Written Answers Nos. 31 - 55
31. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently in receipt of family income supplement and housing assistance payments; his views on pay levels in the Defence Forces in view of the fact that in 2013 over 20% of Defence Forces personnel were in receipt of FIS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15260/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRates of remuneration and conditions of employment in each part of the Irish public sector have traditionally been set by reference to levels of pay available in related public sector employments.
I fully appreciate that many of our citizens continue to face some difficulties in the current economic and fiscal environment, including members of the Defence Forces. The Government is making every effort, within available resources, to support all those who face hardship. In addition, there are various schemes in place through the Department of Social Protection, including Family Income Supplement, housing Assistance to support those on low incomes.
The circumstances surrounding an application for Family Income Supplement, or indeed any other scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection, is a private matter between the applicant and the Department of Social Protection. I am, therefore, not aware of the eligibility of individual members of the Permanent Defence Force to receive such allowances, or the total numbers of Defence Force members that may be in receipt of this financial support. Various factors can give rise to such claims. However, the important thing is that, despite the difficult economic environment we have witnessed over the last few years, the Government has maintained this important safety net for families who by virtue of their particular circumstances require financial support.
In terms of remuneration going forward, the new Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC), announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing objective analysis and advice to the Government on public service remuneration, including the Defence Forces, in the context of the FEMPI Acts 2009 - 2015 and is due 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.
33. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps has sufficient personnel, equipment and training to meet all emergencies as required on land or sea, including coastal patrols and air and sea rescue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15491/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continue to have available to them the equipment, training and personnel to meet all eventualities in which they might be called upon in emergency or other situations; if adequate updating, upgrading and upskilling takes place with regularity in all cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15492/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 41 together.
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out all roles assigned by Government. In this context, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment are available for deployment in response to any emergencies that may arise. In relation to the Air Corps , it can provide airborne and other supports to the Principal Response Agencies and my Department has put in place Memoranda of Understandings and Service Level Agreements with other government departments and agencies to both ensure the maintenance of essential services and also to capture the wide ranging supports that the Defence Forces can provide in emergency situations.
While there has been a loss of experienced personnel in the Air Corps, there is significant work underway in the Defence Organisation, both civil and military, aimed at improving the capacity of the Air Corps and it is important to note that in exceptional circumstances, including outside of normal hours, the Air Corps can recall personnel, and deploy.
The acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me, and the White Paper on Defence published in 2015 recognises that there are several new and enhanced platforms to be procured. Future equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper as part of the capability development and equipment planning processes.
In the case of the Air Corps, equipment priorities set out in the White Paper recognise that there are a number of new and enhanced platforms to be procured, including the replacement of the Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks, and replacement of the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft.
The Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of emergencies under constant review and significant and continuous effort is put into ensuring that they remain up-to-date with regard to best practice.
On the issue of training, considerable training expertise exists within the Defence Forces and this expertise is continually benchmarked against best international practice. Where the capability exists, relevant training is delivered in-house by highly trained and knowledgeable training instructors. Where appropriate, Defence Forces personnel are also sent on relevant external courses, both within Ireland and overseas.
I am satisfied that the resources are available to the Defence Forces, to enable the fulfilment of all roles assigned by Government, including in emergency situations.
34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if consideration is being given to a reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Forces with particular reference to the security needs of the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15432/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2012, a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces took place which resulted in the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units.
As a result of the re-organisation, the operational capacity of the Defence Forces has been maintained to the greatest extent possible, within the available resource envelope. Also of significance however, is the fact that the re-organisation has led to an improvement in the deployability and sustainability of the Defence Forces, both at home and overseas. There are no plans at present for any further re-organisation but future operational requirements are kept under review.
As part of a whole of Government approach, my Department is engaged in forward planning for the UK exit from the EU. While the nature of the border will be decided during the course of the negotiations, it is this Government’s stated goal to ensure that the current on-island border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible.
Responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána , while the Revenue Commissioners have responsibilities relating to Customs matters. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners. The fact of a UK exit from the EU does not of itself give rise to additional border control requirements at this time.
The Defence Forces keep their operational plans under constant review and there is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place.
35. Deputy John Lahart asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Air Corps could not provide top cover for the Coast Guard in north County Mayo on 15 March 2017 but was able to provide two helicopters covering a large cash in transit on the M50 towards the mint in Sandyford two days later. [15259/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the operational details in relation to any aspect of cash movement missions cannot be disclosed for security reasons. However, in general terms, specific requests for Air Corps involvement in operations results in differing responses depending on the type of operation, the availability of aircraft, the availability of aircrew, weather conditions etc.
On the night of the tragic incident, it was not possible to undertake the Coast Guard request for the Air Corps to provide ‘Top Cover’ because the Air Corps is not providing fixed wing aircraft for routine operations outside normal hours, on an ongoing basis, due to the 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 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 security escorts.
37. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of persons in Northern Ireland with Irish passports who wish the join the Defence Forces not just here but in the UN on missions abroad in the event of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15429/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe status of persons in Northern Ireland with Irish passports who wish to join the Defence Forces remains unchanged. It is not envisaged that the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU will have a bearing on their status.
38. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the reinstatement of troops in the Border counties following the triggering of Article 50 and in view of a hard border being reintroduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15430/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UK is expected to trigger Article 50 today. A meeting of the EU 27 Heads of State and Government is scheduled to take place on 29 April to discuss the UK withdrawal. It is expected that formal negotiations will commence in May or June, once the remaining 27 member States reach consensus on the EU's negotiating position. The negotiations themselves can then be expected to take at least two years to complete and all potential consequences in the defence sphere, arising during the negotiations, will remain the subject of ongoing consideration by my Department throughout this process.
As part of a whole of Government approach, my Department is engaged in forward planning for the UK exit from the EU. While the nature of the border will be decided during the course of the negotiations, it is this Government’s stated goal to ensure that the current on-island border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible.
Primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Responsibility for the security aspect of border control rests with An Garda Síochána while the Revenue Commissioners also have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate.
Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners. The fact of a UK exit from the EU does not of itself give rise to additional border control requirements at this time.
The Defence Forces at all times keep operational plans under constant review. My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place.
39. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the establishment under Defence Forces regulations of a board of military officers to re-examine and review the recommendations made in the original 2004 review of the events at Jadotville. [15409/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with Defence Forces regulations the award of medals for bravery is time bound. These may not be awarded in any case unless a recommendation is made through the usual channels to the Chief of Staff, not later than two years in the case of the Military Medal for Gallantry, and not later than four years in the case of the Distinguished Service Medal, after the performance of the act in respect of which the recommendation is made. Such awards are made on the recommendation of a Military Board appointed by the Chief of Staff for the purpose of examining and reporting on every recommendation for an award.
The 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.
The review conducted in 2004 was not conducted by a Board established to consider the award of medals, but for the purpose of a broader examination of the Jadotville case. This Board of Military Officers recommended that the events of Jadotville and the contribution of the 35th Battalion be given recognition. In this context, in November 2005, a plaque was unveiled in Custume Barracks Athlone to commemorate the events at Jadotville and the very significant contribution of “A” Company and of the 35th Battalion, as a whole, to the UN Peace Support Mission in the Congo.
Further recognition of their contribution over subsequent years was as follows:
A. There was a presentation of scrolls in 2006.
B. Portraits of Lt Col McNamee (35th Battalion Commander) and Comdt Quinlan (Company Commander “A” Company) were commissioned. On the 23 rd February 2007 these portraits were unveiled at the Military College and now hang in the Congo Room in the United Nations Training School in the Curragh.
