Written Answers Nos. 1 - 55
34. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the training exercise which recently took place in Sweden and the outcomes from this training in respect of a new air defence system; the cost of the system; the threats against which this system is directed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44047/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces attended a live firing practice of the RBS 70 surface to air missile system in Karlskoga, Sweden in May 2017. The main purpose of the live firing shoot, which involved the firing of Defence Forces RBS 70 missiles, was to validate the training and capability of on island Ground Based Air Defence training.
These RBS 70 missiles cannot be test fired on island due to firing range restrictions. Participation in live firing practices adds to the Defence Forces capability in the area of Air Defence by practicing crews in live firing that is not possible to conduct at home.
The live firing practice also had associated benefits in providing a nucleus of experienced personnel that can be employed in operations and pass on the benefit of this experience in the training environment.
The RBS 70 Surface to Air Missile System constitutes the principal element of the Defence Forces Ground Based Air Defence capability. A major upgrade of the system was completed in 2016 to allow it to meet current and future capability requirements.
The upgrade, which was carried out by the original equipment manufacturer SAAB Dynamics AB, Sweden at a cost of €4.1m ex VAT will ensure that the system will remain as a state of the art Ground Based Air Defence System into the future.
The investment in the RBS 70 system is designed to counter threats in the air such as from unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft.
There are currently no plans to procure a new Ground Based Air Defence System for the Defence Forces. However, the White Paper on Defence 2015 sets out that the Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities, and the principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements both at home and overseas.
In the event of additional funding becoming available beyond that required to maintain existing capabilities, additional air defence capabilities, such as ground to air weapons systems and ground to air radar surveillance systems are among the priorities identified. In this regard, equipment priorities for the Defence Forces are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.
I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will continue to ensure that the Defence Forces is suitably equipped, in line with international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.
38. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on a person's (details supplied) contention contained within his report on health and safety procedures at Casement Aerodrome that he lacked the powers, experience and competence to investigate the allegations made by the whistleblowers; the reason the scope of a review was so limited despite assurances made by him in Dáil Éireann that the review would adequately deal with the allegations made in the protective disclosures received by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44025/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra47. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to commission a second review of claims by former Air Corps staff that their exposure to toxic chemicals from the late 1980s to the early 2000s caused chronic illnesses in view of the fact that the person commissioned to perform the first review (details supplied) has stated that he was not in a position to consider the substances in use or implications for human health arising from such use in view of the fact these issues are outside his competence. [43976/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the report into allegations contained within protective disclosures relating to Casement Aerodrome fails to address the fact that staff are at greater risk of serious illness as a result of their service at Baldonnel; and his views on whether these serious matters can only be properly assessed through a thorough health survey of current and former members. [44041/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 47 and 65 together.
The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces are a priority for me; that is why I ensured that protected disclosures alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances were investigated by an independent third party. The reviewer’s report has indicated that he felt that given the breadth of the remit of the Terms of Reference he commented in general terms on the Defence Force safety regime.
It must be remembered that prior to the receipt of the disclosures, litigation had first been initiated in relation to the subject matter of the disclosures. This therefore complicated the approach to be taken in developing any parallel process. Notwithstanding this significant challenge, I put in place just such a parallel process. In light of the legally complex situation, I believe it was appropriate that an experienced legal professional was appointed.
It was the view of the independent reviewer that the Courts are best placed to examine issues in relation to allegations which were already subject to litigation. This is so given the historic nature of the complaints, and, significantly, that it potentially affects the reputations and good names of individuals. What the report shows is the difficulty in putting a parallel process to the courts in place.
The report also notes that the Health and Safety Authority is the appropriate statutory body to deal with such allegations.
I have furnished the report to those who made the protected disclosures and, before considering any further steps, I will await their views.
Separately and in parallel to the independent review, following an inspection in 2016, the Air Corps has continued to work with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to improve its health and safety regime. I have been informed by the military authorities that the HSA has formally noted the considerable progress made to-date by the Defence Forces towards implementation of a safety management system for the control of hazardous substances. Subject to completion of the improvement plan the HSA investigation is closed. However, it must be noted that in the Air Corps health and safety is a matter of ongoing monitoring, supervision and adjustment.
40. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he anticipates the Reserve Defence Force achieving the overall establishment personnel number of 4,169; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43996/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 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.
Recruitment to the RDF remains is ongoing in 2017. A recruitment campaign to the Army Reserve and Naval Service began in July 2017. 1,221 applications to join the Reserve have been received of which 162 are female applicants. There have been 98 inductions to the Army and Naval Service Reserve so far this year (82 Army Reserve and 16 Naval Service Reserve).
The strength of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve (as of 31 August 2017) was as follows:
- Army Reserve: 1,789 effective personnel
- Naval Service Reserve: 127 effective personnel.
Given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, recruitment to the Reserve is continuing. However, it is not possible at this point to indicate when the AR and the NSR establishment of 4,169 will realistically be achieved and I will keep this under review.
I would like to assure the Deputy that I remain committed to the ongoing development of the RDF within the framework set out in the White Paper on Defence.
41. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of ceremonial public events that the Defence Forces have participated in alongside members of other military forces, excluding those events associated with our peacekeeping obligations, to date in 2017; the locations where these events took place; the military forces involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43812/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces have provided ceremonial support alongside members of other military forces in a number of ceremonial public events both here and abroad to date in 2017.
The level of participation is determined by my Department in consultation with the Military authorities and is dependent on the scale of the event in question and the availability of Military resources.
On 30 March 2017 in Ballyhaunis, the Defence Forces participated in a Commemoration to mark the 50th anniversary of Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, United States Marine Corps (RIP) who was killed in Vietnam on 30 March 1967. The Defence Forces provided an Honour Guard, Musicians and Wreath Bearer Party consisting of 12 persons. The Commemoration involved the participation of members of the US Marine Corps.
On 12 May 2017, the Defence Forces participated in a ceremony in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin to mark the Unveiling of a number of Victoria Cross Stones by Minister Heather Humphreys and Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales. The Defence Forces provided 22 persons consisting of an Honour Guard, Colour Party, Musicians, Wreath Bearer Party and a Master of Ceremonies. The UK Military also participated in the ceremony with the provision of a Colour Party.
On 7 June 2017, the Defence Forces participated in two Ireland/UK joint wreath laying ceremonies in Messines, Belgium to mark the centenary of the Battle of Messines. One ceremony took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Wijtschate and the second was at the Island of Ireland Peace Park. The Defence Forces provided 15 persons consisting of a Colour Party, Musicians, Wreath Bearer Party, Chaplain, Reader and a Master of Ceremonies. The UK Military were also involved in these ceremonies.
On 30 July 2017, the Defence Forces participated in a Commemoration Ceremony in Ypres, Belgium to mark the centenary of the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) and provided one Reader for the ceremony. This event was organised by the UK authorities and readers from Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Germany also participated in the event.
42. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there will be a particular emphasis on the Border region due to Brexit in the Army recruitment campaign. [44070/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of a whole of Government approach, the Department of Defence is engaged in forward planning for the UK exit from the EU. While the full implications for the border will emerge during the course of the negotiations, it is this Government’s stated goal to try to ensure that the current on-island border arrangements are maintained to the greatest extent possible. From the defence perspective, the fact of a UK exit from the EU does not of itself give rise to additional border security requirements at this time. On that basis, there is no particular emphasis on the Border region in the current recruitment campaign.
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 on request.
The Defence Forces at all times keep operational plans under constant review. There is ongoing close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters and regular coordination and liaison meetings take place.
43. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the claim that a combined 146,000 days annual leave were lost to members of the Defence Forces in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43993/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps being taken to ensure implementation of the EU working time directive for members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44051/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures that will be put in place by his Department to recompense members of the Defence Forces who have been denied their full annual leave entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43991/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 58 and 73 together.
Depending on rank, the annual leave entitlement for officers varies from 31 to 43 days and for non-commissioned officers and privates from 28 to 30 days. Non-Commissioned Officers or Privates filling appointments as Instrumentalists in the establishments of the Defence Forces School of Music may be granted 31 days annual leave and members of the Naval Service serving afloat may be granted annual leave of 43 days. Members of the Defence Forces are entitled also to Public Holidays and to three specific military holidays.
