Written Answers Nos. 1461-1482
1461. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if arrangements are in place whereby a family can have old IRA medals that have been lost over the years replaced; the provisions in place to deal with requests from families on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19481/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence receives requests from time to time for the replacement of lost, stolen or destroyed medals awarded to veterans of the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence. In relation to such requests, it has been settled policy for many years that replacement medals were issued on a once-off only basis on receipt of a bona fide request from the veteran to whom the original medals were awarded. This policy was adopted in the interest of preserving the intrinsic value of the medals and to strictly limit the number of medals issued in any particular case. Although all of the Veterans are now deceased, the rationale for restricting the issue of replacement medals is still valid. Apart from the intrinsic value of the medals, their monetary value on the open market is also a factor. In 2006, the then Minister for Defence decided that, where 1916 Rising/War of Independence medals had been lost, stolen or destroyed, official certificates, in both Irish and English, would be issued in such cases confirming that the relevant medal(s) was/were awarded to the named Veteran. The procedure in such cases is that the family can obtain an application form from the Pensions Administration Section of the Department of Defence in Áras an tSáile, Renmore, Galway (telephone 091 743899 or email – pensions.admin@defence.ie). Once the form is completed and returned to the Department, the details will be verified by the Department and, if in order, the relevant certificate/s will be issued (generally to the next of kin) on a once-off basis.
1462. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of increasing the Defence Forces personnel to a compliment of 9,500 and 10,500. [19542/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 28 February 2017 (the latest date for which figures are available), the serving strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 9,070 whole-time equivalent personnel. The pay allocation for the Permanent Defence Force in 2017 is €417 million and this amount will allow for the payment of the full establishment of 9,500 personnel in accordance with the current organisation structures. The Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at or near the establishment figure of 9,500 personnel. A major new recruitment drive was recently announced targeting an intake of some 860 personnel, including general service recruits, apprentices and cadets.
As the Government has no plans to increase the Defence Forces beyond 9,500, costings are not maintained in relation to that and, therefore, I am not in a position to provide such a costing. As the Deputy will appreciate, developing a realistic costing on increasing the establishment to 10,500, is not simply a straight-line calculation. Achieving and sustaining such an increase would happen over a phased basis and would require the inclusion of other expenditure issues such as the training and accommodation infrastructures for such a larger force, along with training staffs etc., additional equipment, and potentially additional organisational and command structures. In addition, the issue of where such an increase in personnel was to be applied – e.g. Air Corps, Naval Service, Army or specialist corps – would have significant implications in terms of any cost calculation.
1463. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost in increasing the Reserve Defence Forces to 5,500. [19543/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence sets out a developmental path for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). It provides that the overarching establishment of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) will be 4,169 personnel, consisting of 3,869 Army Reservists and the expansion of the establishment of the four NSR Units from currently 200 personnel to 300. The current total strength for the Reserve Defence Force (as of 28 February 2017) is 1,970 effective personnel and subhead A5 provides for a budget €2.115 million for paid training. The budget is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the AR and NSR. To increase the numbers in the Reserve to 5,500 would add an additional indicative amount of €3,789,822.34 to subhead A5. It should be noted that providing for numbers beyond the current establishment would require a reappraisal of organisational structures and levels and costs of PDF support required and given the establishment set in the White Paper and the current reserve recruitment challenges, such an increase is not envisaged.
1464. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for specific measures to increase female participation in the Defence Forces over the next three years; and if these plans include introducing a gender quota system. [19544/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. This is underlined by a commitment in the programme for Government to increase the level of female participation in the Defence Forces. A number of specific initiatives have been implemented to increase female participation in the Defence Forces including:
- The Defence Forces have visited many female schools to promote a career in the Defence Forces to women.
- The Defence Forces have targeted female sports clubs to heighten awareness of the opportunities for women in the Defence Forces.
- Female websites have been targeted as part of the recruitment campaigns.
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment.
- There is a representative composition between men and women on recruitment and selection boards.
- A Gender Advisor operates to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces.
The 2016 General Service Campaign specifically targeted female applications through a number of new initiatives including the use of a campaign video which was shown across all social media platforms and in cinemas. Additionally, all female candidates were invited to their local barracks for a female fitness and information evening.
