Written Answers Nos. 1325-1347
1325. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to equip the Air Corps with fighter jets that are capable of defending Irish airspace; and if he has considered leasing options similar to the Czech-Swedish contract for aircraft (details supplied). [12821/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal aim over the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence will be to ensure that the Air Corps can continue to undertake required military operations and to deliver a broad range of air supports to other Government Departments and agencies in line with Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements.
The future equipment priorities for the Air Corps as set out in the White Paper recognises that there are several new and/or enhanced platforms to be procured for the Air Corps. Future capability requirements for the Air Corps are being considered as part of the capability development and equipment planning priorities process as envisaged in the White Paper. This planning process will define ongoing and future equipment priorities having regard to the evolving security environment and available funding.
In the context of the Air Corps fleet, this will include the replacement of the Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The preparatory work for the tender competition has begun within the Defence organisation, and it is expected that the competition will be initiated shortly.
There are no current plans, however, to upgrade or replace the current fleet of PC-9M aircraft purchased in 2004. The fleet of PC-9M aircraft is expected to fall due for replacement in 2025. The Pilatus PC 9M aircraft were obtained as trainer aircraft for the purpose of training pilots in the Air Corps. It should be noted that a decision was made in 2016 to replace a PC-9M aircraft which was lost in 2009 in a tragic accident. The replacement PC-9M aircraft is scheduled for delivery later this year from Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland at a cost of €5m plus VAT. It will bring the fleet of PC-9M aircraft up to 8 and will assist in a required increase in pilot training in the Air Corps.
The PC-9M aircraft are capable of being armed and as such have a limited defensive capability. However, these limitations were noted in the White Paper on Defence and the development of a more capable combat/ intercept capability is to be considered in due course as part of the White Paper review process.
1326. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a progress report on increases to personnel in the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and Reserve to meet the proposals in the White Paper on defence. [12822/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2015 White Paper on Defence commits to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces 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. As at 28 February 2017 the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces stands at 9,070 (Whole Time Equivalent) i.e. 7293 Army, 701 Air Corps and 1,076 Naval Service personnel. 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.
As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force, recruitment continues to take place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels. In total 590 General Service Recruits (501 Army. 89 Navy) were inducted in 2016, along with 100 Cadets between all services. To date in 2017, 106 General Service Recruits (103 Army and 3 Navy) and 10 Air Corps Trainee Military Aircraft Technicians have been inducted.
Recruitment campaigns are continuing at the present time and this year the Defence Forces are planning for the induction of 860 new entrants, the majority of whom will be drawn from 2017 Recruitment Competitions.
It is expected that the following competitions will be launched in Spring 2017: Army Cadetship, Army Equitation Cadetship, Army Engineer Cadetship, Air Corps Cadetship, Naval Service Operations Cadetship, Naval Service Marine Engineer Cadetship, Naval Service Electrical Engineer Cadetship, Air Corps Trainee Military Aircraft Technician, Army General Service Recruits, and Naval Service General Service Recruits.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence commits to maintaining the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces at 4,169 personnel, comprising of 3,869 Army Reserve and 300 Naval Service Reserve. The effective strength of the RDF as of 28 Feb 2017 stands at 1,970. It is anticipated that the next RDF recruitment campaign will commence in the second half of 2017, however, until then the RDF will continue to induct from the 2015/2016 panel, subject to the applicant satisfying all induction criteria.
1327. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated costs needed to restore Defence Force personnel to the levels prior to the cuts that resulted from the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009 to 2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018, the Lansdowne Road agreement. [12823/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1329. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost to the Exchequer should the 10% cut to new entrants to the military be restored. [12840/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos. 1327 and 1329 together.
There are various factors which would impact in calculating the estimated costings in the manner sought by the Deputy. These include the level of recruitment which varies over time and the numbers of recruits remaining in the Permanent Defence Force once recruited. As both of these are variable, I am not in a position to provide the costing in the format sought. The Deputy may wish to note that Paragraph 2.31 of that Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (Haddington Road Agreement) provides that in order to address the imbalance between those who entered the Public Service since 2011 and those who entered before that date, revised incremental salary scales shall be prepared for same grade entrants to each public service sector as necessary to incorporate the revision of salary scales introduced by Government Decision in January 2011.