C. In July of 2010 the 50th anniversary of the first deployment to the Congo was commemorated in a highly publicised and well attended event in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. A Congo photographic book was also produced for the occasion; a section of which was dedicated to the events at Jadotville in 1961.
D. A nominal roll of “A” Company, printed in copper, has been affixed to the monument in Costume Barracks and was unveiled as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Jadotville affair in September 2011.
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 17 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 recognize 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.
I am satisfied that the events and happenings to date, in particular the award of a unit citation and specially commissioned Insignia, properly honour the collective bravery of the men of “A” Company.
40. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will block progress towards the establishment of a common European military headquarters in order to prevent the further militarisation of the EU. [15485/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans at EU level to establish a common EU military operational headquarters. As I previously advised the House, there have been proposals around for some time, that the EU should establish a joint operational headquarter capacity to support the planning and conduct of its civil and military operations. A permanent joint civil-military operational headquarters, appropriately configured, could potentially deliver more effective and responsive CSDP operations in support of the UN and international peace and security, a position which Ireland supports drawing together the civil and military aspect of crisis management operations in the comprehensive approach.
The proposal currently being advanced is the development of civil/military planning and conduct capabilities, coordinated through a joint coordination cell, to improve the EU's capacity to react in a faster, more effective and more seamless manner. The proposal is to build on existing structures with a view to enhancing civilian-military synergies to support the effective planning and operation of civilian and non-executive military CSDP missions, as part of the EU's Comprehensive Approach.
In effect this means the creation of a Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), within the existing EU Military Staff structures in Brussels, which will be responsible at the strategic level for the operational planning and conduct of non-executive military missions working under the political control and strategic guidance direction of the Political and Security Committee. Non-executive military missions are capacity building, training and advisory missions.
This newly created MPCC will work in parallel and in a coordinated way with the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) supported by a Joint Support Coordination Cell which brings together the civilian and military expertise in key mission support areas. This will further strengthen and enable effective civilian/military coordination and cooperation in the operational planning and conduct of CSDP civilian and non-executive military missions.
I do not believe that it represents an increase in or a move towards militarisation of the EU. The Lisbon Treaty provides that the Common Security and Defence Policy “shall provide the Union with an operational capacity drawing on assets, civil and military. The Union may use them on missions outside the Union for peace-keeping, conflict prevention and strengthening international security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. The performance of these tasks shall be undertaken using the capabilities provided by the Member States”.
I am satisfied that the issue of having an effective joint planning and operational capacity to support civilian and non-executive military CSDP missions is one which is reasonable, particularly having regard to the EU’s comprehensive approach to international crises.
43. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces at Custume Barracks, Athlone; and his plans for same. [15489/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current strength of Defence Force personnel at Custume barracks, Athlone on 28 Feb 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, was 833 across all ranks.
The re-organisation in 2013 did not significantly alter the actual number of PDF personnel serving in Custume Barracks, Athlone. In accordance with the revised organisational structures, as of 30 November 2012 the establishment for Units based in Custume Barracks is 995 personnel. The effect of the re-organisation on Custume Barracks is that the actual number of PDF personnel based in Custume Barracks has been stabilised within an overall strength ceiling of 9,500 PDF personnel.
No member of the Defence Forces is exclusively or permanently based in any one location, including Custume Barracks. There is a constant through flow of personnel into and out of Custume Barracks and indeed other Barracks. This is because military service involves personnel moving into and out of particular postings as they serve at home and overseas, receive training and undergo educational and career development courses.
As has been previously stated at meetings between my officials and local representatives regarding the matter of Custume Barracks, I am committed to the future of the facility as an important, operational military Barracks. There are no plans to change this.
45. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on criticism of the efforts to reorganise the Army, which in view of unprecedented retirements and resignations have left a significant skills deficit; and his further views on whether low pay, poor morale and isolation from family and home are primary drivers that have resulted in an exodus of personnel. [15275/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces in 2012, a decision was taken to consolidate what were then three under-strength Army brigades into two full strength brigades. The decision was taken because it was clear that the three brigade structure was no longer viable, particularly when compared to international norms.
