of the full range of Defence Forces' capabilities including Army, Air Corps and Naval Service capabilities and assets on peace support and crisis management operations. This review will commence in 2017.
The current contribution of some 498 Defence Forces personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in the area of international peace and security.
Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are as follows:
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas
As of 01 September 2016
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ - 30
UNIFIL 53rd Infantry Group - 185
UNIFIL Sector West HQ - 4
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria - 11
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) - 3
(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) - 4
(v) UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) - 1
(vi) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ, Golan Heights, Syria - 7
UNDOF 52nd Infantry Group - 129
TOTAL 368
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) - 7
(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) - 15
(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ - 12
2. OTHER DEPLOYMENTS
Naval Service Humanitarian Mission in Mediterranean L.É. James Joyce - 59
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS - 467
3. ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina - 1
(ii) Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna - 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE - 2
4. EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels - 4
5. EU BATTLE GROUP
German-led Battle Group 2016 - HQ, STRASBOURG - 10
UK-led Battle Group 2016, UK - 5
6. MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York - 1
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna - 1
(iii) Military Representative to EU (Brussels) - 4
(iv) Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO /PfP (Brussels) - 2
(v) EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium - 1
(vi) Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium - 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS - 498
992. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the number of women in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps has increased on an annual basis throughout the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27446/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought in the Question is set out in the table.
|
Year |
No. of Female Personnel |
|
2007 |
560 |
|
2008 |
570 |
|
2009 |
567 |
|
2010 |
569 |
|
2011 |
565 |
|
2012 |
582 |
|
2013 |
546 |
|
2014 |
563 |
|
2015 |
552 |
|
2016 (31 July 2016) |
544 |
The Government are committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.
The Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operat ional and administrative duties , and all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit.
A key impediment in achieving greater numbers of women serving in the Defence Forces is the lack of women recruitment applicants relative to men. This may be as a result of societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers. There have been a number of recent initiatives to encourag e greater female participation, such as the introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants; special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment; a balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards; all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit; a gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces; and work is well-progressed on a Defence Forces Equality and Diversity Policy, which will be published in the near future.
Over the course of the White Paper 2015, further initiatives will be developed to encourage more women to apply for the Defence Forces and to increase female participation at all ranks. This will include a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the PDF, as well as the impact of the requirements of career courses and overseas service on f emale retention and advancement. The development and active management of a Diversity and an Inclusion Strategy in the Defence Forces, building on existing policies in rel ation to ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and equality will also be included.
993. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the budget available to his Department remains sufficient to meet requirements in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27447/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence, published in 2015, sets out the roles that Government have assigned to the Defence Forces and the associated capability requirements.
The total budget allocation for the Defence and Army Pensions Votes in 2016 is €906m. This allocation allows the Defence Forces to deliver on all their assigned roles, both at home and overseas, and also facilitates ongoing investment in essential equipment and infrastructure, as identified and prioritised in the White Paper.
995. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress to date in respect of proposed recruitment to the Defence Forces; the way in which each branch of the Defence Forces is likely to benefit from the recruitment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27449/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 31 July 2016, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,025, comprising 7,233 Army, 718 Air Corps and 1,074 Naval Service, whole time equivalent personnel.
The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. In line with HR policy there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force due to the requirement to maintain a lower age profile. Targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels.
The current General Service recruitment campaign, which was launched on 13 April 2016, envisages an intake of approximately 600 General Services Recruits in 2016. The Military Authorities have advised that 282 General Service Recruits have been enlisted to date in 2016, with a further 320 recruits to be enlisted by year end. Plans have been put in place to continue this phased General Service recruitment in 2017, in a manner designed to reach the established strength figure.
In relation to the officer cadre, a total of 97 Cadetships were awarded following the 2016 competition, comprising of 68 Army, 2 Equitation School, 12 Air Corps and 15 Naval Service Cadetships. These Cadets commenced training this month in the Defence Forces Cadet School. This is the highest Cadet intake in the history of the State.
Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled. An Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technician competition was launched on 9 August 2016, from which it is planned to enlist 25 Apprentice Aircraft Technicians. A Direct Entry competition is also ongoing to induct suitably qualified applicants as Officers in the Operations Branch, Marine Engineer Branch and Electrical Engineer Branch of the Naval Service.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, it is intended to retain the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
996. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of introducing a minimum wage of €12, €13, €14 or €15 an hour for all employees under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27777/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra997. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost to introduce a minimum weekly gross wage of €480, €500, €520, €560 or €600 for all full-time employees under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27786/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 996 and 997 together.
The Defence Organisation includes military personnel, civilian employees attached to military installations and civil servants.
The pay structures and conditions of service of members of the Permanent Defence Force contain professional and technical remuneration elements in addition to allowances in the nature of pay which reflect the unique aspects of military life both at home and abroad. As such, the non-standard time and attendance patterns of military personnel and the rates of remuneration associated with a wide spectrum of duties undertaken by such military personnel can vary across the different branches of the Defence Forces and, consequently, does not facilitate the general application of a threshold rate of pay.
In respect of civilian employees attached to military installations and civil servants it has not been possible in the time available to compile the information requested by the Deputy. The information is being gathered and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