Following discussions with the Public Sector Unions the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform issued guidelines dated 30 January 2014, on merging the 01 January 2011 and 01 January 2010 (10% reduction) public service recruitment pay scales.
The new scales were effective from 1 November 2013 and applied to both existing staff on the 2010 pay scale and those who were on the 2011 pay scale.
In order to be of assistance, copies of the recruitment pay scales from 1 January onwards which illustrates the movement of payscales are provided.
NEW ENTRANTS SALARY SCALES
1.
|
Salary Scale wef 01/01/2010 |
|||
|
Basic Pay |
MSA |
Total Weekly |
|
|
Private G1/NS 3rd Class |
€371.15 |
€0.00 |
€371.15 |
|
Private 2 */NS 2nd Class |
€455.70 |
€41.57 |
€497.27 |
|
0-3 Years Service |
€474.86 |
€41.57 |
€516.43 |
|
Over 3 years service |
€491.82 |
€115.43 |
€607.25 |
|
over 4 years service |
€504.79 |
€115.43 |
€620.22 |
|
over 5 years service |
€517.71 |
€115.43 |
€633.14 |
|
over 6 years service |
€553.80 |
€115.43 |
€669.23 |
2.
|
Salary Scale wef 01/01/2011 (application of 10% reduction for new entrants) |
|||
|
Basic Pay |
MSA |
Total Weekly |
|
|
Private G1/NS 3rd Class |
€334.04 |
€0.00 |
€334.04 |
|
Private 2 */NS 2nd Class |
€410.00 |
€37.41 |
€447.41 |
|
0-3 Years Service |
€427.37 |
€37.41 |
€464.78 |
|
Over 3 years service |
€442.64 |
€103.89 |
€546.53 |
|
over 4 years service |
€454.31 |
€103.89 |
€558.20 |
|
over 5 years service |
€465.94 |
€103.89 |
€569.83 |
|
over 6 years service |
€498.42 |
€103.89 |
€602.31 |
3.
|
Salary scale wef 01/07/2013 Annex 2 of HRA, for new entrants |
|||
|
Points |
Basic Pay |
MSA |
Total Weekly |
|
Private G1/NS 3rd Class |
€334.04 |
€0.00 |
€334.04 |
|
Private 2 */NS 2nd Class |
€360.00 |
€0.00 |
€360.00 |
|
1 |
€360.00 |
€37.41 |
€397.41 |
|
2 |
€385.00 |
€37.41 |
€422.41 |
|
3 |
€385.00 |
€65.00 |
€450.00 |
|
4 |
€410.00 |
€65.00 |
€475.00 |
|
5 |
€410.00 |
€103.89 |
€513.89 |
|
6 |
€440.00 |
€103.89 |
€543.89 |
|
7 |
€470.00 |
€103.89 |
€573.89 |
|
8 |
€498.22 |
€103.89 |
€602.11 |
|
9 |
€498.22 |
€103.89 |
€602.11 |
4.
|
Existing - merged pay scale from 1/11/13 |
|||
|
wef 01/11/13 (clause 2.31 of HRA) (merging of 01/01/2010 & 01/01/2011) |
Merged salary scale |
||
|
Points |
Basic Pay |
MSA |
Total Weekly |
|
Private G1/NS 3rd Class |
€352.60 |
€0.00 |
€352.60 |
|
Private 2 */NS 2nd Class |
€432.92 |
€41.57 |
€474.49 |
|
0-3 Years Service |
€448.48 |
€41.57 |
€490.05 |
|
Over 3 years service |
€454.30 |
€115.43 |
€569.73 |
|
over 4 years service |
€474.86 |
€115.43 |
€590.29 |
|
over 5 years service |
€491.82 |
€115.43 |
€607.25 |
|
over 6 years service |
€504.79 |
€115.43 |
€620.22 |
|
over 7 years service |
€517.71 |
€115.43 |
€633.14 |
|
over 8 years service |
€553.80 |
€115.43 |
€669.23 |
Note - For avoidance of doubt and for comparator purposes the 5.26% adjustor (Single Pension) has not been applied to the Post Jan 2013 payscales.
