Wednesday, 15 Feb 2017

Written Answers Nos. 307-317

Air Corps Operations

Ceisteanna (307)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

307. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he has taken to increase the capacity of the Air Corps in view of the fact that eight cadets are in training and ten are retiring in 2017 and that already there is such a shortfall that the Air Corps cannot fulfil its obligations regarding air patient transfer for children from Our Lady's Hospital Crumlin awaiting heart and liver transplants in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7770/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The HSE’s Aeromedical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of transport arrangements for paediatric organ transplant transfers to the UK. Air transport for these patients is currently provided in three ways: Air Corps fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft; Irish Coast Guard rotor-wing aircraft; and private air ambulance providers.

As one of the components of the Defence Forces, the Air Corps contributes to all roles assigned by Government including responsibilities relating to the provision of Aid to the Civil Power and maritime security tasks. Like other elements of the Defence Forces, the Air Corps also undertakes other roles in accordance with agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

In this context, the Department of Defence has an SLA with the Department of Health and the HSE for the Air Corps to use its fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to transport patients and medical teams between hospitals within Ireland and abroad, on an as available basis. In accordance with the SLA, this availability is dependent upon the availability of suitable aircraft, the availability of flying crews and the suitability of weather conditions. The terms of the SLA do not provide for the Air Corps to deliver a dedicated, 24/7 transport service.

This approach was maintained in the White Paper on Defence (2015) which stated that the Air Corps will continue to provide an emergency inter-hospital transfer service in support of the HSE on an as available basis. This means that fixed or rotary wing aircraft are not required to be on standby for this purpose. However, if such aircraft and personnel are available when requested for a mission, they can be deployed.

I can confirm that the level of availability of Air Corps aircraft for inter-hospital transfer tasks has reduced. This is largely because the Air Corp has experienced retirements of highly experienced personnel which is outstripping the recruitment and training of replacement personnel. This has led to a shortage of experienced pilots which has reduced the number of available flying crews. Due to these crew shortages, aircraft availability for the inter-hospital air ambulance service is reduced.

Every effort is being made to address the H.R. challenges for the Defence Forces. In the case of the Air Corps, there are 28 cadets, in 3 classes, undergoing the various stages of the Air Corps cadetship to become pilots. In addition, targeted recruitment will continue in 2017. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has been launched. Promotions from this competition will commence in Q3 2017.

My officials will continue to keep the Department of Health and the HSE fully informed of the situation in the Air Corps. The Department of Health, the HSE, the Department of Defence and other key stakeholders are working together to optimise availability of air transport within current arrangements and to identify longer term options.

Defence Forces Recruitment

Ceisteanna (308)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which promotional vacancies remain to be filled in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7755/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service personnel, as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. I am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 31 December 2016 was 9,126 personnel, comprising 7,332 Army, 704 Air Corps and 1,090 Naval Service, whole time equivalent.

The table outlines the establishment, strength and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 December 2016, based on the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.

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.

Plans are being put in place to run a new General Service recruitment competition in the coming weeks. The intake of Cadets into the Permanent Defence Force is normally carried out on an annual basis, taking into consideration the operational requirements of the Defence Forces and the resource envelope allocated to Defence. It is planned to launch the 2017 Cadetship competitions shortly. Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled. General Service recruitment and recruitment of further apprentices is also planned for 2017.

I am advised by the military authorities that their planned target is to induct approximately 860 new entrants to the Defence Forces across all services and competition streams in 2017. In 2016, 690 new entrants were inducted (590 General Service and 100 Cadets). 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, has been launched. Promotions from the Order of Merit Lists from this competition will commence in Q3 2017.

In addition, targeted recruitment will continue in 2017 so as to maintain the serving strength at or close to 9,500 personnel. It is my intention that promotion, along with targeted recruitment, will continue to be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.

=	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	3 4	110	257	306	167	29	32	115	169	973	1,438	3,880
Army Strength	1	2	6	3 2	104	256	260	138	29	31	93	155	846	1,349	4,030
Vacancies by Rank	0	0	0	2	6	1	46	29	0	1	22	14	127	89	-150
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	32	49	22	8	3	55	12	110	151	246*
Vacancies by Rank	0	0	0	0	2	4	16	26	0	1	1	2	21	32	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	34	6	7	68	13	173	129	544 *
Vacancies by Rank	0	0	0	2	0	-6	32	7	0	0	7	2	53	51	-142
Total Vacancies by Rank	0	0	0	2	8	-1	94	62	0	2	30	18	201	172	-214

* Figures include 107 Army Cadets, 26 Air Corps Cadets and 27 Naval Service Cadets.

There are an additional 72 personnel on career breaks/secondment, who are not included in the strengths in the above table.

Note: Equivalent Naval Service Ranks Brigadier 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.

