James Lawless
Ceist:1722. Deputy James Lawless asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41310/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDefence Forces Deployment
Ceisteanna (1722)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by the military authorities that the selection of personnel for overseas deployment is based on the applicant being qualified for the appointment and on meeting general criteria in terms of the nature of the mission and general suitability.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the issue raised by the Deputy as the person named has invoked the Redress of Wrongs procedure in relation thereto.
Defence Forces Remuneration
Ceisteanna (1723)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:1723. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Army Ranger Wing applied for a pay rise in 2006 and that the application went to arbitration, in respect of which it was stated that the minimum pay rise was to be €50 per week backdated to 2006 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41358/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 27 September 2010 the Adjudicator under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force awarded an increase in the Army Ranger Wing allowance. This award was backdated to 1 June 2006.
The Adjudicator’s Findings cannot be implemented having regard to the provisions of Sections 2 and 5 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act 2009.
This adjudication is one of the outstanding adjudication findings covered under paragraph 1.16 of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014. Paragraph 5.3 of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018, known as the Lansdowne Road Agreement, states that “The Parties have agreed that any outstanding adjudications as referred to in paragraph 1.16 of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 will be reviewed jointly by the Parties prior to the expiry of this agreement.” The review mechanism is the subject of ongoing consideration in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
White Paper on Defence
Ceisteanna (1724)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:1724. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress to date and the indicative timeframe for completion of each of the 88 actions contained in the Government's White Paper on Defence. [41382/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The White Paper encompasses all work carried out by the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and Civil Defence. The 88 actions or projects which have been specifically identified are a subset of the totality of the work being carried out to implement the White Paper. Implementation of these specific actions will be carried out on a phased basis over a ten-year period. Implementation on a phased basis is necessary in order to reflect Programme for Partnership Government and Strategy Statement commitments, the related nature of some projects and resourcing implications. This process is being kept under review and will be subject to change as issues arise and other business dictates.
The White Paper actions are being implemented through the use of a project management framework. Civil/Military project teams are being established for each action as it is initiated. To date, 36 actions have been initiated. These actions cover a variety of areas and are at various stages of development. Each of the actions that have been initiated is being managed by a joint Civil/Military project team.
Progress on implementation will be reported on as part of the Annual Report and be comprehended within the development of the planned fixed cycle of defence reviews. A central aim of the implementation process is to ensure White Paper actions are fully embedded in the day-to-day business of the Defence Organisation. Updates on specific actions will be published in the normal manner through already existing channels across the ten-year implementation period.
UN Missions
Ceisteanna (1725, 1726)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:1725. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost incurred each year for the past ten years and the estimate for 2016 in respect of services to and participation in UN operations; the amount received from the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41879/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Fleming
Ceist:1726. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of funds received each year for each of the past ten years, including 2016, from the United Nations in respect of costs incurred assisting and co-operating with UN activities; the total amount outstanding at the end of 2016; if this amount is expected to be received; the place this figure is recorded in the national accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41880/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1725 and 1726 together.
The total costs in respect of pay and allowances, travel and subsistence and transportation of military personnel serving with United Nations missions over the period 2007 to 2016 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
€000 |
24,174 |
3,134 |
31,504 |
23,909 |
21,629 |
34,584 |
31,498 |
27,985 |
29,397 |
30,046 |
The UN reimburses some personnel and Contingent Owned Equipment costs in respect of contributions of personnel to UN led operations. Rates of reimbursement, fixed in accordance with UN categories of equipment and personnel, are agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the UN for each mission. The missions for which Ireland is currently entitled to reimbursement of some troop and equipment costs are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights. The timing of the receipt of reimbursements is dependent on the financial situation at the UN. Reimbursements are received in arrears.
The amounts received from the UN each year since 2007 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
€000 |
10,206 |
251 |
2,667 |
7,108 |
3,662 |
9,204 |
8,529 |
6,133 |
10,642 |
12,940 |
The total amount due from the UN at the end of 2016 is €2.2 m and this is expected to be received during 2017.
