Written Answers Nos. 1 - 30
9. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland will block progress towards the establishment of a common European fund for military research and co-operation to prevent the further militarisation of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15486/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe College of Commissioners adopted the European Defence Action Plan on 30 November last. This
Commission proposal has yet to go through the wide ranging and extensive EU procedures before any part of it becomes a reality.
The aim of the Plan is to explore how EU policies and instruments can ensure that the EU’s industrial and skills base will be able to deliver required defence capabilities in view of current and future security challenges. As part of this Plan, the Commission has proposed the creation of a European Defence Fund.
The purpose of the Defence Fund is to promote research and innovation and contribute to the strengthening of the European defence technology and industrial base, and to further stimulate the development of key defence capabilities. The Commission has proposed that the fund would have research and capability windows.
In the research window, it is proposed that €90 million in funding will be made available for collaborative defence research projects over the period 2017-20 in what is known as the "preparatory action". The Commission also proposed that, post 2020, a European Defence Research Programme will be established which will require funding of €500 million per annum. It should be noted that this has yet to be negotiated as part of the post 2020 multiannual financial framework, the negotiation of which has not yet commenced.
Under the capability window, the establishment of a fund is proposed. The fund would facilitate Member States in purchasing capability platforms together through the pooling of national contributions, where possible supported by the EU budget. The Commission estimates that this fund would be in the region of €5 billion per year. It is important to highlight that this would depend on individual Member States agreeing to initiate joint projects which they would co-fund from national resources. To date, no such ambition on pooling resources across the union has been realised.
For certain Member States in the EU, defence is a significant contributor to their economies, representing an EU industry of €100 billion with 1.5 million direct and indirect employees. Ireland does not have an issue with funding of defence research. As I have stated previously to the House, for Ireland to have a well-equipped and capability driven Defence Forces we must support the funding of defence research. Ireland may not have a defence industry but this does not stop Ireland tapping into funding through our well established companies in the dual-use product and technology sectors. However we will have to look at how these proposals evolve in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework and where Ireland’s best interests lie in that regard, particularly in relation to research funding in general.
I am also satisfied that the proposals in the Action Plan fully acknowledge and reaffirm that Defence remains a Member State prerogative. Decisions about expenditure, military capabilities, Research and Technology are and remain matters for individual Member States in the first instance.
10. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who are currently serving overseas; the missions they are on; if he expects that number to rise or fall in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15525/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 01 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 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 listed in the tabular statement.
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
13. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to bring the Air Corps up to its staffing levels needed to perform all of its existing functions and reach its stabilised strength; and when he expects the Air Corps will be in a position to provide top cover for all future emergencies. [15494/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra14. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on recent media reports on the crisis in Defence Forces personnel numbers and its impact on the Air Corps; his plans to increase the Air Corps capability and staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15522/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra30. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to bring the Air Corps up to staffing levels needed to perform all of its existing functions and reach its stabilised strength; and when he expects the Air Corps will be in a position to provide top cover for all future emergencies. [15427/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra32. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the 28 cadets currently in training will be assigned specialised roles as technicians, fire crews and as air traffic controllers, in tabular form. [15274/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra42. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of qualified air traffic controllers who have left the service since 2010, in tabular form. [15272/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 14, 30, 32 and 42 together.
As I outlined earlier, the Air Corps is not providing fixed wing aircraft for routine operations, on an ongoing basis, outside normal hours. However, in exceptional circumstances outside of normal hours, the Air Corps can recall personnel, as happened when Rescue 116 went missing.
The reduction in experienced personnel in the Air Corps has not arisen due to cuts in personnel numbers. As with other areas of the public service, challenges have arisen in relation to the recruitment and retention of personnel in particular areas of expertise. The Air Corps has experience retirements of highly experienced personnel and these retirements are outstripping the recruitment and training of replacement personnel. The loss of experienced personnel is driven by a range of factors, including the availability of attractive job opportunities in the private and commercial semi-state sectors. The loss of experience personnel has, in turn, impacted the availability of aircraft. As can be seen from the following table, 12 Air Traffic Controllers have left the service since 2010.
I want to assure the House that every effort is being made to address the personnel requirements of the Defence Forces. In the case of the Air Corps this includes:
- Cadets in training,
- Cadet Recruitment Campaign underway,
- Four personnel will complete Air Traffic Control training between May and September this year,
- The Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course,
- NCO vacancies in the Air Corps will be filled from the recently launched NCO promotion competition and
- An Air Corps apprentice class was also inducted in March 2017.