Key aspects of the re-organisation included the consolidation of under-strength units into a smaller number of full strength units, a reduction in the number of headquarters and the associated re-deployment of personnel from administrative and support functions to operational units.
The White Paper on Defence, which was published in 2015, resulted from a comprehensive examination of Defence requirements over a ten year planning horizon and it specifically provides for the retention of the Army’s two Brigade structure.
The re-organisation has maintained the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to the greatest extent possible within the available resource envelope and has improved the deployability and sustainability of the Defence Forces, both at home and overseas. There are no plans to return to a three brigade structure which would cause a range of unnecessary inefficiencies, such as an increased administrative burden arising from the need to re-introduce a layer of non-operational middle management, and a return to under-strength units.
Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a very high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. However, this is not new and pre-dates the 2012 re-organisation. The Defence Forces have always had a large turnover of approximately 500 personnel on an annual basis. Moreover, a certain level of turnover is of course desirable as a human resources and organisational objective in order to maintain an appropriate age profile across the Defence Forces and to retain an approach to regular revitalisation.
In order to ameliorate the challenges associated with the turnover of personnel, a continuous yearly recruitment drive is operated by the Defence Forces and in 2017 it is planned to recruit 860 personnel across all services.
Additionally, the Defence Forces operates a scheme of voluntary exit interviewing of personnel of all ranks and from all services to ascertain any potential trends or future challenges. The reasons provided are many fold and can range from economic factors, to family circumstances, lifestyle, and a desire for a change in career.
One of the key policies supporting personnel retention is the opportunity for extensive personal and professional development offered by the Defence Forces through accredited courses, and a unique range of careers. But it is also the case that the extensive professional training they receive makes them very attractive to the private sector. It is acknowledged that the resurgence in the private sector jobs market is impacting on the Defence Forces at this time.
In terms of pay, the position is that the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy across the public service.
The Defence Forces Climate Survey published in 2016 was conducted in order to inform consideration of the ongoing human resource and strategic needs of the Defence Forces. The Survey findings clearly point to challenges for the Defence Forces, particularly in the areas of leadership, communication, organisational culture, the working environment and active management of personal expectations. However, many positives also emanated from the Survey, especially in relation to the commitment of personnel to the values and mission of the Organisation, high levels of work satisfaction, pride in the Organisation and positive views on culture and work support.
46. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Army was called on to perform aid to the civil power duties at Shannon Airport on 23 and 24 January 2017; and if aid to the civil power duties were requested for a plane (details supplied). [15263/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.
Since 5 February 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The decision to seek support from the Defence Forces is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.
I can confirm that An Garda Síochána did not request assistance from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on 23 January 2017. I can also confirm that An Garda Síochána did request the support of the Defence Forces on 24 January 2017, and personnel were deployed to Shannon Airport on that date.
The issue of overflights by foreign military aircraft and the use of Shannon Airport by foreign military aircraft is the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Successive Governments have made overflight and landing facilities available at Shannon Airport to the United States for well over 50 years.
47. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who have left the three branches since 2013, in tabular form. [15273/17]
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 personnel as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. The manpower requirement is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with 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.
More immediately, in terms of recruitment, the Defence Forces continue to recruit at cadet, specialist and general service for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Both the General Service and Cadet competitions are currently open and competitions for direct entry watch keepers in the Naval Service will result in inductions shortly. An Air Corps Apprentice Class has also been inducted in March 2017.
Many individuals who exit the Defence Forces do so voluntarily to take up employment opportunities that are becoming increasingly available in the private and public sectors. The extensive training that Defence Forces personnel receive makes them very attractive within the private sector. Applications for voluntary discharge can be made for a variety of reasons such as ‘on pension after 21 years’, ‘at own request’, ‘on termination of engagement’, and ‘discharge by purchase of a recruit’.
