Written Answers No. 694-698
694. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Lariam tablets and other anti-malaria drugs issued to Defence Forces personnel for the duration of overseas deployments since 2015, in tabular form. [16640/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra695. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the remaining number of Lariam and other anti-malaria drugs that are presently stockpiled to be used for Defence Forces personnel when deployed overseas. [16641/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 694 and 695 together.
I am advised by the military authorities that the following table reflects the number of Lariam (Mefloquine), Doxycycline and Malarone tablets issued to Defence Forces personnel for the duration of overseas deployments since 2015 and the amount of anti- malaria drugs in stock at present.
Quantities on anti-malaria drugs issued and in stock since 2015:
|
Drug |
Quantity of anti-malaria drugs issued since 2015 |
Quantity of anti-malaria drugs in stock |
|
Lariam |
2,829 tablets |
158 tablets |
|
Malarone |
1,409 tablets |
0 |
|
Doxycycline (110 mg) |
10,137 capsules |
3,491 capsules |
I am advised by the military authorities that drugs are purchased on a demand basis under the four year framework agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines. This agreement is between the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the HSE.
The Deputy should note that Doxycycline 100mg is a broad spectrum antibiotic and is the treatment of choice for many infections in addition to being an anti-malarial. Both Malarone and Doxycycline require a daily usage while Lariam requires a weekly dosage.
696. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of money spent annually in Ireland’s participation in the Partnership for Peace, European Defence Agency programmes, EU Common Defence Policy and EU battle groups from 2014 to 2016 in tabular form. [16642/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's contribution to the European Defence Agency (EDA), EU Common Defence Policy and EU Battlegroups from 2014 to 2016 are set out in the in the following table. The financial commitment to the operational budget of the European Defence Agency is in accordance with EDA funding principles, based on Gross National Income (GNI) key. The EDA Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Protection project allowed the Defence Forces access to the results of research, studies and development work packages undertaken by the programme. CBRN is a key capability for the Defence Forces, participation in this project enables the Defence Forces to remain at the leading edge of capability development in this key area. The project commenced in 2012 and finished in 2015.
The EDA Counter Improvised Explosives Devices Manual Neutralisation Techniques project was set up to address Counter Improvised Explosives Devices Manual Neutralisation Techniques (C-IED MNT) training, which has been identified as a crucial skill/capability to be developed. Manual Neutralisation Techniques is a method used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Operators who, on occasions, cannot use remote or semi remote techniques to render an IED safe and these complex explosive devices have to be neutralised manually. For example, MNT is used where there is an immediate threat to the life of a hostage who has an IED attached to them. The project began in 2014 and will run for four (4) years.
Participation in EU Battlegroups demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to the development of EU capabilities in the area of crisis management and contributes to our overall credibility within the Union. Ireland’s continuing active engagement in EU Battlegroups enhances our capacity to influence the ongoing development and evolution of the rapid response capacity of the EU, in particular, the role Battlegroups can play in reinforcing and acting as a strategic reserve for UN operations.
To date Ireland has participated in the Nordic Battlegroup in 2008, 2011 and 2015, the Austro-German Battlegroup in 2012 and both the German led and UK led Battlegroups in 2016. The total costs directly associated with Irish participation in EU Battlegroups between 2014 and 2015 amounted to just under €3.85 million. This figure includes direct payroll costs which would have been incurred in the normal course. The remaining costs relate to subsistence, allowances, transport, flights and other such costs incurred during the preparation and stand-by period for the Battlegroup.
In 2015 this included the transportation of troops and equipment to Sweden to participate in joint field training exercises with the other elements of the Nordic Battlegroup namely, Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. Irish participation in this exercise comprised of approximately 175 personnel making up a Reconnaissance Company. The costs associated with Ireland’s participation in the 2016 German and UK led Battlegroups are currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy separately once available.
In relation to Ireland’s participation in the Partnership for Peace, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade meets the running costs of the office in Brussels which is staffed by the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
|
European Defence Agency |
||||
|
EDA Budget |
EDA CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear) Project |
EDA Manual Neutralisation Techniques and Exercises (MNT) project |
Total |
|
|
2014 |
€275,661.90 |
€30,000.00 |
€57,500.00 |
€363,161.90 |
|
2015 |
€310,359.05 |
€30,000.00 |
€57,500.00 |
€397.859.05 |
|
2016 |
€326,592.93 |
Project completed |
€57,500.00 |
€384,092.93 |
|
EU Common Defence Policy (Common Costs) |
||||
|
2014 |
€759,706.37 |
|||
|
2015 |
€570,753.61 |
|||
|
2016 |
€546,978.61 |
|||
|
Battlegroups |
||||
|
2014 |
€1,219,495 |
|||
|
2015 |
€2,620,619 |
|||
|
2016 |
Currently being compiled and will be forwarded separately |
697. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of restoring the option of allowing personnel to do an extra four years service upon completion of their 21 years contract, based on the average number of personnel who availed of this extension of service in the five years leading up to 1997. [16643/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised that there is no record of a four year extension option being offered to personnel who completed 21 years service in the Defence Forces in the five years leading up to 1997. However, if the Deputy can provide any further clarification on the matter to my Office I will have it examined further.
698. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Air Corps at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel receives moneys from the annual harvesting of silage on the airbase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16654/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the Military Authorities that the Air Corps operate a ‘safe grass’ policy in order to reduce the hazards posed on the airfield in Baldonnel by bird populations. This policy is an integral part of the wider bird control management programme, which is in line with best international practices and seeks to reduce the risk of bird strikes during critical phases of flight.
The airfield at Baldonnel is cultivated with FESCUE grass which was specifically sown and grown to prevent birds landing and nesting in the grass and thereby being a hazard to the aircraft. A contractor is hired to top the grass at a height of 9 inches throughout the growing season. The clippings are returned. The frequent topping of the grass and the return of clippings are required to produce an appropriate level of soil fertility to support adequate grass growth. The crop type does not have the nutrient needs for grazed cattle silage and the clippings are required to maintain nutrient levels in the soil.
Accordingly, the Air Corps receive no funding from the annual harvesting of silage on the airbase. As there is no harvesting of silage, the issue of income from harvesting does not arise.
