Written Answers Nos. 846-857
846. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 15 February 2017, the reason the deployments were so high in April and October 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9651/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána issues a form C70 to the Defence Forces to request their assistance. Since 5 February 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. An increase in the number of Defence Forces deployments may occur for two reasons. Firstly, an increase in the number of requests from An Garda Síochána and secondly, the length of time an aircraft is on the ground. As a deployment is a 12 hour shift, a single aircraft on the ground for an extended period, perhaps overnight, would involve more than one deployment of troops per request.
During the month of April 2016 the Defence Forces received 26 requests from An Garda Síochána and this involved 47 deployments. Similarly, the Defence Forces received 25 requests in October 2016 and this involved 46 deployments.
847. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the legal fees incurred on freedom of information requests received by his Department; the staff hours involved in the processing of FOI requests for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9675/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not incurred any legal fees on FOI requests received in the past three years. Processing of FOI requests is part of the usual duties of officials and the time spent on these requests is not monitored separately. In cases where search and retrieval time was more than 5 hours, fees are charged and the number of cases where this occurred is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Number of FOI Requests for Department of Defence |
Number of FOI Requests where fees were charged |
|
2016 |
108 |
3 |
|
2015 |
91 |
Nil |
|
2014 |
27 |
1 |
848. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to pending litigation by former Scottish RAF servicemen who are launching a multimillion pound legal case on behalf of air crew who have suffered serious illnesses and death as a result of exposure to hazardous chemicals when working on Scottish air bases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9695/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra849. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on claims the British Ministry of Defence have failed to take responsibility for the serious illnesses and deaths of 26 former servicemen who were regularly exposed to toxic substances at Scottish air bases; and his further views on the fact there are striking similarities between those cases and the situation which has allegedly occurred at Casement Aerodrome in respect of Air Corps personnel. [9696/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 848 and 849 together.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any matters that may be the subject of litigation in another jurisdiction.
850. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress that has been made to date on policy initiatives involving both civil and military defence personnel in order to support the comprehensive approach to crisis management, post-conflict stabilisation and security sector reform as set out in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. [9776/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the implementation of specific actions provided for on foot of the publication of the recent White Paper on Defence will be carried out on a phased basis over a ten year period. One project provides that the Defence Organisation will develop both civil and military capabilities and capacity across the full spectrum of activity, including defence policy and administration, so as to support the comprehensive approach to crisis management, post conflict stabilisation and Security Sector Reform. It will also develop, in concert with partners and other like-minded states, joint initiatives to this end. 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. Accordingly, this action will be programmed in due course and in complementarity with related actions.
851. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress on the review into Ireland's declared contribution to UNSAS and the EU Headline Goal in view of the changing security environment and the ongoing modernisation and transformation of the Defence Forces' capabilities; and the details of the contents of the review. [9777/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence contains a commitment to carry out a review of Ireland's declared contribution to UNSAS and the EU Headline Goal in light of the changing security environment and the ongoing modernisation and transformation of Defence Forces' capabilities. This review is scheduled to commence by mid 2017 and will take approximately 12 months to complete. The specific actions contained in the White Paper 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.
Progress on implementation of the White Paper actions will be reported on as part of the Annual Report and be comprehended within the development of the planned fixed cycle of defence reviews.
852. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the countries his Department has co-operated with over the past five years when developing and maintaining military capabilities required for peace support and crisis management operations, pooling and sharing opportunities to deliver additional capability and capacity for Defence Forces' operations and joint training and planning in order to deliver the requisite combined military capabilities for crisis management operations. [9778/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has participated in the European Defence Agency since its establishment in 2004 for the purpose of developing capabilities which would assist our Defence Forces in their peacekeeping role.
Ireland's participation in specific capability development projects undertaken by the Agency is considered on a case-by-case basis, and is subject to Government and Dáil approval, in accordance with the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. Ireland has benefitted to date from participation in a number of EDA projects which include:
- A project, (now completed) in relation to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Protection. This is a key capability area for the Defence Forces. Participation in this programme and access to the results of the research, studies and development work packages undertaken by the programme enables the Defence Forces to remain at the leading edge of capability development in this key area. The countries that Ireland collaborated with on this project were Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
- A project (now completed) in relation to Maritime Surveillance (EDA MARSUR). This programme furthered developed the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) exchange network technology that allows for the sharing of information amongst the wider EU defence community in support of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy and the EU Commission initiative to establish a Common Information Sharing Environment. The countries that Ireland collaborated with on this project were Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and United Kingdom. Ireland is participating in a follow on “MARSUR” project Ireland's designed to provide ongoing life cycle support for the existing MARSUR capability through provision of adaptive maintenance, enhancement and technical support. This project, which commenced in November 2016, will run for three years. The countries that Ireland will be collaborating with on this Category B project are the same as for MARSUR with the addition of Portugal.