Defence Forces Reserve Training

Ceisteanna (309)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

309. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the degree to which all members of the Reserve Defence Force have access to training on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7756/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The primary function of training and education in both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force is to develop and maintain capabilities necessary to enable personnel to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021. In addition the White Paper on Defence sets out a developmental path for the Reserve and confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the PDF in crisis situations.

For the current year, Subhead A.5 provides for a budget of €2.15 million in 2017 of which €2.068 million is allocated for a total of 26,000 Paid Training Mandays for members of the Reserve. Of this figure, 25,250 Mandays will provide a minimum of seven (7) days annual paid training for all effective members of the Reserve. It will also provide for fourteen (14) days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the Reserve in 2017 and provide for career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training. The remaining 750 Mandays are allocated to provide for Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA) business.

In order to facilitate the voluntary nature of Reserve Service, training continues to be organised both in and out of normal working hours and at weekends. Reserve training is also organised during academic and traditional holiday periods, in order to maximise attendance of Reserve personnel.

In the Army Reserve, recruits undergo varied training in areas such as combat first aid, military law and tactical training. A major part of Recruit training is training in the Steyr 5.56mm Assault Rifle. After recruit training is complete, personnel are then trained in the operation of basic radio communications, map reading, Nuclear, Biological & Chemical warfare defence and the Light Machine Gun. Each Corps also carries out specialist training in its particular field. For example, the Infantry and Cavalry Corps train in weapons and tactics and the Corps of Engineers train in engineering tasks, such as demolition, construction and mine warfare.

In the Naval Service Reserve, the two main courses undertaken as a recruit are Sea Survival and Damage Control & Fire Fighting. NSR personnel also undergo training in the operation of various crafts operated by the Naval Service, such as Motor Training Launches and Rigid Inflatable Boats. As in the Army Reserve, NSR personnel are trained in the use of the Steyr 5.56mm Assault Rifle. NSR personnel also receive full training in VHF Radios, including voice procedure at sea and operation of the VHF systems. Courses are also run for NSR personnel on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

I am satisfied that the extensive and professional training provided to the RDF is a key motivating factor which will encourage more people to join it.

Defence Forces Personnel Data

Ceisteanna (310)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

310. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of women currently serving in the Defence Forces; the number who have been promoted over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7757/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The current strength of Females serving in the Defence Forces is 571 personnel (Whole Time Equivalent figure at end January 2017). This represents 6.2% of the total strength of the Defence Forces. Of these, 127 are Commissioned Officers.

In the past 5 years there have been 207 instances of promotion amongst Female members of the Defence Forces. Since 2012, the number of Female Commissioned Officers promoted to a higher rank was 121 and there were a total of 86 promotions amongst Female enlisted personnel.

The Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties, and all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit.

Air Corps Equipment

Ceisteanna (311, 313)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

311. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which all military aircraft, fixed-wing and helicopters remain available and in operational order to the Air Corps in the event of emergency and search and rescue operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7758/17]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which all military vessels and equipment remain ready and in operational order in the event of emergency or rescue operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7760/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 313 together.

My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise.

With reference to Search and Rescue, the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations and a Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.

I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of emergencies and threats under constant review. On an ongoing basis I receive advice in this regard from the Chief of Staff and I am satisfied that every effort is put into maintaining the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including access to equipment and modern technologies and training to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their numerous roles both at home and overseas.

Defence Forces Deployment

Ceisteanna (312)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

312. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Irish troops currently serve overseas or are likely to so do in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7759/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

As of 1 February 2017, Ireland is contributing 587 Defence Forces personnel to 10 different missions throughout the world. In addition, personnel are deployed to a range of international organisations and National Representations.

The main overseas mission in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed is the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 379 personnel. Since 22 November 2016, when Ireland assumed the lead of the joint Battalion in UNIFIL from Finland, Ireland's contribution to UNIFIL was increased by some 150 personnel. Ireland is also contributing 136 personnel to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.

Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are shown in the table.

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.

The question of a deployment of further Naval Service vessels to the Mediterranean in 2017 is currently under consideration.

Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas

As of 1 st February 2017

1. UN MISSIONS

(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ - 30

UNIFIL 109th Infantry Battalion - 341

UNIFIL Sector West HQ - 8

(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria - 12

(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 - 1

UNDOF Staff Appointments (Camp Ziouani) - 5

UNDOF 54th Infantry Group (Camp Ziouani) -130

TOTAL - 535

UN MANDATED MISSIONS

(vii) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) - 6

(viii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) - 18

(ix) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo ) HQ - 12

TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS - 571

2. 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

3. EU MILITARY STAFF

Brussels - 4

4. 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 - 587

Question No. 313 answered with Question No. 311.