The following table shows the number of personnel (Officers and ‘other ranks’) that have left the Defence Forces since January 2013 across all three services.
|
- |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 * |
TOTAL |
|
ARMY |
||||||
|
Officers |
41 |
55 |
57 |
62 |
8 |
223 |
|
Other Ranks |
308 |
316 |
375 |
451 |
69 |
1519 |
|
1742 |
||||||
|
AIR CORPS |
||||||
|
Officers |
10 |
13 |
9 |
13 |
0 |
45 |
|
Other Ranks |
21 |
30 |
48 |
36 |
8 |
143 |
|
188 |
||||||
|
NAVAL SERVICE |
||||||
|
Officers |
8 |
14 |
9 |
5 |
0 |
36 |
|
Other Ranks |
57 |
41 |
58 |
88 |
15 |
259 |
|
295 |
||||||
|
445 |
469 |
556 |
655 |
100 |
2225 |
Note : 2017 refers up to 28 February 2017, the latest date for which figures are available.
48. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the basis on which permission was granted to a US warship (details supplied) to dock in Cobh in March 2017; and if Defence Forces personnel were involved in supplying security to the warship. [15483/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraVisits from foreign naval vessels are a long-standing and common practice in Ireland and worldwide. Foreign naval vessels are granted permission by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to visit Irish ports on condition that they meet the necessary policy stipulations. This requires that visiting naval vessels do not carry nuclear weapons and do not engage in military exercises. The vessel in question was in Ireland as part of a routine visit and was granted permission by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to dock on the basis that it met these criteria.
Security arrangements for such visits are a matter for An Garda Síochána. The roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which in practice means to assist, on request, An Garda Síochána. On this occasion, the Naval Service was not requested by An Garda Síochána to provide support with security arrangements.
The Naval Service provided a liaison officer facility for the USS Donald Cook, which is a standard courtesy afforded to all visiting naval vessels. In addition, the Naval Service hosted representatives of the crew of the vessel for a short courtesy visit to the Naval Base, again in accordance with standard protocols.
49. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of requests for assistance made to the Air Corps in 2016; the number of requests that were and were not fulfilled; the reasons the Air Corps was unable to facilitate any such requests; the required complement of staff necessary to enable the Air Corps to respond appropriately to requests for assistance; the number of vacancies in the Air Corps; the steps being taken to fill such vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15401/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of requests the Air Corps could not fulfil from 2015 to date in 2017 as a consequence of inadequate aircraft, pilot or air traffic controller availability, in tabular form. [15271/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 51 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 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.
The Air Corps is currently experiencing shortages of trained personnel and this has led to reduced availability of certain aircraft.
I want to assure the Deputies that there is significant work underway in the Defence Organisation, both civil and military, aimed at improving the capacity of the Air Corps. The 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. The strength of the Air Corps on 28 February 2017 stands at 701.
Recruitment of new personnel is taking place and pilot cadets are in training. However, it will take time for these cadets, when qualified, to develop their skills and expertise. As such, a return to previous levels of capability in the Air Corps will be a gradual process as pilots within the system progress to become aircraft commanders and newly qualified cadets become pilots.
Actions are also underway to return a full level of air traffic control services to the Air Corps. Air Traffic Control (ATC) training is taking place and options to ensure the longer-term sustainability of ATC services in Baldonnel are being identified. These measures will facilitate a gradual extension of operational hours for air traffic control services in Baldonnel over the year, beginning this May, as newly qualified personnel develop their experience and with an anticipated return to full 24/7 service in early 2018.
In addition, the Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course, eight students commenced training on Monday, 27th March 2017, this is in addition to six (6) Air Traffic Services personnel who are part-way through their training.
A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has been launched. It is anticipated that promotions from this competition will commence in Quarter 3 2017.