- A project relating to training in Manual Neutralisation Techniques was set up in 2014. Manual Neutralisation is a method used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Operators where complex explosive devices have to be neutralised manually and where it is not possible to use remote or semi remote techniques such as robots to render the device safe. The project will run for four (4) years. The countries that Ireland is collaborating with on this project are Austria, Germany, Italy and Sweden.
- Also since November, 2016, Ireland has participated in a project in relation to Cooperation on Cyber Ranges in the European Union. This projects aim to maintain and improve cyber resilience as well as the levels of awareness, insight and expertise of Member States' personnel in the area of cyber security and defence. The countries that Ireland will be collaborating with on this project are Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden.
Opportunities will continue to be identified to expand Ireland's participation in multi-national capability development projects within the framework of the EDA in support of Defence Forces' operations, capacity and capability.
Ireland's cooperation with NATO is conducted through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) which we joined in 1999 following approval by Dáil Éireann. Ireland's purpose in participating in the PfP is to improve Defence Forces capabilities and to ensure that our Defence Forces are interoperable with the forces of other States engaged in UN mandated crisis management operations. Participation in PfP provides us with opportunities to avail of joint training with other countries and to access courses provided by the NATO schools.
Ireland has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence which provides a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between the Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. The MoU takes into account matters such as military forces training; exercises and military education; exchange of views on EU Common Security and Defence Policy; potential for joint contributions to UN Crisis Management Operations; joint procurement initiatives; pooling and sharing resources; general sharing on reform in defence services; potential for staff exchanges; sharing of information, and joint contribution to Security Sector Reform and capacity building in crisis locations. It envisages cooperation and exchanges involving both civil and military personnel. The MoU provides opportunities for more joint and collaborative work in support of international peace and security. It will also enhance the potential for further joint contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
It is paramount that the Irish Defence Forces are equipped to carry out their roles at home and overseas. Therefore, there has to be particular focus on developing capabilities, exploring pooling and sharing opportunities and undertaking joint training with other countries.
853. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.50 per hour for all employees directly employed by his Department and in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10097/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Organisation includes civil servants, military personnel and civilian employees attached to military installations.
The annual cost, including Employer's PRSI, of implementing a living wage of €11.50 per hour in respect of Civil Service Staff and Civilian Employees employed by my Department is estimated at €108,278. The costs in relation to Civilians do not include those employees who are undergoing apprenticeship training.
The pay structures and conditions of service of members of the Permanent Defence Force contain professional and technical remuneration elements in addition to allowances in the nature of pay which reflect the unique aspects of military life both at home and abroad. As such, the non-standard time and attendance patterns of military personnel and the rates of remuneration associated with a wide spectrum of duties undertaken by such military personnel can vary across the different branches of the Defence Forces and, consequently, does not facilitate the general application of a threshold rate of pay.
854. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the countries in sub-Saharan Africa the Permanent Defence Forces have served in since 2001 for which the WHO recommend terminal prophylaxis to kill the hypnozoite phase of malaria parasite; and the drugs it recommends. [10191/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces have served in the following countries in sub Saharan Africa since 2001:
Mali - EUTM MALI
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - MONUSCO/EUFOR RD
Ivory Coast - ONUCI/MINUCI
Sudan - UNMAS/AMIS
Chad - EUFOR Chad/MINURCAT
Eritrea - UNMEE
Somalia - EUTM Somalia
Liberia – UNMIL
Sierra Leone
The WHO states in its Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 that P vivax hypnozoites can only be eliminated through a 14-day course of primaquine.
855. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to proceed to force the retirement of all privates and corporals serving in the Defence Forces who joined post-1994, once they reach 21 years service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10448/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra856. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the potential forced retirement of relatively young post-1994 recruited privates and corporals who have served 21 years, while sergeants and senior officers are permitted to continue, is discrimination; if a cost-benefit assessment has been done on the loss of expertise from those members who may be potentially forced to retire; if he will engage in meaningful negotiations with PDFORRA with a view to abandoning the planned discriminatory practice of forced retirements of young persons with young families to support, following just 21 years of service to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10449/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 855 and 856 together.
As the Deputy will be aware military life places unique 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. The contents of the report have been accepted by PDFORRA and the Department.
My officials are examining the necessary measures to implement the Adjudicators findings.
857. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the tribunals established under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts 1921 to 2011, in tabular form; the number of days each tribunal sat for; the gross cost of each tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10768/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not established or operated any Tribunal of Inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts 1921 to 2011.
