Written Answers Nos. 830-845
830. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures his Department plans to take to address the disparity in pay for new recruits whose weekly pay is under €300; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9621/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector.
You will be aware that the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) currently define the pay policy for public servants. I can advise that PDFORRA (Representative Association) have yet to ballot their members in relation to the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement). I understand that PDFORRA raised a number of issues arising from the Haddington Road Agreement, on which it sought clarification in advance of finalising their position on entering into the Lansdowne Road Agreement. These are primarily issues of interpretation and technical issues on the savings to be achieved under the Haddington Road Agreement rather than substantive issues of principle.
PDFORRA members are complying fully with all of their obligations under the public service pay agreements and the commitments they entered into in those agreements. PDFORRA has not repudiated the LRA.
Officials from the Department of Defence, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and PDFORRA have been actively working through these issues in a positive and collaborative process within the C&A Scheme over recent months. The Workplace Relations Commission facilitated discussions between representatives of the parties on 17 February, 2017. The Commission noted that the parties agreed the parameters under which they will conclude their arrangements on pay, in tandem in the Public Sector discussions. These Public Sector discussions will take place in the context of the report of the Public Service Pay Commission and the negotiations on a successor to the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
The Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces. The Public Service Pay Commission is expected to report in Q2, 2017. Once this report is available, the Government intends to initiate negotiations on a successor to the Lansdowne Road Agreement ahead of Budget 2018 considerations. Future remuneration of Defence Forces personnel, including PDFORRA members, will be dealt with within this process.
831. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts being made to reinstate the 24-hour duty payment to Defence Forces personnel that was cut from €40 to €20. [9622/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. In this regard, the level of remuneration in the Defence sector has maintained relativity with the levels available in other related public sector employments. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-201 5 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-201 8 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy.
In the Haddington Road Agreement (Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016) the Government reaffirmed its commitment that public service pay and any related issues would not be revisited over the lifetime of that Agreement, subject to compliance with the terms of the Agreement. Crucially, there was no cut to the basic pay of any enlisted personnel under the Agreement. Of the measures applying to the Defence Forces in the Haddington Road Agreement, the following may apply to enlisted personnel depending on their duties:
- Incorporation of duties attracting Technical Group 1 pay into standard duties for new enlisted personnel.
- Flat rating Security Duty Allowance and related payments at the standard weekday rate.
- A 10% Reduction in certain Defence Forces Allowances.
- Voluntary buyout of Border Duty Allowance for enlisted personnel.
- Implementation of additional incremental points in pay scales for new enlisted personnel post 01 July 2013.
In terms of remuneration going forward, the new Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces.
832. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the out-of-barracks payment paid to Defence Forces personnel will be reinstated; and his views on criticism over the time being taken to process subsistence payments. [9623/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector. In this regard, the level of remuneration in the Defence sector has maintained relativity with the levels available in other related public sector employments. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy.
Parties to the Haddington Road Agreement (Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016) noted that the Government intended to review travel and subsistence arrangements for the public Service and agreed to full co-operation with the review and the implementation of a standardised system of travel and subsistence across the Public Service. It was agreed between the parties that the best way to approach the review was through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for Civil Service and any agreement reached would then be applied across other parts of the Public Service.
Following agreement, on the 23 April 2015 the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform issued circular 05/2015 implementing revisions for civil servants. By way of letter to this Department, dated the 15 May 2015 from Department of Public Expenditure and Reform the revisions were to be applied to the Defence Force Personnel with effect from 1 July 2015. The Department made the necessary arrangements and the revised Travel and Subsistence regime was introduced.
Subsequently PDFORRA (Representative Association) raised a number of issues of clarification. As these outstanding issues are currently being resolved with in the C&A Scheme it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
I am advised by officials that they are not aware of any criticism over the timeframe being taken to process subsistence payments. One aspect of the payment of subsistence in a timely manner is dependent on the correct information being set out on the claim. Claims are validated against the appropriate procedure. In some circumstances where additional information/ original receipts is required, this may result in the processing of the payment being delayed until the matter is clarified. Staff of the Department often act in a guidance role providing claimants with information regarding what they need to provide in order for a claim to be processed and for payment to issue in a timely manner.
833. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of duty pay allowances given to Defence Forces personnel to pay for rations; and if his Department, or the military authorities, have been made aware of concerns regarding the quality of meals provided to Defence Forces personnel. [9624/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that the Department is not aware of any duty pay allowance given to Defence Forces personnel to pay for rations.