While there are a number of initiatives underway, realistically it will take time for a return to previous levels of capability in the Air Corps as pilots within the system progress to become aircraft commanders and newly qualified cadets become co-pilots. The approach will be governed by the overarching requirements of safety.
In the meantime, the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue services can draw on the support of the Air Corps on an ‘as available’ basis under a Service Level Agreement between the Department of Defence and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the most recent of which has been in place since 2013.
If requested, and if available, the Air Corps provide Top Cover for the Coast Guard using a CASA fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft. Coast Guard helicopters also provide their own Top Cover during Search & Rescue missions. This will continue to be the case.
As the Air Corps returns to the previous level of capability, services will continue to be provided on an “as available” basis. Availability is dependent on a number of criteria including the availability of suitable aircraft, the availability of flying crews and the suitability of weather conditions.
With regard to Air Corps cadets in training, 27 cadets will be commissioned and earn their wings between the end of this year and 2020.
On successful completion of the Air Corps Cadet syllabus, Cadets will be assigned as Pilot Officers in Air Corps Units. Pilot Officers do not fulfill the role of technicians, fire crew or Air Traffic Controllers. These roles are performed by other Defence Forces personnel.
|
Year |
Total Retirements |
Officer Retirements |
NCO Retirements |
|
2010 |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
2011 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
2012 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
2013 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2014 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2016 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
2017 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
12 |
4 |
8 |
15. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to enhance the numbers and roles undertaken by the Army Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15428/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to strengthen the Reserve Defence Forces. [15490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra44. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the plans that have been brought forward by the Secretary General of his Department in conjunction with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces for the operation of a scheme of opportunities for paid service by members of the Reserve Defence Force. [15411/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to expedite recruitment to the Reserve Defence Forces. [15431/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 36, 44 and 50 together.
The White Paper on Defence confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the Permanent Defence Force in times of crisis. In non-crisis situations, the main focus will be on training to prepare for this role. The White Paper on Defence also noted that members of the RDF continue to play an important role in contributing to state ceremonial events and that the Government values this contribution and decided that it should be assigned as a formal role for the Reserve.
My Government colleagues and I recognise the important role that the Reserve Defence Force has played in contributing to Ireland’s defence capability, and we recognise the voluntary service which has been the hallmark of the Reserve. The Government appreciates the service of the members of the Reserve and the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve.
Under the current phase of implementation of White Paper actions, two relate specifically to the RDF i.e. attracting recruits from all backgrounds and conducting a skills survey with a view to establishing a Specialist Reserve. Over the course of the lifespan of the White Paper, other projects relating to the development of the Reserve will be examined and developed by the Defence Organisation. These include proposals to be brought forward for the operation of a scheme for opportunities for paid service by members of the Reserve. Recruitment to both the PDF and RDF remains a priority in 2017. Membership of the RDF is voluntary and unpaid and the quest for recruits must compete with the other organisations within the voluntary sector. These conditions along with the unique demands of military service make the issue of attracting recruits a challenging one. In the context of both finite resources and personnel, it is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of PDF and RDF recruitment, so as to deliver the desired effects of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned to it by Government and to advance the single force structure.
It is anticipated the next RDF recruitment campaign will commence in the second half of 2017. Until then the RDF will continue to induct from the 2015/2016 panel. The Defence Forces are reviewing the 2015/2016 RDF competition and as part of this process are examining the competition model to be used in 2017. I am anxious to accelerate the rate of recruitment to the Reserve within means and resources.
With regard to funding, a budget of €2.15m from the Defence vote is allocated to the Reserve with €2.068m of that figure to support paid training of RDF members. Financial support to the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA) is also included in the budget provision.
17. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to undertake an independent cost-benefit analysis of the cost of contracted air services as against a fully staffed and resourced Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15402/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI should say at the outset that, as Minister with Responsibility for Defence, I remain open at all times to considering more efficient and effective approaches to provision of Defence services and, whilst I would never rule out the possibility of seeking an independent review of particular aspects of how the Defence Forces is managed and operates, I have no plans, for reasons that I will outline, to have the type of cost-benefit analysis suggested in the Deputy’s question undertaken.