Some 680 (or 15%) of the applications received during the 2016 General Service Campaign were from females. A total of 47 females were inducted into the Defence Forces in 2016, representing 6.81% of the overall intake. These initiatives will continue for 2017. Unlike some other national armed forces, the Defence Forces have no restrictions with regard to the assignment of men or women to the full range of operational and administrative duties. Women, therefore, play a full and meaningful role in all aspects of Defence Forces operations at home and overseas. Notwithstanding these recent proactive initiatives, I believe that there is a need to continue to develop and promote strategies over the life span of the White Paper that support increased female participation in the Defence Forces. Specific White Paper projects in this area include:
- Developing further initiatives to encourage more women to apply for the Defence Forces and to increase female participation at all ranks.
- Conducting a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the PDF.
- Developing and actively managing a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in the Defence Forces, building on existing policies in relation to ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and equality.
- Reviewing operational requirements, overseas postings, training courses, career courses and the availability of development opportunities, to ensure that they do not discriminate on the basis of gender or familial responsibility, while retaining the integrity of the course and training requirement.
1465. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures that have been taken or are planned to develop employment opportunities in the Defence Forces for young persons in the 18 to 24 years age group in disadvantaged areas. [19545/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe White Paper on Defence committed the Government to putting in place a new employment support scheme with the direct involvement of the Defence Forces. A successful pilot programme was held in Gormanston Camp from 20 June 2016 to 26 August 2016 with 25 participants. Following an evaluation of the pilot programme and Ministerial approval, the current plan is to run 2 iterations of the programme in 2017. The objective of this 10-week scheme is to help develop a path to economic independence for participants, aged between 18 and 24 years, who are at a serious disadvantage owing to their current socio-economic situation. The scheme is designed with the specific aim of equipping participants with life and other marketable and certifiable skills which will assist them both in their capacity to participate fully in society as well as their ability to enter the workforce and or to pursue further education for this purpose. The plan is to run two iterations of the programme in 2017.
The first iteration of the programme will commence in Limerick on 22 May 2017. There are 30 places on the programme and the selection process is ongoing. Participants retain any Department of Social Protection benefits that they are currently entitled to for the duration of the Scheme. Participation on the scheme is wholly voluntary for the relevant cohort of jobseekers and there is no penalty applied for non-participation or engagement in the programme. Participants do not receive any payment from the Department of Defence.
With regard to general employment opportunities in the Defence Forces, the Defence Forces are planning to induct 860 new entrants across all services and competition streams in 2017. 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. A recruitment campaign for apprentices will be launched later this year.
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 ongoing. In addition, there is an open ended recruitment drive to recruit Medical Officers to the Defence Forces.
1467. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to award military medals to members of "A" Coy 35th Infantry Battalion, ONUC, UN Congo that took part in the siege of Jadotville in recognition of the valour shown by these men during this siege; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19636/17]
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.
A review was conducted in 2004 by military officers for the purpose of a broader examination of the Jadotville case. This Board recommended that the events of Jadotville and the contribution of the 35th Battalion be given recognition. In this context, a plaque was unveiled in November 2005 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. There was also a range of actions which further recognised their contribution over subsequent years.
In September 2016, 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. During the ceremony I presented a copy of the Citation to each member of the Unit or next-of-kin in the case of deceased members. This was the first time a Unit Citation was awarded within the Defence Forces and I was delighted to be able to formally recognise the brave actions of these men.
There are no plans to issue military medals to members of “A” Coy 35th Infantry Battalion. However, a further review of archival records is currently being undertaken by the military authorities. This will assist in informing any decisions regarding further recognition.
1468. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the Casa Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Casa CN235, was not dispatched when top cover was originally requested on the night of 13 March 2017 which led to the Rescue 116 helicopter being dispatched in its place; the change in circumstances which allowed CN235 to be dispatched later that same night in view of the earlier unavailability of the Air Corps rescue service; the investigations his department is making into the matter; when the findings of such an investigation will be reported to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19827/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard, which operates under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. The 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 & 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. All agencies with which the Air Corps has Service Level Agreements to provide supports on an ‘as available’ basis, were notified of reduced availability last summer. However, it is normal practice for Agencies to check for Air Corps availability as relevant missions arise.