All receipts in respect of costs for the United Nations are recorded as Appropriations in Aid on the Vote 36 Defence Annual Appropriation Accounts. Net expenditure for Vote 36 is included in overall Government figures in the National Accounts statistics, compiled by the Central Statistics Office.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (1727)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:1727. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will outline all funding announcements made by him or by his Department for projects in County Mayo since January 2015, in tabular form; the details of each project; the status of each project at 31 December 2016; the amount of funding drawn down at 31 December 2016; and the reason for the delay in the project or funding draw-down. [1056/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Expenditure by my Department is mainly on pay and allowances, operational costs and capital investment across the Defence Forces. My Department does not provide funding on a geographic basis, with the limited exception of funding provided from the Defence Vote to local authorities in respect of Civil Defence and for the upgrade and development of military installations.
There was no funding provided from the Defence Vote for the upgrade and development of military installations for County Mayo for 2015 and 2016. The figures in relation to payments to Mayo County Council in respect of Civil Defence funding are presented in the following table:
Civil Defence Funding - Mayo
|
2015 |
Annual Operational Grant for Civil Defence |
€78,288 |
|
- |
Grant towards re-spray and signage of Toyota Landcruiser |
€3,000 |
|
2016 |
Annual Operational Grant for Civil Defence |
€82,370 |
|
- |
Grant towards purchase of Landrover Discovery |
€ 25,000 |
Defence Forces Ombudsman
Ceisteanna (1728)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:1728. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to accept the proposal by the Defence Forces Ombudsman to allow for consultation and interaction with his office at the investigation officer’s report stage, on either a formal or informal basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1068/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established as an independent statutory office, under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. The Ombudsman has full independence and autonomy in the discharge of his statutory functions. The function of the Ombudsman is to act as the ultimate point of appeal for, and administrative investigation into, complaints made by members and former members of the Defence Forces against another member or former member of the Defence Forces, or against a civil servant of the Department of Defence.
This is one of several proposals included in the 2015 Annual Report of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces which was published on 19 December 2016. My officials are considering all of the proposals set out in the Annual Report and my response to the Report will issue in due course.
I wish to acknowledge the efforts made by the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces to streamline procedures in his office and to introduce efficiencies to improve case progression. My officials, along with their military colleagues, will continue to work in a co-operative and open manner with the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces over the coming year in the discharge of his functions.
Departmental Records
Ceisteanna (1729)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:1729. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost per year for the past three years for the storage and archiving of his Department's files and records at off-site locations by third party companies and at State-owned storage facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1116/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The cost for the storage of Department of Defence records and archives for the past three years is set out in the following table, the figures in which are exclusive of VAT, which is payable at 23%:
|
Costs |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Storage |
€12,048.47 |
€12,162.01 |
€12,327.04 |
|
Archiving |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
These costs are paid by the Office of Public Works.
I am satisfied that the costs incurred in the storage of records for the Defence organisation are kept to a minimum while ensuring that such records are retained for the purposes of compliance with National Archives legislation.
Departmental Staff Remuneration
Ceisteanna (1730)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1730. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of full-time equivalent Civil Service workers in gross income ranges (details supplied) in his Department for each of the years 2007 to 2015. [1222/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table provides the number of full-time equivalent Civil Service workers in the Department of Defence in the gross income ranges sought by the Deputy for the years 2007-2015 inclusive:
|
Income Ranges |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
|
€0- €30,000 |
99.13 |
70.43 |
56.40 |
63.50 |
54.36 |
52.43 |
44.54 |
36.62 |
39.79 |
|
€30,000-€40,000 |
107.98 |
130.88 |
123.23 |
102.49 |
103.92 |
98.39 |
102.79 |
108.72 |
104.19 |
|
€40,000- €50,000 |
95.13 |
79.43 |
71.93 |
83.43 |
87.66 |
94.23 |
89.30 |
93.30 |
81.30 |
|
€50,000- €60,000 |
37.60 |
52.50 |
54.50 |
48.60 |
46.60 |
47.60 |
49.15 |
46.20 |
45.20 |
|
€60,000-€70,000 |
14 |
19.40 |
14.60 |
8.50 |
5.50 |
6.50 |
13.40 |
12.50 |
12.40 |
|
€70,000-€80,000 |
24.80 |
18.60 |
12.90 |
26.70 |
27.70 |
28.40 |
25.80 |
27.70 |
29.80 |
|
€80,000-€90,000 |
8 |
15.80 |
21.60 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
€90,000-€100,000 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
8 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
|
€100,000-€125,000 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
|
€125,000-€150,000 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Over €150,000 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Defence Forces Veterans
Ceisteanna (1731)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:1731. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason retired members of the Defence Forces are not entitled to the 1916 commemorative medal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1357/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the Programme for Government, it was proposed that a commemorative medal be awarded to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is being awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016.