In addition, a wide variety of special leave is available to Defence Forces personnel such as mission leave when deployed abroad, special leave on return home from overseas deployment, certain NCOs and Privates qualify for special leave on extension of service and on termination of service subject to various requirements. Certain Officers may be granted special leave prior to retirement.
Defence Force Regulations (DFR) A.11 governs the granting of leave, other than sick leave, in the Permanent Defence Force. As part of normal personnel management, the granting of annual leave is a balance between the entitlement of the individual to annual leave and the requirement to ensure continuity of a public service. Paragraph 16 of DFR A.11 provides for the carry-forward of annual leave, not granted or availed of in the leave year concerned. This can be of benefit both to the individual and the organisation. Officers may be allowed to carry forward a maximum of 24 days, non-commissioned officers and privates in the Army and Air Corps, a maximum of 19 days and non-commissioned officers and ordinary or able seamen of the Naval Service, a maximum of 24 days.
A request to increase the number of carry over days has been considered. The current carry over has been found to be proportionate and reasonable.
I have been advised by my officials that three plenary summonses have been taken by members of the Defence Forces in relation to the transposition of the Working Time Directive and the carryover of annual leave. Given that these matters are before the Courts it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the legal proceedings which have been commenced in relation to this matter.
The implications of the Working Time Directive and its implementation, in respect of the Defence Forces under the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, has been reviewed by the Department of Defence. It is accepted that the current blanket exemption in respect of Defence Forces activities under the Act in implementing the Directive is no longer tenable. My Department has recently concluded an audit of the activities of the Defence Forces, with a view to determining what activities may qualify for a derogation or exemption under the terms of the Directive.
In November 2016, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation advised the Department that it received Government approval to amend the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, insofar as it provides for a specific exclusion for members of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. The responsibility for this legislation has recently moved to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and they are currently considering, in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality, the most appropriate legislative method by which to bring about the necessary amendments.
44. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces who have sought to buy their discharge since January 2016; the reason for this; the response he and senior defence force personnel made to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44049/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra53. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the number of personnel exiting the Defence Forces excluding mandatory retirements since 2015; if he is satisfied that the Defence Forces can still attract recruits at the number required; the steps he is taking to ensure that a career within the Defence Forces offers financial stability and job security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44039/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 53 together.
Since January 2016, 446 enlisted personnel have been discharged by purchase (as of 31 August 2017). Almost half of this figure, that is 205, were Recruits. Discharge by Purchase is governed by Defence Forces Regulation A10, which sets out the payment scale in relation to such discharges.
When assessing issues such as turnover of personnel, cognisance must be made of the fact that personnel leave for a variety of reasons and a significant number of recruits depart from the Defence Forces during the training phase. This is not unique to the Irish Defence Forces and is to be expected as the recruitment phase offers the individual an opportunity to assess fully the realities of military life. Turnover of personnel , in and of itself, is not a bad thing, as long as is it carefully managed and balanced with ongoing recruitment.
The White Paper on Defence recognises that continuous recruitment is the lifeblood of the Defence Forces; providing young, motivated and enthusiastic personnel to replenish military formations for operational deployments. To that end, the Defence Forces are working hard to maximise the recruit intake. There is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level and it is anticipated that 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force during 2017. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers. As the panel from the general service recruitment campaign held earlier this year has now been exhausted, a further recruitment campaign is under way with a closing date of the 27th October 2017.
A range of recruitment methods are being employed including direct entry competitions for specialist positions and the scope to further expand direct entry is being considered.
The fact that further consideration by the Public Service Pay Commission of recruitment and retention issues is provided for under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, is a welcome development. I was particularly pleased with the deal that was negotiated between the Department of Defence, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and PDFORRA, which saw significant adjustments to the pay scales for post 2013 general service recruits and privates. These pay increases have recently been applied. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 also provides for further pay increases ranging from 5.75% to 7.25% depending on the individual’s current wage threshold.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment to the Defence Forces and ensuring that, where possible, the terms and conditions of service are as favourable as they can be within the current budgetary parameters.
45. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the fact that the 2012 reorganisation of the Defence Forces has meant many personnel have much longer commutes to work, which is a strain on them and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43994/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Defence Forces organisational structures have now been in place for almost five years and followed a series of barrack closures (which continued the a rationalisation agenda initiated by previous Governments). The re-organisation of the Defence Forces resulted in a fundamental restructuring of Army Formations and Units across the country including a number of operational posts. This and previous barrack closures were undertaken in order to enhance operational readiness and deployability. The re-organisation led to a re-configuration of operational processes, from a garrison-based system to a more flexible, deployable system that makes more efficient use of all resources, including personnel.
I have been advised by the military authorities that, for the most part, personnel are only deployed within their own Brigade area. Occasionally, personnel from Donegal for example, have been deployed for security operations to other locations, including Dublin which is a key centre for large scale operations and ceremonial activity for the Defence Forces.
It is important that military personnel have experience of the full range of duties and of being part of a military force in a situation where they may be called upon to reinforce operations in different parts of the country. This requires their deployment to locations where that experience can be gained.
While efforts have been made to minimise impacts on individuals and families through retaining personnel in their Brigade area insofar as possible, it is essential that the military authorities have the capacity to deploy appropriate resources to wherever required in order to meet security and other taskings and it is my intention to retain this flexibility within the Defence Forces.
46. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the contacts he and his Department have had with the EU institutions and also with other EU member states in the past six months; the nature of their discussions on defence matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43811/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is significant ongoing engagement by Ireland with the EU Institutions and with other EU member States on the important area of security and defence. These meetings take place both bilaterally, and within the institutional framework of the European External Action Service, the EU Military Committee and the European Defence Agency.
My officials participate in all meetings of the Political and Security Committee (PSC), the Political-Military Group (PMG) as well as other relevant Council preparatory bodies. My officials also participate in the European Defence Agency (EDA) meetings. Ireland is represented on the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) composed of the Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) of the Member States who, on a day to day basis, are represented in Brussels by the Military Representatives from the Permanent Representations of the member States.
Senior officials from my Department participate in meetings with their counterparts from other member States in Brussels, along with bilateral meetings in Brussels and at capital. These include, the regular meetings of the Defence Policy Directors from the member States and senior level meetings within the framework of the EDA.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the formal and informal meetings of Ministers at EU level, which I attend, provide a significant opportunity to engage bilaterally with Defence Ministers from other member States on issues of concern to Ireland, both within the scope of the Ministerial but also more broadly. When attending European Council meetings, I also avail of the opportunity to engage in informal bilateral discussions with my EU counterparts en-marge of the meetings which is an important aspect of Ministerial attendance. At these meetings, I have raised Ireland’s key considerations in the area of security and defence, as and when the opportunity arises. This also includes the issue of Brexit where I have emphasised Ireland’s concerns in order to ensure that these are fully reflected in the EU position during ongoing negotiations.
The main discussions at EU level on Defence over the last six months have centred on implementation of actions envisaged under the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy. The Global Strategy provides the EU with a guiding framework for external action under the Common Foreign and Security Policy. We have also discussed current EU operations, capability development and key security and defence challenges, along with Commission initiatives on the European defence industrial and technology sector, and the establishment of the European Defence Fund.
48. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to introduce retention policies to reduce the numbers leaving the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43800/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action that will be taken to address the significant reduction in officer numbers in the Defence Forces since 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43995/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Defence Forces - Army, Naval Service and Air Corps - continues to be replenished to ensure the maintenance of optimum strength; if particular recruitment proposals are being considered to deal with situations arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43978/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the numbers serving in the Permanent Defence Forces at present; the projected numbers serving at the end of 2017; the numbers projected for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43799/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra74. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way in which he plans to address the staffing shortages in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44031/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 63, 68, 72 and 74 together.
The Government is committed to maintaining the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel. The rank distribution within the 9,500 PDF establishment was set in 2012 on foot of a reorganisation of the Defence Forces. The White Paper on Defence (2015) confirmed that this organisational structure continues to meet Defence needs. A key challenge is to fill vacancies within the establishment and reach the 9,500 strength ceiling. As of 30 September 2017, the strength of the PDF was 9,062 (Whole Time Equivalent).