Furthermore, I also wish to state, in relation to the reference to a fully staffed Air Corps, that it is acknowledged that, as with other areas of the public service, challenges have arisen in relation to the recruitment and retention of personnel, including pilots and Air Traffic Control staff. I want to assure the House that there is significant work underway in the Defence Organisation, both civil and military, aimed at improving the capacity of the Air Corps. This includes work on a range of actions to improve pilot retention, whilst recruitment of new personnel is also taking place. Actions are also underway to return a full level of Air Traffic Control services to the Air Corps. Air Traffic Control training is taking place and options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of such services in Baldonnel are being identified.
As regards resourcing generally, the White Paper on Defence contains a number of commitments in relation to aircraft replacement, including replacement of the Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft, suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The two CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also be replaced, with consideration given to their replacement with larger more capable aircraft.
The White Paper on Defence was approved by Government in 2015 and followed an extensive consultation process and a comprehensive examination of all Defence requirements over a ten year planning horizon. On this basis, the White Paper set out the various roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. These roles are varied, but include providing for the military defence of the State from armed aggression, provision of aid to the civil power - meaning in practice to assist, when requested, An Garda Síochána, who have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State, and also to contribute to national resilience through the provision of specified ‘aid to the civil authority’ supports to lead agencies in response to major emergencies.
The Air Corps contributes to the fulfilment of these, and indeed to all of the other roles assigned to the Defence Forces, and clearly has and will continue to have a significant contribution to make in this regard, which is also reflective of the need for the Defence Forces to operate jointly. The various roles assigned are mutually supporting and the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake these fully has a multiplier effect. To look at one service in isolation would fail to capture the value that the services provide through joint approaches to the roles assigned.
In contributing to meeting the roles assigned to the Defence Forces, it is currently the case that various aspects of the provision of aviation services are out-sourced by the Air Corps, principally in the areas of aircraft maintenance, pilot training and technician training. The reasons for this are because the cost of in-house provision of such niche expertise and equipment required would be prohibitively expensive in the context of the number of airframes operated by the Air Corps. Indeed, I understand that this is normal practice internationally.
My Department and the Defence Forces continue to keep an open mind in relation to the possibility of out-sourcing generally, but it must be acknowledged that there are clearly limits to how far this can go, given the security sensitive nature of many Air Corps’ operations provided to An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Customs Service which means that an in-house capacity is critical.
18. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the Public Service Pay Commission analysis on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service, including the Defence Forces, will be completed; and if the recommendations will be made public. [15267/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraYou will be aware that the Public Service Pay Commission, announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing analysis and advice on remuneration for the public service, including the Defence Forces, in the context of the FEMPI Acts 2009 - 2015.
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.
I understand that the Representative Associations for the Defence Forces, RACO and PDFORRA, have submitted their observations to the Commission. I can confirm that my Department has also recently submitted initial observations to the Commission, via the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform. As these matters are under deliberation, I trust the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to disclose the content of the Department’s submission at this point in time.
I am advised that the initial report of the Commission, including all submission made to the Body, will be published on their website in due course.
19. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to honour the terms and conditions of service of the representative association professional staff under Defence Forces regulation S6 as it relates to their career progression arrangement. [15410/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere full-time officials of representative associations are serving personnel, there are informal arrangements in place for their advancement in rank in the normal course. These arrangements are predicated on the principle that such personnel should not suffer any adverse or beneficial impacts on their promotion prospects relative to their peer group as a result of their representing the interests of their members while they serve as full-time officials.
I have recently received correspondence from one of the Representative Associations relating to their full-time officials and will respond to them shortly in this regard.
Senior officials from my Department met with RACO representatives in February of this year to discuss the matter with a view to having an agreed resolution implemented as soon as possible.
While I understand no immediate agreement was reached, I am advised that the Department will be in further contact with the Association in the coming weeks with a view to finalising this matter.
20. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures he will take to enhance the search and rescue capacity of the Air Corps as a back-up to the Coast Guard and RNLI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15487/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra29. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on reports that due to a shortage of pilots and air traffic controllers the Air Corps lacks the capacity to provide adequate air ambulance services and top cover for search and rescue missions; and the efforts being made to recruit and train specialised personnel to fill these positions. [15265/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 29 together.