On the night of the tragic incident, the Coast Guard requested the assistance of the Air Corps to provide ‘top cover’. It was not possible to undertake this task as, due to a reduced availability of experienced personnel, the Air Corps was, and is currently, not providing fixed-wing aircraft for routine missions outside of normal hours. However, in exceptional circumstances, the Air Corps can recall personnel, though this can take a number of hours. This recall was activated when Rescue 116 went missing and a CASA aircraft was subsequently dispatched.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is responsible for investigating the circumstances of the tragic loss of Rescue 116. I can confirm that the Defence Organisation has provided significant assistance, cooperation and aid to the AAIU through the provision of Defence Forces assets and personnel in relation to the investigation. I understand that once the AAIU completes its investigation, it will publish its findings.
The Air Corps continues to provide a broad range of services on a daily basis in accordance with its primary security roles including Army and Naval service supports, maritime patrols and fishery protection and supports in Aid to the Civil Power. In addition, the Air Corps undertakes a diverse range of other tasks such as the Emergency Aero-medical Service, Ministerial air transport, inter-hospital transfers and SAR supports, in accordance with relevant Service Level Agreements.
1469. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount paid per mile to Defence Forces personnel who qualify for the travel allowance when official military transport is unavailable to transport personnel between barracks for official purposes. [19830/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCircular 05/2017 (“Motor Travel Rates”) issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 6 March, 2017, sets out revised rates and distance bands for motor travel for civil servants which are also applicable to Defence Forces personnel. The revised motor travel rates became effective from 1 April, 2017 and are set out in the following table.
|
Distance Bands |
Engine Capacity up to 1200cc |
Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc |
Engine Capacity 1501cc and over |
|
|
Band 1 |
0 – 1,500 km |
37.95 cent |
39.86 cent |
44.79 cent |
|
Band 2 |
1,501 – 5,500 km |
70.00 cent |
73.21 cent |
83.53 cent |
|
Band 3 |
5,501 – 25,000 km |
27.55 cent |
29.03 cent |
32.21 cent |
|
Band 4 |
25,001 km and over |
21.36 cent |
22.23 cent |
25.85 cent |
The following reduced rates (as provided for in Circular 05/2017) apply to Defence Forces personnel on military courses or receiving Change of Station allowance:
|
Engine Capacity up to 1200cc |
Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc |
Engine Capacity 1501cc and over |
|
16.59 cent per KM |
17.63 cent per KM |
18.97 cent per KM |
It should be noted that Circular 05/2017 also provides that only essential travel is undertaken and that the number of officials on any official journey is kept to the absolute minimum. The process of applying the rates to the Defence Forces is currently in progress.
1470. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount paid in allowances to Defence Forces personnel to compensate those who are based away from their home address without seeking such a transfer; the way this amount is calculated; and if it varies in accordance with rank. [19831/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1471. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount of expenses allocated to Defence Forces personnel when arrangements are made to assist them on deployment duties such as training courses, temporary duty and so on. [19832/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1470 and 1471 together.
Defence Forces Regulations provide for the payment of certain allowances to qualifying personnel on change of station. The allowances payable depend on the individual circumstances of each applicant. In general, prescribed travel allowances may be paid for up to nine months. There is also provision in the regulations to cover certain costs, such as auctioneers and legal fees, incurred by qualifying personnel who purchase a house at their new station. The allowances are available to all ranks.
The provision for Permanent Defence Force Allowances for 2017 is €38.68m. This includes allowances such as Change of Station, Overseas, Subsistence, Travel, Uniform, Border, Security, Patrol Duty, etc.
Military transport is provided to Defence Forces personnel to attend training courses, to perform temporary duties etc. Where no military transport is available, personnel can avail of public transport rate expenses to cover the cost of travel. Accommodation and rations are also provided at the public expense for personnel attending training course away from their home station or where they are required to live in barracks for the period of the training course.
I am advised by the military authorities that every effort is made to limit the disruption to personnel and that due consideration of personal circumstances is taken where possible.