Due to the robust nature of military life, placing as it does unique physical and psychological demands on individuals, it is not unusual that there should be a turnover of personnel in the Defence Forces, and this is not unique to the Irish Defence Forces.
A range of recruitment methods are being employed including direct entry competitions for specialist positions and the scope to further expand direct entry is being considered. I have also directed civil and military management to develop terms and conditions to allow former members of the Defence Forces, with sought after skills, to return to service. I anticipate that these will be brought to the Representative Associations in the coming weeks through the C&A process.
The fact that further consideration by the Public Service Pay Commission of recruitment and retention issues is provided for under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, is also to be welcomed. The Defence Forces are working hard to maximise the recruit intake and I am informed that the projected inductions for 2018 are anticipated to be similar to the 2017 induction rate.
There is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level and it is anticipated that approximately 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force during 2017. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers. As the panel from the general service recruitment campaign held earlier this year has now been exhausted, a further recruitment campaign is under way with a closing date of the 27th October 2017.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment to the Defence Forces and ensuring that, where possible, the terms and conditions of service are as favourable as they can be within the current budgetary parameters.
49. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the new Army recruitment campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44069/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress to date in respect of proposed recruitment to the Defence Forces; the way in which each branch of the Defence Forces is likely to benefit from the recruitment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44250/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 217 together.
The Government is committed to maintaining the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force 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 manpower requirements of the Permanent Defence Force are monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of the three services. Personnel are posted on the basis of operational need across the organisation both at home and abroad. As there is a significant turnover of personnel in the Defence Forces, targeted recruitment takes place on a regular basis so as to maintain personnel numbers at or near the agreed strength levels.
There is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level and it is anticipated that 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force during 2017. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers.
The latest general service recruitment, which is currently ongoing since 27 September 2017 and closes on 27 October 2017, reflects the Government’s commitment to meeting the Permanent Defence Force strength targets.
It is too early to be specific as to where new recruits will be posted but all areas of the Permanent Defence Force will benefit from this new campaign.
With the support of the Chief of Staff, it is intended to continue to recruit new personnel in order to ensure that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and overseas.
51. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for a peace and leadership institute in the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44032/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you will be aware from my response to your previous PQ 23328/17 on 17 May 2017, the White Paper on Defence included a commitment to evaluating the potential development of a new Institute for Peace Support and Leadership Training at the Defence Forces Training Centre in The Curragh. The Programme for a Partnership Government also included a commitment to developing this Institute. It is foreseen that the new Institute will have international standing and contribute to the overall development of knowledge and experience in the areas of peace support, leadership and conflict resolution.
Scoping work was carried out on the proposal throughout 2016. A concept paper has been developed and some initial consultation with national and international third level and research institutes and potential philanthropic contributors has also taken place. Arising from this initial scoping work, it was decided to conduct a formal feasibility study. The evaluation of tenders received in relation to the feasibility study is currently ongoing.
52. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the results of campaigns to encourage the recruitment of more women into the Defence Forces; if these campaigns are proving successful; his plans to continue these campaigns into 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44048/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women in 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 the level of female participation. These include the targeting of female websites as part of recruitment campaigns and visits to female schools by Defence Forces personnel to promote a career in the Defence Forces to women.
In 2016, a total of 47 females were inducted to the Defence Forces, representing 6.81% of the overall intake. For 2017, a total of 53 females have been inducted, representing 9.4% of the overall intake.
In 2016, 10 female cadets were inducted, representing 11.23% of Officer Cadets. This year, 20 female cadets were inducted, representing 20.2% of Officer Cadets.
Notwithstanding recent proactive initiatives to increase female participation, 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.
54. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the way he plans to address the issues of manning levels and retention of experience in the Defence Forces as identified by the University of Limerick in its focus group report 2017; his views on claims from military sources that the reduction in training periods was diluting the professionalism of the Defence Forces; and if the current strength of the Defence Forces is just over 8,900, which is 600 below the strength required to carry out its basic duties, despite the recent recruitment drive. [44034/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces Climate Survey was commissioned on foot of a recommendation contained in the third and most recent Report of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) which was established to oversee the implementation of recommendations relating to harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment within the Defence Forces.