The Air Corps continues to provide a broad range of services on a daily basis for a diverse range of tasks such as Army and Naval Service support, the Emergency Aeromedical Service, maritime patrols and fishery protection, the Ministerial Air Transport Service, inter-hospital transfers and Aid to the Civil Power duties including the Garda Air Support Unit and cash escorts.
The Irish Coast Guard, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has overall responsibility for the provision of Search & Rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. It is a nationwide maritime emergency organisation that provides a variety of services to shipping and other government agencies. Coast Guard helicopters contribute to the provision of maritime search & rescue within the Irish search and rescue region.
In the past, the Air Corps provided search and rescue services but was withdrawn from this role in 2004 following a handover to CHC Ireland, a private operator. This decision was taken on account of what has always been the overriding concern of the Government: the safety of mariners and indeed anyone who gets into difficulty where Search & Rescue can respond.
The Irish Coast Guard search and rescue services can request the support of the Air Corps on an ‘as available’ basis under a Service Level Agreement between the Department of Defence and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the most recent of which has been in place since 2013. Availability is dependent upon a number of criteria including the availability of suitable aircraft, the availability of flying crews and the suitability of weather conditions.
If requested, and if available, the Air Corps provide “top-cover” for the Coast Guard using a CASA fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft. Coast Guard helicopters also provide their own “top-cover” during Search & Rescue missions.
Having regard to the co-ordination of transport arrangements for paediatric organ transplant transfers to the UK, the HSE’s Aeromedical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for this coordination. Air transport for these patients is currently provided in three ways: Air Corps fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft; Irish Coast Guard rotor-wing aircraft; and private air ambulance providers.
The Department of Defence has a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Health and the HSE for the Air Corps to use its fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to transport patients and medical teams between hospitals within Ireland and abroad, on an ‘as available’ basis as outlined above.
I can confirm that the level of availability of Air Corps aircraft for such tasks has reduced. This reduction is largely because the Air Corps has experienced retirements of highly experienced personnel which is outstripping the recruitment and training of replacement personnel.
All agencies which the Air Corps provides supports in accordance with their Service Level Agreements were notified of this reduced availability last summer. However, it is normal practice for Agencies to check for Air Corps availability as relevant missions arise.
I want to assure the Deputy that, while there has been this loss of experienced personnel, there is significant work underway in the Defence Organisation, both civil and military, aimed at improving the capacity of the Air Corps.
21. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will conduct a review and report on the resources available to the Air Corps to provide top cover following the recent tragedy in County Mayo. [15493/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the preparation of the White Paper on Defence, the Department of Defence and Defence Forces carried out an extensive review of defence requirements including capabilities required for the period extending to 2025.
The Air Corps operates two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which are primarily used for sea fisheries protection and maritime patrolling. They are also on occasion tasked with providing support, including “top-cover” to civil authorities on an “as available” basis. The White Paper on Defence commits to replacing these two CASA 235 aircraft over the lifetime of the White Paper.
The Irish Coast Guard, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has overall responsibility for the provision of Search & Rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. It provides a nationwide maritime emergency organisation that provides a variety of services to shipping and other government agencies. Coast Guard helicopters contribute to the provision of maritime search & rescue within the Irish search and rescue region.
In the past, the Air Corps provided search and rescue services but was withdrawn from this role in 2004 following a handover to CHC Ireland, a private operator. This decision was taken on account of what has always been the overriding concern of the Government: the safety of mariners and indeed anyone who gets into difficulty where Search & Rescue can respond.
The Irish Coast Guard search and rescue services can request the support of the Air Corps on an “as available” basis under a Service Level Agreement between the Department of Defence and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The most recent of which has been in place since 2013. Availability is dependent upon a number of factors including the availability of suitable aircraft, the availability of flying crews and the suitability of weather conditions.
If requested, and if available, the Air Corps provide “top-cover” for the Coast Guard using a CASA fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft. Coast Guard helicopters also provide their own “top-cover” during Search & Rescue missions.
I can confirm to the House, that the level of availability of Air Corps aircraft for such tasks has reduced. This reduction is largely because the Air Corps has experienced retirements of highly experienced personnel. These retirements are outstripping the recruitment and training of replacement personnel.
The loss of experienced personnel is driven by a range of factors, including the availability of attractive job opportunities in the private and commercial semi-state sectors.
I want to assure the Deputy that, while there has been a loss of experienced personnel, there is significant work underway in the Defence Organisation, both civil and military, aimed at improving the capacity of the Air Corps.
