Written Answers Nos. 201 - 220
201. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of private investigation firms hired by her Department in the past five years and to date in 2017; the names of the firms; the amount they were paid; if they supplied her Department with a report on completion of their work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15740/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPayments to private investigation firms hired by my Department in each of the last five years and in 2017 to date are set out in the following tables.
2017
|
Private Investigation Firm |
Amount Paid |
Report Received (Yes/No) |
|
Nil |
2016
|
Private Investigation Firm |
Amount Paid |
Report Received (Yes/No) |
|
J + A Davis |
€795.66 |
No |
|
Brosnan Investigations Ltd. |
€238.12 |
No |
|
Resolve Ireland |
€13,143.16 |
Yes |
2015
|
Private Investigation Firm |
Amount Paid |
Report Received (Yes/No) |
|
Kellkee Services |
€382.02 |
No |
2014
|
Private Investigation Firm |
Amount Paid |
Report Received (Yes/No) |
|
S & R Investigations Services Ltd. |
€90 |
No |
|
Kellkee Services |
€1,095.02 |
No |
2013
|
Private Investigation Firm |
Amount Paid |
Report Received (Yes/No) |
|
Kellkee Services |
€1,204.92 |
No |
|
J + A Davis |
€650.72 |
No |
|
ABC Investigations Ltd |
€184.50 |
No |
2012
|
Private Investigation Firm |
Amount Paid |
Report Received (Yes/No) |
|
J + A Davis |
€242.81 |
No |
|
Kellkee Services |
€2,273.60 |
No |
202. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the grants that are available to private or community crèches to allow them improve their facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15566/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 20th March 2017 I announced that funding will be made available under the Early Years Capital programme for 2017 in three strands, as follows:
- Strand 1: Additional Places (€3 million total available – maximum €50,000 per grant);
- Strand 2: Building improvements and maintenance/refurbishment (€500,000 total available, maximum €20,000 per grant, Community childcare services only);
- Strand 3: Natural outdoor play area (€500,000 total available, maximum €5,000 per grant).
Pobal are responsible for administering the programme on behalf of my Department. Further details and information on how to make an application for funding are available on the Pobal website www.pobal.ie.
Additionally, at the recent launch of the Action Plan for School Age Childcare I announced a separate €3 million in capital funding for services providing school age childcare. This capital scheme will open in April and will encourage expansion in the number of school age childcare places along with enhancements to quality.
203. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 282 of 21 March 2017, the regulations and guidelines in place through her Department for teenage international students arriving here who live with a host family and attend secondary schools for an academic term or complete school year, without the presence of their parents or legal guardians within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15581/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issues raised by the Deputy relate primarily to matters (Garda vetting and schools) which come within the remit of the Departments of Justice and Equality and Education and Skills respectively. The welfare and protection of children and, in particular, vulnerable children, is everybody’s concern. Responsibility for children’s welfare arises in all settings where children are, and attaches to all responsible adults who come in contact with children.
Underpinning the welfare and protection of children is the Child Care Act 1991, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children {2011}, the Children First Act 2015 and, of course, our Constitution.
The Children First Guidance relates to recognising and reporting child welfare and protection concerns, and applies to the cohort of young people referred to by the Deputy, in the same way that it applies to all children and young people.
204. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the precise level of funding to be allocated to the family resource centre programme in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15629/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency has advised that the current 2017 allocation to the Family Resource Centre Programme is €13.512 million.
In 2016, Tusla provided financial support to some 109 communities nationwide under this Programme. This will continue in 2017.
Tusla plans to build on the strengths of the Family Resource Centre Programme in the years ahead to deliver its mandate for community-based early intervention and family support.
205. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount allocated to voluntary and community organisations in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017 by her Department, including a breakdown of all funding schemes and-or streams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15683/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is not readily available in my Department and is currently being collated. The information sought will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
My Department provides funding directly to a wide range of community, voluntary and other organisations that are engaged in the provision of specific services to children and young people through a range of targeted programmes. Details of the individual programmes and the funding allocations are set out in the table.
|
Year |
Childcare Programmes |
Youth Organisations and Services |
National Lottery |
ABC Initiative |
Intervention Programme for Children and Young People |
Children & Young People’s Policy Framework and Other Programmes |
|
2011 |
€250m |
€47m |
€0.5m |
€4m |
N/A |
€4m |
|
2012 |
€251m |
€57m |
€0.5m |
€2m |
N/A |
€3m |
|
2013 |
€258m |
€52m |
€0.5m |
€3m |
N/A |
€2m |
|
2014 |
€260m |
€50m |
€0.9m |
€4m |
N/A |
€4m |
|
2015 |
€257m |
€50m |
N/A |
€5m |
€0.9m |
€3m |
|
2016 |
€337m |
€52m |
N/A |
€4m |
€5m |
€5m |
|
2017 |
€458m |
€57m |
N/A |
€6m |
€5m |
€4m |
Particulars relating to each funding programme are as follows:
Childcare Programmes
The most significant share of the funding, is targeted at implementing three major childcare programmes that include the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, and the Community Education and Training CETS) programme and more recently the Single Affordable Childcare Scheme.
Youth Organisations and Services
Funding to support the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth work sector. The following organisations, services and projects are supported through grant funding-
- Youth Service Grant Scheme
- Special Projects for Youth
- Young Peoples Facilities and Services Funds Rounds 1 and 2
- Youth Information Centres
- Local Youth Club Grant Scheme
- Local Drug Task Force Projects
- Gaisce – the President’s Award Scheme
- Léargas – the Exchange Bureau
- National Youth Health
- National Youth Arts Programme
National Lottery Funding Scheme
Grants were also made available to groups and organisations involved in the provision of services to children and young people from the application based National Lottery Funding Scheme which operated over the years 2011-2014.
Area Based Childhood Programme
The Area Based Programme (ABC) is co-funded by the Department and Atlantic Philanthropies (AP) for the period 2013-2017 and it continues the work of the earlier Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (PEIP) which piloted a range of programmes in areas such as literacy, speech and language, parenting, health and pro-social behaviour, in 3 sites (Tallaght, Ballymun and Darndale). The aim of the ABC programme is to test and evaluate prevention and early intervention approaches to improve outcomes for children and families in 13 areas of disadvantage.
Intervention Programme for Children and Young People
This programme provides Dormant Accounts funds to support measures intended to support children and disadvantaged young people.
Children & Young People’s Policy Framework and Other Programmes
This funding stream supports a range of programmes and activities that include the following:
- Children and Young People’s Services Committees
- Children and Young People`s Policy Framework – implementation
- Voice of the Child and Children’s Participation
- Play and Recreation National Days
- Child Protection Rapporteur
- Missing Children’s Hotline
- Childcare Law Reporting Project
- Young Social Innovators
- Children First Guidance
- North South Cooperation
206. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of private investigation firms hired by her Department in the past five years and to date in 2017; the names of the firms; the amount they were paid; if they supplied her Department with a report on completion of their work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15732/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was formally established on 2nd June 2011; no private investigation firms have been hired in the past five years and to date in 2017.
207. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the type of aircraft which the Defence Forces plan to purchase in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
Future equipment priorities for the Air Corps are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.
The White Paper provides for the replacement of the Cessna fleet 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.
A decision was made in 2016 to replace a PC-9M aircraft which was written off following a fatal crash in 2009. The replacement PC-9M aircraft, scheduled for delivery this year from Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland at a cost of €5 million plus VAT, will bring the fleet up to 8 and will assist in a required increase in pilot training in the Air Corps.
The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft by 2019, with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft. This would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks.
208. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in publishing the report of Judge Roderick Murphy, ordered by his office in December 2014, into the death of a person (details supplied) and the disappearance of a person (details suppled) in the Lebanon on 27 April 1981 whilst serving with UNIFIL. [15626/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2014, the then Minister for Defence, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., appointed former High Court Judge, Mr. Roderick Murphy to conduct an independent review of the investigation of the death of Private Hugh Doherty and the disappearance of Private Kevin Joyce (Caoimhín Seoighe) on 27 April 1981 while serving as members of the Irish Battalion with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Privates Doherty and Joyce were serving with UNIFIL in 1981 when, on 27 April 1981, an observation post at Dayr Ntar manned by them came under attack. Private Doherty was later found dead from gunshot wounds and Private Joyce was missing. The attackers are unknown. Over the years, extensive diplomatic and military efforts to locate Private Joyce have proved fruitless. To date, no information has been elicited to lead to the recovery of Private Joyce’s remains.
In late June 2015, Mr. Roderick Murphy presented his draft report to the Minister for Defence. Following a review of his report a number of clarifications were raised with Mr. Murphy which were addressed. The Department of Defence also sought and received legal advice from the Attorney General in relation to the publication of the report.
In March 2016, a copy of the draft report was forwarded on a confidential basis to the families and persons identified by the Reviewer for comment prior to publication of the report. The Reviewer received comments from families and a number of persons identified. He has considered these comments and has amended the draft Report where he has considered it appropriate to do so. As a result of this exercise further legal advice was sought from the Attorney General. This advice has been received and is under consideration. It is intended to publish the report once all issues have been finalised.
209. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason a person (details supplied) has not been issued services medals due. [15678/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation from military records shows that the individual in question was issued a Service medal in September 1993. If it is a case that for some reason this ex-member of the Defence Forces did not receive his medal at that time, then contact should be made with the Regulations Staff Officer in “A” Administration, Defence Forces Headquarters, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of promotional positions waiting to be filled throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15700/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Military Authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 31 January 2017 was 9,136, comprising 7,346 Army, 705 Air Corps and 1,085 Naval Service, whole time equivalent personnel.
The following table outlines the establishment, strength and vacancies of the Permanent Defence Force, by Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as at 31 January 2017, based on the agreed stabilised strength for the Permanent Defence Force of 9,500.
Promotions are ongoing within the Officer ranks in order to fill rank vacancies. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill vacancies to the ranks of Sergeants and above, has been launched. Promotions from the Order of Merit Lists from this competition will commence in Q3 2017. Promotions at Corporal rank take place at formation/service level when vacancies arise within Units and where there are qualified personnel in these Units to fill the appointments.
In addition, targeted recruitment will continue in 2017 so as to maintain the serving strength at or close to 9,500 personnel. It is my intention that promotions, along with targeted recruitment, will continue to be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
|
Lt Gen |
Maj Gen |
Brig Gen |
Col |
Lt Col |
Comdt |
Capt |
Lt |
SM |
BQMS |
CS |
CQMS |
Sgt |
Cpl |
Pte/ Cadet |
|
|
Army Rank Establishment |
1 |
2 |
6 |
34 |
110 |
257 |
306 |
167 |
29 |
32 |
115 |
169 |
973 |
1,438 |
3,880 |
|
Army Strength |
1 |
2 |
6 |
31 |
103 |
255 |
261 |
165 |
29 |
31 |
92 |
155 |
843 |
1,350 |
4,022 * |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
7 |
2 |
45 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
23 |
14 |
130 |
88 |
-1 42 |
|
Air Corps Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
14 |
36 |
65 |
48 |
8 |
4 |
56 |
14 |
131 |
183 |
324 |
|
Air Corps Strength |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
12 |
33 |
48 |
22 |
7 |
3 |
55 |
11 |
111 |
152 |
247 * * |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
17 |
26 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 0 |
31 |
77 |
|
Naval Service Rank Establishment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
45 |
81 |
41 |
6 |
7 |
75 |
15 |
226 |
180 |
402 |
|
Naval Service Strength |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
13 |
51 |
49 |
34 |
6 |
7 |
68 |
13 |
173 |
130 |
538 * ** |
|
Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-6 |
32 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
2 |
53 |
50 |
-136 |
|
Total Vacancies by Rank |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
9 |
-1 |
94 |
35 |
1 |
2 |
31 |
1 9 |
203 |
169 |
-201 |
*Includes 80 Army Cadets
**Includes 28 Air Corps Cadets
***Includes 23 Naval Service Cadets.
There are an additional 76 personnel on career breaks/secondment, who are not included in the strengths in the above table.