The focus group report referred to by the Deputy is a follow up to the first phase of the Climate Study. It further explores the issues raised in the original survey. The comments quoted therein cover a wide range of issues relating to human resources management including, amongst others, pay and conditions (particularly pay for the lowest paid members of the Defence Forces), vacancies, recruitment and retention, promotion systems, performance management, leadership, culture, morale, stress and work-life balance. I was briefed on the Report at the end of June and I met with the Representative Associations on 13 July 2017, ahead of its official publication a week later.
I subsequently tasked civil and military management with examining the report and identifying those issues which are priorities. While work to progress many of the issues was already underway as part of the implementation of the White Paper on Defence, I have directed that certain White Paper projects be brought forward and that work commence on these immediately.
I have directed civil and military management to initiate a broader view of contracts for enlisted personnel and to bring forward recommendations for my consideration. I have also requested proposals in respect of retaining specialists, providing for re-entry and where appropriate, direct entry, for my consideration and I expect to be in receipt of these shortly.
The Government is committed to maintaining the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, as stated in the 2015 White Paper on Defence. Targeted recruitment has been and is currently taking place across the range of recruitment streams namely, general service, cadets, apprentices and direct entry officers. The commencement of over 300 NCO promotions will be significant in terms of filling vacancies within the establishment, while providing career development opportunities for personnel.
The changes to the Recruit Training Syllabus referred to by the Deputy were made by the Military Authorities following a routine review, which identified elements of training being deemed more appropriate to a later stage within the development cycle of the enlisted soldier than heretofore had been the case. Such reviews are intended to ensure that training syllabi remain efficient and effective.
I am satisfied that Defence Forces training continues to equip members of the Defence Forces to fully discharge the roles assigned by Government.
55. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department's allocation in budget 2018 will see the issue of chronic low pay in the Defence Forces addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44030/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the items included in budget 2018 which would be of direct benefit to the salaries and standards of living of Defence Forces personnel and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 71 together.
Budget 2018 includes an increased provision of €25 million for 2018, and an additional €98 million for capital expenditure out to 2021. This reflects the Government’s commitment to defence and to our Defence Forces.
The 2018 pay allocation of some €509 million provides for the pay and allowances for a full strength Permanent Defence Force of up to 9,500 personnel, 550 civilian employees and 350 civil servants.
The benefits to all employees from the budget will accrue to Permanent Defence Force personnel. This includes reductions in the rates of the Universal Social Charge and an increase of €750 in the income tax standard rate bands.
The rates of remuneration and conditions of employment in the Defence Forces are set by reference to relative levels of pay across the various parts of the public sector. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009-2015 and the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018 (the Lansdowne Road Agreement) define current pay policy for Public Servants and members of the Permanent Defence Force.
PDFORRA signed up to the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA) agreement in March 2017. The finalisation of negotiations under the agreement allowed for the commencement of the process for the implementation of pay increases and arrears, which have now been applied to the Permanent Defence Forces. An increase of 2.5% from 1 January 2016, for annualised salaries up to €24,000 and 1% for annualised salaries between €24,001 and €31,000 was included in the weekly payroll of 5 July 2017. An increase of €1,000 from 1 April 2017, on annualised salaries up to €65,000 per annum was paid on 19 July 2017.
The pay of general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, has been increased further following an agreement facilitated by the WRC between the Department of Defence, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and PDFORRA. These improved payscales, have been backdated to 1 July 2016. The payments were made to relevant personnel on 30 August 2017.
On completion of recruit and three star training newly qualified 3 star Privates and their Naval Service equivalent can expect minimum gross annual earnings of €27,000 (inclusive of military service allowance).
Going forward, there is the potential for further increases arising from the recent negotiations on the extension to the Lansdowne Road Agreement. The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 contains proposals for:
- a 7.25% increase over the period of the agreement for those earning less than €30,000 per annum
- a 6.75% increase over the period of the agreement for those earning between €30,001 and €32,000 per annum, and
- a 5.75% increase over the period of the agreement for those earning over €32,000 per annum.
The proposals have been presented to the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations who participated in the negotiation process. They are subject to ballot by members of the Associations.
Future remuneration of Defence Forces personnel will continue to be dealt with within this process.