The awarding of the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, both Permanent and Reserve, who have served during this centenary year of 2016. The medals were specially commissioned to mark the role the Defence Forces played in the centenary year. It serves to honour the central role of the Defence Forces across all seven strands of the Centenary Programme throughout 2016. They have played an essential role in our national commemorations, whether at the Commemoration at the GPO and the Parade on Easter Sunday, the ceremonies to mark the execution of the Leaders of the Rising or the formal delivery, to primary schools in the State, of our National Flag and a copy of the Proclamation.
I met with the Veterans Associations on 15 December last, and while I reiterated to them that there are no plans to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to Veterans, it was proposed that a further meeting be held between the Department and the Veterans' Associations to explore alternative means of recognition including the Department's existing proposal of issuing a commemorative plaque.
Defence Forces Contracts
Ceisteanna (1732)
Marc MacSharry
Ceist:1732. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the outcome of the review of upper service limits applying to Army personnel who enlisted after 1994; the criteria for continuance in service from 21 years onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1582/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware military life places unique physical and psychological demands on individuals and it is necessary that its members be physically and mentally prepared to meet the challenges of all military operations and to undertake their duties on deployment overseas. To this end, it is vital the age and health profile of personnel be such as to ensure that operational capability and effectiveness are not compromised in any way. A claim was received from Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA), for a further review of the terms of service applying to personnel enlisting in the Permanent Defence Force after 1 January 1994, as the first effects of this agreement, whereby Privates and Corporals may not serve beyond 21 years, would be felt by the Permanent Defence Force members in those ranks in 2015.
As it was not possible to reach full agreement in this matter, an adjudication hearing took place on 30 January 2015. The findings of the Adjudicator’s report were noted and the report was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 4 March 2015.
Officials in my Department are currently analysing issues arising in relation to the implementation of the findings of the Adjudicators report and recommending to me any necessary legislative changes in respect of the terms of service for Enlisted Personnel. Once an overall approach and policy position in this regard has been established, a Sub-Committee of Council, under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme, will be set up in order to agree the detailed way forward with the Representative Association, PDFORRA.
Defence Forces Retirements
Ceisteanna (1733)
Clare Daly
Ceist:1733. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the numbers of personnel seeking to be discharged from the Air Corps, Naval Service and the Army, per month, each month over the past year, and in total for each year from 2011 to 2015; and if he will provide an overview of the reasons. [1779/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables:
VOLUNTARY DISCHARGES 2016
|
2016 |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
|
ARMY |
11 |
17 |
22 |
24 |
28 |
27 |
17 |
23 |
23 |
15 |
53 |
20 |
|
NAVY |
2 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
1 |
11 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
|
AIR CORPS |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
VOLUNTARY DISCHARGES 2015-2011
|
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
|
|
ARMY |
168 |
159 |
123 |
166 |
101 |
|
NAVY |
46 |
36 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
|
AIR CORPS |
20 |
17 |
11 |
18 |
31 |
I am informed that many individuals who exit the Defence Forces do so voluntarily to take up other employment opportunities in the private or public sector. No records are kept of what career paths are followed by former members of the Defence Forces and on application for discharge they are under no obligation to divulge information on future plans for employment. The figures set out above include applications for voluntary discharge for such reasons as ‘on pension after 21 years’, ‘at own request’, ‘on termination of engagement’, ‘discharge by purchase of a recruit’ etc.