1328. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a comparative breakdown of Defence Force personnel from 2009, prior to the introduction of cuts arising from the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009 to 2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018, the Lansdowne Road agreement, with current levels. [12836/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a comprehensive review of expenditure commenced in 2011, the Government decided to stabilise the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at 9,500 personnel.
A major reorganisation of the Defence Forces was initiated, encompassing the consolidation of three under-strength Army Brigades into two full-strength Brigades. The decision to reorganise the Defence Forces was not motivated by the requirement to achieve direct savings. The purpose of the reorganisation was to maximise the operational capacity, effectiveness and efficiency of the Defence Forces within the available resource envelope.
I can confirm that at 31 December 2009 the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces was 9,906 and at 28 February 2017 the strength was 9,070.
1330. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 9 November 2016, if he considers the development of the potential side effects of mefloquine, listed in the boxed warning, to be either minor and tolerable or intolerable (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12849/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are aware of the range of reported side effects attaching to all anti-malarial medications. Significant precautions are taken by the Defence Forces Medical Officers in assessing the medical suitability of members of the Defence Forces to take any of the anti-malarial medications, including identification of any contraindications and assessment of any reported side effects that may occur.
While overseas, all personnel have access to either an Irish military Medical Officer or to the UN provided medical service (depending on the particular mission) to whom they could report any complaints, including potential side effects of any medications.
1331. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number and ranks of the Defence Forces personnel who served in sub-Saharan Africa in 2015; and the duration of their posting. [12967/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMembers of the Permanent Defence Force serve in a number of missions in Africa. In 2015, Defence Forces personnel served in the following missions in sub-Saharan Africa:
UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast)
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo)
EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission in Mali).
The average duration of a tour of duty by Irish personnel in the above missions is six (6) months. With the exception of one officer who served for seven months with UNOCI, all deployments to the missions in sub-Saharan Africa, in 2015, were of six months duration or less.
A breakdown of personnel by rank and mission who served for a period of time during the course of 2015 is outlined in the following table:
|
Rank |
MONUSCO |
EUTM Mali |
UNOCI |
Total |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
|
Commandant |
5 |
2 |
7 |
|
|
Captain |
5 |
5 |
||
|
Company Sergeant |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Sergeant |
11 |
11 |
||
|
Corporal |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Total |
11 |
15 |
6 |
32 |
1332. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost to the Exchequer of returning the Reserve Defence Force to pre-2009 levels. [13044/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that in 2008, the establishment for the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) was 9,692. The establishment for the RDF is now 4,069. The White Paper on Defence 2015 allows for an increase of 100 personnel in the Naval Service Reserve, revising the overarching establishment of the RDF is 4,169.
The following table was provided in response to PQ No. 11630/17 and is indicative of costs of meeting Paid Training requirements for notional increases in RDF numbers.
|
Strength Level |
Increase above current strength |
Additional Paid Training Cost |
|
3,000 |
991 |
€1,043,287.71 |
|
3,500 |
1,491 |
€1,569,668.99 |
|
4,000 |
1,991 |
€2,096,050.27 |
|
4,500 |
2,491 |
€2,622,431.56 |
|
5,000 |
2,991 |
€3,148,812.84 |
|
5,500 |
3,491 |
€3,675,194.13 |
The Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Reserve Defence Force at or near the establishment figure as set out in the White Paper. Providing for numbers beyond the current establishment would require a reappraisal of the associated organisational structures, levels, and costs of the PDF support required and such a re-appraisal is not envisaged.
1333. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of restoring retrospectively the weekly €50 increase for members of the Army Ranger Wing back to 2006 as awarded by the adjudicator under the conciliation and arbitration scheme in 2010. [13045/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 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 is 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 part 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.
As the Army Ranger Wing is the Special Operations Force of the Defence Forces the exact number of personnel in it or their location is not released into the public domain, for reasons of operational security. In addition, factors such as the level of recruitment into the ARW and the numbers serving can vary over time which would impact in calculating the estimated costings in the manner sought by the Deputy. In the circumstances, I am not in a position to provide the costing in the format sought.