The Air Corps continues to provide a broad range of services on a daily basis for a diverse range of tasks such as Army and Naval Service support, the Emergency Aero-medical Service, maritime patrols and fishery protection, the Ministerial Air Transport Service, inter-hospital transfers and Aid to the Civil Power duties including the Garda Air Support Unit and security escorts.
22. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which he plans to meet the 2% of GDP spending target on defence agreed by EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15484/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra28. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland will be exempted from having to increase its spending on weapons and military capabilities from 0.6% to 2% of GDP (details supplied). [15269/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 28 together.
In June 2016 the European Council adopted Conclusions welcoming the presentation by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Frederica Mogherini, of the European Union Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy (EUGS) and invited the High Representative, the Commission and the Council to take the work forward.
In order to build the capabilities and capacity required to enhance the EU's ability to respond to external crises through the Common Security and Defence Policy, the EU Global Strategy states that member States must channel a sufficient level of expenditure to defence and make the most efficient use of their resources. This is not new and recalls the European Council's call on member States in June 2015 to allocate a sufficient level of expenditure for defence and the need to make the most effective use of resources.
There is no requirement on Ireland or any other EU member State to achieve any specific target in relation to Defence expenditure, nor is there any agreement at EU level in this regard. As I am sure the Deputies are aware, the Lisbon Treaty explicitly provides that it is entirely a matter for Ireland, or any other Member State, to determine the nature and volume of its own defence and security expenditure, as well as the nature of its defence capabilities.
26. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason adequate warning and notice signage has not been upgraded in the area of the Hollow Road on the Curragh, which is regularly closed to facilitate the firing on the Defence Forces rifle ranges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15421/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRange No. 3 is a rifle range within the Curragh Camp and since March 2016 the Defence Forces have resumed training on this range. This has resulted in the occasional temporary closure by the Defence Forces of the Hollow Road. The temporary road closures are required as part of strict control and safety measures put in place by the Defence Forces to ensure public safety during the firing of live ammunition on Range No. 3.
These occasional temporary road closures by the Defence Forces are in accordance with the provisions of Section 274 of the Defence Act, 1954, as amended. This provides the Defence Forces with the powers to temporarily stop all traffic in the vicinity of any place used for rifle practices. It is acknowledged that the occasional temporary closure of the Hollow Road may be an inconvenience for some local residents.
I have been advised by the military authorities that signage is temporarily erected at either end of the Hollow Road and Brownstown on the day prior to the required closures. This gives advance notice of the date and duration of the proposed road closure. This alerts local residents and road users of the need to take alternative detour routes. Military Sentries are on duty at either end of the Hollow Road during the road closures to control the traffic and to advise users of the alternative routes.
The military authorities have also advised that red warning flags are flown while firing is being conducted, and warning lights are activated in the centre of the Curragh Camp outside of the water tower, in full view of the public as further safety and information notification measures. The Defence Forces website, http://www.military.ie/info-centre/dftc-road-closures/, provides members of the public with details of planned road closures.
There are no plans in place to upgrade the signage at this time.
27. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will establish a review to determine if the chronic illnesses suffered by former Air Corps staff were as a result of exposure to chemicals while working at Casement Aerodrome. [15412/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in my responses to other recent Parliamentary Questions on this issue, a number of former and serving Air Corps personnel are suing the Minister for Defence alleging personal injuries arising from exposure to workplace chemicals. It is not appropriate for me to comment on this matter at this time as these cases are the subject of ongoing civil litigation before the High Court.
The Deputy will be aware that there are a number of processes already in train in relation to reviewing health and safety procedures in the Air Corps. Following a number of inspections at the Air Corps premises at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, in 2016, the Health and Safety Authority issued a report of inspection with a number of general improvements and recommendations for follow up. The Air Corps committed to addressing these recommendations as part of an eight phase implementation plan. I am advised that seven out of the eight phases are planned to be completed by May 2017.
In September 2016 I appointed an independent third party to review allegations made in a number of protected disclosures relating to health and safety issues in the Air Corps which were received in late 2015 and early 2016. Once a final review is to hand, I will determine any further steps required and ensure that all recommendations, whether arising from the work of the Health and Safety Authority or the ongoing protected disclosure review, will be acted upon to ensure the safety of the men and women of the Air Corps. In the circumstances and pending the completion of the ongoing processes, I have no plans at this time to commission another review on this matter.