1472. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of available beds in each Army barracks to billet military personnel during each of the years 2009 to 2016, in tabular form. [19857/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to compile the information requested in the time available. My officials are working with the military authorities to obtain the information which will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
1473. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Air Corps made a settlement in the Workplace Relations Commission on 19 April 2017 as compensation for the bullying and mistreatment of an Air Corps health and safety whistleblower who had raised workplace safety concerns; the way the robust anti-bullying controls he previously mentioned appear not to be working in practice within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20007/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, any proceedings before the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) are handled confidentially, therefore, I cannot comment in either the positive or negative in any matter which may come within the jurisdiction of the WRC. Indeed, the WRC will not publish details of any individual case or the identity of any applicant. As regards the procedures in place within the Defence Forces to deal with bullying I would like to reiterate that it is Defence Forces policy that all personnel have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment. While military life entails robust and effective military training, such training must, however, take place in a professional service environment that fully respects individual human dignity. Bullying and harassment of any kind are wrong and are not tolerated within the Defence Forces. They are entirely unacceptable in themselves and wholly incompatible with a successful and modern organisation.
All known incidents of such behaviour are properly investigated bearing in mind the need for due process which requires fairness to all parties to the complaint. Through the induction process and general notifications, the non-tolerance of unacceptable behaviour is stressed to all members of the Defence Forces. The formal and informal procedures in force are there to encourage any individual who wishes to make a complaint. Procedures for dealing with complaints of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment are set out in Defence Forces Regulations. Complaints of unacceptable behaviour can be dealt with at different levels, either in an informal approach or formal manner. The overall aim is to ensure that the complaint is dealt with, in the first instance, at the lowest level possible. Informal complaints can be resolved directly by the complainant with the assistance of a third party if required. Such third party can include any member of the Defence Forces who has the trust and confidence of the complainant. Specially trained Designated Contact Persons (DCPs) are also available to assist complainants.
The formal procedure requires that a complaint is made in writing. These are dealt with by the military chain of command either through the legal/disciplinary process or by administrative action.
1474. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of full-time equivalent Defence Forces personnel for each of the years 2008 to 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20129/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1475. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel part-time and full-time on the payroll of his Department for each of the years 2008 to 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20130/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1474 and 1475 together.
I am informed by the military authorities that the Defence Forces’ personnel management system captures both the strength of personnel and the whole time equivalent of personnel serving in the organisation. Whole Time Equivalent (WTE), as recorded by the Defence Forces, is equal to the Total Strength, minus personnel on Leave of Absence and Secondment. The following table shows the Whole Time Equivalent number of personnel serving in the Defence Forces on 31 December of each year in question, together with the Total Strength (where applicable):
|
Year |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Strength (WTE) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
9,236 |
9,280 |
9,140 |
9,126 |
|
Total Strength |
10,409 |
9,906 |
9,550 |
9,375 |
9,239 |
9,318 |
9,355 |
9,194 |
9,200 |
*N/A = Not applicable.
** Note: Collection of Whole Time Equivalent data for the Defence Forces began in January 2013. This data is not available prior to that date. Pre-2013 figures represent total strength).
The 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.
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.
1476. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the figure used for hours worked in one week for one full-time equivalent position in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20131/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces are a 24/7 organisation and personnel can be called upon at any time to undertake duties in relation to the tasks assigned by Government. The nature of the training and the roles discharged by members of the Defence Forces can range from general office duties, to education and instruction to security duties that can be for periods of 24 hours each. In addition, when on overseas service, on duty and on call periods are extensive and change on a daily basis. Therefore, hours worked each week will differ for members of the Defence Forces, depending on their daily and operational tasks. As a result, it is not possible to provide a definitive response concerning the hours worked in one week for one full time equivalent position in the Defence Forces, such is the mix of duties which any one individual may undertake from one week to the next.