1334. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost to the Exchequer if the €20 cut to the 24-hour duty payment to Defence Forces personnel was reinstated. [13046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are various factors which would impact in calculating the estimated costings in the manner sought by the Deputy. These include the numbers of serving soldiers falling eligible for such an allowance and the number of duties undertaken. As these variables can change over time I am not in a position to provide the costing in the format sought.
1335. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an incremental breakdown of the cuts that have been imposed on the Defence Forces since 2010. [13050/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Defence Force have traditionally been set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public sector.
The Deputy 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.
In this regard I have set out below a list of measures which have impacted and reduced pay and allowances since 2010 for members of the Permanent Defence Forces.
- Provisions of the Financial Emergency in the Public Interest (No. 2 ) Act 2009,
- Government decision to reduce new entrants pay and allowances by 10%,
- Government decision regarding the review of Public Service Allowance and Premium Payments to eliminate certain allowances and elimination of certain allowances for new beneficiaries,
- Provision of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (The Haddington 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 the coming months. 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 will be dealt with within this process.
1336. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Defence Forces regulations as they currently stand allow for military personnel to contact the Health and Safety Authority directly. [13271/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I amended Defence Forces Regulations so that they would meet the provisions of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. For the purposes of the Act, all members of the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force are deemed to be workers. A protected disclosure can be made by a worker in a number of ways including to a person prescribed to be a recipient of a protected disclosure. The Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority is such a recipient.
1337. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if technical personnel in the Army and Air Corps are permitted to bring home issue overalls and other uniform clothing that have been potentially contaminated with toxic chemicals; and if he and or the Defence Forces have considered the possible contamination risk that poses whereby these items of work clothing may come into contact with items in the home. [13272/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Military Authorities that disposable coveralls are provided to personnel if an activity involves risk of contamination from toxic chemicals. I am advised that these coveralls are disposed of, immediately after use, using a chemical waste contract.
I am also informed that the Defence Forces policy on personal protective equipment (PPE) states that “personnel shall be provided with the necessary training and information on the use of the PPE.” The policy makes it clear that personnel must use the personal protective equipment correctly and whenever it is required, they must participate in any training or instruction provided on the fitting, use and inspection of personal protective equipment and they must look after it and store it in a safe location.
1338. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when a person (details supplied) will receive a 1916 centenary commemorative medal. [13319/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the military authorities that it is intended to present the person referred to by the Deputy with the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal at a ceremony for retired members of the 28th Infantry Battalion on Friday, 28th April 2017. Invitations to this event will issue shortly.
1339. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will confirm that, in line with the one person one salary principle, no public servant who is a member of a State board or agency under the control of his Department is currently in receipt of remuneration in the form of board fees and that, if any such remuneration is being paid, such payment will be discontinued and payments that were wrongfully paid will be reclaimed. [13320/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that no public servant that is a member of a State Board or Agency under the control of my Department is currently in receipt of remuneration in the form of board fees.
1340. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence will make a decision regarding the payment of an Army Ranger Wing allowance that was the subject of an arbitration in 2010 (details supplied). [13805/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27th 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 is 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 part 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.
1341. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up-to-date figures for the strength of the Permanent Defence Force with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13807/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, at 28 February 2017, the latest date for which details are available, was 9,070. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force, recruitment continues to take place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels. An ambitious recruitment campaign has been launched recently targeting an intake of 860 personnel this year, including general service recruits, apprentices and cadets, across all three services. The following tables set out below, indicate the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 28 February across all three services and ranks, broken down by gender. The figures provided are for whole time equivalent posts.
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.