Note: Equivalent Naval Service Ranks
Brigadier General/Commodore
Colonel/Captain
Lieutenant Colonel/Commander
Commandant/Lieutenant Commander
Captain/Lieutenant(NS)
Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant
Sergeant Major/Warrant Officer
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Chief Petty Officer
Company Quartermaster Sergeant/Senior Petty Officer
Company Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer
Sergeant/Petty Officer
Corporal/Leading Seaman
Private/Able Seaman.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which discussions continue to take place at EU level with a view to assuring a high degree of preparedness in the event of a terrorist attack; if the Defence Forces continue to be adequately briefed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15701/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary responsibility for security matters and the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. There is significant engagement on an ongoing basis with respect to international terrorism with other countries in the EU.
Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
There is ongoing and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and a wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies. Regular coordination and liaison meetings also take place between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress to date in respect of proposed recruitment to the Defence Forces; the way in which each branch of the Defence Forces is likely to benefit from the recruitment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15702/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500, comprising of 7,520 Army, 886 Air Corps and 1,094 Naval Service personnel, as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence.
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 the Defence Forces are planning to induct 860 new entrants across all services and competition streams in 2017.
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 were launched on 22 March 2017. Cadetships will be available in the following streams in 2017: Army (Line, Equitation School & Engineer Corps), Naval Service (Operations Branch, Marine Engineer Branch and Electrical Engineering Branch) and Air Corps (Pilots).
Direct Entry Competitions are also held as required from which specialist appointments are filled. A recruitment campaign for the appointment of Direct Entry Naval Service Officers, in the Operations Branch, Marine Engineer Branch and Electrical Engineer Branch of the Naval Service, is currently on-going.
It is my intention that targeted recruitment, will continue to be carried out within the resource envelope allocated to Defence.
213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Army, Naval Service and Air Corps training continues to be in line with modern and international best practice; if particular procedures are shown to be in need of updating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15703/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the capabilities necessary to enable it to fulfil the roles laid down by Government.
The Defence Forces conduct training and education under four broad categories namely; leadership, skills, career and collective training. Leadership training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensures that personnel are prepared for exercising command authority across the full range of military functions both at home and overseas in international operations. Skills training is the medium through which the Defence Forces ensures that its personnel have the requisite individual, specialist, and crew skills. Career training and education provides the organisation with the necessary pool of leaders and commanders at all levels. Collective Training allows military personnel to use their individual, crew, specialist and career training together, to develop integrated and coherent combat forces.
The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy is adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021.
The Defence Forces seek to constantly benchmark training across all three arms against best military and academic practice. Military best practice is ensured by implementing a policy of standardisation that is in line with EU and NATO/Partnership for Peace partners. Academic best practice is ensured by benchmarking courses through accreditation under the National Framework of Qualifications which is validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The Defence Forces deliver military programmes and modules meeting national and international standards. The Defence Forces also engage with external educational institutions in order to facilitate organisational learning. This engagement with national and international educational institutions, military and civilian, aims to ensure that the Defence Forces retain currency with regards to best international practice.
214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps is adequately equipped to detect and-or intercept any activity posing a threat to national security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15704/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Corps is not tasked or equipped to monitor aircraft overflying the entirety of Irish airspace. However, on a routine basis the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.
The Government’s White Paper on Defence (2015) provides for periodic updates to consider progress with implementation and any revisions required. As stated in the White Paper, should additional funding beyond that required to maintain existing Air Corps’ capabilities become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability is a priority for the Air Corps. Funding for this is not provided in the current resource envelope and any future decisions in this regard will be in the context of the ongoing security environment and any associated developments.