However, I am advised that Security Duty Allowance (SDA) is paid in respect of a wide range of security duties on which personnel are detailed to perform outside of normal duty hours. This includes Aid to the Civil Power duties and all duties necessary for security of military barracks/installations, including 24 hour and weekend duties.
Where personnel are rostered for an armed 24 hour security duty, which confines the individual inside a barracks/installation for a defined period in order to perform the 24 hour security task there is a requirement to ensure that personnel have the necessary calorie level intake over the 24 hour. Therefore Defence Force Personnel are entitled to avail of catering while engaged on security duties.
I am advised that no issues have been officially raised with the Military Authorities with regard to the food quality within 1 Brigade, 2 Brigade, Defence Force Training College or the Naval Service. However, I am advised that the Air Corps Headquarters have confirmed to the Department that a small number of minor local issues have arisen in relation to the food available in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, such as menu choice. However, Air Corps Headquarters have confirmed that all available measures are being examined in order to remedy the local issues identified with immediate effect. I can confirm that the Military Authorities are not aware of any issues in relation to the quality of the food sourced and supplied by external suppliers.
834. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel whose homes have been repossessed in the past five years; and his views on the difficulties faced by military personnel whose poor credit rating and reliance on moneylenders can be directly attributed to cuts in pay and entitlements. [9625/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not hold information in relation to the number of Defence Forces personnel whose homes have been repossessed in the past five years or hold information in relation to the credit ratings of Defence Forces personnel as these would be a private matters between the individual and the relevant financial institution. The Government is however making every effort, within available resources, to support all those who face hardship. In addition, there are various schemes in place through the Department of Social Protection, including Family Income Supplement, to support those on low incomes. The important thing is that, despite the difficult economic environment we have witnessed over the last few years, the Government has maintained these important safety nets for families who by virtue of their particular circumstances require financial support.
In terms of remuneration going forward, the new Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces.
835. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide details of any reports commissioned by the Government into the anti-malaria drug Lariam; and if the findings of these reports will be made public. [9626/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Malaria Chemoprophylaxis Working Group was established in January 2011 and reported in April 2013. The Group was re-convened in August 2015.
The purpose of the Group is to review, inter alia, issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation. In addition, the Group was tasked with reviewing the use of the drug Primaquine as part of the overall medical treatment process for those deployed to malarious areas.
As with the Group's original report, the current report is being produced in the context of current and potential litigation and is, therefore, legally privileged. I can confirm that the Group is investigating various allegations surrounding the use of Lariam and has obtained advice from leading medical experts.
836. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way his Department is responding to a climate survey that was carried out in 2016 and which showed low morale among Defence Forces personnel, whose reduced take-home pay is not enough to pay for the significantly increased travelling costs due to relocation following the closure of several barracks in recent years. [9627/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 in the third and most recent Report of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG). A similar survey was conducted in 2008 and in line with that 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. 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. While there are areas of concern raised by the survey which need to be addressed, there were also many positive sentiments expressed in relation to the commitment of personnel to the values of the Organisation, high levels of work satisfaction, pride in the Organisation and positive views on culture and peer support.
The responses to the issues raised in the Climate Survey resulted in the formulation of an Action Plan which is being led by the Chief of Staff and involves engagement by all levels of management within the Defence Forces communicating effectively and knowledgeably with the personnel working to them. I have met with the Representative Associations to hear their views and concerns in relation to the Report. It was agreed at that meeting that the Representative Associations would be fully engaged in the response to the Report and the proposed action plan through the IMG Framework where they can put forward their views on appropriate responses.
The initiatives in the Action Plan included the conducting of additional Focus Group Surveys in order to provide further information on conditions within the Defence Forces, the implementation of White Paper projects relating to Human Resource issues, the continuation and improvement of Exit Surveys, the improvement of the Defence Forces internal communications plan and the adoption of an integrated competency framework. The conduct of Focus Groups will provide for the collection and analysis of qualitative data to complement and further inform the quantitative nature of the Climate Survey findings.
A total of seventy three (73) Focus Groups have recently been conducted throughout the Defence Forces. The Focus Groups were grouped by rank, based on the findings of the Climate Survey research and were held at every permanently occupied Post and Barracks in the Defence Forces and in UNDOF on the Golan Heights. A very significant volume of raw data has been gathered for analysis. The University of Limerick (UL) researchers have indicated that Focus Group analysis will be provided in Quarter 2/3 2017.
Despite the challenges facing the Organisation, I believe that we now have the structures in place to not alone address low morale in the Defence Forces but to deliver a more effective, energetic and sustainable Organisation into the future.
837. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the military authorities were first made aware of the health and safety issues at Casement Aerodrome; the way in which these concerns were communicated to the authorities; if they were passed on to him; and the action that was taken in respect of these disclosures. [9628/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra838. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to other health and safety reports done by or for the Air Corps since the 1990s, which highlighted breaches of health and safety procedures at Casement Aerodrome; and the way in which the recommendations in these reports were actioned. [9629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra840. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the eight phases that are being implemented to improve health and safety at Casement Aerodrome. [9631/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 837, 838 and 840 together.
The Deputy will recall that these issues were raised during oral parliamentary questions on 15 February 2017. In my reply, I advised the Deputy that I would make enquiries with the military authorities. I have since written to the Chief of Staff in this regard and, I will revert to the Deputy in due course.
839. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason, when the HSA inspected Casement Aerodrome on 4 February, 5 April and 28 September 2016, authorities waited until 21 October 2016 before taking action to implement the HSA's recommendation. [9630/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I outlined to the Deputy in my response to his parliamentary question on 15 February 2017, the military authorities have advised me that there was no delay in relation to the Air Corps' response to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) Report.
As recognised in the HSA report of October, 2016, the Air Corps had already commenced activities of improvement and were proactive in implementing change before, during and after the engagement with the HSA.
841. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason it took from November 2015, when his Department first received a protected disclosure relating to the Air Corps, until July 2016 to appoint an independent reviewer to examine breaches of health and safety at Casement Aerodrome. [9632/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra842. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he expects the independent reviewer to complete the report into health and safety at Casement Aerodrome; if he will publish the report and all other internal reports to his Department pertaining to this matter; and if he will ensure full public disclosure on this matter. [9633/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra845. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the concerns of whistleblowers regarding the impartiality of a person (details supplied) who was appointed as independent assessor to investigate health. [9636/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 841, 842 and 845 together.
Three disclosures in respect of health and safety issues in the Air Corps, made under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, were received in November 2015, December 2015 and January 2016. Certain of the issues raised in the protected disclosures relate to ongoing litigation and in that context, legal advice was sought on how best to progress and deal with the material received. In addition, the nature of the issues raised crossed issues of compliance with legislation, personnel issues and matters relating to technical management. Therefore, it was important to identify an appropriate individual to carry out the review of the allegations contained in the disclosures.
Having regard to the foregoing, a person was appointed to undertake the review at the earliest opportunity. Unfortunately, this individual was not ultimately in a position to carry out the review. I immediately moved to appoint an alternative third party to carry out the independent review and I am satisfied with the progress of the review since then and I look forward to receiving a final report in the near future. The question of the publication or otherwise of the final report will be addressed once I receive same but I can assure the Deputy that any recommendations contained in the final report will be acted upon to ensure the safety of the men and women of the Air Corps.
I am fully satisfied with regard to the impartiality of the independent person appointed to investigate the allegations made in the protected disclosures to which the Deputy refers.
843. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the findings of the 2013 review into the safety management system at Casement Aerodrome; and if he will publish the recommendations of the review and the way in which the recommendations were implemented. [9634/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn August 2013, the Air Corps commissioned a review of its Safety Management System. A report entitled "Irish Air Corps Safety Management Review" was completed in November 2013 and it contained a number of recommendations. The following table indicates those recommendations which have been completed or are in the progress of being completed.