Army
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lieutenant General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Major General |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Brigadier General |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Colonel |
34 |
1 |
35 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
96 |
2 |
98 |
|
Commandant |
220 |
32 |
252 |
|
Captain |
217 |
41 |
258 |
|
Lieutenant |
146 |
19 |
165 |
|
Sergeant Major |
29 |
0 |
29 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
31 |
0 |
31 |
|
Company Sergeant |
88 |
3 |
91 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
150 |
3 |
153 |
|
Sergeant |
786 |
54 |
840 |
|
Corporal |
1233 |
113 |
1346 |
|
Private |
3711 |
195 |
3906 |
|
Cadets |
66 |
14 |
80 |
|
Total |
6816 |
477 |
7293 |
Air Corps
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
12 |
0 |
12 |
|
Commandant |
31 |
2 |
33 |
|
Captain |
43 |
5 |
48 |
|
Lieutenant |
22 |
0 |
22 |
|
Sergeant Major |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Company Sergeant |
55 |
0 |
55 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
10 |
1 |
11 |
|
Sergeant |
104 |
5 |
109 |
|
Corporal |
142 |
9 |
151 |
|
Private |
209 |
9 |
218 |
|
Cadets |
27 |
1 |
28 |
|
Total |
668 |
33 |
701 |
Naval Service
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Commandant |
42 |
9 |
51 |
|
Captain |
35 |
14 |
49 |
|
Lieutenant |
32 |
2 |
34 |
|
Sergeant Major |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
7 |
0 |
7 |
|
Company Sergeant |
66 |
0 |
66 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Sergeant |
163 |
7 |
170 |
|
Corporal |
123 |
7 |
130 |
|
Private |
493 |
19 |
512 |
|
Cadets |
20 |
2 |
22 |
|
Total |
1016 |
60 |
1076 |
1342. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up-to-date figures for the strength of the Reserve Defence Force with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13808/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 28 February 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force was 1,970, of which 273 are female personnel. Of the 1,970 personnel, 1,856 (251 females) are Army Reservists and 114 (22 females) are Naval Service Reservists.
The following table sets out the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of 28 February 2017 broken down by rank and gender of both Army and Naval Service Reservists.
|
RANK |
ARMY RESERVISTS (overall numbers) |
(Female Army Res. personnel) |
NAVAL SERVICE RESERVISTS (overall numbers) |
(Female NS Res. Personnel) |
TOTAL RDF |
Total Female RDF Personnel |
|
Lt.Colonel |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
|
Comdt |
54 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
58 |
2 |
|
Captain |
45 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
50 |
1 |
|
Lieutenant |
191 |
30 |
7 |
1 |
198 |
31 |
|
Sgt. Major |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
BQMS |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
|
CS |
4 7 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
5 5 |
0 |
|
CQMS |
60 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
60 |
3 |
|
Sergeant |
2 5 9 |
19 |
9 |
1 |
268 |
20 |
|
Corporal |
362 |
68 |
22 |
6 |
384 |
74 |
|
Privates |
828 |
128 |
58 |
14 |
886 |
142 |
|
1856 |
251 |
114 |
22 |
1970 |
273 |
For the sake of completeness, the following table sets out the current strength figures of the First Line Reserve, as of 28 February 2017, broken down by rank.
|
FORMATION |
OFFICER |
NCO |
PTE |
TOTAL |
|
ARMY |
25 |
10 |
110 |
145 |
|
AIR CORPS |
6 |
4 |
19 |
29 |
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
22 |
5 |
54 |
81 |
|
TOTAL |
53 |
19 |
183 |
255 |
The White Paper on Defence (2015) sets out an overall establishment figure of 4,169 for the RDF. Recruitment campaigns are conducted on an annual ongoing basis. The White Paper confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the PDF in times of crisis and to participate in ceremonial events. The implementation of measures set out in the 2015 White Paper will provide opportunities for certain members of the RDF to undertake new duties. The intention is that this and other White Paper initiatives will be a motivating factor in encouraging more people to join the Reserve.
I believe that the Reserve Defence Force is an important asset to the State. I value the contribution of all of its members who volunteer their time and service so willingly and I am fully committed to its ongoing and future development.
1343. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Defence Forces recruited in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13809/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. 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. As there is significant turnover of personnel in the Permanent Defence Force targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place so as to maintain the agreed strength levels.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that a total of 590 General Service Recruits were enlisted into the Permanent Defence Force in 2016, of which 501 Recruits were enlisted in the Army and 89 Recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service. In addition, 98 Cadetships were awarded following the 2016 Cadetship Competitions.