The 2017 Air Corps Apprenticeship competition is due to commence shortly and it is planned that following this process 25 new Air Corps apprentices will be inducted in late September 2017 to commence their training. This is in addition to 11 Air Corps Apprentices who are due to commence their training shortly.
I have requested the detailed information sought by the Deputy from the Military Authorities and I will revert to the Deputy in due course when this information is available.
52. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of discussions between the Workplace Relations Commission and PDFORRA on the Public Service Pay Commission. [15268/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Pay Commission, announced by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been tasked with providing analysis and advice on public sector renumeration, 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 ahead of Budget 2018 considerations.
While I understand that PDFORRA has made a submission to the Commission, as the Deputy will appreciate, the Commission does not operate under the aegis of my Department and I am not aware of any further discussion between the Commission and PDFORRA in this regard.
53. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if associations such as RACO and PDFORRA have been engaged in terms of pay and conditions in a similar way to the GRA and the AGSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10590/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) provides a formal mechanism for the PDF Representative Associations, RACO and PDFORRA, to engage with the Official side. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a means for the determination of claims and proposals from the Associations relating to remuneration and conditions of service. Since 1993, there have been significant developments and improvements in the pay and conditions of military personnel. The Representative Associations have been to the fore in advancing the interests of their members in this regard, bringing them in line generally with the pay and conditions available in other public service employments. The Conciliation and Arbitration scheme includes access to an independent adjudication.
In addition, a framework exists which facilitates the Associations engaging with the official side in talks parallel to those taking place between ICTU and the official side at National level. This parallel process operated in respect of the 2015 rounds of discussions, facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission, on an extension to the ‘Public Service Agreement 2013 – 2016’ leading to the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
I have received representations from PDFORRA seeking to have access to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court made available to them in the event of any future legislative changes being made to provide An Garda Síochána with access to same. I remain satisfied with the present arrangements in place for the Defence Forces and have no immediate plans to make any changes. However, in the light of PDFORRA's representations the matter is being kept under review, including in the context of any future arrangements to be made for An Garda Síochána.
54. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the health and safety assessments that have been carried out into procedures and protocols at Casement Aerodrome prior to the 2016 HSA health and safety report. [15266/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to assure the Deputy that the health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces is a high priority for me and for the Military Authorities. I am advised that it is the policy of the Defence Forces to manage Health and Safety risks to all of its members. This is achieved in line with national Health and Safety regulations. The Defence Forces are committed to continuous risk mitigation and encourage inputs from their stakeholders to ensure that the work environment is as safe as possible.
I have made inquiries with the military authorities as to the latest status of the Health and Safety assessments and am awaiting a response, which I will communicate to the Deputy in due course.
55. Deputy John Brassil asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently serving in the drugs squad located in the Kerry Garda division; the number serving in each of the years 2012 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15540/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Units and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
It is important to note that all Gardaí have a responsibility in the prevention and detection of criminal activity whether it be in the area of drug offences or otherwise. I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to pro-actively and resolutely tackle all forms of drug crime in this jurisdiction. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau leads out the policing strategy for tackling drugs supply and works closely with dedicated Divisional Drugs units and other national units, including the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) in targeting persons involved in the illicit sale and supply of drugs. This approach allows for the co-ordinated use of Garda resources in tackling all forms of organised crime, including illicit drug activity nationwide.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide-ranging reform plan in train in An Garda Síochána. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
I am informed by the Commissioner that, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, some 839 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide. I am also informed that another 750 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across the organisation including the Divisional Drugs Units.
The investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and support An Garda Síochána in tackling illicit drug activity.
The following table gives a breakdown of the number of Garda members assigned to the Kerry Division Drugs Unit in each of the years 2012 to 28 February 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available.
Kerry Division Drugs Unit
|
Year |
Strength |
|
2012 |
6 |
|
2013 |
8 |
|
2014 |
10 |
|
2015 |
9 |
|
2016 |
7 |
|
2017 |
7 |