The Air Corps’ existing Pilatus PC9 aircraft provide a very limited air to air and air to ground capacity. Whilst the development of a more capable air combat intercept capability will be considered as part of the White Paper update, at this stage there are no plans in this regard. However, these matters are kept under constant review.
215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which specialist skills in dealing with security threats remain available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15705/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding for the military defence of the State’s territory is a fundamental security requirement and responsibility for this is vested specifically in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. The defence contribution to security also encompasses defence inputs to domestic security (Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP)) in support of An Garda Síochána, who have primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order including the protection of the internal security of the State.
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces, including the availability of specialised equipment and trained personnel, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
A wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to counter or respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues.
The full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is available for deployment in response to security threats. In this regard, the Defence Forces hold a wide range of engineering, transport plant and equipment for military purposes along with niche capabilities.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are fully equipped and trained in line with best international practice to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance as required in the event of a security threat.
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which Army, Naval Service and Air Corps vehicles, vessels or aircraft are upgraded on an annual basis; the extent of such upgrading in the past five years and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15706/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government as set out on the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.
In this context the White Paper provides that the Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities. 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 White Paper underpins the ongoing replacement of the Naval Service fleet. A significant investment over recent years has been on the procurement of new Off-Shore Patrol Vessels for the Naval Service. The third ship in the programme, LÉ William Butler Yeats, was commissioned in to service in October 2016. A contract for an additional sister ship was placed with Babcock International in June 2016 at a cost of €54.3 million, bringing investment in the new ships programme to over €250 million since 2010. The fourth 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.
The White Paper provides that 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 White Paper also provides for the replacement of two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft by 2019, with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft. This would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks.
A decision was made in 2016 to replace a PC-9M aircraft which was written off following a fatal crash in 2009. The replacement PC-9M aircraft, scheduled for delivery this year from Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland at a cost of €5 million plus VAT, will bring the fleet up to 8 and will assist in a required increase in pilot training in the Air Corps.
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.
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions at EU and UN level with regard to future deployment of the Defence Forces overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15707/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 1 March 2017, Ireland is contributing 585 Defence Forces personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National Representations.
The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 378 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 136 personnel.
The 378 personnel in UNIFIL serve alongside Finnish Armed Forces as part of a joint Battalion of which Ireland took over command in November 2016. As a consequence of taking over command we deployed an additional Company of some 150 personnel as part of Ireland’s contribution to this mission.
Ireland has a long and continuous record of contributing to peacekeeping missions. Participation in these missions demonstrates Ireland’s strong support for the role of the United Nations in international peacekeeping. The current contribution of some 585 personnel to overseas missions reflects the Government’s continued commitment to our responsibilities in this area.
The main EU-led mission in which Irish personnel have been serving since March 2013 is the EU-led Training Mission in Mali, EUTM Mali. The objective of the mission is to improve the capacity of the Malian Armed Forces to maintain security in Mali and restore the authority of the Malian Government and the territorial integrity of the Malian State. Currently, eighteen (18) members of the Permanent Defence Force are deployed to the mission. Following Government approval, two further Irish personnel will be deployed as trainers to the mission in the near future in response to a recent request from the Mission Commander.
During each EU Presidency both formal and informal meetings of Defence Ministers are held. On 6 March 2017, I attended the extraordinary formal Defence Ministers Meeting under the auspices of the Foreign Affairs Council. Discussions were focused on current EU-led operations and future proposed developments.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
The question of a further deployment of Naval vessels to the Mediterranean is currently under consideration.
Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are shown in the following table.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force Serving Overseas as of 1 March 2017
1. UN MISSIONS
(i) UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ - 30
UNIFIL 109th Infantry Battalion - 340
UNIFIL Sector West HQ - 8
(ii) UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria - 12
(iii) MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) - 3
(iv) MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - 4
(v) UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) HQ - 1
UNDOF Staff Appointments (Camp Ziouani) - 5
UNDOF 54th Infantry Group (Camp Ziouani) - 130
TOTAL - 533
UN MANDATED MISSIONS
(vi) EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) - 6
(vii) EUTM Mali (EU-Led Training Mission) - 18
(viii) KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ - 12
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS - 569
2. ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE)
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina - 1
(ii) Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna - 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH OSCE - 2
3. EU MILITARY STAFF
Brussels - 4
4. MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York - 1
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna - 1
(iii) Military Representative to EU (Brussels) - 4
(iv) Liaison Officer of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) - 2
(v) EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium - 1
(vi) Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium - 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS - 585
218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel at all ranks, male and female, who have retired from the Defence Forces in each of the past four years and to date in 2017; the extent to which this has affected the overall strength of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15708/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe manpower requirements of the Permanent Defence Force are monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational needs across the organisation both at home and abroad. As there is a significant turnover of personnel in the Defence Forces, targeted recruitment takes places on a regular basis so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels. Cadetship and General Service recruitment competitions have recently been launched and I am advised by the military authorities that the planned target is to induct 850 - 900 new entrants to the Defence Forces across all services and competition streams in 2017.
As of 28 February 2017 the whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 9,070. The following table shows the number of retirements of all male and female personnel from the start of 2013 up until the end of February 2017. The total number of Defence Forces personnel who retired in the period requested was 2,225. In terms of overall strengths the Government is committed to maintaining the stabilised strength of the PDF 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.
|
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 * |
TOTAL |
|
|
ARMY |
||||||
|
Officers (Male) |
37 |
50 |
48 |
59 |
8 |
202 |
|
Officers (Female) |
4 |
5 |
9 |
3 |
0 |
21 |
|
Other Ranks (Male) |
289 |
299 |
360 |
437 |
66 |
1451 |
|
Other Ranks (Female) |
19 |
17 |
15 |
14 |
3 |
68 |
|
349 |
371 |
432 |
513 |
77 |
1742 |
|
|
AIR CORPS |
||||||
|
Officers (Male) |
10 |
13 |
8 |
12 |
0 |
43 |
|
Officers (Female) |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Other Ranks (Male) |
21 |
30 |
44 |
35 |
8 |
138 |
|
Other Ranks (Female) |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
|
31 |
43 |
57 |
49 |
8 |
188 |
|
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
||||||
|
Officers (Male) |
7 |
14 |
7 |
4 |
0 |
32 |
|
Officers (Female) |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
|
Other Ranks (Male) |
54 |
40 |
56 |
85 |
14 |
249 |
|
Other Ranks (Female) |
3 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
10 |
|
65 |
55 |
67 |
93 |
15 |
295 |
|
|
445 |
469 |
556 |
655 |
100 |
2225 |
|
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total number of women in each of the Defence Forces, at all ranks, in each of the past five years and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15709/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the number of ‘Whole-time equivalent’ female personnel in each of the three elements of the Permanent Defence Force as of year end for the period 2012 – 2016 and as regards this year, until 28 February 2017, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Army |
485 |
470 |
464 |
458 |
476 |
477 |
|
Air Corps |
30 |
35 |
35 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
|
Naval Service |
68 |
64 |
64 |
61 |
59 |
60 |
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. The Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties, and all promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit.
One impediment in achieving greater numbers of women serving in the Defence Forces is the lack of women recruitment applicants relative to men which may be as a result of societal perception and attitudes to female soldiers and officers.
In recent times there have been a number of initiatives to encourage greater female participation, such as:
- The introduction of best practices in recruitment, such as the adjustment of physical standards for female applicants,
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment,
- A balanced composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards,
- All promotions and career courses are open to both sexes on merit,
- A Gender Advisor has been appointed to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
Over the lifetime of the White Paper 2015 it is planned to develop further initiatives to encourage more women to apply for the Defence Forces and to increase female participation at all ranks.
220. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of private investigation firms hired by his Department in the past five years and to date in 2017; the names of the firms; the amount they were paid; if they supplied his Department with a report on completion of their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15734/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not hired any private investigation firms in the past 5 years.