I am further advised that to date in 2017, a total of 106 General Service Recruits have been enlisted, of which 103 Recruits were enlisted in the Army and 3 Recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service. Recruitment will continue in 2017 from the panels formed following the 2016 General Service Recruitment competition, until they are exhausted. In addition, a new General Service Recruitment campaign was launched on 23 February 2017, as part of the Government’s commitment to maintain the strength of the Defence Forces at 9,500 personnel. 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. The 2017 Cadetship competitions will be launched on 22 March 2017. This year Defence Forces are planning to induct 860 new entrants.
1344. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide a service medal for members of the Defence Forces who were involved at Jadotville; if members of the Defence Forces will be acknowledged with a service medal for their tour of duty in the Congo; if retired members of the Defence Forces will be presented with the commemorative medal for 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13842/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of the award of medals to the men of “A” Company, 35th Infantry Battalion was comprehensively addressed in 1965. A properly constituted Medals Board considered the various cases presented and made a decision that no medals would be awarded. The Chief of Staff of the day considered the decision of the Board and was satisfied with the findings. Subsequently, the question was raised again in a letter to a newly appointed Chief of Staff. He forwarded the letter to the original Medals Board and asked that they reconvene and review their decision. The Board indicated that the issues raised had received due consideration and that they were not prepared to alter their findings.
On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Siege of Jadotville, I decided to issue a Unit Citation to honour the collective actions and bravery of the men of “A” Company. I organised and hosted a ceremony in Custume Barracks, Athlone on Saturday 17th September 2016 at which a Unit Citation was presented to the Company in recognition of their collective heroism and professional performance during the Siege of Jadotville whilst cut-off from support and reinforcements.
During the ceremony I presented a copy of the Citation to each member of the Unit or next-of-kin in the case of deceased members. This was the first time a Unit Citation was awarded within the Defence Forces and I was delighted to be able to formally recognise the brave actions of these men. In addition, a specially commissioned insignia will be provided to the members and the next of kin of deceased members of “A” company in the coming weeks.
These are awards that are used internationally by other militaries to recognise those Units that have served with particular distinction.
Recognition of service on UN Peacekeeping missions is made through the awarding of a UN Service Medal. The qualifying criteria for the award of a UN Service Medal were that personnel should have served on the UN mission for 90 days. An inspection of the records for the UN Congo mission in 1961 would indicate that serving personnel received a UN Service Medal on return to their Parent Unit in Ireland dating from 1962.
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. Accordingly, retired members of the Defence Forces are eligible for the Medal if they were in service during 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. There are no plans to issue the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to anyone who did not serve in 2016.
1345. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will review an application for a service medal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14108/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions regarding the award of medals in respect of the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence are dependent on verification and corroborative evidence of the service involved. At this remove it can be difficult to obtain such evidence. I have asked for the case of the relevant individual to be examined and officials from the Department will contact the Deputy directly regarding the matter.
1346. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total amount spent externally by his Department on legal advice for each year since 2015; the solicitors firms involved; the barristers, junior and senior, that provided services to his Department for each such year; the amounts paid to each firm or person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14129/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main requirement for legal services by my Department is in the context of litigation, usually in the form of administrative law and personal injury proceedings. The Chief State Solicitor's Office and the State Claims Agency manage and provide legal representation in relation to all cases taken against the Minister for Defence. In addition while my Department does not engage the services directly it funds the provision of legal aid in respect of Court Marital Appeals Court cases.
Outside of the cases managed by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and the State Claims Agency, a payment of €15,100.49 was made in 2015 in respect of professional legal and advisory services supplied to my Department by a legal representative based in Lebanon.
In addition a payment of €1482.15 including VAT was made in 2016 in respect of legal advice supplied by Anthony Kerr BL on two matters being dealt with by the Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Branch.
1347. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will confirm that no Minister or Minister of State under his remit since 2011 has claimed overnight expenses for staying in Dublin. [14564/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the period since February 2011 I have claimed expenses on 11 occasions in respect of accommodation in Dublin. On each of the 11 occasions it was necessary for me to overnight in Dublin as I had an early flight to allow me to undertake work abroad such as meetings at EU level or visits to our troops serving with UNDOF and UNTSO in the Middle East.
There is no record of any other Minister assigned to the Department of Defence in the period since February 2011 claiming overnight expenses for staying in Dublin.