1477. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of full-time equivalent Defence Forces personnel who earned a basic pay of less than €24,518 per annum for each of the years 2008 to 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20132/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is set out in the following table. The numbers shown are those members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) who were on a basic pay scale point plus Military Service Allowance (MSA) of less than €24,518 on 31 December for each of the years in question. MSA is regarded as an integral part of standard pay and is designed to compensate PDF personnel for the liability and performance of the special conditions associated with military life. The allowance is paid to commissioned officers from Second Lieutenant to Colonel and enlisted personnel from Private (3 Star) to Sergeant Major, including equivalent ranks in the Air Corps and Naval Service. The allowance is not payable to cadets or recruits and the payment of the allowance to Private (2 Star) ceased from 1 July 2013 under the Haddington Road Agreement (HRA). The numbers shown do not include personnel in receipt of the various allowances, including overseas allowances, payable to PDF personnel for various duties, tasks and responsibilities, in addition to pay and MSA.
|
Year |
Number of PDF personnel |
|
2008 |
324 |
|
2009 |
87 |
|
2010 |
210 |
|
2011 |
540 |
|
2012 |
1091 |
|
2013 |
1396 |
|
2014 |
793 |
|
2015 |
993 |
|
2016 |
*882 |
*includes 574 cadets, recruits and Privates 2 Star.
1478. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who were on the pre-2010 pay scale structure for each of the years 2009 to 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20133/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1479. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who are on the pay scale effective from 1 November 2013 which applied to existing staff on the 2010 pay scale; and the number who are on the 2011 pay scale for each of the years 2010 to 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20134/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1478 and 1479 together.
As there are various factors which would impact in providing the information requested in the manner sought by the Deputy, such as the numbers of recruits remaining in the Permanent Defence Force over that period once recruited, the levels of recruitment which varies over time, progressions through the payscales and promotions through the ranks, I am not in a position to provide the information in the format sought.
1480. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the age at which a person is deemed ineligible for recruitment to the Defence Forces; his plans to further reduce the age for recruits; and the rationale behind this decision. [20172/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1481. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if exceptions are made when recruiting persons who are older than the maximum age requirement for enlistment into the Defence Forces. [20174/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1480 and 1481 together.
The 2015 White Paper on Defence and the earlier 3rd Report of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), reiterated the objective of ensuring an appropriate age profile for the Permanent Defence Force. A key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces.
The upper age limit for enlistment in the Army, as a General Service Recruit, is under 25 years of age on the date of enlistment and for the Naval Service it is under 27 years of age on the date of enlistment.
The upper age limit governing the awarding of Cadetships in the Permanent Defence Force for the 2017 competitions, is under 28 years of age on 1 September 2017. Following a review this upper age limit will be reduced on a phased basis to “under 27 years of age” for the 2018 Cadetship competitions and to “under 26 years of age” for the 2019 Cadetship competitions.
As these age requirements, in accordance with Defence Force Regulations, are of general application, exceptions cannot be made in individual cases.
These limits have been determined on the basis that the essential functions of the Permanent Defence Force require that its members be composed of able-bodied personnel of an age which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation. Other factors such as return on training investment were also considered.
I am satisfied that the upper age requirements for recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force, as outlined above, are appropriate and meet the requirements for a modern Defence Force which is actively involved in operations at home and on Peace Support Operations overseas.
1482. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there is a procedure whereby a person (details supplied) can rejoin the Naval Service despite now being over the age limit. [20186/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with Defence Forces Regulation A10, a General Service applicant for the Naval Service must be under 27 years of age on the closing date for receipt of applications. As the individual referred to by the Deputy is 28 years of age he is above the age limit to apply to join the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), irrespective of previous service. Age limits are determined on the basis that the essential functions of the PDF requires that its members be composed of able-bodied personnel of an age which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation as a whole.
The Defence Forces have an ongoing objective of ensuring an appropriate age profile through continuous recruitment and congruent manpower planning, training and development and career management strategies. Given the health and fitness requirements for Privates and recruits to the Defence Forces, I do not believe that it would serve the Defence Forces or the individual recruits well to increase the current age limits.
However, I wish to advise the Deputy that the upper age limit for recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) under Defence Forces Regulation R5 is 35 years of age. Additionally, the age limit for former members of the PDF with at least one year’s full-time military service is 40 years of age. For former PDF members who had held the rank of Sergeant or Petty Officer or higher non-commissioned rank there is an age limit for 45 years of age on offering themselves for enlistment to the RDF. Therefore, it is open to the individual concerned to apply to the RDF if he so chooses.