Defence Forces Personnel
Ceisteanna (1734)
Clare Daly
Ceist:1734. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to low morale in the Defence Forces and the reasons; and the steps taken to address the issues involved. [1780/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, a report of relevance to the question asked was recently published. The Defence Forces Climate Survey was published in 2016, its purpose being to inform consideration of the ongoing human resource and strategic needs of the Defence Forces. The Survey was commissioned on foot of a recommendation contained in the third and most recent Report of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG). A similar survey was conducted in 2008. In line with the 2008 Survey, approximately 11% of Defence Forces personnel were sampled on this occasion.
The key findings of the Survey are grouped under topics such as Work Life Balance, Peer Support, Organisational Justice (within the Organisation), Procedural Justice, Organisational Fairness, Defence Forces Integrity and Supervisory Justice. I have reviewed the Report in detail and have also received a briefing from the University of Limerick (UL) researchers who undertook the project.
The Survey findings clearly point to challenges for the Defence Forces, particularly in the areas of leadership, communication, organisational culture, the working environment and active management of personal expectations. However, many positives emanated from the Survey, especially in relation to the commitment of personnel to the values and mission of the Organisation, high levels of work satisfaction, pride in the Organisation and positive views on culture and work support. Indeed, the UL researchers point out that the findings of the Report and the recommendations are interconnected and caution should apply to reading any one particular finding in isolation.
The responses to the issues raised in the Report of the Climate Survey will be led by the Chief of Staff by way of an Action Plan which involves the engagement of all levels of management within the Organisation. Both RACO and PDFORRA were briefed by the UL researchers on their findings and conclusions. Following that briefing, I met with the Representative Associations to hear their views and listen to their concerns in relation to the Report. It was agreed at the meeting that the Representative Associations would be fully engaged in the response to the Report and proposed Action Plan through the IMG framework, where they could put forward their views on appropriate responses.
Follow up work to the initial findings in the Survey is being conducted by the UL researchers via focus groups. This is with a view to establishing qualitative elements behind the quantitative findings of the Climate Survey. The Representative Associations were involved in the preparatory phase for the Focus Groups. The conduct of the Focus Groups is due to conclude by the end of January with further feedback from the Researchers scheduled to be delivered in Q2 2017.
Commemorative Events
Ceisteanna (1735)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:1735. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent of supports offered to members of the Defence Forces on leaving or retiring from the forces; the length of time any support is extended to the persons involved; the amount of money allocated annually to such supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1848/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government reaffirms my Department’s commitment to providing support to ex-service personnel for the public service and contribution they have made to the State.
Training is an important element of a person’s military career. While its primary focus is to develop and maintain military capabilities, personnel have the opportunity to enhance their learning, acquire skills and to acquire externally recognised accreditations that may assist them in gaining employment and/or adjusting to civilian life upon retirement from the Defence Forces.
The Occupational Health Strategy for the Defence Forces comprises of Employee Assistance and Occupational Health Services. As part of the Employee Assistance Service, a confidential counselling, referral and support service for serving members of the Defence Forces is provided. The service provides up to 6 counselling sessions, as required, on a wide range of personal and work related issues, including but not limited to health, relationships, addictions, financial, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. Retiring Defence Forces personnel can complete up to the maximum of 6 sessions with the confidential counselling service where necessary and where contact has been made before they retire.
Defence Forces personnel who are due to retire have the option of attending a pre-retirement course and a “Transition to civilian life” course. As part of the pre-retirement course personnel receive advice and guidance on all aspects of retirement including changes and relationships, financial matters, health and time management. They also receive information about how others have dealt successfully with these life changes. The purpose of these courses is to enable them to anticipate the changes in their own lives and to ease the transition to civilian life.
The Department of Defence provides annual subventions to support and encourage the two officially recognised veteran groups, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.) and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). ONE is an organisation dedicated to looking after the welfare of ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces by way of providing accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter and other assistance that may be required. Membership of IUNVA is open to any person, serving or retired, who has successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation.
Defence Forces Veterans
Ceisteanna (1736)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:1736. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps taken by his Department to help former members of the Defence Forces to avoid becoming homeless (details supplied); the details his Department has on the incidence of homelessness among former members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1849/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issue of housing and homelessness is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. My Department does not have a housing budget and does not provide homes or accommodation for retired personnel. My Department does not hold details of the incidence of homelessness among former members of the Defence Forces. However, the Department has a service level agreement with the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.) and holds regular meetings to discuss issues that affect veterans. O.N.E. is dedicated to looking after the welfare of ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces by way of providing accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter and other assistance that may be required. O.N.E. is a limited company with charitable status.
O.N.E. has accommodation in Smithfield, Dublin (Brú na bhFiann with 30 places, average occupancy can range between 25 and 30 persons), Athlone (7 places, presently at full capacity with a waiting list of 5 persons), Letterkenny (7 places, with an average occupancy of 5-7 persons), a drop-in centre in Limerick, and an advice centre in Dundalk.
Any retired soldier, male or female, may contact the Smithfield centre directly and O.N.E. will assist by directing the person to other facilities within the Health Services, the local authority services, or offer a room if vacant, in Dublin, Athlone or Letterkenny.
The Department of Defence provides financial support by way of an annual subvention of €44,000 to the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.). The funding from my Department is provided to support the general overheads of the organisation and expressly not for the provision of services that are provided to citizens, including members of O.N.E., from other arms of the State. This covers housing, health, social assistance, etc. Dublin City Council continues to support, on an ongoing basis, the O.N.E. homeless initiative in Smithfield.
Commemorative Events
Ceisteanna (1737)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1737. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department will issue a special edition of the 1916 commemorative medal to all veterans and retired members of Óglaigh na hÉireann. [1934/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the Programme for Government, it was proposed that a commemorative medal be awarded to all Defence Forces personnel, Permanent and Reserve, who were recorded as being in service in the course of 2016. The 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is being awarded as a commemorative medal, personal to an individual’s service in the Defence Forces in the course of 2016.
The awarding of the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal is a special acknowledgement from the Government to the members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, both Permanent and Reserve, who have served during this centenary year of 2016. The medals were specially commissioned to mark the role the Defence Forces played in the centenary year. It serves to honour the central role of the Defence Forces across all seven strands of the Centenary Programme throughout 2016. They have played an essential role in our national commemorations, whether at the Commemoration at the GPO and the Parade on Easter Sunday, the ceremonies to mark the execution of the Leaders of the Rising or the formal delivery, to primary schools in the State, of our National Flag and a copy of the Proclamation.
I met with the Veterans Associations on 15 December last, and while I reiterated to them that there are no plans to award the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to Veterans, it was proposed that a further meeting be held between the Department and the Veterans' Associations to explore alternative means of recognition including exploring further the Department’s existing proposal of issuing a Commemorative plaque.
Military Aircraft Landings
Ceisteanna (1738)
Clare Daly
Ceist:1738. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total cost to the State of the Defence Forces performing aid to civil power duties for United States of America military aircraft landing at Shannon airport in 2016, including a monthly breakdown of the costs. [1958/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. 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 assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
Since 5 February 2003, the Garda has requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The cost of the presence of Defence Forces at Shannon Airport, performing aid to civil power duties for United States of America military aircraft landing at Shannon Airport in 2016 is set out in the following table:
|
Month |
Costs |
|
January |
€15,457.23 |
|
February |
€13,896.72 |
|
March |
€15,492.39 |
|
April |
€15,101.14 |
|
May |
€15,422.07 |
|
June |
€15,007.38 |
|
July |
€15,293.15 |
|
August |
€15,340.03 |
|
September |
€14,960.50 |
|
October |
€15,574.13 |
|
November |
€14,808.14 |
|
December |
€15,316.59 |
|
TOTAL |
€181,669.47 |
I am satisfied that there is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces ATCP roles.