|
Recommendations |
Status |
|
The GOC sets-up an annual Risk Assessment Review Board to re-examine all records of risk acceptance to assess the validity of the risk assessment and mitigating measures. The Risk Assessment Review Board shall be chaired by the GOC or a suitable delegate. |
Completed |
|
The GOC revises policies related to risk acceptance within the Irish Air Corps so proper risk mitigation be documented as appropriate and residual risk accepted at an equivalent level. |
Completed |
|
The GOC indicates in Operations Orders the risk index assigned to the operation/exercise. If the risk is assessed as being above Acceptable Level of Safety Performance then the Operations Orders shall indicate the mitigating measures in force and stipulate by name, rank and position the officer who is accepting the risk during the exercise/operation. |
Completed |
|
The GOC ensures safety specialists receive appropriate training in SMS related to safety programs, standards and safety expectations. |
Completed |
|
The GOC with the Internal Safety Management System Officer develops and endorses an organisational policy outlining in simple terms the duty of employees to report mandatory and near-miss events through the guiding principles of 'Just Culture'. The policy should articulate what are reportable safety occurrences, the obligation to report and the implications of not reporting. |
Completed |
|
The GOC stresses and develops policies outlining the obligation of personnel towards safety reporting, stressing the personal obligation to report near misses and the liabilities associated with failing to do so. |
Completed |
|
The GOC mandates the Internal Safety Management System Officer to organise one major Emergency Response Plan exercise per year, alternating between a command post exercise and a realistic simulation testing the full capabilities of the Emergency Response Plan. |
Completed |
|
The GOC promulgates the Irish Air Corps Emergency Response Plan and ensures the plan is reviewed periodically. |
Completed |
|
The GOC liaises with Department of Defence to put in place common procedures for the documentation of hazards and management of risks. |
Completed |
|
The GOC revises the Sortie Risk Assessment Form to ensure appropriate hazard identification and risk quantification before each sortie and that sortie risk be accepted by an appropriate command authority if risk is above Acceptable Level of Safety Performance. |
Completed |
|
The GOC reviews SRAFs for suitability and puts in place processes for the proper transfer of accountability |
Completed |
|
The ISMSO, or in his/her absence, the Air Corps Flight Safety Officer should conduct a random review of High Risk Sortie Risk Assessment Forms to ensure standardisation between units and enhancement of processes. |
Completed |
|
The GOC consolidates Quality Assurance audits to minimise impact on units and centralise the follow-up on corrective measures. |
Completed |
|
The GOC or appointed senior officer acting on his behalf oversees an IAC safety committee responsible to review safety policies, safety actions, safety concerns and standards within the Corps. The committee should also monitor other activities having an impact on safety like risk assessments, intelligence, and future flight data following, and Flight Data Monitoring programs etc. |
Completed |
|
The GOC conducts a thorough risk assessment of strategic threats and implements suitable mitigating measures. |
Completed |
|
The GOC takes steps to qualify a cadre of personnel in risk assessment and put together a program to familiarise personnel with risk assessments. The training shall be widespread in the Corps to include Unit Flight Safety Officers, authorisers, unit commanders and key members of the Senior Management Team. |
In Progress |
|
The GOC puts in place a communication strategy to create a positive safety climate and inform personnel on strategic plans to counter threats to the Irish Air Corps. |
In Progress |
|
The GOC designates on an interim basis suitable facilities that will be used as Corps HQ for the control of a complex emergency situation and considers the creation of a suitable permanent facility |
In Progress |
The report also contained additional recommendations which are being considered in the context of a wider project to set out options for an Air Safety System within the Defence Organisation. A joint civil/military working group has been tasked with responsibility for this and a project plan has been developed and is currently being progressed. Those recommendations are set out in the following table.
|
Additional Recommendations |
|
The GOC in consultation with the Air Corps Flight Safety Officer instigates a program of safety communications to enhance organisational safety knowledge, understanding and feedback using 'Just Culture' as primary building block |
|
The GOC develops processes for the conduct of independent safety investigations involving key personnel within a unit/wing/Corps for events where the reputation of the Irish Air Corps Safety Program could be affected if the investigation was conducted internally |
|
The GOC puts in place processes to audit the Corps Headquarters functions. |
|
The GOC seeks legal expertise to assess regulatory obligations of implementing an Irish Air Corps Safety Management System. |
|
The GOC formally puts in place an Irish Air Corps Safety Management System by appointing an Internal Safety Management System Officer who would facilitate on his behalf a common and standardised Safety Management System Program. This Internal Safety Management System Officer should not hold other positions or responsibilities that may conflict or impair his/her independent role as Safety Manager. |
|
The GOC reviews the control processes related to executive decisions made on safety recommendations, tracking to completion and analysis of their effectiveness of preventive measures. |
|
The GOC articulates clearly the responsibilities of the different safety programs and the associated safety officers. |
|
The GOC engages in a process with the Department of Defence and Military Police for the production and enforcement of a Military Aviation Protocol for dealing with safety occurrences involving human error. The guiding principles of 'Just Culture' shall offer protection against prosecution for self-reporters whilst also enabling prosecution of personnel where wilful acts are committed. |
|
The GOC considers the creation of a liaison cell in the Department of Defence Headquarters to ensure proper alignment of policies, doctrine, operations, personnel and safety. The cell to be effective shall be manned by a promising senior officer of the Irish Air Corps with an equivalent staff capable of representing the views of the GOC and the Irish Air Corps to the Higher Headquarters. |
844. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to other branches of the Defence Forces reviewing their risk assessment protocols for personnel handling hazardous materials, in view of the seriousness of health and safety standards at Casement Aerodrome. [9635/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently wrote to the Chief of Staff in relation to the issue of health and safety in the Air Corps wherein I requested an appraisal on this issue in so far as the wider Defence Forces organisation is concerned.