UN Missions

Ceisteanna (314)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the United Nations has paid for all deployments of Irish troops overseas in the past five years; the extent of any moneys outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7761/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

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 only 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 2012 are set out as follows.

2012	2013	2014	2015	2016
€9.2m	€8.5m	€6.1m	€10.6m	€12.9m

The amount received from the UN in 2016 included an amount of €3.6m which was received in settlement of a claim relating to costs associated with the withdrawal of equipment from the MINURCAT (Chad) mission in 2010.

The total amount outstanding from the UN at 31 December 2016 was €2.2m and this amount is expected to be received during 2017.

Defence Forces Strength

Ceisteanna (315)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps including Reserves; the degree to which the numbers have fluctuated, in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7762/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, comprising 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. As of the 31st December 2016, the strength of the PDF (whole-time equivalent) was 9,126.

Table 1 outlines the extent to which the whole-time equivalent strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps has fluctuated over the last five years.

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. Efforts are currently being directed at recruitment in order to return the Defence Forces to their approved establishment. Regular competitions are held for recruitment of enlisted personnel, cadets and other staff.

As of the 31st December 2016, the effective strength of the Reserve stood at 2,049 personnel.

Table 2 sets out the extent to which the effective strength of the Reserve has fluctuated over the last five years. In this regard, a reorganisation and review of the RDF in relation to the classification of active participation of reservists resulted in a reduction in effective numbers.

The 2015 White Paper on Defence sets out a developmental path for the Reserve. It also provides that the overarching establishment of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) is to be set at 4,169 personnel, consisting of 3,869 Army Reservists and for the expansion of the establishment of the four NSR Units from currently 200 personnel to 300.

A key challenge is to recruit and train sufficient personnel to meet the Reserve establishment provided in the White Paper. I am committed to accelerating induction into the Reserve, in tandem with expanded recruitment into the PDF.

Table 1 – PDF Strength Fluctuation

Year	Army	Naval Service	Air Corps	Total
2011	7650	997	791	9438
2012	7510	1058	791	9359
*2013	7434	1023	779	9236
2014	7457	1057	766	9280
2015	7309	1083	748	9140
2016	7332	1090	704	9126

* Strength figures from 2013 on are Whole Time Equivalents

Table 2 – RDF Strength Fluctuation

Year	Reserve Defence Force
2012	4978 *
2013	3655 *
2014	2302
2015	2280
2016	2049

* 2012 & 2013 – Due to the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force there is a significantly larger margin of error applicable to these figures.

Naval Service Operations

Ceisteanna (316)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Naval Service personnel have been involved in rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7763/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Irish Naval Service vessels began deployment on rescue mission in the Mediterranean Sea in 2015. Following a Government Decision on 12 May 2015, three Irish Naval Vessels, L.É. Eithne, L.É. Niamh and L.É. Samuel Beckett, were deployed to the Mediterranean between May and November 2015, to assist the Italian Authorities with the migrant crisis. During that period 8,592 people were rescued in the Mediterranean by Irish Naval Vessels.

The Government, on 6 April 2016, approved the return of an Irish Naval vessel to undertake humanitarian search and rescue tasks in the Mediterranean. From May to December 2016, three Naval vessels L.É. Róisín, L.É. James Joyce and L.É. Samuel Beckett were deployed to the Mediterranean. A total of 7,029 people were rescued by Irish Naval Vessels in 2016.

Irish participation in the humanitarian mission in 2015 and 2016 resulted in the rescue of over 15,600 migrants. The question of further deployment to the Mediterranean in 2017 is currently under consideration.

Defence Forces Deployment

Ceisteanna (317)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service or Air Corps can be deployed to assist the civic authorities in the event of a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7764/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. 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.

The Defence Forces retains a wide range of specialist skills which can be deployed in such circumstances, including for terrorist incidents. The Operations Directorate in Defence Forces Headquarters manages the necessary cross-service co-ordination in responding to both emergency and security issues. These arrangements have proved effective in all emergencies encountered to date.

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 co-ordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.

The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any security and other emergencies that may arise. Within the Defence Forces, both the Ordnance Corps and the Army Ranger Wing specialise in providing an immediate response to emergency incidents that might require their highly specialised capabilities. The Ordnance Corps consists of a number of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams which are on standby 24/7 to respond when a request for assistance is received from An Garda Síochána to deal with suspect devices. The Army Ranger Wing is an integral unit of the Defence Forces whose roles include provision of specialist ATCP support to An Garda Síochána. The need for a high level of preparedness to deal with any requests for Special Forces operations is inherent in the unit’s mission. Members are trained to the highest levels of motivation, physical fitness and skill at arms for their specialist role. The ARW is on standby 24/7 to be called upon to undertake duties in any part of the country. I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats under constant review. It is my priority as Minister with responsibility for Defence to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible.