Lisa Chambers
Ceist:66. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to bring Baldonnel air traffic control up to full operational capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7343/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAir Corps Operations
Ceisteanna (66)
Freagraí scríofa
The Air Corps is responsible for the provision of air navigation services in areas of Irish airspace designated for use by the Defence Forces including the management of air traffic at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Air Corps is currently experiencing shortages of trained air traffic control (ATC) personnel. While a plan is in place to return a full level of air traffic control services in Baldonnel which includes ongoing training of ATC personnel, the Department is also in the process of identifying options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of ATC services in Baldonnel.
An ATC Captain to Commandant Competition was recently concluded and further targeted recruitment from within the ranks of the Defence Forces will continue in 2017 to address the current shortages.
I have previously advised the Deputy that, at the request of the military authorities, an appropriately qualified individual with significant ATC experience will provide mentorship to certain ATC personnel in Baldonnel. The Irish Aviation Authority has been approached to second an appropriate individual. Agreement, in principle, is in place and this mentorship is expected to commence in the near future.
Health Insurance Community Rating
Ceisteanna (67)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:67. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the Health Insurance Authority consultation paper with respect to lifetime community rating and its application to Defence Forces personnel; if he has made any representations to the Minister for Health on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7344/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the deputy is no doubt aware, Lifetime Community Rating (LCR) Regulations, S.I. No. 312 of 2014, became applicable with effect from 1 May 2015. Lifetime Community Rating introduced a late entry loading on health insurance premiums for those aged 35 and older taking out private health insurance for the first time. No loading is applied to an insured person if, on 1 May 2015, the person had a continuous period of cover in an in-patient indemnity health insurance scheme prior to that date. The primary purpose of introducing Lifetime Community Rating is to encourage people to purchase private health insurance at a younger age.
The regulation governing the Lifetime Community Rating loadings applies equally to all citizens of the State irrespective of the nature of any health care provided by their employer. It is a matter, therefore, for each citizen to decide whether they wish to take out private health insurance in order to avoid additional loadings for taking out insurance after the age of 34.
Commissioned Officers are currently provided with private health care by the State, i.e., they can be referred by the Defence Forces for private/semi-private treatment in civilian hospitals or private consultants’ rooms, where it is deemed necessary.
Meetings have been held between officials of my Department and the Department of Health on 30 April 2015 and 8 January 2016 to discuss the position of Defence Forces personnel with regard to the Lifetime Community Rating regulations. The Department of Health considers that the arrangements in place for Defence Forces personnel do not comply with health insurance legislation or its key principles of community rating, open enrolment, lifetime cover and minimum benefit. The Department of Health has forwarded to the Health Insurance Authority the concerns relating to members of the Defence Forces regarding Lifetime Community Rating.
The Health Insurance Authority, the statutory regulator for the Irish private health insurance market, has commenced a review of the operation of the Lifetime Community Rating regulations. It has invited submissions from stakeholders and interested parties via a consultation paper. The concerns relating to members of the Defence Forces have been included in the consultation paper. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 3 March 2017.
I welcome the fact that the Health Insurance Authority has issued the consultation paper. I can confirm that my Department will be making a submission to the Health Insurance Authority as part of the review process reflecting the position of the Defence Organisation.
Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 50.
Defence Forces Reserve
Ceisteanna (69)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:69. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to launch a recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7333/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A rolling recruitment campaign for the RDF General Service was launched in September 2015. As of 31 December, 2016 there were a total of 5,891 applicants (of which 726 were female) as follows: Army Reserve – 5,120 applicants (of which were 579 female); and Naval Service Reserve – 771 applicants (of which 147 were female).
The Defence Forces will continue to process applicants from this campaign through the various competition stages.
The Defence Forces are reviewing the 2015/2016 RDF Competition and as part of this process are examining the competition model to be used in 2017. I am informed that a new Reserve Recruitment Campaign is planned for Q3 2017.
As the Deputy will be aware, a key challenge is to recruit, train and retain sufficient personnel to meet the reserve establishment provided for in the White Paper. It is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of both PDF and RDF recruitment so as to deliver the desired effects in terms of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned by Government and to advance the single-force structure. However, within that framework and having regard to the training capacity of the Defence Forces, I am anxious to accelerate the rate of recruitment to the RDF.
Naval Service Operations
Ceisteanna (70)
Clare Daly
Ceist:70. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the hugely successful Naval Service rescue mission in the Mediterranean was scaled back over the most dangerous winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7338/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following Government Decisions on 12 May 2015 and 6 April 2016, Irish Naval Vessels were deployed to the Mediterranean from May to November 2015 and from May to December 2016 to assist the Italian Authorities with the migrant crisis.
The number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea in both 2015 and 2016 was higher during these months when weather conditions were more favourable to make the journey. Irish participation in the humanitarian mission in 2015 and 2016 resulted in the rescue of over 15,600 migrants. The deployment of Irish Naval vessels during these months, when the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean was at its highest, was the most effective use of limited resources.
Decisions in relation to the deployment of Defence Forces contingents overseas are considered on the basis of capacity to achieve the mission mandate, resource availability and sustainability. The Naval Service operation in the Mediterranean is considered in the context of existing demands on the Naval Service having regard to their domestic role in fishery protection and as the principle seagoing agency of the State. As the Deputy will appreciate, within a defined resource envelope, an appropriate balance must be struck between the domestic operational demands on the Naval Service and potential overseas deployments. On the basis of such considerations, in 2016, it was decided to deploy three vessels to the Mediterranean for tours of approximately 12 weeks each, similar to that which was deployed in 2015.
The question of deployment to the operation in the Mediterranean in 2017 is currently being considered in the context of the ongoing situation in the Mediterranean and the overall EU response thereto, the demands on the Defence Forces, our overseas commitments and available resources.
Defence Forces Properties
Ceisteanna (71, 76)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:71. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to develop a schools campus on his Department's lands. [7098/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:76. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the assistance he will provide to the three schools located in the Curragh Camp to bring their conditions up to an acceptable level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7097/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 76 together.
While the provision of schools is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills in the first instance I will of course consider any proposals regarding the development of schools on Department lands which are no longer required for military use. As well as enabling the provision of new schools such a proposal would result in the existing schools being removed from the Camp which would assist with the ongoing refurbishment and modernisation of the Camp facilities.
There are currently three schools operating within the Curragh Camp, the Post Primary School, the Curragh Boys National School and the Curragh Girls School.
The maintenance and upkeep of the schools are a matter for the Department of Education And Skills.
Air Corps Strength
Ceisteanna (72)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:72. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the progress made with filling personnel vacancies in the Air Corps which are urgently required for the transport service for transplant patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7101/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Equipment
Ceisteanna (73)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to be upgraded in terms of military equipment and transport, including aircraft, sea-going vessels and road and land vehicles; the extent to which such equipment remains in line with best practice internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7348/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me, and the White Paper on Defence recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning priorities planning process.
In this regard, Budget 2017 secured a capital spending allocation of €74 million, representing an increase of €7 million on the 2017 Defence allocation contained in the 2016-21 capital investment programme. This allocation will facilitate the investment necessary to ensure that the Defence Forces have the equipment and infrastructure to deliver on all their roles as set out in the White Paper.
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 both at home and overseas. There is focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles, and in this regard a maintenance and upgrade programme has commenced for the current fleet of 80 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet out to 2030. A small number of armoured logistical and utility vehicles are also being procured for force protection.
The Air Corps will see the Cessna fleet replaced with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The aircraft specification is currently being prepared and it is expected that the tender competition will be initiated and advertised on the e-tenders website in the near future. The two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft are due for replacement in 2019. The CASAs will be replaced with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft to enhance maritime surveillance and to provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks.
The current Naval Service Ship replacement programme has already seen the replacement of three Naval Service vessels. The White Paper underpins the ongoing replacement of the Naval Service fleet. An agreement was reached in June 2016 for the provision of an additional ship for the Naval Service to be built to the same specifications as the three newest vessels. This ship is scheduled for delivery in mid 2018. Future Naval Service capabilities are being planned as part of the White Paper project planning process which will determine the Defence Organisation’s maritime capability requirements.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will continue to ensure that the Defence Forces is suitably equipped, in line with international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 42.
Defence Forces Recruitment
Ceisteanna (75)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:75. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to initiate a new recruitment campaign for the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7332/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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, as of the 31 December, 2016 was 9,126 personnel, comprising: - Army: 7,332 personnel, - Naval Service: 1,090 personnel and - Air Corps: 704 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.
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).
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.